Current evidence that chiropractic spinal manipulation and acupuncture improve tension-type headaches is encouraging.
Tension-type headaches are the most common form of primary headaches in the general population and like all headache complaints, requires an adequate treatment.
Tension-type headaches are essentially defined as a bilateral headache of a pressing or tightening quality without a known medical cause. A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain that’s often described as feeling like a tight band around the head or a big weight over the head or shoulders. It is seldom pulsating unless the pain is severe. A non-pulsating, pressing pain is the most common complaint plus tenderness of the scalp, especially in the temporal areas.
A common cause of tension-type headache is disproportionate spasm of the temporal muscle. If the temporal muscle becomes spastic this could activate the free nerve endings in front of the head, resulting in tension-type headache symptoms. It is well known that chiropractic manipulation reduces tension of the temporal muscle by restoring normal gliding of the skull fascia and upper cervical vertebrae with the adjacent muscular fibers. This is an essential starting point to restore normal sensory nerves’ impulse and treatment plan designed for effective treatment of chronic tension-type headaches.
tension headache
Chiropractic Care Improves Coordinated Movement and Performance
A study in the May 2006 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients under chiropractic care improved the relative times it took to perform movements in a controlled test (movement times).
The study involved ten patients who received chiropractic adjustments and another control group of people who did not receive adjustments.
Movement time was measured on a computer screen with the subjects moving a cursor onto a randomly moving target of various sizes.
Every one of the subjects under chiropractic care had significantly improved movement times. Only one person in the control group not receiving chiropractic care showed improvement.
The chiropractic patients showed and average improvement of 9.2% while the non-chiropractic subjects averaged an improvement of only 1.7%.
The researchers concluded, “This study demonstrated a significant improvement in movement time with chiropractic care.” These results suggest that spinal adjustments may influence motor behavior.
While this study applies to our everyday lives, it also bodes well for people involved in sports and/or any other activity that requires high levels of coordinated performance.
Cracking Necks and Taking Names.
IS IT OK IF I “CRACK” MY OWN NECK? NO. And, nothing in the body ever “cracks” unless it breaks. When a joint re-aligns (adjusts) there is a release of gas (oxygen and nitrogen) and you hear a noise that sounds like something is “cracking”. By trying to move the vertebrae yourself you will cause micro tears in the muscles and ligaments supporting that area of the spine. This will lead to spinal instability and more complicated problems like early arthritic degeneration. The desire to adjust yourself is your body’s way of telling you that you have a subluxation. Subluxations should only be adjusted by a chiropractor.
5 Most Common Back Pain Myths
Have you ever experienced back pain? Most of us have, and it can be excruciating. Chances are, you’ve either suffered from back pain in the past, or will in the future. Statistics show an 80 percent chance or re-injuring your back if you don’t get proper care. So listen carefully. To avoid back pain before it happens—and treat the pain once it occurs—it takes education and awareness. There are a variety of back problems and treatment options that can be effective. The first step is clearing away a few misconceptions regarding back pain. So let’s go over the Five Most Common Myths and Realities.
MYTH #1: “It Won’t Happen To Me.”
REALITY: The fact is, about eight out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the leading cause of disability in men over 40 years old. And it’s the second most common reason for a visit to a primary care doctor. Back pain is also the third-most common reason for surgery and fifth-most common reason for hospitalization. So unfortunately, most people do experience back pain, or will at some point in their lives.
MYTH #2: “I’m Physically Active, So I Shouldn’t Get Back Pain.”
REALITY: Being physically active is definitely a plus. And it’s true that well-conditioned individuals are less likely to experience back pain than sedentary people. However, back pain can affect all people regardless of their activity level. In fact, runners are notorious for having back pain as a result of the forces and compression that take place during running. Golfers, people who play volleyball and people who engage in aerobics also experience back pain. So whether you’re active or not, chances are you’re going to experience back pain at some point.
MYTH #3: “Bed Rest Is The Secret To Recovering From Back Pain.”
REALITY: Actually, this is partially true. New studies reveal that it normally takes about three days of rest to recover from back pain. But 48 – 72 hours is all you need. Any more than that, and you’re making the problem worse. Here’s why: Too much rest can stiffen and weaken the muscles and joints and in turn, increase the pain. It is imperative to be getting adjusted during this time as to not allow the formation of scar tissue. You should gradually start stretching to reduce your pain and increase your mobility. Any more than 48 – 72 hours can lead to more back pain in the long run.
MYTH #4: “Heat And Massages Feel Good So They Must Be Helping Me.”
REALITY: Sorry. While these short-term remedies might feel good, they don’t provide a long-term solution. Of course, we do try to manage pain during recovery to allow patients to heal and get back to life, but heat and massage do not address the underlying causes of back pain.
MYTH #5: “There Is A Quick Fix For Most Causes Of Back Pain.”
REALITY: Surprisingly, there is no “magic bullet” or “quick fix” when it comes to back pain.
There are numerous reasons why your back could be causing you pain. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with a Chiropractor at the first sign of back pain. In addition, it is critically important to find a Chiropractor who will evaluate you and your family thoroughly and design an individualized approach to your problem.
Sit/Stand Up Straight!
Good posture is really, really, really important. At Harbor Family Chiropractic, we want to give you the tools you need to keep your spine aligned at all times. Most importantly while you are doing the things you do every day, all day- working, driving, sleeping.
The obvious benefit to having good posture is that you simply look much better. Our bodies are like machines and need to be lined up correctly in order to function properly.
Posture affects how others see you and as you see yourself. It reflects your personality, your confidence, your attitude, your abilities and your health. There is a direct relationship between how you stand, sit and walk, and how you feel.
The effects of poor posture can be serious in terms of health, comfort and efficiency, causing fatigue. If not corrected, poor posture can affect the health and well-being of the individual throughout his or her life. Poor posture contributes to shallow breathing, a cramped chest cavity, faulty digestion, poor elimination; and poor circulation, each of which affects not only the functions of the individual organs, but also the system. Lack of energy and reduced coordination are just two of many symptoms of a body that is not functioning efficiently.
Many postural faults can be helped. Dr. Stacey Gillis at Harbor Family Chiropractic wants to help you with the tools needed to correct your posture and ultimately heal your ailments caused by poor posture. For more information, visit: https://www.costamesachiro.com.
Being Well Adjusted Can Fight Bad Breath!
Bad Breath: Five Causes
Wondering why your loved ones are giving you more personal space than you’ve asked for? Suspicious about the Altoids left on your desk with dental floss bows? If you’re one of 90 million Americans suffering from chronic bad breath, here are some of the possible causes, as well as remedies to restore your fresh breath-and relationships.
Top Five Causes of Bad Breath
- A dirty mouth. “Ninety percent of mouth odors come from mouth itself-either from the food you eat or bacteria that’s already there,” says Dr. Richard H. Price spokesman for American Dental Association. “Mouth odor is like any other body odor-the result of microbes living in the body giving off byproducts.” In the mouth, this means bacteria that normally live in the mouth interact with food particles, blood, tissue, etc., to create volatile (i.e., stinky) sulfur compounds. If you don’t clean properly, the bacteria build up, and next thing you know-that’s not toothpaste on your tongue.
- A mouth out of balance. Certain mouth conditions can exacerbate bacterial growth and odor, such as gum disease and dry mouth. Gum disease causes bloody gums, creating more elements for those pesky bacteria to putrefy. But it is a dry mouth that is the more common cause of bad breath. Saliva helps flush out the mouth, keeping bacteria moving so they don’t settle down and multiply, while drier mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. In spring and summer, allergy medications can dry you out; in winter, dry heat tends to be the culprit.
- Stinky foods. If it stinks going in, chances are it’s going to stink coming out. The obvious offenders are onions, garlic, alcohol and tobacco. And foods don’t only create a stench in the mouth. “Plant oils are absorbed and the byproducts enter your bloodstream so you are actually breathing the odors out via your lungs three to four hours later,” says Jeannie Moloo, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
- Not enough carbs. You look great after four weeks on Atkins, so how come you still can’t get a date? High-protein, low carb diets cause your body to burn stored fats for fuel instead of carbs and can lead to a condition called ketosis. “As fat burns, ketones build up in the body, and some are released through breath, “explains Moloo. “Unfortunately ketones don’t smell particulary good.” And bad breath trumps six-pack abs.
- Illness. Occasionally, bad breath can be a sign of a more serious illness. The most common systemic causes of bad breath are diabetes or GERD (or gastro esophageal reflux disease). Diabetes can also cause ketosis, and the resulting bad breath is sometimes one of first symptoms that lead to diagnosis. GERD is a backflow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus. Less common but possible are liver or kidney disease-when toxins from these organs are excreted through the lungs, causing bad breath.
Harbor Family Chiropractic
2200 Harbor Blvd., Ste B-160 Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (949) 515-5170 Fax 9949) 515-5173