Tips to Help Prevent Falls

Recently, one of my patients suffered a fall- a fall that she knew could have been prevented. She had left the dishwasher door open, went to grab the telephone and fell over the dishwasher door. Patients who have arthritis pain or even slight difficulty with balance have to be extra careful when it comes to preventing falls. A patient with arthritis may have difficulty with movement, especially when changing positions. Adding to the problem may be reduced strength, slower reflexes and decreased awareness of ones orientation.

In a recent article in Arthritis Today Magazine, 8 ways to reduce the risk of falls was discussed:

1. When walking, avoid multi-tasking
   
2. Exercise- aqua aerobics, tai chi, and walking are good forms of exercise.
   
3. Have your eyesight checked.
   
4. Check your medications- side effects can include dizziness or drowsiness.
   
5. Keep your home clutter-free. Secure mats and rugs.
   
6. Check the shoes you are wearing- be extra careful with flip flops and heels.
7. Watch where your pets are at all times.
   
8. Reorganize your home so you have easy access to particular areas of your house, for example your pantry.

Source: Arthritis Today Magazine, May-June 2011.


The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Glastonbury Chiropractic
  
• Arthitis Cures
  
• AARP Website
  
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor

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Acute Injury? -- Think ICE COLD...not heat for pain relief.

You recently bumped your big toe on the bed, and are jumping around frantically trying to get of the pain. With an injury like this, the first thing you may think of is "How do I get rid of this pain?" For the most part, a person will think of heat- heat will make it all better...NOT SO.

Icing an area, can be as simple as putting some ice cubes into a plastic bag, wrapping the ice pack in a towel and placing it on the area of pain. In the beginning, the ice pack will feel cold. In the next phase, you will feel a more burning sensation and ice will almost feel hot. This is then followed by an aching or throbbing sensation. Just before the area is numbed, a very sharp pain will be experienced followed by relief you are looking for. These phases can take 5-10 minutes to go through. Once you feel numbness in the area, you should remove the ice pack. Falling asleep with the ice pack can lead to frostbite.

The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Using Hot and Cold Therapy for Pain Relief
  
• The Benefit of Electrotherapy used in Conjunction with the Chiropractic Adjustment
  
• Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain, Lower Back Pain and other acute injuries
  
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
  
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor

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Treatment for Fibromyalgia: 43% Say they Prefer Alternative Therapies

A national survey of US Women with fibromyalgia revealed that 43% of them prefer treatment that is alternative in nature: chiropractic, massage, meditation and acupuncture.

In this blog we have talked a few times about the fibromyalgia. Most often it affects women, affecting 6-12 million americans. The condition can cause a multitude of symptoms such as neck pain, lower back pain, headaches, and leg cramps. Patients often have chronic widespread pain with particular tender points on the body. This leads to decreased physical function on a daily basis.

Treatment can be more towards the medical route or the more alternative route: The Medical route involves pain medications, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, anti-depressants and other medications. More and more patients are looking for solutions that do not involve drugs. Medications can affect a person’s mood, emotions, and ability to function on a daily basis. Worse, they can also negatively affect their ability to work or study.

According to Altmd.com, “current research suggests that fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system. People with fibromyalgia appear to have abnormalities in the chemical compounds (neurotransmitters) and transmit nerve impulses. Studies have also shown that on average, these patients have four times more nerve growth factor. This suggests that fibromyalgia is a issue that involves the increased hypersensitivity of the central nervous system.

Because of this hypersensitivity, using chiropractic as a therapy makes perfect sense. Chiropractic’s basis comes from the fact that an individuals health is controlled by the the state of ones central nervous system. A chiropractic adjustment has a major role in aligning the spine thus affecting the central nervous system ultimately.

This particular survey was conducted by WE FEEL (Women expressing fibromyalgia’s Effects their Everyday lives).

Additional Reading Resources

• Do I have fibromyalgia?
  
• What Does It Mean to Have Fibromyalgia?
  
• Dr.Oz Talks about Prescription Pain medication
  
• Glastonbury Chiropractor helps fibromyalgia patients with neck pain, headaches, low back pain and more
  
• Understanding why diet and exercise are an important factor in healing fibromyalgia
  

The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

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I can beat my pain !

Whatever you suffer, whether its neck pain, back pain, headaches, or something similar, you can get relief. I’ve seen a number of people who literally get worn out by their pain, sometimes giving up and accepting a life of mind-numbing medication and/or a sedentary life giving up certain activities.

The story of wrestler Anthony Robles reminded me that we really can achieve whatever we set our mind to. Anthony was born without his right leg. Did that stop him from going to Arizona State University and winning a national title in wrestling? -Nope!

His story reminded me that we can achieve our goal of getting healthy or getting rid of our headaches etc… You may even being saying to yourself right now: “My neck pain is nothing compared to being born without a leg.” So, when you’re discouraged about your neck or back pain, remember Anthony’s story, or something similar, and remember you can be pain free!

It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’re dealing with constant pain. But there are so many others in the world from whom we can draw inspiration when we too are in pain.

The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Chronic Pain Can Be Treated Better with Collaberative Treatments, study shows
  
• Pain Relief Topical Gels
  
• Pain Relief for Neck pain, Low back pain, Midback Pain, & Headaches through natural Chiropractic treatment
  
• Exercise your Shoulder Pain Free
  
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
  
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor

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