I Get Pain When I Run!

Our spines go from our head to tail. Okay, we don't have tails - -it ends with the sacrum and coccyx at our butt. Where is the pain? Is it in the middle? Is it on one side? Is it in the neck or back?

I used to drive to work and always see this woman who walked on the road. She had a huge head tilt. You didn't have to be a doctor to notice that one. Maybe walking on the road got her into some trouble. It goes to Not Putting Yourself In Harms Way! Either way, when the spine is off, whether it's the neck, mid-back, or low back, we can get pain somewhere.

The whole spine is connected so you could have pain anywhere. Nerves that exit the spine go to every part of the body. Sometimes you have pain, butit could be somthin else too. Let's say those particular nerves supply the thyroid gland. Then it won't work like it should.

The bottom line is: If you are getting a symptom the there is nerve pressure somewhere. Even before that you may notice your posture isn't right. Posture that's abnormal typically means there will be nerve pressure somewhere!

The Back Dr’s specializes in pain relief for the neck and the lower back. We will help you have better posture, get better sleep and help you be more comfortable. Helping you find natural remedies for your active lifestyle.

Additional Reading Resources:

• Neck Pain Relief
• Choosing the right neck pillow and neck traction for pain relief
• Contact the Back Dr for help with choosing the right pain relief products via telephone, or email

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The Back Store: Cushions, Belts, Pillows, Tens, Hot and Cold Therapy and More | You Tube The Glastonbury Chiropractor

I Am Pain Free, I Can Do It...

Just because you’re pain-free doesn’t mean you should go and do things that are dangerous and possibly hurt yourself. Things are harmful to your body or mind qualify for things that are not good for you.

This also includes eating bad things, drinking in excess, exercising the wrong way or doing certain things that put you or loved ones in harms way.

This reminds me of someone I know that does crazy things so people see him on the internet. I even saw someone on tv who apparently makes wild jumps for YouTube. Sure, you may get some notoriety, but is risking your life worth it.

If it’s to make money; I’m sure there are other, safer things you can do. Whatever you do, Don't ever neglect your body!

The Back Dr’s specializes in pain relief for the neck and the lower back. We will help you have better posture, get better sleep and help you be more comfortable. Helping you find natural remedies for your active lifestyle.

Additional Reading Resources:

• Neck Pain Relief
• Choosing the right neck pillow and neck traction for pain relief

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The Back Store: Cushions, Belts, Pillows, Tens, Hot and Cold Therapy and More | You Tube The Glastonbury Chiropractor

Can my Leg Pain cause my Back Pain?...

Problems at the Bottom Affect What's
Going on at the Top !

Many times back pain can come from something lower down. Much like a tower is only as sturdy as its base, your back is similar. Essentially your feet and legs are your base. If you are standing a certain way or your gait (the way that you walk and stand up) is altered it will start to irritate the back. Everything is connected - your feet to your ankles, ankles to your knees, knees to your hips, hips to your back. Sturdy your base and it often will stabilize the back. By the way, I'm not just referring to the lower back but the middle back as well.

The same is true in the opposite direction.  I've seen patients where they start out with neck pain but it travels to the mid-back.  Here's the bottom line...If part of the body needs help or support, your body will pull resources from somewhere else.  While your gait, your posture, and your regular activities can often give you pain that works its way up, pain can work its way down to.  Another example is arthritis; your body pulls calcium out of bones to get it when it needs it...

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. For low back pain, neck pain, midback pain, headaches, fibromyalgia and more, chiropractic can help you. Call our Glastonbury 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:

• chiropractic in Hartford area
• back health
• low back pillows
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut with the Drx 9000
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor via telephone, or email

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The Back Store: Cushions, Belts, Pillows, Tens, Hot and Cold Therapy and More | You Tube The Glastonbury Chiropractor

Which Neck Traction Unit is Better For Me?

If you have recently been having neck pain, numbness and tingling, or even shooting pains you may  have tried a number of treatments including chiropractic,physical therapy, massage and maybe even  home neck traction. Choosing the right home neck traction can be a daunting task. Do you get the over the door neck traction or do you opt for something where you are laying on your back? You can also get a neck stretcher that is like an inflatable neck collar (example: the trac collar). Lots of choices.

Here is an arc4life article that helps you choose the type of traction unit: over the door, supine or pneumatic types.

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. For low back pain, neck pain, midback pain, headaches, fibromyalgia and more, chiropractic can help you. Call our Glastonbury 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:

• Get a traction unit that works for you at home for neck pain relief
• A neck pillow that works well with traction at home
• Neck pain Resulting from a C5, C6, C7 or C8 Radiculopathy
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut with the Drx 9000
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor via telephone, or email

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The Back Store: Cushions, Belts, Pillows, Tens, Hot and Cold Therapy and More | You Tube The Glastonbury Chiropractor

Could this be Carpal Tunnel?

SYMPTOMS OF CARPAL TUNNEL?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is very plausible but is that really the problem? Here's a scenario: Someone visits our office because they are having tingling into their fingers - Their neighbor told them it's probably carpal tunnel. It may be? This person is on the computer all day at work so they're leaning toward what the neighbor said. This is why we do a thorough exam, to find out if that's really what it is.

From talking with the patient we learn that there is numbness and tingling in the whole arm. The patient also noted she strained her neck a bit the other day and is having neck pain to boot.

We do an exam and find that there is muscle spasm and tender points in the lower neck. Testing in the hand, wrist, and carpal tunnel reveals nothing of significance. We also had an x-ray study of the neck from last year when this particular person was in a minor accident and had neck pain. (This isn't always the case; a month prior we sent someone to the surgeon for him to take a look.)

In this particular case we learned that the arm numbness and tinglingwas coming from the neck. By the way, the x-ray from a year ago showed moderate degeneration or arthritis in the lower neck. When we have this it won't just disappear.

To shorten up the story, the patient began a course of gentle chiropractic and in office therapy. She no longer has these symptoms and completed her care.

If you are having similar symptoms please visit our Glastonbury Office before the problem gets worse.

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. For low back pain, neck pain, midback pain, headaches, fibromyalgia and more, chiropractic can help you. Call our Glastonbury 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:

• The Back Store- lumbar cushions, neck pillows, tens units, hot and cold packs, and back belts
• Chiropractic Treatment for Carpal Tunnel in Glastonbury CT
• Simple Tips to Keep a Healthy Neck- Stay away from Neck Pain For Good
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut with the Drx 9000
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor via telephone, or email

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The Back Store: Cushions, Belts, Pillows, Tens, Hot and Cold Therapy and More | You Tube The Glastonbury Chiropractor

Energy Healing Revealed on Dr.Oz

Energy Healing - Can this
alternative treatment help? 

I recently tuned in to see Dr. Mehmet Oz, and I found it pretty interesting!...

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/secrets-reconnective-healing

Some energy healing gets a little out there for me but just like Dr. oz says, keep an open mind. You know if it works for someone and doesn't harm anyone or themselves, what's the big deal.

They also interviewed an osteopath who saw healing results with his son who has cerebral palsy. By the way, his wife is a medical doctor too. But of course they had an MD on who didn't believe it.

Like I said if it doesn't harm anyone, who cares, good for them with their son!

Anyway, just thought it was interesting.

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:

• The Low Back Store
• Chronic Pain Sufferers- Be careful of drug dependency with medications
• How Do I wear My Low Back Support for Maximum Support and to Get Rid Of My Pain
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor

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Easier alternative to Using Over the Door Neck Traction

I am often asked by patients to recommend a traction unit for their neck (for a pinched nerve in the neck, bulging disk or radiculopathy). Also, often times patients have been recommended an over the door neck traction unit. Not only this type of traction unit look archaic, but it looks scary at first to use. It is often recommended by Orthopedic Doctors because it is inexpensive, effective and does provide pain relief. But there are other neck traction units today that make traction easy and effective.

Regular Trac-Collar Neck Traction

While your orthopedist may want you to use over-the-door neck traction, an often easier option that he or she may not know about is the trac-collar. Imagine wearing a regular neck collar that you can inflate from the right and from the left. These come in regular (for the neck measuring 14"-16") and large size (for the neck measuring 16"-18").

Once the major symptoms subside (i.e. neck or arm pain, or something similar) than using the traction pillow may be a huge help. This pillow not only helps to get rid of those unwanted symptoms like neck pain but also can help improve and maintain neck alignment. This should be your overall end goal because you want to stay as healthy and pain free as possible for the long term.

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:

• Neck Pain Relief : Neck Traction Devices that Really Work
• Traction units that Dr. Bellinger Recommends
• Exercises for the neck
• Is it possible to get rid of the hump on my neck?
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor

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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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This October: Chiropractic Awareness Month!

This is Chiropractic awareness month. This is the perfect time to visit your chiropractor's office with any healty health concern you may have.

Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical treatment option. It's one of the biggest, if not the biggest natural health care profession. A doctor of chiropractic is trained in may areas of health. After 3-4 years of undergraduate study a DC (doctor of chiropractic), goes to an additional 4 years of schooling.

Some of the most common conditions treated are neck pain, headaches, back pain, and sciatica. Visit your chiropractor this month to find out if he or she can help.

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:

• Chiropractic glastonbury
  
• Contact CT Spine
  
• Sciatica Exercise Program
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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Can My Neck Be Causing My Low Back Pain?

The short answer is YES! And here’s the reason… The brain sits at the top of the head, it’s our control center. Messages from the brain travel down the spinal cord, out the nerves, to every body cell, tissue, organ, and system.

A severed spinal cord in the neck can cause you paralysis or your arms and legs.

Now this would be a severe case that I don’t wish on anyone, but a neck injury that’s to much a lesser extent could affect nerve pathways that control lower body functions as well.

Another interesting fact…

Your brainstem travels down past your first, second, even third vertebrae. This is another reason the neck region is so powerful. At all times there are thousands of nerve impulses taking place in and around the spine. In the brain there are even more. The brainstem is an extension of the brain. Because of this, if there is additional pressure in the neck it can actually inhibit brain impulses.

So, when dealing with pain, whether it’s arm pain, headaches, or lower back pain, we must often look to the neck as well. The neck can often be a hidden cause of various aches and pains, or even more serious health issues.


CT Spine and Disc Center is located in central Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Back Support Belt Video
  
• Lose the back pain system
  
• Lose the neck pain
  

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What Does It Mean To Have FibroMyalgia?

Today’s blog post comes from Dr. Bellinger’s November Newsletter.

At my Glastonbury CT office, I often see patients who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is not a condition that you can say has a specific cause with a clear origin and means of diagnosis. It is one of those conditions that are obscure and can only be diagnosed by eliminating other, more common conditions. Fibromyalgia is one of those conditions where the degree of pain and disability can be profound and life quality interrupting, yet all the tests come back negative and there are no other conditions to explain the collection of symptoms. It is at that point when the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is typically made.

Fibromyalgia is typically a chronic (symptoms have been present for at least 3 months) condition where the patient complains of widespread, generalized muscle, ligament and tendon pain accompanied with fatigue and multiple tender points on the body that hurt with only light pressure. To be considered “widespread,” it usually affects both sides of the body and is both above and below the waist. It occurs in approximately 2% of the population in the US and women are 3-4 times more likely to develop fibromyalgia. The risk of fibromyalgia increases with age and can be secondary to other physical or emotional trauma, or it can occur all by itself. No obvious pattern usually exists as signs and symptoms can vary depending on weather, stress, physical activity, and even the time of day.

Sleep quality is an issue that seems well agreed upon as regardless of the number of hours in bed, the deep, restorative stages of sleep are seldom reached. Other sleep disorders frequently associated with fibromyalgia include sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.. “central sensitization”. This is basically a low threshold for pain because of increased sensitivity in the brain to the incoming pain signals. Certain chemical (neurotransmitters) changes in the brain have been identified resulting is hypersensitivity creating an overreaction to pain signals.

The American College of Rheumatology has established two diagnostic criteria that include

1. widespread pain lasting at least 3 months
2. at least 11 out of 18 positive tender points using just enough pressure to whiten the fingernail bed.

What are these 18 tender points that have been identified?

Tender Points seen in Fibromyalgia patients

1. Lower neck in front (2)
   
2. Edge of upper breast bone (2)
   
3. 2 cms below side bone at elbow (2)
   
4. Just above knee on inside (2)
   
5. Attachment of neck muscles at the base of the skull (2)
   
6. Midway between neck and shoulder (2)
   
7. Muscle over upper inner shoulder (2)
   
8. Upper outer buttock (2)
   
9. Hip bone (2)
   

There are no direct blood tests to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia but other conditions can affect or cause Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed with blood testing. These include:

• thyroid disease (thyroid function blood tests)
• inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid (ESR),
• complete blood count to assess anemia and infection.
  
  
  
  At Ct Spine and Disc Center in Glastonbury CT, we take pride in providing quality, evidence-based care and appreciate the opportunity to do so when patients choose our clinic for their chiropractic care. We realize that there are many healthcare options available. If you, a friend or family member require care for fibromyalgia, we would be honored to offer our chiropractic services.
  
  Additional Reading Resources:
  
  
  • Dr.Oz talks about Prescription pain medications
    
  • Products for Pain Relief at home
    
  • What tests will my Dr do to Help with my back Pain?
    
  • Natural Cure for Fibromyalgia
    
  • Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
    
  
  
  
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  Subscribe in a reader
  
  

Getting Proper Rest...Another Key Element To Staying Healthy And Pain Free!

A few blog posts ago I talked about the 5 things you must do to improve and maintain your health. Here they are again: 1) Eat right 2) Exercise 3) manage their stress level 4) Get proper rest 5) maximize their nervous system potential by getting their spine checked.

Since I got on the subject of sleep in the last post, today I'm going to talk about number four on the list - Get Proper Rest.

Getting a good nights sleep is very important because your body actually does a lot of it’s healing during this time. There are thousands of cellular reactions taking place in your body every second that need to happen. Without rest your body starts breaking down – from the cellular level to the organ level to the tissue level. What this means in plain English is: everything in the body from your insides to your outsides will suffer.

Think about how you function when you need sleep. It becomes tough to concentrate, reflexes are slower, you may irritable. So if you noticeably are not functioning like you should be this will take it’s toll on the body.

Why do many people not get good rest or sleep. Often its their eating habits. It can be work. It can be because of back or neck pain or some other health issue. It could even be environmental factors.

Six to eight hours sleep for the majority seems to be the norm, and if you read the study I mentioned last post, closer to 7 hours is better. Do not eat preferably 3-4 hours before going to bed. I’m a big proponent of water but don’t drink it right before bed or you may find yourself waking up to go to the bathroom more. Try to avoid being on the computer immediately before bed. Also, let your body wind down at least 30 minutes before bed. This means, avoid exercise, working on the computer, and any stressful things right before bed.

Lastly, for optimum sleep, have a room that's very suitable for just that. Have a comfy setting, complete darkness, comfortable temperature, and preferabley no TV running!

And don't forget #5 on the list - Getting Your spine checked. A healthy, aligned spine will enable you to sleep more comfortably, without waking up during the night with back pain, neck pain, or tingling hands and feet, and without feeling stiff and fatigued the next morning.

If you or someone you know isn't getting adequate rest because of their back or neck problems -We may be able to help with Chiropractic or Spinal Decompression.
Call our office in Glastonbury as soon as possible at 633-8756.