Top Chiropractor in San Leandro, CA

San Leandro Chiropractor

Low Back Pain Prevention and Maintenance

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lower back painMany of my patients ask me the same question over and over again: “How often and how long do I have to see a chiropractor for low back pain problems?” I always provide the same answer: “How often do you change oil in your car, do tune up, replace brake pads and tires and many other things that a vehicle requires in order to run properly?” Our body is a bio mechanical machine that requires as much care and maintenance is the vehicle you drive every day. Every day stress such as work, commute, household activities will eventually lead to low back pain problems. Sacrum and Lumbar spine are the center of the gravity for our bodies. If that area is deconditioned mechanical problems are inevitable – misaligned vertebrae in a lumbar spine or misaligned Sacroilliac joint. This misalignment (subluxation) will cause the irritation to the nerve root and will result in a muscle spasm which will cause more pain and discomfort. The longer one waits for this pain and discomfort to go away the greater the possibility that this problem will get worse.

Back in 2010 I have written a blog post – “Healthy Hints for a healthy Back” which describes how to properly stand and walk, sit, lift, sleep, drive and work. Following these simple advices will guarantee that your low back vertebraes will maintain proper alignment and injury to a soft tissue of the para-spinal musculature of the lumbar spine will be avoided or minimized.

Another blog post that was written the same year – “Lower Back Exercises.” talks about a conditioned para-spinal musculature of the lumbar spine and how it helps to prevent a low back pain. A series of exercise samples with pictures have been provided for your overview. Only ten to fifteen minutes a day will keep your low back young and strong.

Nothing can really replace a visit to your local chiropractor. A great full spine adjustment will make you feel really good. It will stimulate your peripheral and central nervous. Add electrical stimulation and moist heat for fifteen minutes and follow up with fifteen minutes deep tissue massage by a certified massage therapist and you will feel like a car that just had a complete tune up done, brans new tires installed and brake pads replaced. I get adjusted and get all of the therapies mentioned at least once a week some times more than once a week. My low back would fail me long time ago if I would not exercise on regular bases and did not get chiropractic care.

if you are not doing any of the three advices mentioned above, make a change in your life now. The sooner you start the better the chances that your low back pain will never bother you in a future.

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Chiropractic Questions and Chiropractor Answers

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CHIROPRACTIC QUESTIONS ANSWERSChiropractic Questions and Chiropractor Answers

Question #25 

Lower back pains !!!? 

I work an eight hour shift almost every day and stand on my feet constantly. My work duties require me lifting heavy objects. I always try to lift with my legs and not my back. However, lately the lower right side of my back has been killing me. It is very painful to sit, so I stand more or lay down when I get the chance. What can I do to lessen the pain?

Answer: 

From my professional standpoint it appears that you might have an overuse or repetitive soft tissue injury. That might involve sprained tendons and strained musculature around the lumbar spine. Also herniated disc and subluxated lumbar vertebral level can also be contributing factors for the pain. I would suggest that you take some time off of work and see your local chiropractor who has physical therapy equipment and massage therapist in the office. The time off of work will allow your body to avoid farther soft tissue damage and proper rehabilitation will expedite the healing process. Hope it answered your question

 

Question #26 

What’s wrong with my ankle(s)? 

Last year during volleyball practice, I dove and twisted my ankle. Ever since it has been weird. I’ve had really flat feet since I was a little kid, and my ankles always hurt because of that. i don’t wear very supportive shoes, but even when I do it doesn’t help. I went to a podiatrist a few months ago, and he diagnosed me with an excessively flexible flat foot. Strange. I use an ace bandage on my ankle, but to no avail. Nothing has made it feel better. It hurts off and on, though, and when it hurts it hurts a lot. I think I sprained it that day, and since I have bad feet, it just never healed. Do you think that’d what happened? Also, do you recommend for me to get those sport supports you put on your ankles with your shoes while playing? Thanks in advance. Also, I’m kind of an injury magnet 😀 never broken anything, but I always seem to be hurting myself

Answer: 

You are correct about sprain injury to your ankle. When this happens the soft tissue needs a proper rehabilitation in order to prevent scar tissue formation. Most likely you did not have any rehabilitation at all thus is the reason for the pain. At this point it is in chronic stage and will require some time to fix it. Deep tissue massage and active/passive ROM will help. As to your second question about ankle support – you can use it if it does not interfere with your game and running pattern. The most important thing is keeping your gate normal.

 

Question #27

Tingling in my left leg, please help?

 

It started with lower back problem where i could sit down for a period of time, couldnt bend over or put on my socks. This happened overnight. This lasted for 5 months then I woke up with tingling and pain on my left butt cheek all the way down my leg. All of this has lasted for 8 months now and wont go away. Have been through 3 X-rays, and 3 Physical Therapist and nothing. They refuse to give me an MRI. They keep saying it’s a weak core but I know it’s not because I can do advanced core exercises with not problem. I believe my muscle is pinching my sciatic nerve. Can someone please shed some light on this for me?

Answer:

X-Rays will not show soft tissue problem. What you need is an MRI, but it looks like your ignorant doctors refuse to authorize it. Sounds like a Kaiser type of therapy. Physical therapy will not help either at this point and time as strengthening injured musculature and soft tissue is only going to make things worse. Get a second opinion about your problem. I am afraid if you are attached to a particular treatment facility your only option would be paying out of your own pocket and figure out what is going on. I think finding a local neurologist or a chiropractor would be my first step. It all depends on what kind of treatment you would prefer for this kind of problem. It could be Sciatica but it could also be Sacroilliac Joint misalignment.

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Ways To Deal With Anxiety

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ANXIETYModern American life is very stressful and many people start a new day with anxiety.  So, what is anxiety? According to wikipedia: anxiety is a psychological and physiological state characterized by somatic, emotional, cognitive and behavioral components. The root meaning of the word anxiety is “to vex or trouble”, in ether the absence or presence of psychological stress, it can create feelings of fear, worry uneasiness and dread. This condition is considered to be a normal reaction to a stressor. It may help a person to deal with a difficult situation by prompting one to cope with it. When this condition is to excessive, it may fall under the classification of anxiety disorder.

Dealing with anxiety is best done before it reaches the breakdown pint. Those who have advanced stage will have to find a professional help. However, most of the people can cope with this condition on their own.

SLEEP:

My teacher used to say: “Sleep is your weapon.” If one lacks it on a regular bases it is impossible to concentrate on important daily tasks. A good night sleep is very important for the body to regenerate the nervous system after a long and stressful day and it also helps to rest other important physiological processes that are taking place in our body. Our body has its own physiological clock and it likes to keep sleeping and eating habits at the same time. This will allow the body to run smoothly. It is imperative that you do these two essential things at the same time as much as possible.

FOOD:

Stay away from foods that contain too much sugar and too much sodium. These foods will cause inflammation process in your body. Have you ever seen people with swollen faces? Guess what – it is the diet that is responsible for it. Consume anti-inflammatory diet full of low sugar  and sodium foods, vegetables, omega-3s, plant based protein – almond, walnuts and many other nuts will do the job. These foods will help to keep the mood stable and blood sugar level in check.

EXERCISE:

It is not a secret that one must have vigorous cardiovascular exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes. It will help excrete excess toxins from your body. Exercise will stimulate production of endorphins in your body and is an awesome way to de-stress. If time is the limiting factor try to walk around your office. One must find time to exercise. Keeping this schedule on regular bases will add years to a healthy and productive lifestyle.

STRETCHING:

As you age, the muscles in your body tighten and range of motion in the joints can be minimized. This can put a damper on active lifestyle and even hinder day-to-day, normal motions. Tasks that used to be simple, such as zipping up a dress or reaching for a can off the top shelf, now becomes extremely difficult. A regular stretching program can help lengthen your muscles and make daily living activities easier. Performing stretching on daily bases is very important and will help to cope with anxiety. It does not take much time and will provide a great benefit for your body and mind.

Below are some benefits

  • Reduced muscle tension
  • Increased range of motion
  • Enhanced muscle coordination
  • Increased blood circulation
  • Increased energy level

MUSIC:

A study from University of Michigan proves that music therapy relieves health anxiety. One must use this tool if music brings the joy to a life. Find music that matches your mood. Music can support you through a multitude of emotions.

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Coping With Stress and Anxiety at Work

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STRESS AND ANXIETY AT WORKWorking becomes harder when stress and anxiety becomes a redundant occurrence to the point that it affects how individuals do their jobs. Pressures are often the cause of stress and anxiety, from meeting deadlines, dealing with a demanding boss and having complex relationship with co-workers are just some of the things that make life at work difficult.

It is important to have a balanced life outside of your place employment to provide you with enough space to handle the pressures, stress and anxiety that the workplace brings. This can be achieved through a proper time management and a positive outlook in life.

Below are seven ways to cope with work stress and anxiety that can help you balance and enjoy life to the fullest.

  1. Find a job you love: having a job you love frees up a lot of pressures and stress for everybody. This kind of job often puts you in a healthy environment and doing the things you are passionate about. Look for a career that best suits your passions and talent. For example, if you love photography, indulge in a career that allows you to show your creativity through the camera of your lens.
  2. Spend more time with people you easily get along with: hanging out with people you love to spend time frees up the negativity that builds around a pressure packed and stress filled job. Try to spend more time with your friends by regularly scheduling a weekly get together to hang out and have fun.
  3. Listen to Soothing Music: listening to music soothes the mind and relaxes our senses. Play your favorite music during lunch break and incorporate it into your job for a few minutes in between. This will help you relax and flow along the rapid pace of your workplace.
  4. Do Exercises at Work: Try to practice exercises at your place of employment. Create a schedule for a 5 minute exercise every break time to just calm the muscles and put more energy to your body. A tired body often results to stress and anxiety and what better way to solve this than to have a regular exercise regimen.
  5. Relax at your Job: Every now and then try to relax at your job by closing your eyes for a couple of minutes to release the tension of staring at your computer screen for hours. By relaxing for a couple of minutes you end up clearing your mind of cluttered thoughts that results into stress and anxiety.
  6. Regular Workout at the Gym: balance your life outside of work by enrolling yourself in a gym. This affords you to gain a healthy lifestyle and with a regular workout program your body tends to reacts well with strenuous activity at your job as well as stress and anxiety. A healthy body helps you become more productive.
  7. Get 8 hours of Sleep: Lastly, make sure you get enough sleep each day you report to work. An average sleep length of 8 hours is enough to reinvigorate the body and prepare it for the next day’s workload. This gives you the adequate energy to combat stress and anxiety that usually develops in the work place. My teacher used to say: “Sleep is your weapon.”

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