Over the past few years, rates of heart disease have been steadily dropping as a result of improved detection and treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as smoking-prevention efforts. These improvements are in large part due to tremendous efforts of the American Heart Association, the CDC and other organizations to improve the prevention and treatment of heart disease.  

Your grandfather, mother, and uncle may have all had heart disease, but even with a strongly inherited predisposition to the condition, you can cut your risks dramatically by pursuing a heart healthy lifestyle — and it’s easier than you think.  What you eat, how much exercise you get, and paying attention to your overall health have a lot to do with heart health; and incorporating a few heart healthy tips into your daily activities can keep your heart in tip top shape.  

1. Don’t smoke or use tobacco – just don’t do it!
2. 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week
3. Eat a heart healthy diet, high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fiber and low in saturated fats and sodium.
4. Maintain a healthy weight (BMI at 25 or lower)
5. Get regular health screenings

OK, you are probably aware that diet and exercise are key factors in preventing heart disease.  However, you may not know that chiropractic care may also help keep your heart healthy!  Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments to the upper neck can actually lower your blood pressure for an extended period of time.  Other studies have shown that adjustments of the bones in the neck and lower back can stimulate particular nervous system reflexes, causing a decrease in overall heart rate and blood pressure!

 A visit to a chiropractor can relieve stress, help your heart, and provide you with the support and guidance you need to change and apply new healthy lifestyles.  This February, make a pledge to have your glass of red wine, a piece of dark chocolate, do some exercise, and call and make your chiropractic appointment!   Chiropractic care combined with positive lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, and exercise can prove to be your best ally in the fight against heart disease!

Chiropractic care can be a vital component to a healthy lifestyle along with the following five New Year’s strategies that will enable you to reduce the chance of painful injuries.

1.       Don’t carry a heavy briefcase, backpack, or purse with the strap over one shoulder, unless placing the strap over your head on the side opposite the bag. Carrying a bag on one shoulder places uneven weight on one side of your body which can cause both back and shoulder pain.

2.       Make an effort to keep moving while at work and take periodic stretch breaks.

3.       Don’t lift heavy objects over your head which can strain muscles and damage nerves.

4.       Don’t turn your torso while lifting heavy objects.

5.       Don’t consistently cross the same leg over the other which can lead to spine misalignment.

By taking these five steps, you can go a long way towards preventing back, shoulder, and neck pain and injury. This translates directly into having to take less pain medication.

The reality is that over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can negatively affect your long-term health in a variety of ways.

NSAIDs are a leading cause of stomach ulcers and gastric bleeds. This is particularly true for certain age groups.

They can damage kidneys. According to a New England Journal of Medicine article, up to 10% of all kidney failure was a result of the abuse of NSAIDs such as Advil and Tylenol.

And, the biggest risk for those taking large doses of pain medications is liver damage. This is especially true for those consuming large quantities of acetaminophen. Unfortunately, about 1/3 of the individuals who overdose on acetaminophen didn’t understand the risks before taking more than the recommended amount.

Finally, rebound pain is a common, yet often under-reported symptom of taking NSAIDs. The nervous system continues to generate pain when an individual takes these over-the-counter medications. Thus, pain medications may even contribute to someone getting hooked or addicted.

While there are situations when pain medication makes sense, it’s important to understand the risks and know the alternatives. One alternative to managing pain and taking medication is chiropractic care.  At Lowrey Chiropractic, we have the training and experience to manage both acute and chronic pain. If you’re ready to start 2012 out right – free from pain, give us a call today. You’ll be glad that you did!

Sciatica is a description of symptoms as opposed to a diagnosis of what may be irritating the sciatic nerve which in turn gives rise to the pain.  It is a rather common form of lower back and leg discomfort but what is often misunderstood is that the condition tends to result from general wear and tear on lower spine structures. Some medical professionals falsely interpret this wear and tear as injury-related, when, in fact, it’s a nerve issue.

The most common symptom is a pain that spreads out along the path of the sciatic nerve, beginning with the lower back and extending down one leg. However, there are many other symptoms too, and these can vary widely depending on the exact point at which the sciatic nerve becomes affected. Some sufferers may experience a mild tingling sensation or achiness, while others may feel sharp pain one side of their body. The frequently described pins-and-needles sensation is a common symptom, too, and is usually felt in the foot or toes. Sciatica pain typically begins slowly then gradually becomes unbearable with sudden involuntary actions such as sneezing or coughing bringing on severe pain.

Most sciatica sufferers often respond well to sciatica chiropractic treatment in its various forms. But, it’s important to note that sciatica is a symptom and not a medical condition. Sciatica treatment plans will vary according to the underlying causes of the pain. The American Chiropractic Association (AMA) recommends a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option to ease the pain of sciatica. .  Once there is a full examination, there will be a recommendation of an effective sciatica treatment program that should quickly have you functioning normally again. Treatments may include a combination of electric muscle stimulation, specialized stretching, low back adjustments, and muscle therapies including myofascial release and trigger point therapy to quickly reduce and eliminate pain and get you back on your feet.

To learn more about treatment of sciatica or to schedule an evaluation, please contact us today!

The nerve roots are attached to your spinal cord and exit out through the spinal column through the neck and upper back, traveling through your shoulder, down your arm, to the elbow, wrist, and hand. When nerves are disrupted they will cause a variety of different types of pain such as weakness, numbness, tingling, burning, sharp, dull, or an aching feeling. These symptoms are particularly responsive to chiropractic spinal adjustments designed to treat such problems.

Wrist pain can also be caused by trauma or strain due to repetitive action on the joint. This causes muscle tightness and restriction in the movement of the joint. There are many causes of arm, elbow, and wrist pain. Sometimes, it will only take a single movement and you will feel instant pain. Injuries to ligaments and muscles in your arm will occur when they are overworked over a period of time from activities like sports, work, or home improvement projects. Common sports injuries, such as tennis and golfers elbow, are very common in active adults and can be cared for fairly easily through chiropractic treatment.

While rest, anti-inflammatory medicine, and ice can help manage the pain, they will do nothing to correct your underlying condition. Not having treatment will generally cause the underlying problem to eventually get worse. Each time the pain comes back, it will be worse, and last longer, until your condition becomes permanent. In which case, surgery may become necessary.

Chiropractic care is a much safer and less expensive route to take when dealing with pain. Invasive surgery should be a last resort when all other options are exhausted. A doctor will examine you and conduct diagnostic tests to determine exactly what is causing your wrist or arm pain. The causes and seriousness of conditions can vary so it is important to pinpoint the cause and begin an appropriate treatment plan.  Wrist and arm pain can negatively affect everything from work performance to personal relationships, yet this condition can easily be treated through high quality chiropractic care.

If painful arms, wrists, or hands are slowing you down, call our office today at 916-941-7508 to schedule an exam.

A child’s spine develops at a rapid pace for the first 10 years of life. Everyday activities such as carrying a heavy backpack loaded with textbooks, sitting for too long in front of the computer, or participating in sports can lead to misalignments of the spine. These misalignments can result in pain, poor posture, and some experts believe, can even lead to conditions such as headaches, sleep disorders, and hyperactivity.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic care for children has increased by nearly 10% in the last two decades with more and more seeking alternatives to traditional approaches to treat soft tissue injuries or chronic pain. In fact, chiropractic care is now the second most common form of complementary or alternative medicine for children after natural supplements such as fish oil and herbs.

Chiropractic care can be introduced at any age. Of course, many parents ask if there are any real benefits of chiropractic care for a young child. However, when you consider how often a child falls while learning how to walk and injuries that occur during playtime, you can begin to consider the cumulative damage that occurs over time. Chiropractic care treats the misalignments that can begin as early as the first year of birth. In some cases, these misalignments can even be a result of birth trauma.

By no means is chiropractic care meant to take the place of traditional medicine. However, it can be a highly effective component to overall healthcare throughout childhood by effectively treating soft tissue injuries and chronic pain resulting from conditions such as scoliosis or cerebral palsy.

Are you interested in learning more about chiropractic care for your child? Call us today at 916-941-7508 for more information or to schedule a new patient exam.

School sports-related injuries have become increasingly common. This certainly includes broken bones due to contact sports such as football and basketball. However, soft tissue injuries affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments are happening more frequently as children are increasingly participating in competitive sports, and at a younger age.

While some of these injuries will heal on their own by taking the RICE approach of Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, others will be more serious requiring the care of a doctor with special training in these types of injuries.

Strains and sprains are the most common types of soft tissue injuries and commonly occur in active children who do sports or just play hard. They often happen due to ankle twisting or by a trip or fall. Symptoms are typically similar to those of a broken bone. If an injured area is significantly painful, bruised, or swollen, it is a good idea to seek medical assistance. In many cases, a splint or temporary cast can support and protect the injured area until it is healed.

Other times, follow-up care that includes specialized chiropractic treatments such as Active Release Technique (ART) can help separate, release, and stretch connective tissue to help restore the vascular and lymphatic circulation of the injured area. The goal is always to increase range of motion, strength, and flexibility while also eliminating pain and discomfort. These treatments can also help prevent re-injury.

Without a doubt, school sports can help children gain confidence and self- esteem, and also help promote long-term health and fitness. By taking a proactive approach when sports-related injuries occur, you can help your child heal quicker while also minimizing the chance of chronic or permanent injuries.

Wear Proper Footwear
Whether you’re hiking Yosemite or hitting the local tennis court, you need the right footwear to prevent potential sports injuries such as ankle sprains and plantar fasciitis. It’s always a good investment to purchase shoes from a retailer with salespeople who take the time to measure your feet and help you choose footwear that fits and is appropriate for the activity that you’ll be participating in. Don’t forget to choose your socks wisely, too. Socks can dramatically affect how shoes fit and how you are able to move in your shoes.  If you exercise on a regular basis, it’s also important to remember that shoes wear out quicker than you think and need to be replaced on a consistent basis.

Don’t Forget the Protective Gear
Activities like rollerblading and biking can be especially fun in the summer.  However, they are commonly the cause of more serious sports injuries including fractures.  While it may be tempting to just hop on that bike without a helmet or throw on the skates without considering knee and elbow pads, they can go a long way to help prevent an unexpected injury that could potentially leave you on the sidelines all summer long!

Stop Playing When Something Hurts
The time to stop playing isn’t after hours of muscling through nagging pain. Rather, paying attention to your body and regarding pain as a signal to stop is the smart way to go. Pain could be a sign of a major or a minor injury. It’s always a good idea to get it checked out by your healthcare professional. If it isn’t found to be serious, take the RICE approach – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.  RICE initiated just after a minor injury can help reduce pain and swelling and decrease overall recovery time.

Don’t Overdo It
When temperatures begin to climb, heat-related injuries can occur. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are all very common during the summer. Your best line of defense is staying adequately hydrated with the right amount of fluids. Of course, your body needs water, but it also need electrolytes, sodium, and minerals, that when depleted, can cause painful muscle cramps and other symptoms. Sports drinks are often the easiest solution for replacing what is depleted during exercise. Of course, you’ll want to avoid caffeine and alcohol which can further cause dehydration. Wearing loose, sweat wicking clothing can also help keep you cool and prevent heat-related illness.

Use Common Sense
Finally, an ounce of common sense can prevent the need for a pound of cure – especially when it comes to summer sports injuries. Allow yourself time to acclimate to heat, and don’t overdo it, especially under the glaring rays of the midday sun. If you feel pain, fatigue, nausea, or just not right, stop exercising and cool off. The goal is to have fun, stay fit, and enjoy the summer. By taking a few preventative steps, you’ll make the most of the season!

A repetitive injury, swimmer’s shoulder is typically caused by faulty stroke mechanics, sudden increases in training or workout intensity, or improper use of training devices such as hand paddles. Lax shoulder joints and scar tissue between muscles can also lead to this painful condition. 

It’s no surprise that shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints. When you consider that the shoulder is only anchored by muscles, tendons, and ligaments while providing a tremendous range of motion, it’s easy to see how injury is possible. In the case of swimmer’s shoulder, the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint weaken and become tender and painful.

One proven treatment for swimmer’s shoulder is Active Release Technique (ART). This patented, innovative massage technique helps both professional athletes and everyday people who are suffering from painful soft tissue conditions such as swimmer’s shoulder. Without the need for injections, surgery, or medication, ART has become the gold standard in soft tissue treatment and the solution for many who want effective relief from painful joints and muscles.

How ART Works
ART is not one technique, but rather consists of 500 treatment “protocols” that treat muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and fascia. Many soft tissue-related conditions including back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, shin splints, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, and even swimmer’s shoulder can be effectively treated with ART.

Every ART session consists of both an exam and treatment. The ART provider is trained to evaluate and treat soft tissue with a combination of directed tension and specific patient movements.  This specialized approach to treating conditions such as swimmer’s shoulder is effective in more than 90% of patients.

If you are suffering from swimmer’s shoulder or any other soft tissue condition or injury and are considering ART, it’s important to consult with a certified ART health care provider. Because of the complexity of this treatment, you will definitely want someone who is knowledgeable in the vast range of protocols and who has the ability to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of your muscles. To learn more about ART or to receive an evaluation of your swimmer’s shoulder or other soft tissue condition, make an appointment today.

While rest, ice, and Ibuprofen are commonly prescribed to sufferers of these often nagging, chronic conditions, many find that these are not enough to resolve the pain or permanently heal the injury. Because soft tissues, that are stretched beyond their limits, develop microscopic tears that lead to inflammation and scar tissue adhesions, muscles tighten up – resulting in more pain and a higher chance to reinjure.

Unlike treatments that are designed only to reduce swelling and pain, Active Release Technique (ART) works differently by separating, releasing, and stretching the connective tissue – restoring the vascular and lymphatic circulation to the affected area. This results in increased range of motion, strength, and flexibility. With over 500 specific moves in this patented technique’s treatment protocols, a wide range of both golf and tennis injuries can be both identified and corrected.

 ART can be extremely helpful for injuries resulting from overuse, it can also be highly effective for acute injuries such as sprains or strains. Both types of injuries result in muscle fibers bundling up and adhesions or scar tissue forming. This leads to lost elasticity, weakening of muscles, nerves being entrapped, and the range of motion being reduced. ART literally breaks this cycle by returning soft tissue’s integrity and function.  

ART can treat a wide range of common golf and tennis injuries including the following:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Back pain
• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Foot pain
• Frozen shoulder
• Golfer/tennis elbow
• Hand/wrist injuries
• Hip pain
• Ilio tibial band syndrome
• Impingement syndromes
• Joint dysfunction
• Knee pain
• Muscle strain
• Myofasciitis
• Neck pain
• Nerve entrapment syndromes
• Rotator cuff syndrome
• Scar tissue formation
• Shoulder pain
• Thoracic outlet syndrome

If you’ve been suffering from a golf or tennis related injury and want to to get back in the game, contact us today for an appointment. You’ll be glad that you did!

The everyday, repetitive movements that you make while sitting at a desk, such as talking on the phone or using a PC, can cause neck and shoulder pain, as well as chronic headaches. If posture or ergonomics are not ideal, these normal activities can directly result in a sore neck, stiff shoulders, and a throbbing head.

Considering that many of us sit at a desk for eight hours a day, five days a week or even longer, it’s no wonder that poor workstation posture can lead to aches and pains. An uncomfortable chair, a poorly positioned monitor, or a keyboard set at the wrong angle can all commonly cause poor posture. As well, bad habits such as hunching over or not holding a mouse correctly can impact how you feel at the end of the day.

One of the most common forms of poor posture that leads to headaches is commonly referred to as forward head posture (FHP). With eyes pulled to a computer screen, many individuals naturally develop FHP at work. Unfortunately, this position causes muscles in the neck to work far harder than they need to. By tightening the posterior cervical muscles to position our head forward, the extra amount of exertion over an extended period of time can result in muscle strain and headaches.

If you have noticed headaches coming on with some regularity while at work, you may want to take a closer look at your workstation. Here are some of the ways that you can optimize where you work to minimize aches and pains.

• Keep your computer monitor at eye level.
• You knees should be parallel with the floor while seated.
• Your chair should tilt slightly back to take stress off lower back.
• The desk height or keyboard tray should be parallel with your arms.

Besides optimizing your workstation to improve your posture, it’s also helpful to take regular breaks to stretch, breathe deeply, and change positions. A micro-break every 20-25 minutes is ideal. As well, taking a at least a half hour break every four hours to walk around and loosen muscles will further prevent muscle strain.

If you’ve noticed that you tend to hunch over at work or if you’re experiencing regular headaches or neck or shoulder pain, it’s important to know that FHP can cause long-term health consequences if not corrected. But, there is much you can do to fix the problem, and a chiropractor can help treat posture related headaches and pains. No, you probably don’t need to go to the emergency room because you’ve ended your day with a throbbing headache. However, it might be your cue to get the help you need to correct your posture and improve your work station design. Once those have been adjusted, you’ll probably find that those nagging headaches have mysteriously disappeared.