Natural Treatment Options for Women with Osteoporosis

Studies have shown that for people affected with osteoporosis, the risk of fractures increases. In fact, for women who are over age 40, 40% will have a fracture if they have osteoporosis. The fractures often occur in the wrist, hip or the spine. These fractures can lead to a decrease quality of life because of a decrease in range of motion, decrease in mobility and chronic pain.

Researchers looking to understand the effect of osteoporosis and fractures on numerous conditions of health have discovered that women who previously sustained fractures a major decrease in health associated quality in life was alike or worse than endured by patients with diabetes, arthritis, lung disease and other types of chronic illness. This current study Global Longitudinal Study of Osteoporosis in Women (GLOW), which is located at the Center for Outcomes Research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and published online in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

An article published in May 2010, in the issue of Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (JAAOS) had stated that one in every two women in the United States will have a fracture associated to osteoporosis in their lifetime. It continues that only a couple of those women will be diagnosed and treated for osteoporosis. If osteoporosis is discovered and treated it would greatly reduce the amounts of fractures.

Current estimates show that 10 million persons in the United States have osteoporosis. Women should be educated about bone health as they get older.

What about natural treatments for osteoporosis to prevent falls and fractures?

• Nutrition- Vitamin D, Vitamin K and Magnesium and are important. Green leafy vegetables should also be incorporated into your diet.
  
  
• Acupuncture - Both acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be helpful in treating osteoporosis. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in preventing osteoporosis in women after menapause (study reported in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. Another study found that acupuncture may improve bone mass (American Journal of Chinese Medicine).
  
  
• Chiropractic Treatment- proper alignment will help with function. Chiropractic adjustments can also ease the pain associated with osteoporosis. Your chiropractor can also recommend exercises and using a simple tens unit at home for pain relief.
  
  
• Weight Bearing Exercise- These type of exercises are key to building muscle and bone mass. Weight bearing exercises include walking, jogging, and dancing. You can also get a great weight bearing workout at the gym by using the elliptical machine, stair stepper and weights.
  
  
• Exercise for Balance, Posture and Functioning- Try Yoga, Qi Chong or Tai Chi for improving balance and coordination.
  

Source: Women Osteoporosis And Fractures Decline Life's Quality

CT Spine and Disc Center is located in central Connecticut- We specialize in treating patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. If you have lower back pain or leg pain, call our office. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression or to come in for chiropractic treatment

Additional Reading Resources:

• If You Have Back Pain... Do You Really Need An X-ray?
  
  
• Lower Back Rehabilitation: A Vital Tool To Keep Your Back Pain Away!
  
  
• I have osteoporosis...can the drx 9000 or chiropractic help me?
  
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
  
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression
  

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Continuous Pressure on Nerves can Lead to Nerve Damage

As you can imagine, if you continue to put pressure on a low back nerve that nerve can start to deteriorate. Like the root of a plant, if you confine it to a pot to small or forget to supply it with light and water, it will cease to grow, and eventually will shrivel up.

The nerves are similar, if we allow the life force to be cut off then eventually it will atrophy. Of course, at this point, pain may become more permanent and other symptoms may start to arise.

The symptoms associated with lumbar nerve pressure include pain, tingling and numbness, sciatica, and even leg weakness.

In the lower back the common term for this is “Sciatica.” Lumbar Disc herniation often causes sciatica. What happens is the disc ruptures outward, putting pressure on nerve roots. This pressure eventually can lead to disc and nerve degeneration.


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:

• Two Tips to Avoid Back Pain
  
• Gardening Safely without Pain
  
• Glastonbury Chiropractor
  
• Proven Techniques for Back Pain
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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How Can High Heels Sometimes Cause Back Discomfort!

High heeled shoes can also cause foot, ankle, and knee pain too. You see when a person is standing the body weight is supported by the spine. The lower body tends to take more of that stress- your low back, feet, and knees. Wearing heels changes the wearer’s weight distribution and tends to shift the spine forward. This will also change ankle and knee alignment.

Your foot arches also get affected, and wearing heels with too much lift will change the arches and will cause decreased motion of the foot. Not to mention a lot of heels lack much foot support and also pinch the toes inward.

So, for these reasons, women who present with back pain who wear high heels often can ease their pain by switching to a flat shoe or sneakers for a week or two. Along with this, chiropractic adjustments can correct any alignment issues in the lower body. What happens is that the shifts in the spine or pelvis put pressure on nerves in the back causing pain. Even though the wearer may switch to flats, the misalignments or joint restriction may remain until treated.

Shoe orthotics may help as well. These are custom-made insoles for your shoes that help restore the alignment and arches of the feet. Everything is connected, which is why foot alignment issues can lead to knee or pelvis problems.

Our doctors both have extensive training in extremity ajustments, as well as supports and exercises one may need to balance the spine and especially the lower body.


CT Spine and Disc Center is located in Glastonbury, CT- 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 decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:

• orthotics for foot support
  
• Heel lifts may help until orthotics are ordered
  
• chiropractic care glastonbury
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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Strengthen and Stretch your Foot Arches

Many patients have suffered with ankle and foot injuries. This often leaves them weakness in the ankles and ligaments, making them more prone to pain or further injury. There are many exercises for the foot and ankle that one can do to stretch. Simple exercises that can be completed at home. Here are three exercises one can do at home. All you need is a golfball, a towel and a chair to perform these simple stretches.

• The Golf Ball Exercise- Sit on a comfortable chair. Place a golf ball under your bare foot. Roll the golf ball under your foot with as much pressure as you are able to. Roll the golf ball from the front of your foot to the back. along the arches and other outer edges. Do this exercise 5 minutes per foot, 2 times per day. This golf ball exercise helps to relax the foot.
  
  
• Seated Foot Stretch- Sit in chair with your foot crossed over the opposite knee, Grasp your foot with your hand, and slowly bend your toes toward your knee. Hold this foot stretch for 10 to 15 seconds. This exercise stretch can be done 3 times to 10 times per day. Your Doctor many recommend you differently depending on what you have going on.
  
  
• Towel Scrunch Exercise to Strengthen the Arches- This exercise is great for conditioning and strengthening the artches of the foot. First lay a towel flat on the floor. Sitting barefoot in a chair, you will grab the towel with your feet: from the edge of the towel scrunch it up with your toes toward yourself. Perform this exercise 3-4 times per day.
  
  
  

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:

• Can An Inversion Table Help My Back Pain?
  
• Foot and Ankle Products for Pain Relief
  
• Lower Back Rehabilitation: A Vital Tool To Keep Your Back Pain Away!
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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Gardening Safely Without Pain

Here in Glastonbury Connecticut, we hit record a record high of 102 degrees F. Not the type of weather that you want to be out and about, but still it is the season to be doing outdoor activities such as gardening. Getting out into the sunshine is important for exercise and also to get our required vitamin D. Many patients spend hours getting their flowers and bushes planted. Unfortunately, they don't always give their body the same respect and loving care. Here are some tips you can use to protect your back and body while gardening:

• Pushing or pulling when bent over can cause strain to the shoulders and lower back area. When you can use tools with longer handles, so that you don't have to bend down as mcuh. Raking, digging, or mowing is a lot more ergonomic and comfortable when you use long handled tools.
  
  
• Be careful with lfiting dirt, leaves and mulch. Carry the load close to your body, and use your knees when lifting. Keeping your back straight and knees bent ill help to avoid injuries and lower back pain
  
  
• When raking, hoeing or shoveling, switch your dominant hand. This can prevent prolonged straining on your dominant side which can lead to muscle spams and pain.
  
  
• Don't try to accomplish 1/2 years worth of gardening into one day- pace yourself and give your body a break
  
  
• Drink lots of water while working in the garden. Your garden needs water, and so does your body !
  
  Keep these gardening tips in mind next time you are out gardening. Your garden will be bountiful, because you can get out there day after day. Gardening the right way can prevent unnecessary aches and pains.
  
  
  
  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:
  


• Sleep Better and Boost Brain Health with Herbs
  
  
• Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain and Neck Pain
  
  
• Heat Vs Cold For Lower Back Pain
  
  
• LumboSacral Lower Back Support Belt
  
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
  
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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Chronic Back Pain Can Be Directly Related to Overall Health...

Back pain can happen to anyone, but I can tell you that individuals who are overall healthy- heal quicker, respond better to care, and often have a lower level of pain. Here are some steps to take to improve your overall health which will help get rid of, lessen, and prevent back pain.

#1- We are what we eat! Putting in good fuel means we’ll get good fuel out. Limit going out to eat because you don’t know what’s in a lot of the things you’re getting, plus you sometimes can’t avoid the fried stuff and sugars.

#2- Start walking a little everyday. Just a 20 minute walk a few days a week makes a difference. Get out, get some sun and fresh air.

#3- Avoid excess stress and toxins to your system. If you smoke and/or drink, try to decrease it; if your job is extremely stressful, do what you can to change your environment if possible. Mental stress will eventually turn itself into physical stress.

#4- Drink a little more water and take a multivitamin supplement. We all know these days that it’s impossible to get all the vitamins and minerals we need from our food, we really need to supplement. Also, most people I know don’t drink enough water.

Try doing these things as best you can and watch your health improve. Add chiropractic treatment to the list and you’ll become not just a little healthier, but one of the healthiest.


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 decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:

• frequently asked questions about chiropractic
  
• home remedy site
  
• alot of good info on natural health here, a friend let me know about this site- good stuff here!
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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Recent Study Shows Chiropractic Care Helps Balance Disorders

A lot of the research focuses on back pain because it is so common. That’s why when I heard about a study relating to balance disorders I thought I would mention it. We see a number of patients who came in for some form of dizziness.

A balance disorder can come from your nervous system, it can come from something in the inner ear, or even something else.

The bottom line, however, is that chiropractic can most often help. The study showed that study participants had significantly improved proprioception, which is the sense of your body position and position of the parts of your body. In the study they measured this in what they called movement times (MT). The average increase in movement time was 9.2 %.

Many patients see us for back and neck pain, but this study is just one example of how chiropractic may be able to help with much more.


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 decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:

• Research article from us chiro directory
  
• welcome to CT Spine & Disc
  
• chiropractic care
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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Can Chiropractic Help My Golf Swing?

Quick answer: Yes. As with any sport or activity, if you maintain your overall health it will benefit you. Let’s look at what you need to play golf with no hindrances. You need to be able to bend and twist, so you need your spine-especially low back; you need your feet so you can walk a certain distance; you need some level of endurance for this too because the more relaxed and less fatigued you get, the better. And don’t forget about your arms, especially hands and shoulders.

I’ve played a certain amount of golf and I can tell you I’ve probably injured my wrists and back the most. Luckily, having a good chiropractor, I quickly get adjusted and my pain is relieved.

So, not only do you need to feel good, have adequate range of motion and some level of endurance, you also need to take care of injuries that arise.

Another thing to think about is posture. Chiropractic treatments help align your spine and therefore correct posture. Can a low swing shoulder, or a tilted pelvis technically affect your golf swing; you bet! Not only that- correcting poor posture and spinal alignment is vital to preventing future injuries.

Seeing your chiropractor is an easy way to take a stroke or two off your game.



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 decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:

• treatment for golf injuries
  
• Golf related Injuries
  
• orthotics for golf
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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Is My Weight Causing My Back Pain?

Chances are your body weight is not the underlying culprit of your pain. There human body is made to carry quite a bit of extra weight. Our spine is such that it can bear large amounts of weight if need be.

A problem with weight and being overweight can come into play of course. For example, if you already have spinal degeneration, disc injury, and even joint malpositions, you can imagine putting added stress and force on the spine will not help. It’s like the game Jenga; you stack blocks; if it can’t support itself it will fall and break.

So, like the game, if your spine is crooked and you add more weight it will cause more problems and instability. So many studies have shown us the problems associated with being overweight but back pain is not always a direct result of obesity. I typically find that back pain is often caused by a number of factors combined.

However, if your back pain started since a recent weight gain, it may be one of the precipitating factors, so try to lose those excess pounds.

Unfortunately, what I sometimes see are people who now, because of their pain cannot exercise properly; some can barely walk. Now, because of this, they have put on a lot of weight, making their problem even worse.

Luckily, we have a treatment that is very easy to do and also is able to handle larger individuals. Our drx9000 spinal decompression machine can handle body sizes of close to 400lbs and over 6ft 9 inches tall.



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 decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:

• Chiropractic treatments Glastonbury
  
• low back rest for chairs
  
• Contact Ct Spine & Disc
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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Chiropractic Treatment can Help with High Blood Pressure

When I was young and deciding what my future was going to be, I followed my chiropractor around his office for a few hours to see what it was like in his shoes. I remember a couple patients having high blood pressure and after the adjustment their bp had normalized.

At the time I didn’t really think that much about it, but I later learned that nerves go to blood vessels also. They don’t just control pain.

I soon learned that chronic hypertension is a common health problem and can lead to one of our #1 killers: heart attack or a stroke to name a couple problems.

In some cases we need medicine, but for chronic conditions like chronic high blood pressure that most likely means you’ll be taking medication for the rest of your life.

It’s been shown with diet, lifestyle changes, and natural treatments like chiropractic manipulation the same results can be achieved.

So, if you’re fine with taking blood pressure medication for the rest of your life, we may not be able to help … But if you need some help on how to change your diet to help high bp and want to see if manipulation can help, give our office a call.

Dr. Matt Bellinger
Glastonbury Chiropractor

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 or chiropractic care.

Additional Reading Resources

• The Cost of Not Getting A Good Nights Sleep
• Sleep at Age 40 is important for Heart Health
• Glastonbury Chiropractic Office- for treatment of neck pain, midback pain, lower back pain and headaches

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