Health First Research

San Diego Chiropractor

As a San Diego Chiropractor, I counsel many individuals who come to my clinic who want to lose weight. I know how hard it can be, and I also know how important it is to lose those extra pounds. Have you been telling yourself that an extra pound or two doesn’t matter? Over the years, they can add up to a large number of health challenges from heart and pulmonary diseases and diabetes to back pain and joint degeneration. Extra pounds put harmful stress on organs, like the heart, and on joints in the low back, hips, and knees. Over half (62%) of American adults are overweight or obese, according to recent studies. That is a substantial percentage and an enormous problem (no pun intended).

Though it is able to compensate to some degree the human body has not evolved to schlepp around excess weight in the form of body fat. Just 20 or 30 extra pounds can, in point of fact, overload and encumber the musculoskeletal system. Excess weight in the belly, for example, requires that the body compensate (counterbalance the weight) by tilting the pelvis forward. This angle produces compression in the joints of the low back. Painful inflammation results as this joint compression restricts nerve activity. A larger percentage of men and women that have a heavy midsectionexperience low back pain caused by  an impingement of the sciatic nerve or misalignments of the spinal column that constrict nerves due to weight-bearing stresses. If ignored, misaligned vertebra not only persist in irritating the degenerative changes that have taken place already, but can produce new arthritic changes in the spine in the future.

How can chiropractic help? To begin with the obvious, a “normal” body weight is required in order for the musculoskeletal system to function in the way it is designed to. That said, in addition, chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve impingements in the spine and assist in getting movement back into the joints of the musculoskeletal system, especially in the low back, hips, and knees. And, of course exercise and physical activity are a lot easier, and more beneficial for the body, when the spine is in alignment and the joints have good motion. The added benefit of exercise the, in addition to helping with weight reduction, it can actually reduce degenerative changes as over the years.

Healthcare professionals, like your chiropractor, can talk to you about your diet and exercise options. In addition to helping men and women suffering from back pain and joint inflammation, chiropractors can provide proficient advice on the particular lifestyle modifications that can help a person to stay healthier, more vital, and more active through the years. Arthritis and immobility due to aging don’t have to be inevitable. The structure of the human body is intended to carry a person through an entire lifetime of pain-free movement.

So, if those extra few pounds have started to add up to a lot of pain, as your chiropractor in San Diego and someone who cares deeply about your overall health, I can help. Make an appointment today!

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Arthritis is generally confusing to most people.When some people hear this word they anticipate a future with crippled and twisted joints.  But, many conditions from benign to severe are filed under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will limit this discussion to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

The most common form of arthritis has many names: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the breakdown of the cartilage that protects the joint surfaces. Degenerative changes in the joint happens when joint cartilage is damaged and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is usually preserved by the cartilage. Now and then, osteophytes, or bone spurs, can ensue when the bone around the joint increases quickly. Bone spurs create painful inflammation to other tissues adjacent to the joint exacerbating the already grievous condition. 

As a rule areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, particularly in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, the hips and the fingers. Everyone may experience DJD at one point in their lives, though previous trauma, ones occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity affect the degree of the condition and its onset.

Pain and/or stiffness in the affected joints are primary indicators of DJD. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, ones mobility can be affected especially in the more advanced stages of the condition.  In some cases, if the joint is measurably worn and the person can no longer walk without severe pain, the joints are surgically replaced with synthetic devices. Of course, one should try to manage the condition early on in ones life to avoid the need for surgery.

Prevention is invariably the best option, beginning at an early age.

• Making sure that all injuries to joints are properly treated will help to avoid future problems.
• People involved in occupations that require standing or walking should wear proper shoes that offer good support and shock absorption.
• Excess body weight can produce increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.

• Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and produce knee pain.

• The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provided by fruits and vegetables are crucial for healthy joints and a healthy body.

Recently there have been some studies that reveal that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and can possibly help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over time and does not work in all conditions.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only a smart idea, but an efficient treatment for arthritis, and can aid in the restoration of proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your Chicago chiropractor has many of years of expertise in helping people with arthritis pain. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is required to stabilize the joint and relieve pain. Movement is vital to the maintenance of arthritic joints. A chiropractor often suggests gentle, mobilizing activities such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial.

Gout

Gouty arthritis is caused by increased levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by severe pain and swelling. A large number of people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Particular foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms contain the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, the buildup in the bloodstream creates joint problems. In addition to the foods described and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions must be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is systemic in nature and thought to be created by immune system dysfunction. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, though other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is generally associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Frequently people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily identified through particularized blood tests. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic manipulations. In addition, joint mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy and massage can help with the pain and stiffness associated the condition. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to assisting sufferers in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

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