What should I do in the event of an auto accident?

First -- after everyone is out of danger and any medical and police help needed has been summoned -- get the information you may need and put it down in writing. At least the following information is suggested:

(1) Who were the drivers of the vehicles involved?

(2) Did all drivers have driver's licenses? Be sure to get the driver's license numbers and addresses of the drivers!

(3) Did any of the driver's appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs? (Write down who and why you think they were and who else observed that same thing. After the effects wear off it would be your word against theirs.)

(4) Were any passengers in the vehicles? Get their names and addresses!

(5) Were any pedestrians involved in the accident? Get their names and addresses!

(6) Did any person involved in the accident report any personal injury shortly after the accident? Who are they, and where do they live?

(7) Was medical assistance rendered at the scene of the accident?

(8) What personal injury did the injured person report? Did anyone say "I'm not hurt"?

(9) What was the actual location of the accident?

(10) Were there any witnesses to the accident (other than those directly involved in the accident)? Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all witnesses!

(11) In what direction were the vehicles traveling just prior to the accident?

(12) At what time of day did the accident occur?

(13) What were the weather conditions at the time of the accident?

(14) Was there anything "wrong" with the vehicles before the accident, such as driving with a broken headlight at night, or with bald tires?

(15) Was there any damage to the vehicles as a result of the accident? (Even if there wasn't, that does not mean that someone may not have been injured, even with a "soft tissues injury".) What parts of the vehicle were damaged?

(16) Who were the registered owners of the vehicles (names and addresses)?

(17) Were all vehicles involved in the accident insured? What are the names of the insurance companies and the policy numbers? (If they said how much insurance they had, record that too.)

(18) Did any of the vehicles need to be towed from the scene of the accident?

(19) How did the accident occur?

(20) Did anyone accept responsibility for the accident, such as by saying "It was my fault, I am sorry. I was speeding / not paying attention / not wearing my glasses / distracted / tired / late for work / in a hurry / my coffee had just spilled ... etc."? If so, write it down.

(21) Did anyone else say something to indicate that s/he too was at least partially at fault -- such as "I should have seen you but I was on my cell phone / I've been taking these pills / my eyesight isn't what it used to be after dark, etc"?

(22) Did the police come? If so, did they issue anyone a ticket? Which officers were present?

As much basic information as possible should be gathered immediately after the accident occurred. As time passes, memories tend to fade and new versions of the chain of events are created. Putting the basic information down on paper helps later when liability for the accident begins to be examined

Then Call Dr Carhee at 404-699-0966 to set your visit within 24 - 72 hours.

At Pain 2 Wellness Center we will take care of all your needs.

Workers' compensation laws provide money and medical benefits to an employee who has an injury as a result of an accident, injury or occupational disease on-the-job. Workers' compensation is designed to protect workers and their dependents against the hardships from injury or death arising out of the work environment. It is intended to benefit the employee and employer alike. The employee receives money (usually on a weekly or biweekly basis) and medical benefits in exchange for forfeiting the common law right to sue the employer. The employer benefits by receiving immunity from court actions against them by the employee in exchange for accepting liability that is limited and determined. The question of negligence or fault is usually not at issue.

Employee Information

Dealing With Your Employer

Most employers do not like to pay workers' compensation premiums, but they understand that they want to have protection and insurance for their workers injured on the job. Employers generally are fearful of workers who have been injured on the job because they feel their premiums will increase or the employee will take advantage of the benefits available.

Most employers are generally concerned for workers who are injured on the job and want to ensure that the injured worker receives care. Unfortunately, there are some employers who are not concerned with these things and this may present problems for the injured worker. An employer can either help or hinder an employee's case and this is especially true at the very beginning. The more aware you make your employer of the injury and the facts surrounding the accident or injury, the more inclined the employer will be to help the injured worker with the case. On the other hand, if the employer is not concerned about reporting the accident or ensuring benefits are paid or suspect of the injury, the employer may not give good information to the insurance company or may slant the information so that the insurance company is suspect of the claim and delays payment of benefits while they investigate the claim thoroughly.

Some employers who are hostile may attempt to intimidate or coerce the injured worker for filing a claim. This can result in all types of problems for the injured worker and the injured worker may be able to sue the employer who retaliates or coerces him because he has filed a claim for workers' compensation benefits.

Generally speaking, an employer has a duty to post notices of your legal rights under the workers' compensation law and advise with this posting that injured workers have the right to receive medical benefits and other indemnity benefits if they are injured on the job. They are also required to provide the name of the insurance company and provide medical care when notified of an injury on the job.

It is always better if you try to communicate with your employer concerning the facts of the accident, the medical situation, and the problems you are encountering as a result of any injury or disability.

•  A common result of acceleration/deceleration injuries is the loss of the normal forward curve, causing chiropractic, orthopedic or neurological examination.

•  An injury to the neck caused by sudden movement of the head backward, forward, or sideways is commonly referred to as whiplash.

•  Worn too long, cervical collar can further weaken supportive muscles and actually lengthen recovery time!

•  Most auto related whiplash injuries occur when a car is stopped and occupants are unaware that they are about to be hit from the side or behind.

•  Even though the car may have received little damage, occupants can suffer serious injuries

Collisions that occur during sporting events, slips falls or automobile crashes can all have a damaging effect on your neck and back. These types of collision-related injuries are often called a whiplash.

Whiplash is most commonly received from riding in a car that is struck from behind or that collides with another object. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting the head and spine can be stretched or torn. The soft, pulpy discs between spinal bones can bulge, tear, or rupture. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal position, reducing range of motion.

The resulting instability of the spine and soft tissue can contribute to headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the shoulders, arms and hands, reduced ability to turn and bend, and low back problems. As the body attempts to adapt, symptoms may not appear until weeks or even months later.

The chiropractic approach to these types of injuries is to use specific chiropractic adjustments to help normalize spinal function. After a thorough case history and examination, the doctor will recommend a series of visits to help restore proper motion and position of spinal bones. If caught early enough, inflammation can be reduced and scar tissue can often be minimized.

Consult a Doctor of Chiropractic before depending upon addictive pain medication, enduring constant whiplash-related headaches or submitting to surgery.

•  Loss of normal spinal curves is a common cause of many types of headaches.

•  Some estimates suggest 25% of the population has a headache right now! A comprehensive U.S. study reported that 10 million Americans suffer from moderate to sever disability from various forms of headaches.

•  Specific chiropractic adjustments can help correct mechanical restrictions in the cervical spine that may be related to head ache symptoms.

•  Like a fever, some headaches are related to an underlying problem.

Because headaches are so common, some people think that getting a headache is just a normal part of life! Headaches are a sign that something's wrong. Stress, Toxic fumes, certain foods, preservatives, and alcohol are common culprits.

A frequent and overlooked cause of headaches is the malfunction of spinal bones in the neck and upper back.

When bones of the spine lose their normal position or motion, sensitive nerves and blood vessels to the head can be affected. When spinal nerves and related tissues are stretched or irritated, they can produce throbbing headaches. Aspirin and medications may cover up these warning signs, but do not correct the underlying structural cause.

Many people experience correction and relief through chiropractic care.

If a through examination reveals reduced range of motion, loss of normal spinal curves, or mechanical restrictions, chiropractic care should be considered. After a complete explanation, you'll receive a care program designed for your unique spinal problem.

Specific chiropractic adjustments can help correct spinal joint dysfunction created by the various chemical, emotional, and physical stress in our lives.

Many patients report headache relief. Others find that the correction of their condition takes longer because their spinal problem has existed undetected for many years. Every patient responds differently. Benefit from the drug-free results millions have enjoyed by consulting a chiropractic doctor.

Neck pain affects a significant number of individuals. Recent studies have found more than 10% of Americans suffer from neck pain at any given time.

The reason is that the neck region contains many delicate, pain sensitive structures commonly exposed to abuse and abnormal stresses. Incomplete rehabilitation of past injuries, poor posture, prolonged sitting, and lack of periodic spinal alignments are some of the more common factors in the development of neck problems.

Fortunately, most individuals suffering from neck problems will find chiropractic care extremely beneficial. Unlike prescription drugs, most chiropractic procedures address the cause of the majority of neck problems. Best of all, chiropractic care is safe, natural, and noninvasive... no side effects allowed!

Cause of Neck Pain

There are many causes for neck pain. Some causes result from acute injuries which cannot be avoided, such as an automobile accident resulting in a whiplash-type injury. Other causes can be avoided and result from the use of "bad" or improper habits and techniques, such as poor posture and improper lifting. These "other causes" make up the majority of neck pain causes and can be effectively treated once the cause(s) is/are identified and the appropriate measures to avoid these "bad" and improper habits and techniques are implemented.
Some of the more common causes of neck pain include:

•  incomplete rehabilitation of past injuries

•  lack of proper and periodic spinal alignments

•  presence of cervical spine subluxations

•  whiplash-type injuries

•  improper workstation setup

•  poor posture

•  prolonged sitting

•  prolonged use of non-ergonomically designed equipment

•  excessive repetitive neck motions

•  improper telephone techniques

•  excessive mental stress

•  physical inactivity

•  poor diet and nutritional practices

Neck Pain Treatments

Doctors of chiropractic have long known that the most successful treatments involve the identification and correction of the underlying causes of the condition. That's why chiropractic care has been so successful in the correction of back and neck conditions and the number one choice for back and neck care.

Identifying The Cause

The first step in treating neck pain is to determine what has and is causing the neck pain. Once the causes and contributing factors are identified, a successful treatment plan can be structured to eliminate pain and achieve the goals of the patient.

The Treatment

The chiropractic treatments for neck pain incorporate the use of many therapies, all of which are gentle, safe, natural and noninvasive. However, the true power of chiropractic care is found in the chiropractic adjustment - the most effective and essential treatment employed by the chiropractor. The reason? Quite simply, the spinal adjustment corrects the major problems that the majority of neck pain sufferers have.

Proper Habits and Techniques

Another key ingredient to a successful neck pain treatment plan includes the learning of proper postural habits and other techniques. Proper posture is a significant factor in the health of the neck and back and proper posture should always be practiced. Techniques common to daily living and work also play a major role in the development or lack of development of neck pain. This includes proper lifting techniques, telephone techniques, avoidance of repetitive motions, and much more. We can teach you correct habits and techniques which will protect your neck and back from discomfort and injury. Also, be sure to checkout our "Posture" and "Ergonomics" sections of our site for additional information

Other Therapies

Other manual therapies such as massage, trigger point therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and acupressure therapy may be utilized to assist in the relaxation of cervical muscles and increase cervical spine mobility.

Therapeutic exercises and stretches which assist in the restoration of proper cervical motion and increase cervical muscle strength and coordination are commonly prescribed. Exercises and stretches are unique in that they can be performed outside the office without the assistance of the doctor. If you have been prescribed stretches and exercises, please checkout the "Exercise" section for full descriptions and images/animations to assist you in performing each exercise and stretch correctly.

Physical therapies commonly used by physical therapies may also be employed and include hot and cold applications, muscle stimulation, interferential therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and diathermy.

Diet and nutrition also play a key role in the health of the cervical spine. Without the proper nutrients, the cervical spine and rest of the body are less able to remain healthy and heal once injured. If you diet and nutritional status is poor, we can help get you on track. Be sure to check out our "HEALTH PRODUCTS" section for the finest vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements. We can deliver the products of your choice right to your doorstep.

Healthy Living Tips For Neck and Upper Back Pain

Regular spinal checkups . Maintaining proper alignment and functioning of the neck and upper back through periodic spinal adjustments minimizes the stresses to structures of the cervical and thoracic spine. Also, keeping the nervous system free from interference ensures proper communication within the body, keeping you happy and healthy.

Practice proper posture, lifting and ergonomics . Practicing proper posture, lifting techniques and ergonomics are key in reducing neck and back injuries at work and play and minimizing future recurrences of past injuries. For more info, checkout the "Ergonomics" and "Posture" sections of our site.

Regular exercise . Routine physical activity keeps the heart healthy and keeps the spine as well as the rest of the body strong and healthy. An effective exercise program should consist of a minimum of 3 sessions per week for 40 minutes. Involve friends and family, mix up the activities, keep it fun and stay consistent!

Proper diet and nutrition . Providing your body with the proper fuel increases performance, reduces the likelihood of injury and sickness, speeds recovery after injury, and keeps you feeling good. If, like the rest of us, you're finding it difficult to get all the nutrients your body needs, it's probably time to supplement. For information on nutritional supplements, checkout the " Health Products " section of our site.

Utilize stress management techniques . Stress is most often carried in the shoulders, upper back and yes, neck. While stress can't be totally eliminated there are effective techniques to help bring it under control. Checkout the "Wellness Center" for more information on stress management or contact our office for an appointment.
If you're suffering from neck pain, join the millions of other individuals who have benefited from gentle, safe and natural chiropractic care. Our treatments provide fast, effective relief which not only eliminates pain, but can help increase the performance and health of the entire body.

•  Many research projects show conservative chiropractic care is safer and often more effective that back surgery.

•  Magnetic Resonance imaging is often used to show the extent of soft tissue damage.

•  Chiropractic doctors often consult with neurologist, radiologist, and orthopedic specialists when designing care programs for patients with disc involvement.

•  Your chiropractor is an expert at using specific chiropractic adjustment to help improve spinal function.

Lower back pain results in millions of dollars of lost work and untold suffering every day.

Many factors can be responsible for lower back pain. Improper sitting or lifting, overexertion, trauma, or inherited spinal abnormalities may contribute.

Many of the pain-sensing nerves of the spine are in the facet joints, the two interlocking fingers at the back of each spinal bone. The normally smooth surfaces on which these joints glide, can become rough, irritated, and inflamed

Surgical treatments often involve removing these facet joints, exposing the spinal cord. Another cause of lower back pain can be a bulging disc putting pressure on the spinal cord or a nearby nerve root. The result is often numbness, tingling, or pain down the leg. Cutting away the bulging disc tissue can permanently alter its ability to separate and cushion the adjacent bones. This rarely addresses the underlying structural cause(s) of the problem

The chiropractic approach is to help restore a more normal motion and position of affected spinal bones with specific chiropractic adjustments. The simplicity and success of this approach has been documented in numerous research projects and has helped many patients avoid risky surgery.

Find out if yours is a chiropractic case and enjoy the positive results that millions of patients have discovered.

•  Traditional approach to disc problems often ignores spinal function. Conservative chiropractic care is safer and often more effective that back surgery.

•  Diagnostic imaging can reveal degenerative changes to the disc and surrounding tissues.

While the intervertebral disc is a common culprit in spine-related health problems, its function is widely misunderstood.

The disc is a small cartilage pad that is situated between spinal bones. Layers of fibrous tissues contain the soft jelly-like center. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. When healthy, discs allow normal turning and bending.

Disc can bulge, herniated or rupture, resulting in other problems.

Since spinal disc have very poor blood supply, they also depend upon circulation of joint fluids to bring in nutrients and expel waste, if a spinal joint loses its normal motion and this pumping action is impaired, the health of the disc deteriorates. Like a wet songe, a healthy disc is flexible. A dry sponge is hard, stiff, and can crack easily, This is how many disc problems begin.

Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebra above and below it, a disc cannot �slip� as commonly thought. However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause disc to bulge, herniated, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, often interfering with their function.

The chiropractic approach to disc problems is to help restore better motion and position to the spinal joint. Besides reducing disc bulging, better spinal function helps decrease inflammation so the slow process of healing the surrounding soft tissues can begin.

While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills by choosing conservative chiropractic care.

Because they are attached to vertebrae, discs do not slip, but they do tear, bulge, herniated, prolapse and desiccate.

Disc Tear- The most common disc injury is a small crack or micro tear in the tough, outer cartilage material of the disc called annular fibers. This allows the fluid to start leaking out, and the disc begins to wear thin.

Bulging Disc- The soft jelly-like material in the middle of the disc pushes to one side, forward or backward, and swelling occurs. The nucleus is still contained within the tough outer fibers and extends to the outer edge or beyond the normal limits of the disc.

Prolapsed Disc- A piece of disc material separates away and becomes a fragment or a free-floating piece.

Desiccated Disc- The disc loses its fluid content and degenerates down to a rough, worn-down or worn-out appearance. This occurs as the bones begin to fuse to each other.

•  The lumbar spine, where that sciatic nerve begins, is the most frequently injured are of the spine.

•  While it can take time, conservative chiropractic care can be quite successful in removing the cause of the sciatica and low back pain.

•  Research shows that when treated with chiropractic adjustments, sciatica has an 10-15% greater rate of recovery that if patients were to use therapy or standard medical care.

•  Each of the two sciatic nerves is formed by four or five nerves branching off each side of the spinal cord and running down the back of each leg.

Pain is caused when the sciatic nerve roots are irritated, scraped, twisted, stretched or pinched as they exit the spine. Causes of the impairment may be chemical, physical or emotional stress of everyday living. A full-blown sciatic flare-up can involve the entire sciatic nerve path resulting in symptoms of the lower back pain, burning, cramping or numbness that radiated into the thighs, legs, ankles feet and toes. Pain may also be limited to various points along the nerve, such as the buttocks, knee area and calf.

The sciatic nerves are the largest (and longest) nerves of the body, reaching about the size of your thumb in diameter, and running down the back of each leg. When these nerves are irritated or affected by the inflammation of nearby soft tissue, doctors refer to this as sciatica.

One of the most common causes of sciatic leg pain is the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. It can be accompanied by the bulging or herniation of the soft pulpy disc, which separate each spinal bone. This can irritate or put pressure on the sciatic nerve roots as they leave the spinal cord. The result can be an intense pain shooting down either or both legs.

In the past, treatment has involved pain medications, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, and even surgery. The chiropractic approach is to use carefully directed and controlled pressure to remove the interference from spinal structures. These chiropractic adjustments can be quite effective in t reducing nerve irritation and its associated pain.

Sciatica, like other health problems that can be traced to the spine, often respond dramatically to the restoration of normal spinal function through conservative chiropractic care.

•  Tender/trigger points are specific sites on the body that can cause pain when pressed.

•  There are 9 pairs of tender points. Each pair has one point on each side of the body for a total of 18 points.

•  The pain may spread when a tender point is pressed and trigger pain in a larger area.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and multiple tender points. These tender points refer to sensitivity that occurs in precise localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and other symptoms.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, though men, children, and elderly may also be affected.

Currently, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases, it is very difficult to diagnose.

The current criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis includes:

•  Widespread joint and muscle pain that has been present for at least three months.

•  Pain at 11 or more of the specific tender/trigger points when areas are pressed.

Other symptoms that are less common but can occur are constipation or diarrhea, headache, difficulty concentrating, tingling sensation in the hands and severe or extensive fatigue.

Though the cause and cure for fibromyalgia is not yet known, studies suggest that chiropractic care can help provide relief.

A recent study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics stated that more than 605 of the participants who underwent thirty chiropractic treatments showed significant reductions in pain intensity and improvement in their overall fatigue and quality of sleep.

Your chiropractor will take a comprehensive approach in evaluating and designing a specific care plan for those who suffer from fibromyalgia. Nutrition, exercise and regular chiropractic adjustments have all shown to play a role in reducing pain and other symptoms, while improving whole body health.

Schedule an appointment today to discuss fibromyalgia care options with your chiropractor..

•  If placing your hands back produces an increase in numbness, tingling or pain, you could have a carpal tunnel problem.

•  Have someone try to pull your thumb and finger apart. If your fingers seem weak, it could be related to a carpal tunnel problem.

•  Specific chiropractic adjustments can help return malfunctioning joints to a more normal motion and position.

Every day, assembly line workers, keyboard operators, grocery store clerks, and many others, receive micro-traumas to their hands and wrist. Vibration and repetitive motions, when combined with spinal problems and other joint dysfunction, can result in a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or a loss of strength in the hands.

The major nerve controlling the thumb, index, and parts of the middle, and ring finger is called the median nerve. From the tip of your fingers, it travels through the bones in your wrist, past your elbow, up your arm, through your shoulder and neck, and finally to your spinal cord. Problems can develop in one or more of these areas.

The carpal tunnel is formed by bones in the wrist. The median nerve, tendons, and blood vessels pass through this opening. If one or more bones forming this tunnel should collapse, inflammation, nerve pressure, and painful symptoms can result.

The median nerve connects to the spinal cord through openings between several bones in the lower neck. When these spinal bones lose their normal motion or position, they can cause problems in the fingers and wrist.

After a through examination, your chiropractic doctor will perform specific adjustments where needed, to help normalize structure and reduce nerve irritation. When given time, conservative, chiropractic care has produced excellent results with carpal tunnel problems-without drugs or surgery.

• Regular chiropractic examinations can reveal small problems before they become serious.

• If detected early enough, chiropractic doctors have had excellent success with scoliosis cases.

Scoliosis is a sideways curving of the spine that often gets started in childhood, when the bones of the spine are still growing. In many cases, the exact cause of scoliosis is unknown.

Scoliosis is detected by uneven shoulder heights, a loss of structural balance, or a change in posture.

It is thought that scoliosis is the result of a hereditary problem or an adaptation to some type of trauma, such as the birth process, or an injury, such as failing off a bicycle. It usually starts with problems in the lower back.

Because spinal bones continue to grow well into the early 20s, if left uncorrected, scoliosis often worsens.

Unfortunately, the most common treatment approach has been to wait and see how bad it gets, resorting to unsightly braces, or eventually surgery, if it progresses too far.

The chiropractic approach is to use specific spinal adjustments, often combined with corrective exercises. If detected early enough, chiropractic doctors have had excellent success with scoliosis cases.

Early detection and chiropractic correction is important for optimum results. Do you know someone who could benefit from a chiropractic examination?

• Similar to exercise, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce tension in the nervous system, improving your ability to tolerate and adapt to the stresses of modern life.

• Just as a chain tends to break at its weakest link, we seem to exhibit stress and strain in the weakest areas of our bodies.

• Like a relaxing vacation, chiropractic care can help give your nervous system a greater capacity to adapt to stress.

• Emotional stress is just one of many types of stress that cause damaging wear and tear.

Stress has been with us since the beginning of time. Every era has faced its share of threatening situations. Today, the stress of work, project deadlines, personal conflicts, and the demands on our time and money, take a huge toll on our health.

It may surprise you that your feelings of stress may have nothing to do with the stress in your life. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, an accident, or even an old injury can lead to spinal stress. Chronic pain and muscle tension can cause you to experience nervousness and irritability.

For some, its an upset stomach. For others, recurring headaches, back pain, or muscle stiffness. Still other respond with nervous twitches, allergic reactions, or sensitivities to chemicals. Regardless of your particular response, the function of your nervous system is involved. That's why chiropractic can be so helpful.

The chiropractic approach to stress is to help normalize the function of your nervous system by removing interferences caused by the Vertebral Subluxation Complex or spinal joint dysfunction.

Finding the weak links in your spine (the major communication pathway of your nervous system) and helping restore better function, can make a profound difference in you response to stress.

It may not be possible to remove the stress from a busy life. However, with the help of your chiropractic doctor, you can respond better to the unique challenges you face.

Call 404-699-0966 and ask Doctor Carhee for more details.

An increasing number of research studies show massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins.

Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity that results from illness or injury. Massage can also hasten, and lead to a more complete recovery from soft tissue injuries.

Massage provide athletes a variety of benefits, including

•  Reduced acute and chronic pain;

•  Increased muscle flexibility;

•  Improved muscle tone;

•  Reduced post-traumatic headache;

•  Reduced swelling;

•  Reduced, delayed-onset muscle soreness;

•  Lower blood pressure and heart rate;

•  Relaxed muscles

Massage Therapy for the relief of Pain

Massage therapy is more effective than drugs when treating back pain for fibromyalgia. Over 40 per cent of patients who used deep-tissue massage said it helped them feel better, in comparison to on 35 per cent said prescription drugs were effective. (Consumer Reports magazine, 2000)

Massage therapy is more effective than acupuncture for treating chronic lower back pain. Patients who received massage therapy used less medicine and had the lowest costs for subsequent care. (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2001)

Fifty-two patients with back pain, most of whom had tried other therapies without success, received eight massage therapy treatments over a one month period. Eighty-six per cent said they felt dramatically better following treatments. (Weintraub, 1994)

Massage therapy increased the amount of beta-endorphins in the blood by 16 per cent. Beta-endorphins are believed to be responsible for pain relief and a feeling of well being. (Kaada and Torsteinbo, 1989)

Daily massage treatments reduced the pain and stiffness of people with fibromyalgia. (Field, 1996)

Massage Therapy for the relief of stress

Young psychiatric patients who underwent massage therapy had lower stress hormone levels, better sleep patterns and less anxiety. (Field, 1995)

Massage therapy resulted in lower anxiety and stress among children with conditions such as autism and children who were victims of physical and sexual abuse. (Field, 1995)

Female patients suffering from chronic tension headaches who received 10 massage therapy treatments in two-and-a-half weeks experienced a significant long-term improvement of their headaches and moods. (Puusjarvi et al, 1990)

Massage therapy promoted relaxation among patients between 56 to 96 years of age and reduced blood pressure. (Fakouri and Jones, 1987)

Massage Therapy Pregnancy/Infants

Premature babies who received daily massages gained 47 per cent more weight and went home an average of six days sooner than those who did not receive massage therapy. The early return home saved about $3,000 (US) per infant in hospital costs. (Field et al, 1986)

Women who received massage therapy during childbirth reported less pain and anxiety. (Field et al, 1997)

Cocaine-exposed premature babies who received massage therapy gained 28 per cent more weight and developed significantly faster. (Wheeden et al, 1993)

Massage Therapy & Disease

In a study comparing massage therapy to Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation, patients with fibromyalgia who received massage therapy reported less pain, stiffness and fatigue. (Sunshine et al, 1996)

Children with rheumatoid arthritis who were given massage therapy treatments had much greater reduction in pain than those involved in progressive muscle relaxation therapy. (Field et al, 1997)

People with asthma who received weekly 15 minute massage therapy treatments reported reduced chest tightness, wheezing, physical pain and fatigue. (Munson and Yekyal, 1995)

Patients with cancer who received massage therapy experienced less pain, improved mobility and less swelling, (Wilkinson, 1996)

Young girls suffering from bulimia had lower depression scores, lower stress hormone levels and improved attitudes about eating and their bodies following 10 massage therapy treatments over five weeks. (Field et al, 1997)

Massage therapy had positive effects on the immune systems and stress levels of people with HIV. (Field, 1996)

• Many simple resistance exercises can be done at home to strengthen supportive muscles.

• An important step towards complete rehabilitation is restoring proper spinal function through chiropractic adjustments.

• Patients enjoy seeing and feeling their progress!

• Today's high-tech equipment can isolate, measure, and strengthen your spine.

• Strengthening the muscles that support your spine can speed the healing process and help avoid a relapse.

When muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the spine are damaged through work injuries, automobile collision, overexertion, and repetitive motion, or simply weakened by activity, your overall health can be affected.

Without the proper tone in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of your body, you would collapse like a rag doll.

Without some form of active care or rehabilitation, recovery from an injury or a long-standing problem can take longer to achieve. Overlooking the importance of improved range of motion and muscle strengthening can result in a relapse, with your original health problem returning again and again.

Chiropractic rehabilitation involves the restoration of proper joint function of the spine or extremities, and the strengthening of supporting muscles and soft tissues. This will usually involve specific spinal adjustments, combines with a program of stretching, resistance training, and exercises to improve muscle tone.

Some patients receive a set of simple exercises or maneuvers they can do at home. Other types of injuries will require the use of specialized equipment to isolate and strengthen specific areas of the spine.

Ask your chiropractic doctor for ways you can speed the healing process and strengthen the supporting soft tissues of your spine through appropriate rehabilitation.

Proper nutrition, accompanied by exercise, posture, rest and periodic spinal adjustments, is a key to preventive health care. A balanced diet with plenty of water, vegetables, fruits and grains helps to prevent illnesses, including diabetes, gingivitis, liver cirrhosis, heart disease and some cancers.

Nutrition is the science of food and other substances as well as the action, interaction and balance of different nutrients in the body. Your body's essential nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Good nutrition helps you to digest, absorb, metabolize and excrete properly. It helps balance within the body's functions that leads to homeostatis. It may prevent illnesses such as diabetes, gingivitis, liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. On the other hand, bad nutrition from eating too many sugar, fat, protein and dairy products compared to complex carbohydrates leads to having less energy. It imbalances the body's functions that may lead to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancers such as breast, ovarian and prostrate.

Water: the building block of life

•  To sustain proper health, drink six to eight glasses of water daily.

•  Wake up to a glass of water, instead of a cup of coffee. Your body needs to be replenished after a night's sleep.

•  When exercising, drink water before you feel thirsty.

•  Recognize the signs of dehydration: headaches, fatigue and dryness of the eyes.

•  Especially during airline travel, drink plenty of water and fruit juices and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks because they boost your body's dehydration rate.

Good vs. bad fat

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•  All oils are 100 ­ percent fat. One tablespoon contains about 120 calories.

•  Fats break down into four varieties:

•  saturated

•  polyunsaturated

•  monounsaturated

•  hydrogenated

•  Two of these fats -- polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats -- are good for your body in small doses; others -- saturated and hydrogenated fats -- add only cholesterol and calories.

Tips for healthy food preparation

•  Instead of frying foods, steaming, braising, broiling, barbecuing, roasting, baking, boiling, poaching or stewing.

•  Trim the visible fat from meats, which includes removing the skins from poultry before cooking.

•  Substitute flavors for salt and butter. Try sauces, dressings and marinades comprising plain, low or nonfat yogurt, lemon juice or vinegar, herbs and spices.

Nutrition and Chiropractic

Chiropractors advise their patients to include nutrition as part of an overall wellness package.

When patients eat primarily fruits, vegetables and grain products in their diet, they are making a healthy decision. The overconsumption of foods high in fat, cholesterol, refined and processed sugars, salt and alcohol increases the probability of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

That is why at Pain 2 Wellness Center we suggest specific nutritional supplements for each patient. Come by today to find you specific nutritional assessment.

• Lost productivity due to sleeplessness has been estimated to cost the national economy as much as $100 billion annually.

• Your daily cup of coffee consumed to help perk you up, along with alcohol and nicotine, are all common contributors to disrupted sleep patterns.

• It is very common for patients to advise their chiropractors that they sleep much better after being adjusted for reasons other than sleep deprivation.

• The national Highway traffic Safety Administration has estimated more than 1000, 00 auto crashes annually may be fatigue-related

Does it take you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep? Do you wake frequently throughout the night or too early in the morning and then have a hard time going back to sleep? If you answered, yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from sleep debt that can be greatly affecting your life. Sleep is not merely a break from our busy routines; it is essential for good health, proper mental and emotional functioning and ultimately our safety.

Insufficient sleep may result in reduced productivity and concentration, impaired memory, decreased learning and logical reasoning abilities, and can also lead to increased feelings of stress causing difficulty in all areas of life. There is also mounting evidence that long-term sleep debt may be a factor in managing the difficulties associated with diabetes, obesity and a weakened immune system. A National Sleep Foundation poll found that 60% of American adults experiences sleep problems at some time.

Though everyone's individual sleep each night. However, the quality of sleep is usually more important than the quantity of sleep. Getting enough sleep without interruptions from your environment or internal factors is more likely to help maintain your body's natural sleep pattern and result in more restful and restorative sleep.

Sleep is one of the most important functions for the brain to operate properly. Healthy sleep is required for your nervous system to regulate response to external stimuli.

Conditions that may contribute the greatest amount of continual stimulation to the brain include physical pain, lack of sufficient oxygen, hormonal changes, unsuitable sleep environment, poor diet and exercise.

Your chiropractor is and expert in the nervous system and the elimination of the interferences that may be the cause of other seemingly unrelated problems that can ultimately disrupt your sleep.

A Physical examination and an in-depth sleep history may reveal how and why your sleep is being disturbed. This can start you on a plan of action to improve the quality of your sleep and overall well-being. Drugs and sleep aids may not address the cause or cure the problem while traditional chiropractic can provide a healthy alternative .

• Regular chiropractic checkups, along with other healthy habits, create the best opportunity for healthy, happy baby.

• Many women find their labor shorter and experience less discomfort if they've received chiropractic care.

• Modified approaches can make chiropractic adjustments for pregnant moms easy and more comfortable.

• Regular chiropractic checkups, along with other healthy habits, create the best opportunity for a healthy, happy baby.

Women who exercise moderately, quit smoking, eat healthy foods, and avoid alcohol during their pregnancies are to be congratulated. Those receiving prenatal chiropractic checkups can increase their nervous system capacity to function at its very best. This is an important element in creating a healthy foundation for developing babies.

Constant structural changes, physical and emotional stresses provide the opportunity for beneficial chiropractic care during all stages of pregnancy.

This period of rapid development, hormonal changes, the laxity of connective ligaments, and shifting of weight-bearing structures, may cause many pregnant women to experience low back pain.

Besides helping to relieve the discomfort many expectant mothers experience, chiropractic care helps normalize nervous system function. This is an important component of overall good health.

The benefits of chiropractic care may also be noticed during delivery. Many chiropractic patients report that their deliveries were faster and more comfortable than their deliveries prior to chiropractic care!

Modifications to the table or adjusting techniques are made during each stage of pregnancy. Your chiropractor is a specialist in the location, reduction and stabilization of the vertebral subluxation complex, which can be related to many of the comfortable symptoms associated with pregnancy and labor. Pamper yourself and your baby with regular chiropractic checkups.

Children naturally enjoy their chiropractic adjustments.

•  Chiropractic care can benefit the developing baby and help reduce the complications of labor.

•  Spinal malfunctions caused by falls from learning to walk, can often be helped with chiropractic care. (Insert picture of baby trying to walk)

•  Contact sports or repeated one-side activities can interfere with proper growth during rapid stages of spinal development. (Picture of little league Football)

•  Regular chiropractic checkups are especially beneficial as head support and natural spinal curves are established.

Children can benefit from chiropractic care before they are born, by having a mother who receives prenatal chiropractic checkups. A healthy diet, proper exercise, a stress free environment, and a chiropractic lifestyle help prepare for a happy, healthy baby.

The birth process may be one of the most traumatic events of our lives. Even s0-called natural birthing methods can stress a still developing spine. The resulting irritation to the nervous system can be the cause of many newborn health complaints. Colic, unexplained crying, poor appetite, breathing problems, and allergic reactions can often be traced to nervous system dysfunction caused by a malfunctioning spine.

Head support, followed by crawling, and a baby's first few steps should be followed by chiropractic checkups. If neglected, the bumps and falls during this period of rapid growth may lead to serious spinal deformities later in life. This can set the stage for scoliosis, growing pains, and weakened immune systems response.

Chiropractic adjusting techniques are modified to fit a child's size, weight, and unique spinal problem. Parents often report that their children seem healthier than other kids their age.

Many spinal problems seen in adults begin in childhood. Proper spinal hygiene is an important key to better health. Do you know a child who could benefit from chiropractic care?

The general population is going to chiropractors in record numbers. Seniors, the fastest segment of the population is no exception.

According to a recent August 24 th 1999 article in USA Today, more than 80% of seniors age 65 or greater are aware of what the article termed alternative medicine. This awareness has lead to a fairly fast growing utilization of these services. The breakdown for usage of chiropractic and other non-medical health care is as follows:

Chiropractic lead the way with a utilization of 32%, second was massage therapy at 16%, followed by acupuncture 9%, homeopathy at 4%, naturopathy 3% and Chinese medicine 3%.

A recent study published in Topics in Clinical Chiropractic of a randomized clinical trial showed data that found chiropractic geriatric patients were "less likely to have been hospitalized, less likely to have used a nursing home, more likely to report a better health status, more likely to exercise vigorously, and more likely to be mobile in the community."

•  Good nutrition, exercise, chiropractic care, and other preventive measures are part of a wellness lifestyle.

•  The pleasant result of chiropractic care is often more vitality and endurance. (pic of seniors)

•  While chiropractic care can help with the integrity or your nervous system, remember the emotional and spiritual aspects of true wellness

•  Specific chiropractic adjustments help the nervous system function at it's best.

•  Wellness care id for those who want to be their very best.

Why you need chiropractic care when you're not in pain.

A wellness approach to better health means adopting a variety of healthy habits for optimum function on all levels-physical, mental, social, and spiritual.

Because of its focus on the nervous system chiropractic care can be an important part of wellness lifestyle. The nervous system controls the function of virtually every aspect of our lives. Maintaining a properly functioning nervous system is essential if you want to be your very best.

Few things as complicated as your body can be fixed and then ignored. That's why your chiropractic doctor may recommend a schedule of regular chiropractic checkups. Like maintaining your teeth, your car, your family, your faith, maintaining the integrity of your nervous system requires an ongoing investment.

Those who want to be their very best, add regular chiropractic care to their other health practices. The pleasant result is often more vitality, endurance, and the capacity to enjoy life to its fullest.

•  The lumbar spine is the most frequently injured area of the spine.

•  Sports injuries among youngsters are often ignored as growing pains. Regular chiropractic checkups can help avoid problems seen later in adults.

•  Help prevent sports injuries by proper stretching, warm-up and cool-down exercises, and by staying fit.

•  Proper spinal function is essential for peak performance at work or play.

Problems can start with the spine and affect the extremities, or they can begin with an extremity, like a knee or an ankle and then create further compensation problems in the spine. Either way, many sports-related injuries involve the spine.

Spinal injuries can restrict range of motion reduce strength, slow reflexes, shorten endurance, and decrease performance. Chiropractic care for these types of injuries has become increasingly popular. Professional sports teams, Olympic trainers, and competitive athletes are employing chiropractic doctors because they demand results.

Chiropractic care helps restore function to spinal joints that are fixated and not moving properly. Besides helping to relieve pain, chiropractic care can also help reduce inflammation. Muscles, tendons and ligaments depend upon proper joint movement for peak performance. Injuries to these tissues can reduce range of motion, decrease blood supply, and literally take you out of the game.

Normalizing spinal function helps speed the healing of these soft tissues and reduce the deconditioning effect of being on the sidelines.

An aerobic exercise program or a plan of brisk walking can improve muscle tone and help you recover from strains, sprains and other activity-restricting health problems.

Whether you golf, play tennis, bicycle, or bowl, the best treatment for sports injuries is prevention!

Ask your Doctor chiropractic for a care plan based on you age, condition, and health objectives. Find out if chiropractic care can help restore your health, improve your performance, and increase you competitive edge.

•  The impaired function of the elbow and other extremity joints of the body can often be helped with proper joint mobilization.

•  Joint damage from repetitive motion can often be helped with chiropractic care, avoiding braces, drugs, or surgery.

•  The active lifestyle most retiree's look forward to depends upon proper mobility of the spine.

•  A detailed history and through examination will be performed.

Joint of body can lose their normal motion and position leading to symptoms of pain, swelling and loss of function.

Many people are surprised to learn that joint pain in the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, ankle, or knee can often be helped by chiropractic care.

When joint function is impaired, there is reduced range of motion, inflammation, calcium build up, and scar tissue.

This can be caused from repetitive motions, improper sitting, over exertion, slips falls, accidents, and other causes. Awareness of these types of problems has become more common with the terms like tennis elbow, runners knee, frozen shoulder, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The traditional treatment of these problems can involve splinting the joint to reduce movement, pain medication, muscle relaxers, steroid injection, and even surgery.

What else can be done?

Today, a more common sense approach is being taken. Joint mobilization, like chiropractic care for the spine, is being used in the care of elbows, wrist, and other joints of the body. Helping to restore normal range of motion to joints that have become locked-up, jammed, or injured, seems to improve blood circulation, reduce scar tissue, and speed the healing process.

Your Doctor of Chiropractic is uniquely trained to detect and help restore proper joint function of the spine and the extremities. Find out if you can be helped, by arranging for a consultation and thorough examination today!

• When spinal function improves, your symptoms usually improve too.

• The victim of a heart attack is suffering from ill health long before the first symptom. Same with the Vertebral-Subluxation Complex.

• Covering up the symptoms with medication can ignore the underlying cause and delay the healing process.

• Allergic reactions aren't the result of a lack of antihistamine medicine, but a lack of your body's ability to adapt to some irritant.

Headaches are not normal. Backaches are not normal. Numbness and tingling are not normal. These and countless other symptoms that prompt people to consult a chiropractic office are often the result of years of neglect.

Chiropractic doctors find the underlying cause(s) of your ache or pain, and help correct it.

Many patients are surprised when they discover chiropractic doctors don't treat symptoms. A traditional medical approach works on symptoms by using drugs or surgery to numb, slow down, speed up, or cut out the malfunctioning body part. Instead, chiropractic doctors find the underlying cause(s) of your ache or pain, and correct it. This improves symptoms naturally.

Judging your health by how you feel can be dangerous! The first symptom of high blood pressure is often a deadly stroke. The first symptom of heart disease could be a fatal heart attack! Because your body is so adaptive, by the time many symptoms warn you of a problem, it can be well advanced.

You can be healthy and still not feel well. Vomiting after eating improperly prepared food is a healthy response. Taking a drug to prevent your body from expelling the toxic food could be deadly! Fevers, diarrhea, and other symptoms are natural ways your body responds to infection and disease. Proper function, controlled by your nervous system, is the key to health. Fortunately, the proper function of your nervous system is the primary interest of your chiropractic doctor.

• Many people are reluctant to try something new like chiropractic. You encouragement could be their first step towards their recovery.

• The biggest secret is how helpful chiropractic can be for youngsters, helping avoid so-called normal childhood health problems.

• Who do you know that can benefit form chiropractic care?

• This office depends upon informed patients like you to tell others how well chiropractic care works.

As you regain your health, we're counting on you to tell others about chiropractic experience so we can help them in the same way we're helping you.

The best way to thank your doctor is by sharing your story with others.

When you tell a friend about chiropractic, you offer encouragement. When you tell a work associate about chiropractic, you after direction. When you tell a loved one about chiropractic, you offer hope.

Encouragement. Direction. Hope. Each is a part of the healing process. So when you tell others about the positive experience you've had in this office, you're using some of the same methods the best doctors used to promote the healing process.

This office depends upon informed patients to share the chiropractic message with others. We're counting on you to dispel the myths and overcome the incorrect notions many of your friends may have about chiropractic care.

If we can help, we will tell them. If their problem is outsidet eh scope of our practice, we will refer them to other specialists.

A doctor is blessed by being a witness to each patient's return to health. You can experience the same joy by referring others.

Together, we make a great team.

Here is the truth about chiropractic:

• Today, chiropractic doctors get about the same number of college classroom hours as medical practitioners.

• Today, contemporary chiropractic is based on scientific data and documented research.

• With today's high-tech diagnostic imaging, chiropractic results are becoming more scientific and precise every day.

• Like regular eye examinations, many patients decide to continue with some form of regular preventative or wellness chiropractic care.

• Chiropractic is so safe even newborns receive adjustments.

Like other types of doctors, chiropractors meet stringent licensing requirements, follow a strict code of ethics, and are approved by government agencies.

Chiropractic is scientific. Specific technique protocols are used to locate malfunctioning areas of the spine. As sophisticated diagnostic equipment becomes more available, researchers are affirming what chiropractic doctors have know all along chiropractic woks!

Chiropractic adjustments make sense. Like lifting a heavy rock off your toe, most patients report their chiropractic adjustments feel good. When the bones of the spine return to a more normal motion and position, nervous system function can be restored; symptoms relieved, and the natural healing process can proceed.

Chiropractic is safe. Safer that back surgery, muscle relaxers, aspirin or ibuprofen. Even newborns and children can receive chiropractic care.

Continue as long as you want. Like regular dental checkups, once patient experience the value of chiropractic, many choose to continue. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

The truth is, chiropractic is a conservative, drug-free approach to better health that has helped millions of people since 1895.

Find out for your self.

• Vertebral- [Ver-te-bral] Concerning the vertebral bones of the spine.

• Subluxation- [Sub-lux-a-tion] Less than a complete dislocation of a joint with nervous system interference.

• Complex- [Com-plex] More than one part.

Vertebral Subluxation Complex is the underlying cause of many health problems.

A subluxation, or the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, is a serious condition identified by its five parts:

1. Abnormal motion or position of spinal bones: (Spinal Kinesiopathology) The bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. This can restrict your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
2. Abnormal nervous system function: (Neuropathology) improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nervous system dysfunction can cause symptoms else where in the body.
3. Abnormal muscle function: (Myopathology) Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue can change muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
4. Abnormal soft tissue function: (Histopathology) A rise in temperature from an increase in blood or lymph supply can result in swelling and inflammation. Disc can bulge, herniated, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
5. Abnormal function of the spine and body: (Pathophysiology) Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to fall.