Enduring whiplash due to a car accident or another similar trauma can have a negative effect on the entire body, leading to a number of different health conditions. It may not be a well-known fact, but trauma such as whiplash can actually change the flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid that reaches the brain. Often, this disruption in fluid leads to symptoms such as migraines.
How Vehicle Accidents Cause Migraines
Migraines remain a mystery in the medical community. No one is sure exactly why they occur. One thing that is agreed upon, however, is that migraines often are connected to a misalignment in the upper bones of the neck – in particular, the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis). Migraines may be a result of whiplash. In fact, the injury may have happened many years ago and is now just making itself known as a migraine.
It is vital for anyone who has had a recent injury to the head or neck to seek the care of an upper cervical chiropractor. By caring for neck injuries in a timely manner, one may reduce the risk of further complications down the road. Whiplash can do damage to someone’s neck at as slow of a speed as 5 MPH. Seeking care immediately is the best way to ensure one’s future health.
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps Whiplash Injuries
If whiplash causes a misalignment in one’s upper cervical spine, this may hinder the central nervous system from working properly. It can also be the reason for a reduction in the amount of blood and cerebrospinal fluid reaching or exiting the brain. Either of these conditions can wreak havoc on the body.
Here at San Diego Integrative Spine Center, we use a gentle method to help the bones of the upper neck to move back into their original place. Once this is done, the body can take over and begin to repair the damage. This is often all that is needed to see a decrease in the symptoms of whiplash such as migraines.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.
Studying Pain
A case study by the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Group using an upright MRI showed evidence of how head and neck injuries are linked to migraine headaches and Vertigo.
Here's a quote from Dr. Lenarz's case report:
A 54 year-old female patient entered the office with complaints of migraines 1-2 times per week and extreme chronic neck pain and vertigo for the past 10 years. She was injured in a motor vehicle accident ten years prior to her first visit in our office. The patient was seen 19 times over a period of 12 weeks. She received 3 upper cervical corrections during this time. The patient reported having 1 migraine 2 weeks after the first correction. Since that time, she has reported no migraine episodes, neck pain or vertigo.
Vertigo and Migraine Headaches
Using the upright MRI, its inventor, Dr. Raymond Damadian, conducted research that revealed that a misalignment in the upper cervical spine, which are the top two bones in a person's vertebrae, can alter the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to, from, and through the brain. The importance of that fluid is that it lubricates the brain and the spinal cord, so the improper flow of CSF can lead to a lot of pain.
Though, a back up in CSF can also cause increased intracranial pressure, and all of that can be the result of a misalignment in the top two bones in a person's upper neck vertebrae. The good news is that that misalignment can be corrected, and correcting that misalignment can restore the proper flow of CSF, cerebral blood, and more.
Healing through Upper Cervical
Now, we know you may not feel that pain today, tomorrow, or even for weeks or years. But a misalignment in the upper neck may not cause a condition such as vertigo, migraine headaches, or worse to arise for that length of time.
Though, it's important that if you suffered a car accident at five MPH or more that you seek out the care of an upper cervical chiropractor. It only takes being from behind at that low of a speed to cause whiplash, and it only take a few minutes to make an appointment with an upper cervical chiropractor.
When they examine your upper neck vertebrae, they will check for any misalignments that may be the cause or potential cause of any conditions that may arise. They will then make the necessary corrections to that misalignment, in order to allow your body to heal itself.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is brought about by pressure on the median nerve, the central nerve in the wrist. The symptoms are:
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Muscle weakness in the hand and a tendency to drop things.
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Numbness and tingling in the fingers or hand, but never the little finger. It can extend from the wrist up your entire arm.
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Having pain all the time in the hand or wrist area.
Can a person take any steps to prevent carpal tunnel? Here are some suggestions:
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Maintain good posture: This helps prevent nerve pain and assists in keeping the wrists at the right angle (your hands should not be lower than your wrists when typing).
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Use the proper equipment: A vertical mouse and an ergonomic keyboard might seem hard to use at first, but once a person gets used to them the benefits outweigh the discomfort.
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Use a brace for the wrist: There are special braces designed to help one not overuse certain muscles of the wrist. This is important to use if a person is already feeling stress on the wrist.
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Give it a rest: Keep an eye on how the wrist is feeling. If it starts to feel strained, stop what you are doing and give it a break for a few minutes. Resting now and then is much better than having to take weeks off to recover from surgery.
Alleviating Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
If one is already experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, he may find relief by visiting an upper cervical chiropractor. At San Diego Integrative Spine Center, we examine each patient to find exactly where the nerve damage is coming from. Sometimes, it may be due to misalignment in the upper neck vertebrae.
I have been specifically trained to find and correct these kinds of issues by using a gentle procedure aimed at realigning the C1 and C2 vertebrae. It does not require me to pop or force the spine into place. After correcting this misalignment, many patients report feeling better overall.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) involve pain affecting the muscles used for chewing. People with TMJ will experience severe jaw pain. It is the most common reason for jaw pain other than dental reasons, like a toothache. Sufferers of this type of disorder may also experience tightening and restricted motion of these muscles.
If you’ve ever noticed a clicking sound when you chew – you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ. It can also mimic the feelings of tooth pain, cause headaches and ringing in the ears and dizziness. Surprisingly, a large number of the adult population is affected by this – anywhere between 20-30% of us, usually those between the ages of 20 and 40. It is more common for women to suffer from this than men. One of the most common causes for this type of pain is car accidents or other trauma. The symptoms can appear immediately after the trauma, or they can take years to become noticeable.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a specific speciality of chiropractic which puts its emphasis on the atlanto-occipital joint in the upper spine. This division of chiropractic has been in practice since the 1930’s. It has many positive effects on the alignment of the spine, posture and the symptoms experienced by those who suffer with TMJ. It is supported by many years of anecdotal and empirical evidence. The purpose of upper cervical chiropractic for TMJ is to reverse the damage done by the trauma that caused it.
How Does it Work?
An upper cervical chiropractor corrects posture and alignment of the head, neck and spine, which can relieve painful symptoms of many disorders, including TMJ. Upper cervical chiropractic is safe, precise and gentle. When your muscles and bones are pulling evenly they each carry the weight and perform the functions they were meant to do, so they are not overly taxed or burdened with tasks and weights they were not meant to carry.
How To Get Started
Schedule a consultation with an upper cervical chiropractor in your area by going to www.nucca.org or www.upcspine.com. If you are in the San Diego County area 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 sdispinecenter.com/resources/conditions-treated-at-sdi/headaches/
Suffering Beyond Knots
That pain in your back or neck didn't just happen. There is a reason for it. And if there is a reason for it, there is something you can do about it.
Though, before we talk about what you can do to alleviate that pain in your back or neck, let's explore some of those things that may be the cause of your suffering. We hope it's just a knot, but it may be something more. Here are some of those more common causes.
Causes of Back and Neck Pain
- Herniated Disc – (Slipped Disc) A soft, gel like substance between your vertebra called a disc keeps your vertebra from grinding against each another. You feel the pain when a disc slips out of position and the vertebra grind against each other.
- Cervical Osteoarthritis – (Cervical Spondylosis) This is also the cause of Arthritis in the neck and occurs due to the degeneration of the facet joints in the cervical spine.
- Degenerative Disc Disease – Once a disc sustains an injury, because there is no blood flow to it, it takes longer to heal than other tissue. This disease occurs when the disc does not heal, and it is often the result of a low energy injury to a disc.
- Whiplash – It is not that difficult to strain the muscles in your neck, and that occurs when your neck is extended too far in any direction.
Realigning Your Spine
Now, these are just some of the conditions that may be the underlying cause of your neck or back pain. There is a chance that pain may subside with some ice, but there is a chance it may not. Even if it does, there is a chance it could come back at a later time in a more severe way.
Of course, whether your back or neck pain is due to one of the reasons above, another disease or condition, or just sleeping on it wrong, it's always a good idea to have an upper cervical chiropractor examine your upper neck vertebrae for any misalignments.
Due to the position of the upper neck vertebrae, a misalignment of only ¼ of a millimeter can hinder communication between the brain and the body. That can cause all sorts of complications that can manifest itself as back pain, neck pain, or worse.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.
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/
You may have just been in a major auto accident and now have pain and symptoms diagnosed as whiplash. Whiplash is most commonly caused by rear end collisions which account for 15% of auto accidents in America. Recent studies are showing that whiplash can happen in even the smallest of fender benders at speeds as low as 5 miles per hour.1-4
What it is:
Whiplash is the result of the head being forced backwards suddenly and then all the way forward as a reflex as the head comes to a stop. This motion is like that of cracking a whip, hence the name. When the head goes forward it causes damage to the muscles, ligaments, and vertebral discs in the neck.
- This can cause pain and disrupt the proper position of the bones in the neck.
- 84% of people have reported pain after a rear end accident.
- Seatbelts increase the chance of whiplash by 20%.
- 25% of people have chronic whiplash symptoms for 5 years.
- 86% continue to have conditions for 10.8 years.
- 68% of people have damage and degeneration to the neck/cervical spine.
What to do:
The Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine has stated: “The Chiropractic Answer to Whiplash Chiropractic may offer the best opportunity for relief from the pain of whiplash”. In a study they conducted of 93 patients with varying symptoms, 83% improved under chiropractic care and 31% had complete resolution of symptoms.
In another study of 57 patients showed an average recovery time of 29 weeks under Chiropractic care. These patients all had whiplash and were only examined for the presence of misalignments/Vertebral Subluxation in the spine, and most importantly the upper neck. Not only was there relief of pain but also, improved range of motion, muscle strength, and alignment of the neck demonstrated by x-rays. The most important part of this study showed that patients who stayed under care for longer periods of time and received fewer chiropractic adjustments continuously improved to the point of maximum benefit.
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. McConnell WE, Howard RP, Guzman HM, et al. Analysis of human test subject kinematic responses to low-velocity rear-end impacts. SAE Tech Paper Series 930889, 21-31, 1993.
3. McConnell WE, Howard RP, Poppel JV, et al. Human head and neck Kinematic after low-velocity rear-end impacts: understanding "whiplash." 39th Stapp Car Crash Conference Proceedings 952724, 215-238, 1995.
4. Szabo TJ, Welcher JB, Anderson RD, et al. Human occupant kinematic response to low-speed rear-end impacts. SAE Tech Paper Series 940532, 23-35m 1994.
5. Deans GT,Magalliard JN,Malcolm K,Rutherford WH.Neck sprain-a major cause of disability following car accidents.Injury 1987;18:10-12.
6. 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.
7. Watkinson A, Gargan MF, Bannister GC. Prognostic factors in soft tissue injuries of the cervical spine.Injury 1991;22(4):307-309.
8. Khan S, Cook J, Gargan M, Bannister G. Symptomatic classification of whiplash injury and the implications for treatment. J Of Orthopedic Medicine 1999;21(1):22-24.
9. 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.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.
Many people complain of a sore neck before or after they experience a migraine. This is not uncommon. The National Headache Foundation discovered that thirty-eight percent of those with migraines also have neck pain before or after a headache. Some thirty-one percent say they have neck pain in conjunction with migraines. So, overall, sixty-nine percent of migraine sufferers also have neck pain. That is a pretty large number.
The Cause
Pain in the neck can be caused by a tightness felt in the muscles surrounding the neck and shoulder area. Because this affects the nerves of the cervical spine, it is referred to as a cervicogenic headache. Something causes the nerves of the spine to become activated. These nerves reach into the head and, when irritated, cause migraines. The tightness experienced in the neck area can be caused by stress or tension. This can be mental or physical. What can cause this?
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and chronic neck pain download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below:
The Environment
Sometimes the environment in which a person lives can be a cause of stress. This needs to be examined carefully. Some things to do to alleviate a stressful environment are to
- Schedule downtime to relax
- Eat a healthier diet
- Be sure to spend time doing an enjoyable activity
Exercise and techniques to help reduce stress, such as breathing exercises, can also be helpful. Dealing positively with stress will help reduce migraines. What if something more is needed?
The Solution
A person may do all of the above and are still not seeing a reduction in head pain. A professional may need to be consulted. If a natural, pain-free treatment is desired, it is a good idea to consult with an upper cervical chiropractor. You may be feeling the effects of a tiny misalignment of ¼ of a millimeter in your upper neck. A past accident or injury could have caused this. It could be something you don't even remember happening. This misalignment can cause changes in blood and spinal fluid flow and nerve damage. This, in turn, can affect your nervous system causing migraines.
At San Diego Integrative Spine Center, we use the NUCCA technique to detect and correct these misalignments. Adjustments are both gentle and effective. This can result in positive, long-lasting effects and may even completely eliminate a patient’s migraine problem.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a very painful condition of the facial nerves. It takes
hardly any pressure or stress at all to stimulate these nerves and cause extreme pain. Things that can cause this to happen range from brushing one’s teeth or smiling. Those suffering from it refer to it as invisible pain.
Doctors will most likely prescribe some sort of medication to help reduce symptoms. If this is unsuccessful, more invasive care may be suggested, such as Botox, glycerol injections, or even surgery. Most people suffering from this condition want a natural solution that will last. To find this, one must consider what the root cause may be and look closely at how to address it.
Trigeminal Neuralgia and the Upper Neck
The spine has the very important job of protecting the spinal cord. In turn, the spinal cord relays messages to and from the brain and body to keep things functioning at their peak. If something has caused the upper bone of the neck – the C1 vertebra or atlas bone – to misalign, pressure can be interfering with the function of the central nervous system. This means that improper signals can be sent to the brain about pain in the body. If the brain receives a signal that the nerves of the face are in pain, the end result is trigeminal neuralgia.
This is the exact type of misalignment that we deal with at San Diego Integrative Spine Center. Once we find the location of the problem, we use a low force correction to a specific area of the neck that encourages the atlas to move back into place. This may relieve the pressure on the trigeminal nerve.
Upper cervical chiropractic was administered to a 10-year-old boy who was suffering from trigeminal neuralgia. After 5 days, he stated that he had no more pain whatsoever. When following up a year and a half later, he was still pain-free. We strive to provide similar results for our patients.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.
Whiplash What Is It?
Whiplash occurs when the muscles in the neck are over-extended due to a forceful back and forth motion. It can be caused by such things as car accidents, amusement park rides, and sports injuries. When the ligaments, bones, and muscles that make up the neck are stretched beyond normal limits, you begin to feel the effects of whiplash. This can cause serious pain and constant discomfort, even though it is described as a minor injury.
What are the symptoms?
- The neck may be stiff and painful to move
- The neck may not be able to move to the full degree
- Arm and shoulder pain
- Repeated headaches
- Extreme tiredness
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Feeling dizzy
- Changes in vision
Should I Get Treated?
Some people do not. Instead, they try home remedies, such as rest and over-the-counter pain medications. These may give short-term relief from the pain of whiplash. However, whiplash will not get better until the underlying problem is treated. This has to do with the spine and the bones in the neck. It is very likely that the injury that was sustained caused certain misalignments of the vertebrae in the upper neck area. This can be the cause of the pain you still feel long after the accident occurred.
A good place to begin addressing your symptoms is to see an upper cervical chiropractor, such as Dr. Dan Spinato of Rancho Penasquitos, California. Dr. Spinato can examine your neck for these misalignments. Then he can create a detailed treatment plan. His adjustments are gentle and effective. When your spine is back to normal alignment, the blood flow and the soft tissues are restored and can begin to heal. Many whiplash patients are able to find the needed relief they seek without the use of medications. Why not see if you can find benefit in Dr. Spinato's treatments by making an appointment for your assessment with him.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.
Kristin Chenoweth and Ménière’s Disease
Contact music is reporting that Glee star Kristin Chenoweth is suffering from the inner ear condition Meniere's disease, which can cause episodes of vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss, and she's struggling to deal with the condition.
Talking to Twitter.com, she writes, "Oh menieres disease. I'd like to eliminate you."
Chenoweth has yet to share any further details about her illness, and it is not clear whether her current condition is related to the accident she suffered on the set of TV legal drama The Good Wife last July, when a lighting rig fell and hit her on the head. The incident left her with a fractured skull, concussion, three cracked teeth, and neck, rib and hip injuries.
But frequently head and neck trauma can initiate the onset of Ménière's disease and other conditions. Some of the most hopeful research for Ménière's sufferers has come out in the past 5 years.
Latest Research Points to the Upper Neck
Dr. Michael Burcon has investigated the effects of upper cervical specific chiropractic management of patients medically diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Dr. Burcon has shared his findings with Ménière's research conferences around the world.
What type of shoulder pain are you experiencing? Is it a feeling of weakness or numbness? A tingling feeling that extends down the arm? A dull ache, or perhaps even a sharp shooting pain? Consider a few of the underlying causes of shoulder pain:
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Problems with the shoulder itself
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Labral injuries
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Rotator Cuff injuries
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Shoulder dislocations or separations
Nerve Damage Resulting in Shoulder Pain
When the shoulder itself is the source of the problem, it may be that the nerves are being irritated by a neck misalignment. The nerves in the shoulder extend all the way down to the hand, so any numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand, arm, or shoulder may go back to this one underlying issue.
This calls for a visit to an upper cervical chiropractic. We specifically focus on finding and caring for upper cervical misalignments that may result in shoulder nerve irritation. The process begins with x-rays that will reveal if a misalignment exists. Then a gentle program of adjustments can be tailored to meet the patient’s specific needs.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Shoulder Pain
Many patients find that shoulder problems are improved following the first adjustment. Even if this is not the case, one of the advantages of upper cervical care is that adjustments hold for a longer amount of time than general chiropractic. This gives the body more time to heal from the nerve irritation the misalignment was causing. As a result, the pain may also resolve over a period of time.
All of this is done without the popping, twisting, or cracking involved in general chiropractic. The gentle adjustments offer patients with should pain a natural means of seeking relief. Patients who have a history of head or neck trauma are more likely to have such a misalignment and to reap the benefits of an adjustment.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.
How Does Whiplash Effect the Ears?
Two million people are exposed to whiplash injury (related to an auto accident) in the U.S. every year.
When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth or side-to-side beyond its normal limits, ligaments supporting the neck vertebrae can be sprained (over-stretched) or torn, forcing vertebrae out of their normal position.
In tests of low speed rear impact collisions, it was reported that the neck can be injured even in slow speeds accidents as low as 5 mph.
Most rear impact accidents occur at crash speeds of 6 to 12 mph - speeds below the threshold for property damage to the vehicle - but sufficient to cause neck injury.
Whiplash injuries to the cervical spine can occur in sports (skiing, hockey, football, cycling, ice skating, gymnastics, boxing), during falls (down a flight of stairs, on an icy sidewalk), and many more!
German researchers Dr. Kaeser and Dr. Ettlin have found that a whiplash injury can lead to a variety of problems including dizziness, speech problems, throat problems and hearing loss
In the conclusion of the research article, these German medical doctors say that whiplash symptoms often respond to upper neck adjustments.
HOW CAN NUCCA HELP?
If a person (infant, child, or adult) experiences an accident, a proper spinal exam is necessary to assess whether a neck injury occurred. An NUCCA upper cervical chiropractic specialist uses specialized testing and specific x-rays of the upper neck to accurately assess a neck injury. If a neck injury is found, a specific adjustment by hand is used to correct the injured vertebrae. Correction of the neck injury can improve, reverse, and prevent numerous whiplash symptoms.
To find a doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org 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/
Even though this is a very prevalent condition, most Americans seriously underestimate how serious it can be. However, that’s not a big surprise in a nation that treats many poor health practices as routine (high sugar intake, fast food, highly processed foods, etc.). The lifestyle that is prevalent in the US is the primary reason that more than 70 million in the country suffer from high blood pressure. If you’re keeping score, that’s shockingly close to one-third of the adult population.
Consider just a few of the dangerous health conditions that are related to hypertension:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Arthritis
How to Find Natural Relief
The standard for hypertension care in the US is medication. That is pretty much the same response to every ailment in an industry run by pharmaceutical companies. While blood pressure medications often come with a host of side effects, those side effects are better than being killed by the high blood pressure, so most people just deal with it. However, some case studies have shown that there may be a better way.
When the C1 or C2 vertebrae are out of alignment, many problems can result including an increase in blood pressure. Why is this the case? Studies conducted have not explained the exact reasons why, only that it works. However, consider the following:
- The vertebral arteries bring blood to the brain by passing through the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine (hence the term vertebral). When the top bones of the spine are out of alignment, they can hinder this blood flow to the brain. Thus, the proper alignment of the spine is related to vascular health.
Once the misalignment is corrected, proper blood flow can be restored. In turn, blood pressure may level off. According to a 2007 study, the results of upper cervical chiropractic care were the equivalent of taking two blood pressure medications. If you are ready to find a natural way to control your blood pressure, upper cervical chiropractic may be the right choice for you.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.
Muscle knots happen to just about everyone at some time. It may just be a dull ache, but sometimes they can cause a sharp pain. Moving may make the pain worse. Whether the knot is in your neck, shoulder, back, or somewhere else, what can you do to make it feel better? Let’s consider a natural remedy that can help the pain of muscle knots without the use of medication.
Knots often develop due to overuse of a muscle, but they can also be caused by misuse of a muscle. When the muscle fibers constrict and will not release, a knot is the result. Some knots can be as small as a pinhead, and yet may still cause pain. Others may be the size of a person’s thumb.
Other Ways that Muscle Knots Form
If a person has been involved in an accident or has been injured in some other way, muscle knots can result. This is often the case with a whiplash type injury. Knots may appear following a strenuous workout or after a difficult day of physical labor at work or around the house. Of course, knots don’t have to come about in some spectacular way. Just laying or sitting the wrong way for a lengthy period of time can cause a knot to form. To keep knots from forming, one must be careful to use proper posture at all times.
Natural Relief from Knots
Most people immediately think about going to a massage therapist when they want natural relief from muscle knots. While that may be an expensive solution, a person may not always have a mate or close friend with the finger strength and skill to work out a knot through massage. Of course, many items such as foam rollers are available to help work knots out.
Another means of natural knot relief is upper cervical chiropractic care. This is especially true when the knots are due to an injury. Even a knot that is in the lower back may be related to an upper neck injury. When the upper vertebrae are properly aligned, the effects are felt throughout the entire spine. This makes upper cervical care a great way to treat neck, back, and shoulder pain.
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.
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.
The debilitating condition multiple sclerosis (MS) is becoming one of the leading neurological diseases affecting young adults. The disease affects both men and women, but it occurs twice as much in women as it does in men. The disease is more often found in the northern temperate climate zones. In the United States, there are 250,000 known cases of MS.
The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system, and this is the system that MS affects. Nerves have a protective coating or sheath. This cover of the brain and spinal cord becomes damaged and scar tissue forms. Exactly what causes MS to happen has eluded the medical community. Often, treatments can only focus on reducing the symptoms felt by the patient. This makes it difficult to find a lasting solution or even lasting relief from the problem. Studies have discovered a few facts regarding MS and some of its nature.
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The condition is an autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself)
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Inflammation can adversely affect the brain and that, in turn, can lead to MS-like symptoms
Inflammation is a natural response triggered by the immune system. Improving immune system function can aid in reducing the inflammation. How can this be done?
Upper Cervical Care and Multiple Sclerosis
The upper cervical vertebrae located at the base of the skull are directly related to proper immune function as indicated by researchers. If there is a misalignment of these bones, nervous system function as well as immune function can be hindered. Aligning the structures to their proper position may have great effects on an individual suffering from MS. Studies conducted on MS patients who are under upper cervical chiropractic care found that MS symptoms were reduced, and healing of the degeneration was noted.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Spinato call (858) 484-0444 or just click the button below.
Do you have TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint disorder involves a collection of symptoms, including pain and tenderness of the muscles that we use to chew and the jaw joint known as the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), as well as of several sites along the head and neck.
The pain is usually worse in the morning, and the person commonly has a history of stress and difficulty in sleeping. Jaw movement may be accompanied by grinding, clicking, catching, and popping, resulting in restricted or deviated motion during opening or closing of the mouth.
Traditionally, dentists and orthodontists seek to change the person's bite in order to deal with TMD. Medical doctors use surgery and drugs in their approach to TMD.
85% Reduction in Jaw Pain following NUCCA Care
But, new research from The Upper Cervical Research Foundation is showing dramatic improvement in patients with jaw pain following a natural approach. In the study, patients with Jaw pain or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) were referred forNUCCA evaluation and care. Over an 8 week period all patients had a dramatic improvement in their TMJ symptoms.
Their jaw pain before treatment averaged of 5.9/10 on the pain scale. Following 8 weeks of NUCCA care the average dropped down to 0.9/10 an 85% improvement! Several other research studies have been conducted over the years showing the connection between the upper neck and the jaw.
The NUCCA approach involves rebalancing the position of the head, the neck and as a consequence, the jaw. NUCCA spinal care is safe, gentle, precise and extremely effective.
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 for TMJ 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/
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:
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Clonic: Repeated jerking movements
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Myoclonic: Occasional jerking movements
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Absence: Briefly losing consciousness
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Grand mal: Unconscious, convulsions, stiff muscles
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Atonic: Losing muscle tone
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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.
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.
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:
- 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
- Eaves A. Cure Your Headache with This Simple Exercise Routine. http://www.menshealth.com/health/exercise-cures-migraines (accessed 6 November 2015).
- 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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
- San Diego Residents Have a New Way to Cope with Vertigo
- Whiplash—What to Do Next After Icing It
- A Deeper Understanding of Autism
- Hole in One Vertigo Treatment
- Do Concussions Lead to Chronic Headaches and Vertigo?
- Common Back and Neck injuries
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