Are You In Pain Solution Paralysis?

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Welcome to American Chiropractic's Health Articles Archive. Here you can learn more about American Chiropractic, Chiropractic, and Dr. Daniel Talley, today's choice for Chiropractors in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Read Dr. Daniel Talley's Chiropractic Health Articles for the health of it.

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Do you suffer in pain? Do you very carefully balance between managing pain versus giving up and crying, “It is just too much?”  If this is you, read on for helpful information to better help you understand and choose the from best pain solution options from the experts in treatments of headaches, back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Different Pain Protocols

No one wants to worry constantly.  We certainly do not want to visit our chiropractor or family doctor for every ache and pain, but eventually, we all experience physical health challenges that may be difficult to solve without expert advice.  

Deciphering the 911

Some health crises are immediate and serious.  For instance, if you suddenly experience crushing chest pain with radiating pain down your left arm, possibly with nausea, profuse perspiration, and a feeling of impending doom, you know you have to call “911” immediately. If you awaken in the middle of the night with an intense, deep, sharp pain in your lower right abdomen, accompanied by vomiting and a fever, you also know that you need to go to the Emergency Room right away.  In these exceptional cases, most people know which steps to take.  

Now, what about the pain that does not categorize as a “code red”?

Nonurgent Urgent Care

Overall, pain is a warning sign, but many problems that cause pain can resolve on their own.  For example, you may twist an ankle on your daily walk.  It may hurt to put weight on that ankle, and there may even be a bit of swelling, but within two days your ankle is much better.  There was initial pain attributing to a soft tissue injury, possibly involving muscles, tendons, or ligaments; however, the injury was not so severe that your body’s ability to self-heal could not manage the situation.  In the case of a greater degree of initial pain, more swelling, or if improvement were not obtained within 48 hours, a visit to your chiropractor would be appropriate. �
In borderline situations involving musculoskeletal pain, for instance back, neck, shoulder, or knee pain,  your intuition, and level of pain tolerance will be the deciding factor on when to seek professional assistance.  But better to err on the side of caution and not lose the quality of life you desire by living and masking the pain with anti-inflammatories.

Pain Relief Versus Pain Solution

When you suffer from debilitating neck and back pain, you should consider an evaluation first by a qualified chiropractor.   The majority of these spinal complaints are caused by irritation and inflammation of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that not only help create the structure of the spinal column but provide for the full mobility of the spinal vertebrae.  By locating regions of your spine with decreased mobility, a chiropractor can identify the areas that are in need of treatment. The treatment includes not only restoring mobility to the spinal joints but the reduction of pressure and irritation on spinal nerves.  By reducing the irritation and inflammation of the spinal soft tissues, the pain will reduce along with the adverse effects to the normal function of the spinal nerves.  The result of non-treatment for spinal nerve compression may include a wide range of other health problems.  By addressing the source of many of these problems, chiropractic care and rehabilitation, which may include physical rehabilitation and exercises, spinal decompression, or other non-surgical modalities will help eliminate your neck and back pain and help contribute to your overall health and well-being.

Let Us Start With Good Action Steps

If you or a loved one are suffering in pain and you feel like you have tried everything or are just too tired from the pain to make a clear decision, let us help you make an informed and solution based decision.  Our expert team is ready and waiting to help you begin to take the steps towards your next best day – pain-free!

Autumn season is upon us!  Our senses come alive as many of us are beginning to enjoy the sight of the beautiful and majestic colors displayed on our trees, the touch of coolness in the air, and the smell of bonfires. We know the beauty is short-lived for the beautiful trees soon lose their leaves and decorate our lawns with piles of wonderful and less exciting dead debris.  That beauty also comes at a price for our backs, necks, and shoulders as we sweep, gather, and dispose of the leaves more than once this season.  So if your home is subjected to leaves falling each year, follow these helpful tips and avoid the consequences of leaf-raking on the body, including strain and pain in the neck, the upper and lower back, and the shoulders.

Warmup – Raking is a Marathon Not a 50 Yard Dash

• Side Yard Stretches: Stretch before you begin working in the yard. Stop and take time to stretch periodically through your garden work. Begin with knee-to-chest stretches, trunk rotations, and side bends with hands above the head, palms up and fingers weaved.  Spend 10 to 15 minutes all together on your stretching. Intersperse the work with a short walk to get the circulation going throughout the body, and do the same stretches as a cool-down once you have finished.
• Proper Position: As you rake, stand erect with your head held up.
• It’s All In the Stance: Use a “scissor” stance when raking; that is, keep one foot forward for a few minutes, then swap and put the back foot forwards.
• The Bend: When bending to pick up leaves or any other trash, bend at the knees, not the waist.
• Mowing: When mowing the lawn, put your whole body into the pushing, not just your arms and back.
• Start Your Engine: When starting a mower with a pull cord, bend at the knees and extend up in a smooth motion.  Do not twist at the waist or yank at the cord.
• Protection is Key: Keep well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and wear a hat in the sun.  Always wear shoes and protective glasses, and use gloves if your hands are likely to receive rough treatment that might raise blisters.  When using loud machinery, employ ear-protectors, and if you suffer from asthma or allergies, use a mask.
• Simple Tools: Try to use ergonomically-friendly tools that help take the strain from your muscles and joints.
• Put It On Ice: An ice-pack can be used to ease any discomfort you feel following raking or other outdoor work.

Rake in the Benefits!

Enjoy the autumn leaves but remember to follow the tips to rake in the benefits!  If your discomfort does not dissipate within two to three days please contact our expert team.

Fall is here!  The first days of school have come and gone.  Now the once excited kids bend over or strain shoulders to hold the overly heavy backpacks that contain their school books and folders.  Unfortunately these over filled backpacks are heading our future generations into early back pain, neck pain, headaches and disease processes.  According to figures from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 7,000 children attend the ER each year due to backpack-related injuries.  Unfortunately, this is a trend that will continue as more schools remove lockers from their premises, and thus children are forced to carry around with them extra books and bags for the entire day.

To help avoid developing this trend our team would like to help your children start strong and stay strong all year long.  So please review to help make this year a healthy one!

Back Pack Safety Checklist

Let’s begin by checking the backpack safely list provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) below:

• Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.  Padded shoulder straps are very important.  Not only will they be more comfortable than non-padded straps, but they will also help prevent the straps from digging into your child’s shoulders.
• The shoulder straps should be adjustable, so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body.  Shoulder straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignments, back and neck pain.
• Tell your child to use both shoulder straps, not just one.  A backpack slung over one shoulder disproportionately shifts all of the weight to one side, and can cause not only neck and muscle spasms, but also low back pain.
• Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments.   A backpack with individualized compartments will help you position the contents most effectively and ensure that your child’s sandwich isn’t flattened by a heavy textbook.
• Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.  Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight.
• Come and get your Back To School Back Pack Check Up!  Bring your child’s back pack into our office so we may help you properly fit the backpack and ensure that your children’s bodies are in balance physically and nutritionally to tackle all of the new excitement this school year!

Most importantly lead by example and teach them the why and how of good posture.  Make it fun and persevere!

We Are Here to Help!

Let’s Make This Year A Healthy One!  Our expert team is trained to diagnose and treat all ages.  We are here to help if you or your children suffer from pain or discomfort from using a backpack, sports injuries, or other common growing pains and conditions. Treatment is geared to the age of the patient, with a more gentle approach for children. We also offer advice on specific exercises that can help you and your family develop stronger muscles, and on proper nutrition, good posture, and optimum sleeping habits.

Does sugar cause you to cackle with delight and send spells of disdain to your waistline?  Unfortunately, several of our favorite sweet treat holidays are upon us as you can see in the aisles of any grocery store.  If you are a fan of fairytales, you will love to know that you will not need a powerful OZ to rise against a wicked witch who loves to ensnares us with tantalizing sugar laden tricks that do not fool our waistlines. But a little help from your friends can’t hurt.

The Sugar Spell

One of the most addictive substances on earth is not found in a drug den but right here in your local supermarket.    That’s right it is not crystal meth but crystal cane.  The cane extract, commonly known as sugar, by itself, is natural and provides pleasant sweetness to our food and drinks. Without controlled limits, it may begin an addiction that will later end in obesity and other health hazards.

Sugar is in nearly everything we eat.  In the typical western diet, the amount of sugar that is added to our food products brings our consumption of the sweet stuff up to 22.7 teaspoons per day.  To add to our already natural sugar intake, the processed foods that we eat have added even more sugar to extend their shelf life.  While we know that sugar is a huge contributor to weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease, we still find it hard to resist.   We have been naturally programmed from birth to crave sweet things.  

The Tornado Effect

When we consume sugar, the hormone serotonin is released. Serotonin is released from the same area of the brain that responds to heroin and cocaine, which induces feelings of happiness and euphoria.  This great feeling becomes very addictive.  A current study has now shown how even the mere expectation of sugar can also affect our cognitive ability.  The simple truth is that it’s not always obvious where sugar is hiding in the foods we eat, but the more sugar we consume, the more we want.  The sudden rush of sugar spurs the release of insulin, which causes the infamous “sugar rush,” and makes us crave even more to combat the crash.

Breaking the Spell

Although sugar casts a powerful spell, it is possible to overcome an addiction to sugar and win the weight loss battle.

The key is to gradually use less sugar where you can, such as in coffee or tea and your breakfast cereal.  For instance, reduce or eliminate your consumption of soda and water down any fruit juices you may drink.  The benefit is that your body will adjust to the taste.  After a few months, if somebody suddenly gives you a coffee with sugar in it, you may find it tastes odd.  Also, avoid buying corn syrup laden desserts from the store. If you make your own, reduce the amount of sugar that is given in the recipe. Many baked goods use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute.

The Ruby Slippers

Looking for a way home to better health and weight loss.  Follow the yellow brick road which leads to our office.  Our expert team will help you break the spell of sugar and guide you with healthy nutritional counseling and optimal health recommendations.  Just click the buttons on your phone!

What is your excuse for not exercising? Is it no time, tired from work, the kids, or in pain? Unfortunately, those are all great reasons (excuses), but instead of justifying the reasons, let’s grab your sneakers and a light sweatshirt and let’s get walking!  

Best of All – Free Membership!

While some fitness enthusiasts relentlessly seek out the latest, trendiest exercise crazes, many others are returning to good, old-fashioned walking to help them feel great and get into shape without becoming a member of an expensive gym.   Best of all except for a good pair of walking shoes, it requires virtually no equipment. So whether enjoying the wonder of nature or simply the company of a friend, walking can be a healthy, refreshing experience. And thanks to its convenience and simplicity, walking might be right for you, too.

Walk Like You Own It!

A sedentary lifestyle has a debilitating influence on people’s health as they age; therefore exercise is imperative.

Check off all the great benefits to walking:

• Improves cardiovascular endurance
• Tones muscles of the lower body
• Burns calories: about 80 if walking 2 miles per hour, and about 107 if walking 4.5 miles per hour
• Reduces risk of heart disease

Sport The Right Shoes

The first item of business when beginning your walking program is to select the right pair of shoes. Too many people choose fashion over function when purchasing running shoes, not realizing that poor-fitting shoes can do more than hurt their stride; they can also lead to pain throughout the body.

• Make sure the shoes you purchase fit properly. The balls of your feet should rest exactly at the point where the toe end of the shoe bends during walking.
• Select shoes with plenty of cushioning in the soles to absorb the impact.
• Shop for sneakers at the end of the day or after a workout when your feet are generally at their largest. Wear the type of socks you usually wear during exercise.
• When trying on shoes, be sure to wear them for at least 10 minutes at the store.

Once you have purchased a pair of shoes, don’t walk them into the ground. While estimates vary as to when is the best time to replace old shoes, most experts agree that between 300 and 500 miles are optimal.

Goal For Success

Walking just 12 minutes every other day can offer important health benefits. But to increase your longevity, try to work up to 30 minutes, five days per week. Experts generally agree that to be considered “active,” adults should try to take 10,000 steps each day. Wearing a pedometer is an easy way to track your progress. Follow these great tips to start strong and stay strong:

• Move your arms freely, in coordination with the opposite leg.
• Stop staring down at your phone. This posture change will have you looking up and around, and unplugged from stress. The simple head posture shift will also take the pressure off your joints that are causing you to carry your weight improperly.
• Don’t carry weights or dumbbells while walking. They’re better used as a separate part of your exercise regimen.
• Expect a little soreness in the thighs and calves for the first week or two. If you experience more than soreness, check with your chiropractic physician.
• Walk briskly, with “purpose.” Simply sauntering, while relaxing and enjoyable, is not an effective form of cardiovascular exercise.

Of course, be sure to consult your medical practitioner before beginning any rigorous exercise program.

On The Right Track

Follow these surface choice tips to maximize the benefit and reduce the chance of injury:

• Walking on a cushioned or rubberized track is ideal, because the cushioning of this type of track absorbs most of the impact of your walking. Many recreation centers offer this type of track free of charge.
• Grass is another good surface, but watch out for hidden dips or holes in the ground.
• Walking on a surface with no give, such as concrete or a mall floor, is not your best choice, because this type of surface will not absorb much of the impact your body will experience. If you do choose to walk on such a surface, be extra careful to select highly cushioned shoes.

Take Your First Step Here!

We want to help keep you moving in perfect balance to maximize the benefit and help to avoid low back hip or knee pain.   So as you lace up and head for the open road make sure to call and get a checkup for top performance.

Gardening weather is finally here! Although we are invigorated by the warmth, gardening can provide a great workout but with all of the bending, twisting, reaching and pulling, your body may not be ready for these better home and garden activities.

Just remember gardening is a full-time summer activity and to use these warms ups before any full landscape session to avoid blooming back pain.

Begin With Stretching!

To enjoy gardening fully it is important to stretch your muscles before reaching for your gardening tools. The back, upper legs, shoulders, and wrists are all major muscle groups affected when using your green thumb.

“A period of warm-up and cool-down is as important in gardening as it is for any other physical activity,” said Dr. Scott Bautch of the American Chiropractic Association’s (ACA) Council on Occupational Health. “Performing simple stretches during these periods will help alleviate injuries, pain, and stiffness.”

Following these simple stretches will help to alleviate muscle pain after a day spent in your garden.

Great Garden Stretches

• Before stretching for any activity, breathe in and out, slowly and rhythmically; do not bounce or jerk your body, and stretch as far and as comfortably as you can. Do not follow the no pain, no gain rule. Stretching should not be painful. Begin your stretch by sitting and prop your heel on a stool or step, keeping the knees straight. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the thigh or the hamstring muscle. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Do this once more and repeat with the other leg.
• Stand up, balance yourself, and grab the front of your ankle from behind. Pull your heel towards your buttocks and hold the position for 15 seconds. Do this again and repeat with the other leg.
• While standing, weave your fingers together above your head with the palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds, then to the other. Repeat this stretch three times.
• Do the “Hug your best friend.” Wrap your arms around yourself and rotate to one side, stretching as far as you can comfortably go. Hold for 10 seconds and reverse. Repeat two or three times.

Finally, be aware of your body technique, body form and correct posture while gardening. Kneel, don’t bend and alternate your stance and movements as often as possible to keep the muscles and body balanced.

Better Home and Garden Success!

A healthy body like a healthy garden takes preparation and loving care. Schedule a spinal check up and address any unwanted weeds that may be taking root in your most valuable asset your health.

Are your joints able to predict a change in weather better than your traditional barometer? If so, read on. We may have a painless solution that will soon have you singing in the rain.

Can Arthritis Be A True Weather Gauge?

It’s true that many people with back pain, neck pain or other chronic joint complaints are often surprisingly accurate in predicting when storms are approaching, and believe it or not; there is some validity to their weather forecasting abilities.

In 2010 by the International Journal of Biometeorology, researchers established a direct connection between low barometric pressure to inflammation and joint pain in rats. Additional research has demonstrated the same phenomenon occurs in humans. For instance, a 2002 study from the Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques concluded that “back pain may be aggravated by atmosphere depression in patients with lumbar disc disease.” And a 2007 study from the American Journal of Medicine determined that “changes in barometric pressure are independently associated with osteoarthritis knee pain severity.”

It drives home what chiropractors have been saying for decades: The absence of pain is not the measure of good health! So while there’s validity to the idea of “aches and pains mean coming rains,” anticipation of weather changes should not interfere with you enjoying the quality of life you desire.

But remember, sunny days ahead are no substitution for proper exercise, proper diet and supplementation, and regular chiropractic care.

Break Out Those Sunglasses!

Don’t hide under your umbrella of pain!  Call us today and let us help you get to the underlying inflammation and back to enjoying a sunny disposition of living pain-free no matter the weather!

We know the end of the school year is rapidly approaching. Whether you have school-age children or not, you can feel the excitement surrounding this time of year. So let’s take a quick end of year exam and reflect on how we did with those New Year’s resolutions.

Did you promise yourself that, this year you would have lost weight and be in better shape at this point?  Now if there was a moment’s hesitation, ask yourself this: “Do you want to feel young again and enjoy your health and a better quality of life?” The answer should be a resolute yes. But, it is up to you to make the changes needed to accomplish this goal.  

So if you have not reached those goals by now, let’s work together to “do” something different to accomplish these goals.

Back To Health Class!

It comes down to 3 things:  The ABC’s of Health.

• ATTITUDE – It must change.  Without an attitude change, NOTHING will happen.  Why?  Nothing will happen because you haven’t accepted that you need to change.  You want to change – But it is not painful enough for you to make an effort to move forward.  Change your Attitude, and your life will begin moving in a better direction.
• BEHAVIOR – The attitude change will set you on a path to change your behavior.  Your daily decisions.  What you eat, how much, if you exercise or sit around watching TV.
• CHIROPRACTIC – Chiropractic care is not only about pain – it is about better health.  Improving your immune system, internal strength, moving and feeling better, and avoiding medication.

Summer School

Don’t let another month and especially another year go by without making a change.  How do you think you will feel then?  Then why wait??  Act on this now.   We have had thousands of people restoring and recapturing their health with renewed energy. You could Feel better, Look better, and be ready for SUMMER!

Our expert team has been created to help you achieve all of your health goals with fantastic healthcare services inside of fabulous facilities.

Call our office to today to schedule the “D” – Do It Now – consultation and let’s get you fast-tracked to better health.

Have you been diagnosed with Rotator Cuff Syndrome? If you have, you may feel the pain of not only in the shoulder but the limitations it has put on your life, whether and work or trying to enjoy a game of golf or tennis.

To better help you understand our recommendation for this injury, let us first look at the importance of the rotator cuff.

The Importance Of The Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is the most important group of muscles giving the shoulder support and stability. This structural support allows the shoulder joint to move and turn through a wide range of motions and allows us to perform an amazing variety of tasks with our arms.  Due to this mobility, rotator cuff injuries are prevalent as the mobility will come at the expense of shoulder stability.  A small injury can happen in one of the tendons/muscles, but this can very easily progress to other muscle areas becoming irritated due to compensation patterns.

Although the human body can be mechanically an incredible machine when a problem occurs it may start off as a simple problem, but can often lead to a more complex issue where the original injury site is not so evident and can make many routine activities difficult and painful.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome: What Does It Mean?

Rotator cuff syndrome is a broad term used to describe injuries and damage to the rotator cuff. There is a spectrum of injuries that can occur. Common injuries include partial tears in the muscles and tendons, which can result from acute injury or wear and tear over the long term. Many times repetitive motion that puts stress on the rotator cuff is the chief culprit for this type of injury.

Common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury may include the inability to lift the arm at the shoulder out to the side, pain putting a coat on or pain when lying down on that side of the body.  Some people also may experience pain radiating down the arm towards the elbow or even down into their hands.

Best Recommendations for Rotator Cuff Syndrome

In order to effectively treat rotator cuff syndrome, it is important to address the underlying causes of it.

Because the rotator cuff is comprised of four different muscles, rotator cuff syndrome can describe one of the several distinct problems. Causality is also a factor. The symptom of pain may be the result of overuse or injury of one or more of the muscles in the rotator cuff; therefore, developing a treatment plan individualized to the particular cause of the pain is crucial. A medical specialist, such as a chiropractor, will result in the highest quality of care as the cause will be more individually identified, and more readily resolved.

Massage therapy, physical rehabilitation and soft tissue treatments such as ART and Graston work are often used in conjunction to reduce the incidence and symptoms of inflammation. Kinesio tape can also be advantageous as well by helping correct and maintain proper shoulder positioning throughout the day by stimulating proprioception, increasing your body’s positional awareness.

The most beneficial treatment process delivers the best results when a Chiropractic physician also provides detailed rehabilitative programs targeted to preserve and build muscle strength during the healing process. The combination will help to provide not only pain relief but the highest restoration of range of motion.

Join Our Team!

Ready to get back into full swing and enjoy fun activities this summer? Call today as we understand those shoulder injuries do not need to be athletically related and can happen at any age.

Our team is standing by to help you get back on the team of better health!

It always comes at the most inopportune times, but at one time or another, we have all experienced the discomfort of bloating abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea or constipation.  Unfortunately, for many people, this has become a daily occurrence.  Traditionally, triggers have thought to have been anything from stress, eating certain foods, stomach or bowel infections.  In an attempt to solve digestive distress many have focused on these symptoms as the cause while others simply have masked the problem with antacids.

So if you have a bulk supply of antacids or going out with friends is problematic, read on for chiropractic care may hold a natural solution to your daily digestion distress.

Our Body’s Processes

Our bodies’ processes were designed to function all with well-balanced cycles.  For example, if you eat three meals a day, then ideally you should have 2-3 bowel movements a day. Anything less than that means that the waste that your body is trying to remove is sitting in your body for longer than it should. This may result in many health issues including toxicity, poor skin, poor digestion, body pain, bad breath or body odor and much more.

The Communication Network

At each level of your spine, nerves feed organs, glands, and tissues vital messages from the brain. What has been found to be common with people who have digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, IBS, and Crohns is that often the low back is compromised. Meaning a misalignment in the spine is present in the low back, which can affect the brain’s communication with the organs, glands, and tissues in the lower part of the body.  The pressure on the nervous system that results from chronic undetected spinal misalignments can have significant effects on digestion and the absorption of nutrients and liquids.

Can It Help With Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, and its prevalence is increasing in western societies.  The symptoms are most commonly diarrhea and stomach pain, but weight loss and irritability are also characteristic of the disease.  Up until now, the typical treatment for Crohn’s has been with various drugs such as antihistamines, antibiotics, immunosuppressants and artificial hormones.  Unfortunately for many, these drugs are considered unsatisfactory, and there is a long list of side effects that go along with these drugs.  Many sufferers often require reoccurring hospitalization and even surgery.

But wait, good news is here!  In recent studies on “Chronic Nerve Compression,” spinal misalignments played a significant role in the full remission of Crohn’s Disease and other digestive problems.

Help From A Chiropractor

The road to health is the discovery that there is an alternative to conventional and sometimes dangerous laxatives and medical methods of attempting to improve bowel function. In the recovery to better health, you should not only make a change in diet and nutrition but also improve the health and the state of your spine and nervous system.

Most importantly, if you or you know friends or loved ones who suffer from digestive problems make an appointment with our expert health team today. We want everyone to discover how maintaining a healthy spine could be the ultimate repair to unwanted digestive issues.

Call Today To Learn More!