Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention

The best way to deal with carpal tunnel syndrome is never to get it in the first place. If you are worried that your career could be putting you at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome then you will want to implement these five prevention techniques.

Let's start with something simple. Take breaks at work. If you start to feel a strain in your wrist, arm, or even in your neck (the nerve pain is related) just take a few minutes to stretch. If you have some wrist exercises, this is the time to do them. Trust me, your boss would rather pay for your two minutes of stretching than have to deal with you being out for weeks due to a surgery.

Posture is another key. Again, nerve pain in your wrist can be a sign of back and neck issues. Sitting Up straight also puts you in a better position to use the keyboard or mouse.

An ergonomic keyboard can make a world of difference. For some, it takes a while to get used to typing on the different setup, but it's certainly better than not being able to type at all due to an injury.

The vertical mouse is another invention designed to keep the wrist held at the correct angle for maximum comfort.

Finally, you can wear a wrist brace. Just don't forget to take it off when you go into that big sales meeting.

With a few acts of prevention, you can avoid the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Let’s review those five ways:

1.       take frequent breaks

2.       maintain proper head, neck and arm posture

3.       ergonomic keyboard

4.       vertical mouse

5.       wrist brace if necessary

What to Do If You Are Already Developing Symptoms

If you are already beginning to develop numbness, tingling, or pain in your arm, wrist or hand then it’s time that you have a thorough evaluation of your posture, and nerves. An upper cervical chiropractor is uniquely skilled to evaluate and help correct, postural and nerve problems that are commonly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you are not familiar with upper cervical chiropractic is a gentle, precise and effective approach that does not require any of the popping, cracking or twisting of the spine associated with general chiropractic manipulation. To find an upper cervical chiropractor in your area go to www.upcspine.com or if you are in the San Diego, California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.

Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.

Dr. Dan Spinato of the San Diego Integrative Spine Center in San Diego, California is a Rancho Penasquitos Chiropractor and an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 30 years, Dr. Spinato has helped many people find natural relief in San Diego, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Valley, Poway, Scripps Ranch and Rancho Bernardo. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, allergy and sinus problems and temporomandibular joint disorders. More information can be found on his website at http://www.sdispinecenter.com/resources/conditions-treated-at-sdi/headaches/

Allergies 

Upper Cervical Chiropractic care doesn’t treat allergies. So, why do so many people with allergies mention that they see improvement by receiving care in our practice?

It’s Not the Pollen

There are many signs of an allergic reaction. Itchy eyes. Runny nose. Sneezing. Skin rash. More serious reactions can include constricted air passageways, vomiting and even death. All this from a handful of peanuts, an encounter with a cat or microscopic grains of pollen in the air!

Allergen Fear?

Your body inappropriately perceives the allergen as a threat.

If everyone reacted to these common substances, we could fix the blame squarely on the nut, dander, shellfish or pollen. But not everyone reacts.

What is it?

Inappropriate Threat

Your nervous system is the master system that orchestrates your immune system, glandular system, respiratory system and every other system that reacts inappropriately to an allergen. Normally, these systems help you respond and adapt to the world around you. But suffering from uncontrollable sneezing around a house cat is probably an inappropriate reaction.

If your nervous system isn’t working right, you don’t work right. So, rather than direct our attention to the countless potential allergens, we locate and reduce the disturbances we find to your nervous system.

A Full Bucket

Each of us was born with the capacity to withstand or adapt to stress. If we’re unable to deal with things we eat, breathe or come into contact with it may be because our margin to adapt is used up.

Pretend that this bucket represents your capacity to adapt to the physical, emotional and chemical stresses of life. Every stressful encounter your body faces, fills up your bucket. If your bucket is already full and you encounter pollen, foods or other chemicals, your bucket overflows.

When that happens, people say they’re having an allergic reaction. But what they’re really saying is, “I’ve lost my ability to adapt. My margin is used up.”

Upper Cervical Chiropractic: Nervous System

So, we don’t treat allergies. We look for ways to restore your ability to adapt to allergens by locating and reducing disturbances to your nervous system. Simple, really.

Who do you know that isn't adapting to the stressors in their life?  Allergies?  Chronic Pain?  Sinus problems? 

Get on the path to better health today through Upper Cervical Chiropractic!!!

To schedule your Allergy Evaluation, click here.

Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.

Dr. Dan Spinato of the San Diego Integrative Spine Center in San Diego, California is a Rancho Penasquitos Chiropractor and an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 30 years, Dr. Spinato has helped many people find natural relief in San Diego, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Valley, Poway, Scripps Ranch and Rancho Bernardo. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, allergy and sinus problems and temporomandibular joint disorders. More information can be found on his website at http://www.sdispinecenter.com/resources/conditions-treated-at-sdi/headaches/

Two Types of Vertigo

Do you ever stand still and wonder why everything else around you is moving? You might be experiencing a sensation called Vertigo. An example of this is what happens when you spun around when you were a kid and got dizzy. That's self-induced vertigo, but there are episodes of this disorder that occur because of serious internal problems.

Causes of Vertigo

If you suffer from this disorder, it's either peripheral or central. If the cause is in your brain or spine, then it's central. But if the cause is in your inner ear or the nerves that go to the inner ear, then it's peripheral.

Of course, you can't just experience an episode and then know whether it's one type or the other. That's why we'll give you a list of questions to answer that will help you know more about the Vertigo you suffer from.

·      Have you ever had a head injury?

·      Have you ever had a stroke?

·      Are you a smoker?

·      Do you drink alcohol?

·      Do you have a tumor?

·      Do you suffer from Basiler Artery Migraines?

·      Do you take blood pressure or anti-seizure medicine?

·      Do you suffer from Basiler Artery Migraines?

·      Do you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or Diabetes?

·      Do you have Multiple Sclerosis?

·      Do you take antidepressants or aspirin?

The Upper Cervical Solution

Did you answer yes to any of those questions? If you did, and you suffer from Vertigo, there is a very good chance your episodes are due to a problem with your inner ear. You should note that even if you can answer yes to any of the above, there still may not be a correlation with your inner ear.

Though, there is a way you can find out for certain whether you suffer from central or peripheral Vertigo. It will mean entrusting your health into the care of an upper cervical chiropractor, but they can determine the cause of your condition for certain.

When they examine you, they can check for any misalignments in your upper neck vertebrae that may effect the brain and nerves that travel to the inner ear. A misalignment in the top two vertebrae of your spine isn't that easily detectable without a three-dimensional X-ray, but an upper cervical chiropractor has the knowledge and equipment to make that determination for you. They will then make any necessary adjustments to your upper neck vertebrae, so as to correct any misalignments, thus allowing your body to heal itself. 

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

We all know that raising children can be filled with headaches for parents. Children can all too often complain about things from their homework to chores. However, there may be more to it. Children are among one of the fastest growing populations to suffer from migraine headaches.

It is estimated that 10% of children from the ages of 5-15 years old experience migraines for both boys and girls. When the hormonal changes of puberty begin, approximately 50% of girls experience a migraine headache. Headaches have been reported in babies as early 18 months old in some cases and are more likely in babies that have had colic.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below:

As this problem begins to affect more children, it is a challenge not only for the children and parents but for healthcare providers. Many children do not know how to properly verbalize their pain to get an accurate diagnosis of the problem. Children experience more of a steady pain compared to that of a “pounding headache” as seen in adults. The hallmark symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness are consistent for both adults and children. There are very few conservative treatment options for migraines, and they typically involve pharmaceutical intervention. Any treatment can be difficult to predict in the ever-changing body of a child.

One doctor is helping children get natural relief from migraines. Migraine headache specialist Dr. Dan Spinato takes a different approach to these delicate cases. As an upper cervical chiropractor, Dr. Spinato focuses on the atlas bone, which is the very first bone in the neck. The atlas plays a major role in the coordination of the brain and nervous system as they relate to headaches. If the atlas bone is out of its normal position, it can have adverse effects on the brain, nerves, and blood flow, which are all known mechanisms of migraine headaches.

Through a detailed procedure, Dr. Spinato examines children for atlas misalignment and caters a customized plan to correct the problem. Clinical studies have shown that upper cervical chiropractic has helped children get natural relief from migraine headaches.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

Vertigo is one of those conditions you can't ignore. It may only last for a few moments or it might be recurring condition. So, what is it? It is the sensation that a room is spinning even when there is no movement. This happens due to a dysfunction in the Vestibular system, which is part of the inner ear, and allows us to maintain our balance and recognize spatial orientation. Now that you know what it is, it is important to know what causes it.

Vertigo Inducing Conditions

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo – This is the most common cause of Vertigo and is a sudden spinning sensation. It can be triggered by sudden movements of the head and neck. It can be the result of a fall, car accident, other collision, or just standing up too quickly.

Meniere's Disease – This is a disorder of the inner ear that leads to hearing loss, Tinnitus, sometimes causes pressure in one of your ears, and can occur at any age but most often occurs in people in their 40's or 50's.

Vestibular Neuronitis – This is an inflammation of the inner ear, or the Vestibular Nerve, that causes this nerve to send incorrect signals to the brain that the body is moving. It may also lead to hearing loss or a ringing in your ear, and can be triggered by something as common as a cold or a flu.

Labrynthitis – This is an irritation and swelling of the inner ear and can lead to hearing loss. It is usually caused by a virus or bacteria that can be triggered by a cold, flu allergies, respiratory infection, and various other conditions.

When people think of Vertigo, they may think of a chronic condition that only effects a small percentage of people. The truth is it can affect anyone at any age. Sometimes it only comes because of standing up to quickly or because of a collision and only lasts for a few minutes or hours. But for some people it can become a chronic condition caused by one of the above conditions due to an upper cervical injury. For those who suffer from recurring and often more intense episodes, it is important for them not to accept it as part of their lives but to seek proper Upper Cervical care.

To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.

Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.

Dr. Dan Spinato of the San Diego Integrative Spine Center in San Diego, California is a Rancho Penasquitos Chiropractor and an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 30 years, Dr. Spinato has helped many people find natural relief in San Diego, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Valley, Poway, Scripps Ranch and Rancho Bernardo. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, allergy and sinus problems and temporomandibular joint disorders. More information can be found on his website at http://www.sdispinecenter.com/resources/conditions-treated-at-sdi/headaches.

Does Guaifenesin work for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition that can involve all body systems.  There are many so called medication cures available, such as Lyrica, Welbutrin and Guaifenesin.

The problem is no medication is without side effects despite what the websites tell you.  Today we are going to look at one of the most common medical treatments available Guaifenesin.

What is Guaifenesin?

According to drugs.com Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.  Guaifenesin is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.

"Use guaifenesin exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended."

Do not give guaifenesin to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

The City of Hope's Fibromyalgia Treatment Center website says "We now use guaifenesin for fibromyalgia because it has no side effects and is even safe for children."

Really?  No side effects?  Safe for Children?

Well there might be some side effects such as dizziness; excitability; headache; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; weakness. 

And sometimes some...

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; tremor.

But other than that no big deal?!

Because it helps get rid of uric acid, guaifenesin was chosen in the 1990s for the experimental guaifenesin protocol – a treatment for fibromyalgia. Proponents of the guaifenesin protocol believe that it treats fibromyalgia by removing excess phosphate from the body.  However, a consumer alert on the Fibromyalgia Network's website (http://www.fmnetnews.com/resources-alert-product6.php) states that Dr. St. Amand's claims of guaifenesin's effects on fibromyalgia are groundless, and cites double blind research by Robert Bennett, M.D. which found no significant differences between guaifenesin and a placebo in terms of any effect on fibromyalgia or its markers.

Could taking a medication that eliminates phosphates from the body be useful?  If the phosphates are the underlying cause of the Fibromyalgia symptoms then yes.  But even then, nutritional approaches could do the same thing without all of the side effects.

Fibromyalgia is obviously a multifactorial condition.  Chemical, emotional and physical connections are common.  But if the underlying cause is primarily related to the physical body then Guaifenesin or any other chemical approach will have little to no results.

Physical traumas especially to the head and neck are extremely important to make note of and to identify if an undetected injury to the brain stem could be the cause.  Brain stem pressure from an upper neck misalignment can be devastating to the human body.  All body systems can be affected. 

If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and have a history of head or neck trauma then contact us to schedule your no obligation consultation today.

To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.

Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.

Dr. Dan Spinato of the San Diego Integrative Spine Center in San Diego, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 30 years, Dr. Spinato has helped many people find natural relief in San Diego, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Valley, Poway, Scripps Ranch and Rancho Bernardo. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, allergy and sinus problems and temporomandibular joint disorders. More information can be found on his website at http://www.sdispinecenter.com/resources/conditions-treated-at-sdi/headaches/

Vertigo is one of the main symptoms of vestibular neuronitis. While no one really knows what causes this condition, a theory is that it has to do with a virus that has infected the 8th cranial nerve. This particular nerve is partly responsible for keeping one in balance. Besides vertigo, vestibular neuronitis is known for:

• Eye jerking movements called nystagmus

• Nausea and vomiting

• A duration of between 7 and 10 days

Because these symptoms last for so long, it can become extremely exasperating for the person suffering from it. Medical doctors will usually recommend medication and possibly vestibular rehabilitation to help with balance issues that may ensue. The good news is that there is a natural alternative route of care that can provide help for vertigo sufferers.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care and Vertigo

Why does upper cervical chiropractic help with vestibular neuronitis? To understand this, we must understand how the body works. The spine is made to protect the delicate spinal cord. The spinal cord has the job of delivering signals to the brain and body about everything that is happening within the body. If the top bone of the spine, the atlas or C1 vertebra, is not in its proper position it can place pressure on the brainstem. This hinders the signals that are being sent to the brain.

I have been specifically trained to find these small misalignments and then work to correct them. I use a gentle method that helps the bones move back into their original position without popping or cracking the spine or neck. Once this is done, patients may see an end to vertigo and other symptoms.

A case study was conducted involving 60 patients who had chronic vertigo. After receiving atlas-specific adjustments, 48 of them saw their vertigo go away entirely. The rest reported a significant decrease in the severity and frequency of symptoms over the next six months of care.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

If you deal with sinus pressure or allergies, you may feel stuck. You may feel like you either have to deal with those issues or take medication for the rest of your life. It's easy to try to alleviate the issue by doing what we see or think we see everyone else is doing. The television is great at telling a captivated audiences that certain medications will cure these issues.

Now, the truth is all of those medications those pharmaceutical companies tell you will help cure your allergies or sinuses, won't. They will help alleviate the symptoms, but they will also cause you to need to buy more medication. Sounds like a pretty good marketing technique. Find a problem, create a temporary solution, convince a captivated audience that solution will improve their life, and get them addicted to that temporary relief.

Sinus Pressure

For people who deal with sinus pressure, sprays may alleviate the inflammation in the mucus membrane, but they will not deal with the underlying cause of the inflammation. When your upper cervical spine is out of alignment, the signals from your brain stem do not reach your sinus. This causes your sinus to work over time, and thus you start sniffling and sneezing.

Allergies

For those who deal with allergies, there is something in the environment causing the body to go into self-defense mode. This self-defense system reacts automatically, much like the sprinkler system in a building, because your immune system is not reacting properly. Your body is doing it's job by fighting off the foreign objects, but your immune system is not functioning properly. Rather than adding more foreign objects that cause that self-defense system to shut down, you will want to focus on helping your immune system adjust to that environment.

Whether you deal with sinuses or allergies, when your head is balanced on the spine, and your spine is in alignment, your body functions properly. This means your spine will send signals throughout your body properly, signals will get from your brain stem to your sinus properly, and your immune system will adjust better to environmental changes.

To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.

Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.

Dr. Dan Spinato of the San Diego Integrative Spine Center in San Diego, California is a Rancho Penasquitos Chiropractor and an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 30 years, Dr. Spinato has helped many people find natural relief in San Diego, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Valley, Poway, Scripps Ranch and Rancho Bernardo. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, allergy and sinus problems and temporomandibular joint disorders. More information can be found on his website at http://www.sdispinecenter.com/resources/conditions-treated-at-sdi/headaches/

One may be concerned that if he has one seizure, he will continue to have them throughout the rest of his life. This is not necessarily the case. Out of every 10 people, 1 will have a seizure and never have another. Often it depends on why the seizure occurred. This brings about a question to ponder: Is it wise to begin taking medication immediately after only one seizure?

Because seizures have no understood cause and are so hard to care for, this is not an easy question to answer. Doctors, as well as patients, find that the correct course of help for seizures is sometimes impossible to decide upon. There are a variety of seizures such as:

• Clonic: Repeated jerking movements

• Myoclonic: Occasional jerking movements

• Absence: Briefly losing consciousness

• Grand mal: Unconscious, convulsions, stiff muscles

• Atonic: Losing muscle tone

• Tonic: Stiff and rigid muscles

Finding Answers to Help with Seizures

It seems as if more and more people are trending towards wanting natural solutions to their health problems. One area that offers patients this type of care is that of upper cervical chiropractic. Here at San Diego Integrative Spine Center, we take an alternative approach to helping patients cope with seizures. By using the latest technology to examine the atlas bone—the C1 vertebra—we can determine whether or not it is misaligned. A misalignment in this area of the body can be placing pressure on the brainstem and, in turn, keeping the central nervous system from functioning properly.

During a recent study, patients having more than one seizure were observed. After receiving upper cervical chiropractic adjustments to their atlas, it was noted that their seizures stopped. Using a gentle adjustment, the atlas bone is moved back into place, restoring communication and blood flow in the body. This is often all that is needed to see an improvement in or the end of seizure activity.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

Meniere’s Disease is a debilitating condition that affects balance, hearing and vision similar to being seasick. According to Dr Lewis Romett 200 people for every 100,000 are affected by the disease usually starting at the age of 40 years old.1 The affected system of the body is the Vestibular system (part of the Central Nervous System) and the inner ear. There is no known cause but some evidence suggests that it may be caused by an injury to the head or neck.

Meniere’s Disease is a difficult disease to properly diagnose and treat due to the overlap of symptoms such as migraine headaches and vertigo, which makes it a challenge for doctors everywhere. The treatment options are quite limited as there is no FDA approved drug for Meniere’s and many of the other options are not reproducible from one person to the next. The latest link to the disease is inflammation that takes place in the fluid of the inner ear which is responsible for balance and coordination. 

Meniere’s Disease Treatment Options

An experimental drug is being tested, a steroid that is injected into the ear itself in hopes of reducing and removing inflammation. Some positive outcomes have been achieved but only lasting weeks at best, not correcting the cause long term. Here in San Diego, CA most people want a natural treatment for Menieres Disease that is noninvasive, Dr Dan Spinato is helping those people regain their health and lives.

Dr Spinato is one of few doctors that practice an advanced method, Upper Cervical Chiropractic. This procedure focuses on the proper alignment of the first bone in the neck known as the Atlas (C1 vertebra) for proper nervous system function. The muscles that attach to the Atlas can affect the ears ability to proper drain the fluid that establishes balance, when the atlas is misaligned.2 By precisely correcting the Atlas to its proper and normal position, it has been proven to help Meniere’s Disease patients naturally with Upper Cervical Chiropractic.3

If you are suffering from Meniere’s Disease in San Diego consult Dr Spinato for a consultation and his expert opinion.

References:
1. Earls S. Colorado Springs drug study could help Meniere’sDisease sufferers. http://gazette.com/colorado-springs-drug-study-could-help-menieres-disease-sufferers/article/1545298 (accessed 17 April 2015).

2. Murphy D & Gay, C (2011). Manual therapy and ear pain: a report of four cases. J Can Chirop Assoc; 55(1):40-46.

3. Burcon MT. Upper cervical specific protocol and results for 139 patients with medically diagnosed meniere’s disease. , J Vertebral Subluxation Res November 14, 2010:1-10.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

Migraines have a devastating effect on those who suffer from their effects. Worldwide as much as 46% of the population has an active headache issue, and an estimated 10% of the American population has this condition.1 Migraines are more prevalent among women than they are men.

The ways migraines are currently managed is largely ineffective as migraines are unique from one person to the next. They are a difficult condition to properly diagnose and even more of a challenge to treat for all healthcare providers. It is well known that things like red wine, caffeine, and chocolate may trigger migraine episodes, but there are few ways known how to make them better that do not involve the use of powerful drugs.

More and more people are looking for ways to get natural migraine relief. Migraines typically cause pain so intense and debilitating that it makes many sufferers retreat to a dark and quiet place to rest. New research is showing that the exact opposite approach may be much more effective: exercise. By engaging in moderate exercise, the body will release endorphins (aka feel-good hormones) and can even block the sensation of pain. One German study found that exercise was 65% effective in headache patients, making it a better solution than most headache medications available.2 Exercise is showing itself to be a great way to relieve the pain but still does not get to the actual cause of migraines.

 Migraine specialist Dr. Dan Spinato has been helping his patients to achieve natural relief from migraines and to get to the root cause of migraines in San Diego, California. Dr. Spinato is an upper cervical chiropractor who specializes in balancing the nervous system by focusing on the Atlas bone (C1 vertebra). This bone plays an important role in the how the body functions as it houses the brainstem where the brain turns into the spinal cord, thus forming the central nervous system.

When the Atlas is misaligned from its normal position, often headaches are a late stage symptom. In a scientific review of 100 patients with migraines that had Atlas misalignments, all patients improved with as little as 1-2 upper cervical chiropractic adjustments.3 Many patients went months before having another headache as the body began to heal properly and the correct spinal alignment was maintained.

References:

1. Stovner LJ, Hagen K, Jensen R, Katsarva Z, Lipton R, Scher A, Steiner T, Zwart JA. The global burden of headache: a documentation of headache prevalence and disability worldwide. Cephalgia 2007;27(3):193-210
2. Eaves A. Cure Your Headache with This Simple Exercise Routine. http://www.menshealth.com/health/exercise-cures-migraines (accessed 6 November 2015).
3. Elster EL. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic migraine headaches with an appendix summarizing an additional 100 headache cases. J Vert Sublux Res 2003;AUG(3):1-10

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

Migraines are a brutal reality that makes even day to day tasks seem challenging. A Migraine episode always seems to come at the worst time and always lasts longer than anyone would hope. It is estimated that 35 million Americans suffer with Migraine Headaches and 27 million are women. 

Migraines pose a challenge not only to the people who have them but also to healthcare providers offering treatment. The traditional treatment route for headaches involves powerful medications and even in some cases invasive surgery. Now many people including doctors, are shying away from these types of treatment in favor of more natural approach to treating migraines.

One of the primary causes for migraine headaches is an abnormally sensitive brain receives too much stimulation. The trend is to modify parts of daily living to prevent the triggers of migraines. A recent article in the Huffington Post highlighted some of the common stressors influencing migraines such as; poor sleep patterns, caffeine, red wine, sugar/artificial sweeteners, hormonal imbalance, and emotional stress.1 Taking this approach is a good way of limiting things that may trigger a migraine but do little in the way of prevention.     

In the San Diego area patients are finding a new way to help relieve their migraines and regain their health naturally. Migraine specialist, Dr Dan Spinato, is taking a fresh approach to this healthcare epidemic. Dr Spinato is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor who specializes in the Atlas bone (C1 vertebra) and the brainstem. In his experience, Dr Spinato has found that migraine headaches are often a result not the cause of the problem. The alignment of the Atlas which is the top bone in the neck is crucial to patients with migraines. Because the brainstem is housed in the spinal bones, a misalignment can cause neurological and vascular deficits which often lead to headaches.

In clinical research performed on large groups of patients with migraine headaches have not only benefited from Upper Cervical Chiropractic but many have even had complete resolution in as little as 1 or 2 adjustments.2 When the misalignment is properly measured and then precisely adjusted according to the individual needs of each patient, headaches often resolve naturally.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

Concussions and Other Head Traumas

For years NUCCA doctors have been asking patients if they have a history of head and neck injuries including, car accidents, falls, times where they have been knocked unconscious, had a concussion or stitches to their head.

Why?

When accidents and injuries tear loose the connective tissue that holds the spine in place it creates a weakness, which allows the spine to break down and lock into a stressed position.

The area of  the body that is the most vulnerable to injury and has the most far reaching effects is the upper neck.  The top bone in the spine,  the atlas sits right underneath the skull and when the tissues around it become stretched and damaged the weight of the head will be shifted from center.

Once the position of the head is altered the position of the eyes and ears is altered as well.  The brain will initiate a reflex called the righting reflex in order to balance the eyes and the semicircular canals in the ears with the horizon.

The problem is now the head is slightly off center and the spine must adapt to that position by twisting and turning the remaining structure of the spine.  This will lead to tilting of the shoulders, the hips and imbalance all the way down to the legs leading to an unequal distribution of weight.

Body imbalance can lead to a variety of different health problems, but frequently has the same root cause...

The original head or neck injury created a misalignment of the Atlas bone at the base of the skull which led to the subsequent problems with the structure of the body, nerve and blood flow from the brain to the body.

Concussion Research

Here is a great example from a research article published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ January 6, 2011

A 23-year-old female patient presented for upper cervical chiropractic care five months after a slip and fall that resulted in a concussion.  The patient presented with symptoms of vertigo and headaches consistent with post concussion syndrome.  The patient had a longstanding history of headaches that were exacerbated by the concussion and a new complaint of positional vertigo that occurred immediately following the trauma.  Significant body imbalances were noted including a leg length difference.  Specific Upper Cervical X-rays demonstrated an upper cervical misalignment.

She began to receive Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic care and the headache and vertigo was gone immediately following the first adjustment. Post X-Ray evaluation showed a significant improvement in the alignment of the head and neck.  The follow up examination the following day revealed a significant decrease in muscles spasm in the neck and the legs were balanced.

The patient’s care was continued on a frequency of twice per month for evaluations and progress monitoring. She continued to report a complete resolution of vertigo and a significant improvement in the headaches as well.

Who do you know that has had a concussion?  Do they have a chronic health problem?  Is there a connection to the upper neck?

Only an upper cervical specialist could tell you for sure.

To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.

Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.

Dr. Dan Spinato of the San Diego Integrative Spine Center in San Diego, California is a Rancho Penasquitos Chiropractor and an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 30 years, Dr. Spinato has helped many people find natural relief in San Diego, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Valley, Poway, Scripps Ranch and Rancho Bernardo. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, allergy and sinus problems and temporomandibular joint disorders. More information can be found on his website at http://www.sdispinecenter.com/resources/conditions-treated-at-sdi/headaches/

References:

Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ January 6, 2011

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care of a Patient with Post Concussion Syndrome, Positional Vertigo and Headaches

Alisha Mayheu DC & Matthew Sweat DC

After a whiplash injury, ice is a great way to keep swelling to a minimum. However, icing the injury is not the only element of the healing process. For example, putting ice on your neck won’t correct any underlying misalignments caused by the accident or injury.

Upper cervical chiropractic care has been specifically developed to correct this exact type of misalignments in a gentle way. Adjustments that fix the misalignment can help to prevent or correct other issues that often arise from a whiplash injury.

The Connection Between Whiplash and Vertigo

Even a slight misalignment in the neck can have far-reaching effects. This is because such a misalignment can actually affect blood flow to the brain. That can cause numerous symptoms including vertigo (the sensation of movement when there is none).

The vestibular system controls balance and orientation in space. When this system is not working properly, vertigo and other symptoms can occur. While this may seem like something you don’t necessarily have to worry about just because you experienced a whiplash-type injury, in reality, up to half of people who experience whiplash will also experience vertigo following the injury.

While whiplash refers to a neck injury, a misalignment of the upper cervical spine can actually affect the brainstem. It may cause pressure to build up due to restricting proper blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow.

Upper Cervical Care

In conclusion, ice is definitely an important part of treating an injury. It can help with swelling and pain. However, you shouldn’t stop at just ice, especially if you are having other symptoms (even if the injury occurred a number of years ago). Getting examined by an upper cervical chiropractor is a great way to get help for additional symptoms or maybe even nip them in the bud.

The goal is to maintain your overall health and help you get back to full ability as soon as possible, whether that means getting back to work as fast as possible or just being able to care for daily activities.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

If you deal with sinus pressure or allergies, you may feel stuck. You may feel like you either have to deal with those issues or take medication for the rest of your life. It's easy to try to alleviate the issue by doing what we see or think we see everyone else is doing. The television is great at telling a captivated audience that certain medications will cure these issues.

Now, the truth is all of those medications those pharmaceutical companies tell you will help cure your allergies or sinuses, won't. They will help alleviate the symptoms, but they will also cause you to need to buy more medication. Sounds like a pretty good marketing technique. Find a problem, create a temporary solution, convince a captivated audience that solution will improve their life, and get them addicted to that temporary relief.

Sinus Pressure

For people who deal with sinus pressure, sprays may alleviate the inflammation in the mucus membrane, but they will not deal with the underlying cause of the inflammation. When your upper cervical spine is out of alignment, the signals from your brain stem do not reach your sinus. This causes your sinus to work over time, and thus you start sniffling and sneezing.

Allergies

For those who deal with allergies, there is something in the environment causing the body to go into self­ defense mode. This self­ defense system reacts automatically, much like the sprinkler system in a building, because your immune system is not reacting properly. Your body is doing it's job by fighting off the foreign objects, but your immune system is not functioning properly. Rather than adding more foreign objects that cause that self ­defense system to shut down, you will want to focus on helping your immune system adjust to that environment.

Whether you deal with sinuses or allergies, when your head is balanced on the spine, and your spine is in alignment, your body functions properly. This means your spine will send signals throughout your body properly, signals will get from your brain stem to your sinus properly, and your immune system will adjust better to environmental changes.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

After Your Concussion or Whiplash

Did you recently fall, or were you recently inured in a car accident or sports related accident? Now, maybe you're thinking that you weren't injured and your back or your neck feel fine. It may be tempting to think icing your back will take care of any pain that resulted from that fall or accident. The truth is there are various back and neck problems that may not occur for weeks, months, or even years after your injury.

You may have suffered whiplash or a concussion, and those injuries could lead to more painful, prolonged injuries if left uncared for.

Common Back and Neck Injuries

• Fibromyalgia – Common symptoms include widespread pain, insomnia or chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritability or other mood changes
• Migraines – These are a mysterious type of headache that occur in a central location, last anywhere from a four to 72 hours, and have a type of nature of their own
• Spondylolisthesis – This injury is found most often at the base of your spine and occurs because of the slipping of your vertebrae, due to a fracture or defect in the wing shaped parts of your vertebrae, over a bone below
• Cervical Radiculopathy - This occurs when a person's nerve function is damaged or disturbed due to the compression of one of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae (top seven vertebrae in a person's spine)

Upper Cervical and Your Hidden Pain

So, is that it? Are there any others? Yes, there are, and we'll explore those other long-term injuries that may follow that whiplash or concussion in next week's blog. The truth is that you don't want to leave any blow to your head unchecked.

So, it's important that you receive the proper care, which means allowing an upper cervical chiropractor to examine your upper neck vertebrae. They will make any necessary adjustments so as to correct any underlying issues that may lead to further back or neck problems. A misalignment of only ½ millimeter in your neck can lead to many serious problems.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

Do you suffer from Vertigo? Do you also hear constant ringing? If you said yes to both of those, your dizzy spells and ringing in your ears may be symptomatic of Meniere's Disease. This condition is accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and bouts of Vertigo. It can affect anyone at any age, but it most commonly affect people in their 40's and 50's.

Causes of Meniere's Disease

The causes are unknown, but current research suggests it may either be the result of a large amount of or types of fluids in the inner ear. The inner ear contains hair-like sensors that respond to fluids that move throughout it. There needs to be a certain amount of volume, pressure, and chemical compound that tell these hair-like sensors to function properly. Research suggests that a probable cause may be that when those factors of fluid are altered, Meniere's Disease occurs.

Other possible causes include:

• Improper fluid drainage (caused by a blockage or anatomic abnormality)
• Abnormal Immune Response
• Allergies
• Viral Infection
• Genetic Predisposition
• Head Trauma
• Migraines

Meniere's Disease Triggers

• Salt
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Tobacco
• Allergies (anything you allergic to may trigger Meniere's Disease)

Eliminating those items may lessen your episodes, but they will not focus on the source of the problem. An upper cervical chiropractor can. They can examine your upper neck vertebrae and focus on the underlying cause of your problem by correcting any misalignments in your upper neck that may be contributing to your inner ear problems. Misalignments in the upper neck have been shown to influence the nerves that control the year and lead to problems with fluid accumulation and other neurological issues.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

Migraines are a brutal reality that make even day to day tasks seem challenging. A Migraine episode always seems to come at the worst time and always lasts longer than anyone would hope. It is estimated that 35 million Americans suffer from Migraine Headaches, and 27 million are women.

Migraines typically present with an onset of an aura or throbbing around the top of the head. Symptoms include ringing in the ears, visual disturbances, and in extreme cases nausea and vomiting. As a health condition, they can also cause healthcare providers of all types headaches. Each migraine case is as unique as the person who has it, and treatment options fall short as they are typically generic. Common treatments include heavy-grade pharmaceuticals or avoiding the common trigger foods such as wine, caffeine and chocolate.

There is a new treatment being used in a few places in the United States. This new method involves an electronic nerve stimulator that is surgically implanted around the major nerves of the head. The stimulator works to treat migraines by using an electrical impulse to “jam” the frequency of pain felt by the brain.1 Some patients have reported that there has been a reduction in the frequency of migraines but not resolution. This treatment has only been used on 8,000 patients and requires a commitment to having an electronic device in your head. Many migraine sufferers are now looking for nontraditional and natural treatments.

In, Rancho Penasquitos California, patients are finding a new way to help relieve their migraines and regain their health naturally. Migraine specialist, Dr. Dan Spinato, is taking a fresh approach to this healthcare epidemic. Dr. Spinato is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor who specializes in the Atlas bone (C1 vertebra) and the brainstem. In his experience, Dr. Spinato has found that migraine headaches are often a result, not the cause, of the problem. The alignment of the Atlas, which is the top bone in the neck, is crucial to patients with migraines. Because the brainstem is housed in the spinal bones, a misalignment can cause neurological and vascular deficits that often lead to headaches.

In clinical research, large groups of patients with migraine headaches have not only benefited from Upper Cervical Chiropractic, but many have even had a complete resolution in as little as 1 or 2 adjustments.2 When the misalignment is properly measured and then precisely adjusted according to the individual needs of each patient, headaches often resolve naturally.

References:

1. Watts K. Have migraines? New treatment now offered in Portland.http://www.kptv.com/story/30112594/have-migraines-new-treatment-now-offered-in-portland#ixzz3p177Q9L3 (accessed 19 October 2015).
2. Elster EL. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic migraine headaches with an appendix summarizing an additional 100 headache cases. J Vert Sublux Res 2003;AUG(3):1-10

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMJ) and Posture

Temporomandibular disorders impact the joint that is located where your skull meets the lower jaw. Some of the common symptoms of TMJ include, but aren't limited to, difficulty chewing, jaw clicking, a dull, achy pain in the facial area, headaches and earaches. These symptoms are caused by the joint being out of alignment and can be a result of muscle fibrous bands (scar like tissues) in the jaw muscles that can occur due to teeth clenching or grinding and poor posture as well. The symptoms come about when muscles tense up causing the skull and lower jaw to pull closer together and end up misaligned, putting pressure on the joint, tearing or stretching ligaments and compressing the disc which pulls it out of position (a common occurrence in whiplash injuries). In some cases this leads to joint degeneration, when the disc wears away, causing the bones to rub against and irritate the nerves.

How Poor Posture Causes TMJ

The body performs perfectly when all of the muscles, bones and joints are properly aligned. If you repetitively slouch in your chair at work, or are hunched over in front of a computer all day, you're basically getting your body in the habit of holding itself in a far from ideal position. Poor posture then causes a domino effect that can cause a long list of problems, including the fact that a misaligned spine may end up causing your lower jaw to thrust outward, create a bad bite, one of the top causes of TMJ. One of the primary causes of TMJ besides posture is trauma that includes dental work, sports injuries and motor vehicle accidents.

TMJ and Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

Upper cervical chiropractors are trained to address any underlying posture problems and help TMJ sufferers. These physicians go beyond just examining your jaw and consider their patient's overall lifestyle. A comprehensive approach to wellness helps them establish the best course of action regarding therapy and upper cervical chiropractic care may be used for treatment of TMJ, based on the cause of the jaw disorder. During the realignment, part of the examination may include pressing on your jawbone, the skull and upper spine which in most cases will increase the jaw's range of motion and relieve irritated nerves. In addition, soft tissue based treatments that include active release techniques might also be incorporated. This tissue based therapy has been proven to break up scar tissues and adhesions on the surrounding ligaments and muscle.

The primary objective of upper cervical chiropractic care is to reverse trauma induced upper neck injuries, whether it's due to factors that range from motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries or poor posture. Upper cervical care will reduce irritation to the brain stems nerves and spinal cord that control the neuromuscular function in the jaw and face.

While many TMJ sufferers remember specific incidences that caused the injuries, a surprising number do not and if the injury was caused by poor posture that makes sense because TMJ symptoms due to posture can take a while to appear. It's important to have an evaluation to assess whether or not an upper cervical related injury exists and whether you can benefit from upper cervical care.

What to Do Next

If you suffer from TMJ and are searching for natural relief, upper cervical chiropractic is a good place to look. An upper cervical chiropractor can do more than just help your posture. These two uppermost neck bones being aligned properly can relieve TMJ symptoms, headaches, and many other related conditions. Why not have an upper cervical specialist check out your neck to see if you could benefit from this specific and gentle type of chiropractic care.

To find a doctor in your area go to www.upcspine.com or if you are in the Rancho Penasquitos area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.

Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.

Dr. Dan Spinato of the San Diego Integrative Spine Center in San Diego, California is a Rancho Penasquitos Chiropractor and an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 30 years, Dr. Spinato has helped many people find natural relief in San Diego, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Valley, Poway, Scripps Ranch and Rancho Bernardo. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, allergy and sinus problems and temporomandibular joint disorders. More information can be found on his website at http://www.sdispinecenter.com/resources/conditions-treated-at-sdi/headaches/

Up to 90% of Sinus Problems Are Really Misdiagnosed Headache Syndromes

Most people with chronic sinus problems will suffer with regular congestion or infections or both for years.  Improper drainage of the sinuses can lead to chronic colds and flu, sleep problems, allergies, fatigue, pain and more.

So what to do?

Take endless decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal steroids?

That will help you to contribute to the $5.8 billion a year that Americans spend on sinus treatments, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.

Use a neti pot or other nasal rinse device to try to keep your sinuses clear?

Or you could be one of the 500,000 Americans that have sinus surgery every year!

Some estimates say that up to 90% of sinus problems are really misdiagnosed headache syndromes that are linked to misalignments in the upper neck.

Sinus Problems, Chronic Pain and Fatigue: What’s the Connection?

A study suggests that sinus problems can be associated with unexplained fatigue and bodily pain.  Doctors at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered an unexpected connection with sinus symptoms and chronic pain.

They questioned 297 patients and noted unexplained fatigue in 22 percent and chronic pain in 11 percent.

The same underlying problem may be the root cause of all 3 conditions.  A misalignment in the upper neck can lead to sinus issues, chronic pain and chronic fatigue.

When someone has accidents and injuries that have torn loose the connective tissue that holds the spine in place it will allow the spine to breakdown and lock into a stressed position.  The area of the spine that is most frequently affected is the upper neck area because it is the most movable and the most vulnerable to injury.  

Once this upper neck area is misaligned it will begin to affect the function of the brain stem.  This type of dysfunction has been linked to problems with the sinuses, sleep issues, pain, fatigue and more.

To determine if you have an undetected brainstem injury that could be causing your sinus problems and schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.

Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.

Dr. Dan Spinato of the San Diego Integrative Spine Center in San Diego, California is a Rancho Penasquitos Chiropractor and an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 30 years, Dr. Spinato has helped many people find natural relief in San Diego, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Valley, Poway, Scripps Ranch and Rancho Bernardo. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, allergy and sinus problems and temporomandibular joint disorders. More information can be found on his website at http://www.sdispinecenter.com/

Resources:

1.      http://www.newsfix.ca/2013/05/07/link-between-chronic-fatigue-and-sinusitis/

Autism is a perplexing condition. Some new research has linked the function of the cerebellum, if impaired, as contributing to autism. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that is responsible for movement, coordination, sensory perception, and motor control. It receives signals from the body as to how it is coping with its environment. This new research points out that the cerebellum plays a vital role in how the other parts of the brain are working, such as how the brain controls a person’s cognitive function. It is now seen that the cerebellum absorbs information from the environment around the child and uses this to enhance the neocortical circuit.

What does this all indicate?  Well, a child begins processing information from the world around him long before he is able to communicate his feelings. If the cerebellum is not functioning at its optimum, this information is not processed correctly. This can impact the rate at which a child matures. This leads to issues with other parts of the brain and something called developmental diaschisis occurs.

Considering all of this, it makes sense that children with autism find it awkward to interact in social settings. This can be displayed by refusal to speak or problems understanding how to react. Sometimes it is thought to be that the child does not understand right from wrong. However, it is more likely that the child simply cannot properly process all the stimuli around him and is unsure how to react to it.

Autism Helped by Upper Cervical Chiropractic

Since the cerebellum is malfunctioning, one may wonder how a chiropractor can help his or her child. The brainstem is the communication highway between the body and brain. If the child has a misalignment in his upper cervical neck— often due to the birthing process or trips and falls that naturally accompany childhood— the brainstem can be hindered from sending proper signals. Correcting this problem through a very gentle means that causes no pain to the child can help the brain interpret the outside world a little better. It only takes ¼ of a millimeter misalignment to throw off the function of the brainstem.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

Whiplash is something that may stick with you long after a car accident. The name for whiplash comes from the motion of cracking a whip that happens typically after a rear end auto accident. The condition can leave long lasting affects as it can damage the muscles in the neck, the ligaments that maintain proper position of the bones, and discs between the bones.

Whiplash can happen at speeds as low as 5 mph¹ and distort the bones in the neck from the proper position.² 68% of people in accidents experience damage and degeneration to the spine.³ Once you have whiplash it is difficult to recover as patients experience the symptoms for as long as 5-10 years.³

A new study reviewing all the literature on whiplash showed that whiplash patients primarily recover in the first 3 months before healing levels off.⁴ This review shows the importance of getting proper treatment early for proper healing to take place.

Dr Dan Spinato, a whiplash specialist in San Diego, CA helps whiplash patients get natural relief, as an Upper Cervical Chiropractor focusing on maintaining the proper alignment of the upper neck. This method using exacting testing to ensure that the Atlas (C1) bone is proper aligned at the base of the skull and top of the neck.

Research has shown that whiplash patients under chiropractic care have an average recovery time of 29 weeks.³ It has been proven when the spine is properly aligned after a whiplash type injury pain, muscle strength, range of motion, and neck alignment improve. If you have just had a whiplash injury or are suffering years later, having the neck alignment examined by an Upper Cervical Chiropractor is a proven and reliable method for natural relief.

References:
1. Severy DM, Mathewson JH, Bechtol CO. Controlled automobile rear-end collisions: an investigation of related engineering and mechanical phenomenon. Can Services Med J 11:727-758, 1955.
2. Deans GT,Magalliard JN,Rutherford WH.Incidence and duration of neck pain among patients injured in car accidents. British Medial Jouranal 1986;292:94- 95.
3. McCoy HG, McCoy M. A multiple parameter assessment of whiplash injury patients undergoing subluxation based chiropractic care: a retrospective study. JVSR. 1997;1(3):51-61.
4. Kamper SJ, Maher CG, McAuley JH, Rebbeck TJ, Sterling M. Course and prognostic factors of whiplash: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain 2008 Sep 15;138(3):617-29. doi:10.1016.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

Most of the time, we hear about people having arthritis in their hands, joints, or knees. Would you be surprised to learn that arthritis can be in the spine? It is known by various names, such as subluxation degeneration, degenerative joint disease, and disc disease. It is a fairly common occurrence. But, you may wonder, what causes it?

Let’s keep in mind that we are talking about degeneration. This is defined as deteriorating, or breaking down, over a period of time. When we are talking about subluxation degeneration, the beginning phase of this can take up to 20 years to progress. When the spine experiences trauma, such as whiplash or a car accident, the body reacts by trying to stabilize the joint. It does this by fusing together the bones that make up the joint that has been damaged. Calcium is brought to the area where there is inflammation. It is the calcium that causes the fusing as the deposits build up. This causes abnormal bone growth. This can take a toll on your health.

Can I Prevent Arthritis in the Spine?

The answer is yes! If you can maintain movement in your joints, by not allowing them to fuse, and proper joint alignment, it is possible you may not experience the pain of arthritis.

How does trauma to your spine occur? It actually can happen while being born, when you are a toddler and have instances of falling while learning to walk, and it continues throughout your teen years on up to adulthood. It can actually take up to 40 or more years for degeneration set in. Imagine if you fell out of bed at age two. You have been living a long time with a misalignment! It is important to get an upper cervical chiropractor involved in your care, such as Dr. Dan Spinato of Rancho Penasquitos, California. Upper cervical chiropractors are specially trained to detect any type of misalignment or defect in the spine. If it is found early enough, there is a good chance that you will be able to get the problem corrected and be protected against any further deterioration.

Dr. Spinato can help you to improve your joint function, movement, and alignment. He can also help you find the right exercises to for your spine to keep your condition from progressing and to help relieve the pain you are experiencing. Why not give him a call today?

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.

How Your Body Works

The muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your body is also the connective tissue that keeps your spine from collapsing. An accident or injury can cause that tissue to weaken leading to the break down of the spine. This will cause the spine to lock into a stressed position, and the longer it stays in that position the more it causes the joints, discs, muscles, and more to wear down.

Now, this is not something that is new in an upper cervical chiropractic office, as it is common to see patients who have suffered from various accidents with spines in this position. Those accidents are often vehicular accidents they patient suffered recently, but that's not always the case. They could have sustained an injury from a car accident perhaps as long as 15 years ago.

Degenerative Disc Disease

How long it takes for the impact of the injury to manifest itself as the breaking down of bones, ligaments, disc, etc (Degenerative Disc Disease) is dependent upon various factors. Though, an upper cervical chiropractor can determine the approximate time when the injury occurred based on the extent of the degeneration of the spine.

For the last several years upper cervical chiropractors have seen and cared for countless patients who suffer from  Degenerative Disc Disease, which is also called Arthritis of the spine, and is often the result of an injury due to a colission such as a car accident.

Reversing Your Injury

Now the question is whether or not the effects of Degenerative Disc Disease can be reversed or not, and the answer is they can be. Though reversing the effects of this disease will mean allowing an upper cervical chiropractor to examine your upper neck vertebrae for any misalignments that may be the underlying cause of many of your conditions.

That's because a misalignment in your upper neck vertebrae of only 1/4 of a millimeter can place enough pressure on the brainstem to hinder the brain's ability to communicate with the body. The brain's inability to communicate with the body can then lead to various health problems throughout the body.

References: 

The Cervical Spine-The Cervical Spine Research Society, Lippincott, 1989 Mason Hohl, MD Professor of Surgery/Orthopedics, UCLA Medical Center Page 440

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.