How a Chiropractor Can Help Your Back Pain

People visit the chiropractic office for a wide array of reasons, from asthma to injury.  Perhaps one of the most common, or at least well known, reasons for those chiropractic visits is back pain.  And studies show it works: In a survey conducted by Consumer Reports, a whopping sixty-five percent of all people receiving chiropractic care for back pain claimed they experienced “a lot” of relief from their treatment.  If you are considering a visit to the chiropractor for your own discomfort, here is a guide to how a chiropractor can help your back pain:

Preparing for the treatment plan.

Before a chiropractor will work on your back, a lot of care must go into understanding the cause of your back pain, the current condition of your overall health, and the best way to treat your discomfort.  To create a treatment plan suited especially to your specific needs, you will first have to provide the chiropractor with a detailed medical history, and then you will have to submit to a comprehensive health examination.  If need be, the chiropractor may even refer you for further lab tests or X-Rays before treating you.

Goals of the treatment plan.

Of course, the immediate goal is to relieve your back pain.  However, chiropractors are also concerned with maintaining the positive benefits of your chiropractic care long after you experience pain relief.  Specific goals are to keep the pain at bay for good, and as well to prevent any further injury that can cause even more, or different types of, pain.

What does the treatment plan involve?

The severity and nature of your back pain will determine how frequently you may visit the chiropractor.  Once you have established a good base line, you will go into the chiropractor’s office on a regular basis for spinal manipulation.  During the vertebral alignment process, the chiropractor will adjust your spine using a variety of manual methods.  Many chiropractors also offer deep tissue massage and acupuncture as therapeutic solutions for back pain.  Additionally, chiropractors often use a well-rounded approach to treating your condition, including nutritional counseling and guidance for exercises/activities you may do on your own to help ease the pain.

How does chiropractic care work?

When a chiropractor manipulates the spine to achieve vertebral alignment, it frees up space between the discs in the vertebrae, which may be cramped due to bulging/herniated discs and/or the swelling in the surrounding tissue.  When the discs are properly spaced, tension and pressure between them is often reduced, allowing nerves to communicate more effectively with the rest of the nervous system (and to stop sending those pain signals!).

If you have back pain, you owe it to yourself to explore the possibility of seeking treatment from a chiropractor.  Consider these points when determining how chiropractic care may be of help to you.

Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.

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What is Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation?

If you are experiencing any of a number of common physical ailments, then it is likely your doctor will at some point refer you to a chiropractor for therapeutic treatment. After your initial evaluation at a chiropractic office, the chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan for your condition, which will include regular in-office sessions. These sessions may include things like deep tissue massage, acupuncture, traction, and/or cold laser . . . but they will always include spinal manipulation, because spinal manipulation is the hallmark of chiropractic care. So, exactly what is spinal manipulation, and is it as scary as it sounds? If you are facing the prospect of seeing a chiropractor, then these spinal manipulation basics can help set your mind at ease:

Did you realize that good chiropractic care can boost your body’s immunity? This will boost your physical ability to ward off infections and disease.

TIP! There are quite a lot of good reasons why a chiropractor. If you have pain in your back or neck that is debilitating and ongoing, you need to see a chiropractor.

Origins of spinal manipulation.

The process of manipulating the spine for proper alignment can be traced back to the beginning of recorded history. Ancient Egyptian and Chinese texts outline techniques they used to keep the spine in proper form, and even the ancient Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates touted the positive effects and importance of spinal manipulation in his texts, saying that the spine is associated with many common health ailments. Spinal manipulation was introduced to the American mainstream in 1895 by Doctor Daniel David Palmer. Since that time, its popularity has spread to global proportion.

Ask your chiropractor if the office allows for multiple visits. Chiropractic care often implies a number of visits. You may need to go a couple of times per week for months to come. It can become costly.The doctor’s office may be able to give you a discount if you visit a lot so things don’t cost you so much money.

Spinal manipulation techniques.

High velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust is the most common type of spinal manipulation technique. HVLA thrust involves placing pressure on a specific area of the body with the intent of providing a therapeutic effect, and it can be done in a variety of ways. Other spinal manipulation techniques (which may or may not involve HVLA thrust) include the toggle drop, the lumbar roll, release work, and table adjustments. The truth is, ten different patients may be able to describe ten completely different types of care they received at the chiropractic office. Additionally, chiropractors may opt to use instruments to achieve spinal adjustments, and may even put the patient under general anesthesia for more complicated sessions.

A cervical pillow or roll up a towel and position it beneath your neck when you sleep can really help. They will let your head drop back instead of normal pillows pushing your head being pushed forward.

TIP! Is your blood pressure something you are facing? Studies have proven that chiropractic care can help lower blood pressure medications. When the vertebrae are manipulated, the vertebrae’s nerve supply helps free up the heart to properly regulate blood pressure.

How spinal manipulation works.

The purpose of spinal manipulation is to properly align the vertebrae in a way that frees up space between the spine’s discs. When there is ample space between the discs, irritation and swelling may go down and, in turn, the nerves encased in the spine receive less pressure (which they register as pain) and are better able to communicate effectively with the body’s nervous system.

Don’t carry your wallet within your back pocket. Many men put a wallet in the back pockets because they do not know it can hurt your lower back. Carry it in a front pocket.

As you can see, spinal manipulation is nothing to be afraid of. It may be unfamiliar to you, but it is an ages-old technique that is time-proven to provide effective results.

Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.

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5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Chiropractor

Not all chiropractors are created equal, and the health of your spinal column is a really big deal. Don’t make the mistake of choosing the first chiropractor in the phone book, or of not doing ample research before deciding on which professional you will allow to adjust and align your spine. Instead, keep in mind these five things to look for when choosing a chiropractor:

Are you aware that chiropractic care can help make your immune system? This blood flow increases your physical ability to fight off infections and disease.

TIP! Make sure you are getting up out of bed properly. Getting out of bed this manner cuts down your odds of sustaining a spinal injury happening.

Referrals and recommendations.

Roughly six to twelve percent of the population is receiving regular chiropractic care at any given time. That means it should be easy to find these people and ask them how they feel about the chiropractors you are considering. Ask potential chiropractors if they can refer you to speak with any of their satisfied patients; Reputable chiropractors will be able to point you to a few. You may also ask your family doctor, friends, and family for recommendations and work from that list.

There are many benefits to seeing a person ought to visit a chiropractor. If you suffer from persistent pain in your back or neck, you need to see a chiropractor. Your body will work better if your skeletal system is aligned.

TIP! Ask your chiropractor if there are frequency discounts in their office. Chiropractic care often implies a series of visits.

Reasonable costs.

Sure, chiropractors may charge differently for different services, and you should not ever choose a chiropractor based solely on affordability. You need to determine what your goals are and be sure that the doctor understands them.  Some chiropractors will focus only on reducing pain while others may focus on multiple things such as how improved nutrition or exercise can impact your care.

TIP! A cervical pillow or roll up a towel and position it beneath your neck as you sleep can really help. They will let your head drop back instead of normal pillows pushing your head forward.

Chiropractic techniques.

Different chiropractors use different techniques, and you need to choose one who uses techniques you can be comfortable with. For example, some chiropractors work solely with their hands while others may use various instruments.  There are 3 pillars of chiropractic: science, philosophy and art.  Just as there are usually many different ways to drive to a destination, there are many different ways your chiropractor can help you regain your health.  Most chiropractors will give you choices of techniques so if you are uncomfortable with a particular method let your doctor know.

TIP! Don’t carry your wallet in a back pocket of your pants. Doing this can actually cause unusual levels of strain in the lower back.

A well-rounded approach.

The goal of any competent, reputable chiropractor will be to get you well, and as soon as possible. That naturally means fostering your care from a variety of angles. If a chiropractor seems unwilling to work with other professionals involved in your health care, and closed off to the idea of you supplementing your treatment with other healthful activities, then you should find another chiropractor.

Strong working relationships.

Good chiropractors work with other professionals in the health field to keep up on industry changes, as well as to maintain important connections that could better the treatment of their patients. As previously mentioned, this quality is best proven by positive referrals from other doctors, therapists, and healthcare practitioners.

Meet the chiropractor before you schedule an appointment. A good chiropractor can change the way that you live. A bad chiropractor can make your pain symptoms even worse. Make sure you find one that you can trust them. Be sure you talk with a chiropractor before scheduling treatment.

TIP! The cost and minor inconvenience are worth it to be sure that you receive the best possible care is to have a complete exam performed. Don’t let your chiropractor has studied all your x-rays and any other appropriate tests.

Choosing a good chiropractor isn’t all that difficult, as long as you are willing to do some research and some legwork. Use these tips as a starting point when sizing up your options.

Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.

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Easy Steps To Eliminate Your Back Pain

Does a painful moan come out of your mouth often when you get up from a chair?

Back pain can make a serious negative impact on your quality of life if you need to have the right information to handle it. This article provides the information you are doing all you can to treat and manage your back pain.

Find a good mattress to avoid aggravating your back pain.

It is a well known fact that very soft mattresses are bad for backs. While firm mattresses are always better, take care that a mattress is not too firm, as this will cause back pain also. You might have to check out numerous stores and try laying on different mattress sets until you find one that feels like it will help your ideal mattress.

For instance, the greater flexibility offered by yoga can help you to prevent unnecessary muscle strains. If you have to do a lot of heavy lifting, focus on strength training for your core muscles to fortify them.

To determine your back pain’s severity and to avoid worsening the injury, it is a good idea to take it easy for a couple of days after the onset of the pain. If the back pain subsides in a short time, then you can assume the injury was minor. When your pain does not go away or gets significantly worse, you should consult your care provider or a chiropractor to discover the cause and treat it. Resting more than two days is counterproductive because of muscle atrophy, and it may even make the problem worse due to back muscle atrophy.

Lay down and lift your knees at a 90 degree angle to your hips.

This comfortable position will decrease the stress your back. If this position feels uncomfortable to you, try experimenting with different positions to find one that works for you.

Lifting items that are far from you is usually a result of laziness and/or impatience. People attempt to do this daily. You have to ensure you move physically closer to far away objects, and take the time to do things the right way.

The fastest way to accomplish this is to lay down and putting heat to the tense muscles. It will also be a good idea to drink lots of fluids and reduce your sodium intake while you are in pain. This is because dehydration can either cause or worsen muscle spasms.

If you are having back pain, consult your physician for a diagnosis.

There are tons of both prescription and non-prescription medications that help with back pain. It is crucial that you consult a physician before you make any decisions on which medications to take. Sometimes you can get relief from non-prescription medicine, and sometimes it is necessary for other prescribed medications; even treatment with a dose of painkillers.

Back surgery might be a consideration if your doctor in cases of severe back pain. Surgery should only be used as a last resort if all other options have been unsuccessful.

Some back injuries can be so severe that they cause paralysis, but it’s dependent upon how extreme it is and the situation. There are also other back conditions that can only be fixed with surgery.

Make sure that you are sitting up straight.

Bad posture tends to put unnecessary strain on your spine and spine. If you have to sit for long periods of time for work or other reasons, have a supportive, comfortable chair to sit in. Sitting on an exercise balls can help you improve your posture and keep your back.

Be aware of your posture throughout the day and night.

Your back should be straight, your elbows should be at your sides, with one in front of the other and as you type, keep your elbows by your sides.

Visit your local natural foods or nutrition store to see if they carry good back pain. Different types of stores and specialists will recommend different types of items. Ask someone that is working there what they recommend for back pain.

Smoking can be a cause of back pain. Smoking affects circulation and contributes to the degeneration of your spinal discs by reducing blood flow.

You can easily spread your weight evenly by sleeping on your side to sleep.

If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time, bringing in a foot stool can minimize the amount of back pain you feel over the course of a day. Just raising your feet up at the onset of back pain. The elevation should work to eliminate your pain before it becomes a big problem.

Physical Therapy from a Professional

Physical therapy from a professional can be a very effective method to reduce back pain, although it can be costly if your insurance doesn’t cover it.If your doctor doesn’t have a referral for you, they will at least direct you to the right place. It can be a bit costly, but a medical professional can give you the best care for your back pain.

Although you want to avoid excessive alcohol consumption for your back health, consuming a glass of wine can help give you some back pain relief. Wine will help your muscles relax, but only when moderately consumed. This may be a great way to help you temporarily relieve back when it is hurt.

It is important to have proper lower back support whenever you are seated at the office. If the lumbar region of your back (where it curves) isn’t supported, a lot of back pain can result. Try placing a pillow behind this region for better support.

Include more of the vitamin B12 into your daily diet.

A deficiency in this type of B12 has been known to cause back pain for some people. You can eliminate back pain by eating foods that are high in many vegetables.

As mentioned earlier, being properly informed is essential in managing a serious issue like back pain in an appropriate manner. Use the information laid out here to make informed choices on how to best handle your back pain, or the back pain of someone you love.

Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.

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Chiropractic Care Basics

It’s likely you know at least one or two people who make regular visits to a chiropractor, and it’s also likely these people swear by the benefits of chiropractic care. So, what is chiropractic care all about? And, more importantly, is it right for you? Here are chiropractic care basics to help answer your questions:

Pay attention to the way your sleep position can lessen back problems. Put a pillow so that it is under your head and shoulders. Place a rolled up towel beneath your neck and knees to maintain the natural curve of your body’s main three curves stabilized. You should also have a more comfortable mattress.

TIP! You should not expect one treatment at the chiropractor to solve all your back problems. You may feel a great sense of relief at first, but you can only really heal your problem if you continue to see a chiropractor.

Who gets chiropractic care?

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Anyone may go to a chiropractor for treatment, regardless of age, and for a wide variety of reasons. People with back pain often seek the treatment of a chiropractor, but so do people with asthma, headaches, diabetes, allergies, stomach ulcers, and many other common ailments. If you think chiropractic care might be a good solution for you, then it never hurts to schedule a consultation.

Ask your regular physician if they can refer you doctor to recommend a quality chiropractor. Even if you don’t need a referral, your doctor can suggest a good chiropractor.

TIP! Choose a chiropractor that answers your questions.  If you’re not sure who you should trust… ask your friends and family who they see!

What can you expect at the chiropractic office?

Any chiropractic session includes an alignment of the vertebrae. This is where the chiropractor works the muscles around the spinal column, as well as the positioning of your back and joints, in order to correctly align all of your discs, relieving pain and pressure in the process. It is not unusual to experience some soreness after the alignment, which will subside with time. Additionally, many chiropractors offer extra therapeutic services in their office for the treatment of back discomfort and stiffness. These include deep tissue massage and acupuncture.

TIP! You can use a cervical pillow for neck support when sleeping. They let your head drop back instead of normal pillows pushing your head being pushed forward.

How does chiropractic care work?

When the chiropractor aligns your spine, the goal is to free up ample space in between your vertebrae for optimal nerve conduction. By alleviating the pressure on your spinal cord, often caused by swelling and/or bulging or herniated discs, the nerves are able to communicate effectively with the rest of the nervous system. This can relieve many common health conditions, many of which have nothing to do with the back, itself.

Don’t carry your wallet in your pants’ back pocket. Many men put a wallet in back pockets because they do not know it can harm their lower back. Carry your wallet in a front pocket.

TIP! While your primary care physician knows a lot about your body, their understanding about other therapies can be limited.  Chiropractors have substantial education to determine whether or not chiropractic care will benefit your case. Don’t hesitate to go to the chiropractor first.  They will refer you out to another specialist if and when it’s necessary.

How much does chiropractic treatment cost?

Read more HERE.

Foot Levelers Orthotics Fit Your Lifestyle

 

Functional Orthotics like Foot Levelers support all three arches in the feet, thereby creating a stable foundation upon which to build proper body posture. Each pair is individually designed to stabilize the spine and pelvis by correcting the specific imbalances in the feet.

We emphasize individually designed, because that is exactly what they are. You will not find two people with the exact same pair, just as you will not find two people with the exact same lifestyle.

Foot Levelers strives to meet the demands of our patients’ different lifestyles. We want to accommodate and provide quality Functional Orthotics that keep up with their day-to-day routine. We are certain that we have the right fit for you; whether they’re worn to the gym, the office, or the golf course, Foot Levelers is there every step of the way.

Especially for:

Athletes

Enhance Athletes’ Performance

Every sport requires perfect balance, and Functional Orthotics provide the best balanced foundation for your body. Athletes wearing our orthotics have a lower risk of injuries ranging from Turf Toe to broken bones. A common injury that can help be prevented is sprained ankle because of the support Functional Orthotics provide.

What our orthotics can do for the athlete:

• Proven to increase vertical leap
• Research shows that people have increased strength
• Athletic shoes, alone, do not provide enough protection against the tons of pressure being exerted on the feet while running
• Once arches in your feet are compromised, there is no way to restore them
• Professional athletes purchase and wear our Functional Orthotics to enhance their performance

Children

Help Children Grow Stronger

It is important that children’s feet be supported and in balance. Most children grow up with flat arches and need corrective support to relieve pain. Functional Orthotics that slip into a child’s shoes help support the feet in a balanced, stable position. Due to the rapid pace of children’s overall growth, it is essential to keep them in properly fitted Functional Orthotics and shoes.

What our orthotics can do for children:

• Help prevent misalignments of the spine which affects a child’s nervous system
• Allows child to go through correct gait cycle as they develop
• Provides the child with comfort and support while enhancing the effectiveness of adjustments
• Help protect the child’s growing body and improve their overall health

Businessmen/women

Provide Support During Business Hours

Whether you’re sitting at a desk all day or spending a majority of time on your feet, Functional Orthotics can benefit you.  Generally, business style shoes for men are tight and provide little, if any, support. Professional women often complain of knee and foot pain from the high heels or tight fitting shoes they choose to wear.

What our orthotics can do for you:

Read more HERE.