Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Now Accepting New Patients St Paul, MN Area



Now Accepting New Patients

If you've experienced great results from safe and natural chiropractic care, we hope you'll share your experience with friends. You see, we don't benefit from the billions of ad dollars spent by the pharmaceutical industry.
Instead, we depend upon delighted patients like you to spread the word. That's how it's worked for over a century! In fact, it's how chiropractic has thrived in the shadow of the mainstream drug culture we live in. If you know someone you think we could help, we offer many ways of finding out more about chiropractic:

In person. Bring your friend or family member along on your next visit. The "buddy system" works well when swimming - and when checking out an unfamiliar setting such as a chiropractic office! Or encourage them to schedule a complimentary consultation. We welcome people to come in and discuss their health issues. We'll listen, ask questions and see if they're a good candidate for chiropractic care.

By mail. Let us know, and we can send a "care package" of helpful information about specific health complaints and details about our office to answer questions and address apprehensions.
By phone. Have them give us a call (or email us). There's no obligation and they can remain anonymous if they wish. Informed patients, with their expectations clarified, get the best results!

Online. Easiest of all, forward a link to our website so they can learn what we're all about. We know that people you like will be people we'll like too.
More than likely, someone told you about chiropractic. Pay it forward and introduce someone you love to chiropractic care. It'll feel great!

Chiropractor: Bone or Nerve Doctor?


Bones or Nerves?

We live our lives through our nervous systems. Whether it's enjoying a sunset, digesting dinner or warding off an infection, our nervous systems control everything. Better nervous system = better life.

Our culture is focused on blood, such as pulse, blood pressure and cholesterol. Yet these largely result from nervous system directions. So even the smallest nervous system disturbance can dramatically affect the way your whole body works.

Since the moving bones of the spinal column are in such close proximity to the spinal cord, and the 31 pairs of nerve roots that branch out from it, many people think chiropractic is all about bones.

But I see myself as a nerve doctor, not a bone doctor. The spinal column is merely where we find the vertebral subluxations that are often the source of nerve disturbances between the brain and body. Reducing nervous system tension allows your body to work normally so health can return. Simple, really.

Monday, December 21, 2009

So what can you do about stress-related back pain?

Got stress? Take a walk!

Stress and Back Pain

We live in very stressful times. A world-wide economic crisis, declining home values, job losses, financial insecurities, an uncertain future… these and other “real life” events cause a lot of people a lot of stress. And that stress is responsible for all types of health problems, including high blood pressure, strokes, insomnia and an increase in the number of people experiencing back pain.

Chronic stress (emotional, physical and chemical) can affect your nervous system’s ability to function correctly, leading to an increased risk for illness and pain. And… when you’re under stress, your muscles get tense and tighten, especially the muscles in your neck and back.

So what can you do about stress-related back pain?

• Learn how to relax muscles through stretching, take “stretch” breaks at work, walk around your building during break or lunch

• Exercise to release stress and endorphins, those “feel good” brain chemicals – brisk walking, cycling, swimming – anything that increases your heart rate and gets you moving is beneficial

• Eat healthy meals – avoid empty calories, sugary snacks and comfort foods that pack on the weight and offer little in terms of nutrition

• Write down your thoughts or talk to a professional counselor – getting the stress out, on paper or in person, helps to relieve stress

• Treat yourself to a massage to ease tense muscles

• Learn to say “no” to anything that will further complicate your life, causing additional stress

• Get plenty of rest – it’s hard to deal with the stress that causes chronic back pain when you’re not well rested

And by all means, make sure you’re staying up to date with your chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic care helps to “reset” the nervous system so you are better able to fight the negative effects of stress. We certainly see an increase in stress-related back pain as a result of these uncertain times. We want to help you to weather these times, feeling healthy and pain free, so you can deal with whatever comes your way.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome "It's Not Always What You Think"


Spine-Shoulder-Elbow-Wrist Connection

Headaches and Neck Pain
Just as headaches are often related to the spine, so can numb and tingling fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder pain!
You have tingling in your wrist and fingers and…you work on a Blackberry and computer all day, or you’re a grocery store clerk, or maybe even an assembly line worker. Could that have something to do with it? Could it be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)? And if it is, are pain relievers, wrist cuffs and surgery your only alternatives for relief of this condition?

That tingling you feel in your wrist and fingers may be related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or it may be related to something else. But in any case, people with spinal problems, particularly in the lower cervical spine (neck area) or upper thoracic spine (upper back area) or who have some type of nerve/joint dysfunction may be prone to these symptoms as well. Repetitive strain ailments, such as CTS, often are linked to other injury sites on the body; this is known as a “Double Crush” Syndrome.

In our practice, when we assess a patient for tingling in the wrist and fingers, it is important that we examine the entire arm and neck to trace the nerve(s) involved back to what may be the actual origin of the problem. Failure to properly identify a “Double Crush” in the case of CTS or another finger/wrist problem could lead to unnecessary and unsuccessful surgery if the real problem is nerve interference due to neck injury/trauma or subluxation!

Because chiropractors are knowledgeable about bones, nerves and ligaments, we are able to perform the proper examination, diagnostic testing, evaluation and assessment so we can administer specific adjustments for CTS and other wrist/finger conditions that have been proven to reduce the need for drugs and surgery.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Solutions for Rotator Cuff Injuries


Solutions for Rotator Cuff Injuries

Exercise and Fitness Minneapolis, MN

Like most new injuries, the application of ice can help reduce inflammation.
Your rotator cuff is made up of four tendons that attach four muscles to your upper arm so you can freely move your shoulder, the joint with the widest range of motion in your body. Think about all the things you do, from raising your arm, to reaching for something, to swinging a golf club or a tennis racket, to driving a car – all require free movement of the shoulder joint.

Unfortunately, because of the shallowness of the shoulder socket, the shoulder joint is one that is most prone to injury from sports and falls. If one of the rotator cuff tendons is partially torn, pain and restricted movement result. If there is a complete tear, the muscle supported by the affected tendon can affect shoulder movement and cause muscle pain and weakness.

When a rotator cuff injury is serious enough that it irritates the nerves that pass through the shoulder joint, this is known as rotator cuff impingement. Impingement can produce tingling sensations and numbness down to the hand and fingers, in addition to pain. It is often part of the aging process because the muscles and tendons that support the shoulder tend to weaken.

Traditional approaches to rotator cuff injuries include rest, ice/heat applications, the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, steroids, exercise and physical therapy. For a rotator cuff that is completely torn, surgery is usually recommended. But that too has its drawbacks and rarely results in complete healing.

Is there a natural alternative? Certainly there is, the kind of care that we administer in this office – safe, gentle chiropractic care that addresses the cause of your shoulder problem, not the symptoms.

Chiropractic care helps to restore the health of your spine and neck and this often relieves pressure that is causing your shoulder pain. Because an accident or injury to the shoulder may cause the misalignment of vertebrae in your neck, chiropractic adjustments are an effective means to reposition the vertebrae, restoring proper alignment, increasing shoulder mobility, and relieving pain.

Of course, we might also suggest some complementary approaches to help relieve your shoulder pain that include moist heat, ice packs, traction, massage or stretching and strengthening exercises. We would be more than happy to discuss all your options at you next visit.

Strength Training vs. Endurance Training Which Is Best?


Strength vs. Endurance

Improving strength and endurance are both beneficial - in different ways.

When it comes to exercise and fitness, there are basically two types of training or exercise – strength and endurance. Most athletes combine both for maximum performance.

So…what’s the difference between strength and endurance?

Strength involves the ability to do something that takes a lot of energy or “muscle” over a relatively short period of time, such as picking up and moving a heavy box.

Endurance involves the ability to do something that takes only a moderate amount of energy, or doing something repetitive, over a longer period of time, such as running a marathon.

Strength training, which involves the use of weights, has a number of benefits:
• Builds lean muscle, which increases metabolism to help you lose weight
• Strengthens muscles to assist with everyday activities, such as lifting bags and carrying children, and strengthens bones, which in turn lowers your risk for osteoporosis
• Strengthens ligaments and tendons to help you avoid injury
• Helps to reduce joint pain, such as arthritis pain
• Assists in physical therapy for injuries resulting from accidents, as well as after hospital stays
• Adds variety to your exercise routine
• Reduces stress, builds positive body image, increases confidence

Endurance training generally involves some type of aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, circuit training or swimming to build stamina. The benefits of endurance training are primarily cardiovascular – it increases oxygen-rich blood flow throughout your body, reduces plaque in the arteries (cholesterol) and reduces the risk for stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure. It also helps you to lose weight and it releases brain chemicals (endorphins) that improve mood and reduce depression/anxiety symptoms.

Most people combine both types of training for maximum benefit. When addressing neck and back injuries, endurance training is most beneficial for reducing pain and increasing function. Along with regular chiropractic care, we can suggest appropriate exercises for you if you are suffering from back and neck pain.
Roseville, MN Chiropractor

A Chiropractor's Education


Education

College classroom

In many ways, the education today’s chiropractic doctor receives is comparable to what a medical practitioner receives.

These days, the education that a chiropractor receives is quite similar to what medical practitioners receive.
In fact, a recent study says that chiropractic and medical curricula are “more similar than dissimilar.” Some chiropractic colleges require a Bachelor’s degree before enrollment. A doctor of chiropractic’s training generally requires a minimum of five years of college study.

Obviously, medical doctors receive additional training in pharmacology and surgery, whereas chiropractors focus more on physiology, pathology and spinal adjusting techniques.

After passing board examinations and state licensing requirements, today’s chiropractor, like all types of doctors, must attend continuing education classes for relicensure and to stay current on the latest scientific research.


SUBJECT
Chiropractic Hours-Top
Medical Hours-Bottom


Anatomy-Embryology
540
508
Physiology
240
326
Pathology-Geriatrics-Pediatrics
360
401
Chemistry
165
325
Microbiology
120
114
Diagnosis, Dermatology, ENT
630
324
Neurology
320
112
Radiology
360
148
Psychology-Psychiatry
60
144
Obstetrics-Gynecology
60
148
Orthopedics
210
156
TOTAL
3,065-Chiropractic
2,706-Medical


SOURCE: Classroom hours based on the review of curriculum catalogs from eleven chiropractic colleges and twenty-two medical schools in the United States (1996).


Pain As a Warning Sign


Pain
If you’re experiencing pain, making it go away is an understandable goal. What is the purpose of pain? Why are we equipped to experience this unpleasant feeling?


Identify Limits
Pain is a way our body tells us we’ve reached a boundary. When our finger exceeds the limits of the joint function for which it was designed for, we experience pain.

Montage of road signs
Like highway signs, pain is a warning sign. Ignore it at your own risk!


Provide Warning
Pain is a signal our body uses to alert us that something isn’t working correctly. Physical pain, social pain and even psychological pain is a warning that something must change.


Avoid Injury
Ultimately, pain is a form of self-protection. Without experiencing pain, we might do more serious, irreversible damage to ourselves.


Understandably, we want pain to disappear. A convenient way is to ingest a drug that covers-up or fools the body. As you might expect, this strategy can make the underlying problem worsen, making it more difficult and expensive to correct.

Friday, December 4, 2009

How to Tell Others About Chiropractic


How to Tell Others About Chiropractic


Chiropractic doesn't benefit from huge advertising campaigns or media coverage like those enjoyed by the drug industry.
Lucky for us, a recommendation from you is more powerful than all the advertising in the world. How can you introduce others to chiropractic? Here are a few simple ideas:

Be Confident. Know that chiropractic has helped a lot of people with all different types of health problems. A better working nervous system can help just about anyone, whatever their current health status may be.

Tell Your Story. Let friends and coworkers know how you've been helped with chiropractic care. Explain how chiropractic works and your experiences in our practice.

Answer Questions. Most people have heard many myths and misconceptions about chiropractic, and they may have a lot of questions as a result. Simply share your experiences, which will help dispel their fear of the unknown. Remind them that, just as there are great and not so great dentists, it's no reason to write off dentistry!

Ask For Help. We have some printed information we can equip you with to help answer questions that your friends and family may have. Or, have them call us. I'm happy to answer questions over the phone without cost or obligation.

Email A Friend. Forward any page from our website to someone you think we can help. It's a great way to offer hope and encouragement. Then, let them decide if chiropractic makes sense.
It's a great feeling when you help others. It's something we get to experience every day. You can enjoy that same great feeling too.

Introducing Dr. You




Introducing Dr. You


Regardless of a doctor's specialty, the prestige of the school they graduated from or their years of experience, they can't cure headaches, mend broken bones or heal a wound. Only you can do that... If your healing ability isn't impaired.

Your inborn healing ability is responsible for the tremendous success that chiropractic patients enjoy. The only thing doctors can do, regardless of their discipline, is to help reduce barriers to the incredible healing ability you were born with.

Which is why all of us at Advanced Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic are interested in your nervous system. It's what controls every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body. The nerves along your spine are the most vulnerable part of your nervous system. By reducing nervous system compromise from the moving bones of your spine, Dr. You takes over and does the healing!
How does it feel to be a doctor? Do you know anyone whose healing ability needs a boost?


Shoreview Chiropractic

Why Do Some Get Sick?


Every grade school child learns that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. Yet, few know who discovered chiropractic. But more fascinating is why chiropractic was discovered.

Take yourself back over a hundred years ago to a time when "patent medicines" flourished. These were often sold as cure alls whose active ingredients were usually alcohol, cocaine, arsenic and other dangerous substances.

In the midst of this, a healer, experimenter and freethinker by the name of Daniel David Palmer in Davenport, Iowa asked a simple question:

"I desired to know why one person was ailing and his associate eating at the same table, working in the same shop was not. Why? What difference was there in the two persons that caused one to have pneumonia, catarrh, typhoid or rheumatism, while his partner, similarly situated, escaped? Why?"

At a time when germs were given the blame for virtually every disease, this was a groundbreaking way of framing the question about health. Germs alone couldn't be the cause of disease, otherwise everyone would get sick.
Chiropractic came into existence soon afterwards. D.D. Palmer discovered that it's smarter to look at the person with the disease, rather than the disease in the person. Revolutionary then - and revolutionary now!



Shoreview Chiropractor