Study Shows Bed Rest Is Not Good for Back Pain...

Years ago, a common treatment for back pain was bed rest. Even today, your doctor may say “you have lower back pain? Go lie in bed, rest your back.” They have actually found that in the vast majority of cases this is not the best recommendation. In fact, it’s the opposite; getting moving is better most of the time.

Now, keep in mind that there are many types of back pain and many various causes for back pain, but for lower back pain and sciatica it’s best to keep moving!

Stretches, back exercises and light walking, for example, may actually help. One of the reasons is that staying still causes stagnation and leads to muscles getting weak. A lot of the body parts involved in back pain need blood flow to get nutrients, stay hydrated, and function at their best. As you guessed, moving promotes this kind of healing.

Lastly, there’s a mental component too. I have found that a lot of my patients who can take their minds off of the pain and think instead about work, or their kids, or whatever, handle low back pain better.

To sum it all up, there are a lot of kinds of back pain and they’ve found that the majority respond better to moving instead of bed rest.

Talk to the chiropractors in our office to find out what may be the best option for your back healing.



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 decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:

• Solve rcurring back issues
  
• Latest in Chiropractic Treatments
  
• How to watch out for bed bugs
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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I don’t want to stop running because I have lower back pain

Everyone wants to keep in shape. Once you start working out it can actually become addicting. I have many patients that come to see me after they have injured themselves. Their first question: Doc, when can i work out? When Can I start running again? For some people every time they go running, they have lower back pain either during or after the run. Should they quit running, find an alternative sport, or simply stop all activity and adopt a sedentary lifestyle?

If you love the benefits of running and want to continue, is there anything you can do to make running tolerable? First, NEVER stop doing activity and adopt a sedentary lifestyle – it will start a slow decline with an unhappy ending! So let’s see if we can make running work for you!

1. STRETCH: In general, stretching helps “warm up” your muscles and joints and can prevent the low back from hurting during or after your run. In past newsletters, we’ve reviewed simple stretches that can be done from a sitting position (when you’re in a hurry), as well as others. Yoga based exercises are also excellent!
   
   
2. FOOT STRIKE: The “proper” gait or, method your feet hit the ground is very important! To avoid low back injuries (not to mention foot, ankle, knee or hip injuries), run SMOOTHLY so the heel strike is gliding/glancing vs. a hard vertical load. The foot then “ROLLS” from heel to toe, first on the outside of the foot and then shifts to the inside during which time the arch flattens out, getting ready to “spring” you forward. The heel then lifts up and you push off the ball of the foot and big toe.
   
   
3. RUNNING POSTURE: Lean forwards when you run – DON’T run vertically like a Po-Go stick! By doing this, your momentum will be to move forwards – NOT downwards into the pavement (like a “jack hammer”)!
   
   
4. CORE STRENGTHENING: By keeping your “core” (midsection) strong, your back is more supported and less likely to become injured. Core exercises include pelvic tilts, the “dead-bug”, bridges, prone swimmers, lunges, squats, sit-ups, arch-ups, side bridges, 4-point kneeling/opposite arm/leg, and many others. These can be done on the floor and/or with a gym ball. Balance exercises are also very important!
   
   
5. RELAX: Have you ever noticed when some people run, they just look “tight” and uncomfortable. RELAX – don’t shrug your shoulders up to your ears; let your arms hang down bent at your sides; don’t clench your teeth or make a fist – RELAX!!!
   
   
6. PADDED INSOLES: There are many brands of padded insoles – try some and see how they work for you.
   
7. RUNNING SHOES: The key here is TRY THEM ON and walk around inside the store. There are a lot of good supportive shoes so just find a brand that works for you!
   
   
8. FLAT FEET: This is common and NOT a reason to stop running. Ask us about foot orthotics and the function and importance of the arches.
   

Source: Dr.Bellingers October 2010 Newsletter

Additional Reading Resources

• Getting Proper Rest...Another Key Element To Staying Healthy And Pain Free!
  
• What are the Best Exercises if you have a herniated disc?
  
• Lumbar Inversion Traction
  
• How Can High Heels Sometimes Cause Back Discomfort!
  
• A complete, 76 page, jogging and running guide for beginners. Everything you ever need to start jogging or running.
  
  
  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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Chiropractic is a Holistic Treatment

The philosophy of chiropractic is a holistic one. It means that the treatment you receive will be 100% all natural. So often in the medical world, doctors write a prescription as the final step in treating pain. In their mind, ending the pain is the end of the problem. With chiropractors and other holistic medical professionals, the goal is not to cover up the pain, but to discover the cause of it and work with your body’s natural healing processes to heal the injury naturally.


Medications do have their place in medicine today, but many times medications that are prescribed for pain or inflammation can have bad side effects. They can cause drowsiness, effect your ability to concentrate which can affect your ability to go to work or school. The long-term effects can have an effect on body systems and organs and be even more detrimental to your health
However, holistic and natural medicine is an alternative and increasingly popular form of treatment. Chiropractors can use a number of methods for pain relief:

• spinal manipulation
• techniques such as traction, non surgical decompression
• electrotherapy such as ultrasound and interferential stimulation
• nutrition
• cold or hot therapy
• recommend changes to diet
• massage and trigger point therapy
• prescribed exercises and stretches

These natural therapies do not create side effects that many medications do. Most importantly, it works with your body’s natural healing ability to create an all natural healing process for your body.


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:

• Why Does Spinal Decompression Really Work?
  
• The Benefit of Electrotherapy used in Conjunction with the Chiropractic Adjustment
  
• Heat vs Ice for Lower Back Pain Relief
  
• Chiropractic Office in Glastonbury CT
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ'sResearch about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression
  

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I have suffered from disc degeneration/herniated disc and spinal stenosis....

“For the past 3 years, I have suffered from disc degeneration/herniated disc and spinal stenosis and seriously sought surgery as the only option. Knowing how expensive the surgery is, I did not care as long as my condition was relieved. I had continuously attended chiropractic sessions and had a Cortizone shot with minimal results. Searching the internet for alternatives I contacted Dr. Bellinger’s office regarding the DRX 9000. After reading other patient testimonials about the success of the treatment, I viewed the treatment as experimental. Nonetheless, I decided to try the DRX 9000 simply because it was much less costly than surgery.

After my fifth session on the DRX 9000 I had my full range of motion and most of my pain was gone. By the end of all twenty sessions, I resumed my normal activities including gym workouts as I was now pain-free. This treatment is incredible and I have not been this happy in a while. I totally recommend this treatment for anyone thinking of surgery. This treatment is the closest thing to a cure!”

-Javier. R (Willimantic, CT)

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:

• Lower Back Pain Relief with the Drx-9000
  
• Why Does Spinal Decompression Really Work?
  
• Testimonials from patients who have sufferered from lower back pain and have tried the Drx9000
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression
  
• Back Pain Relief Exercise Program
  

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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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Ragweed Season - What Do I Do As An Allergy Sufferer?

If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, then you’ve probably heard of ragweed. A stubborn plant which grows in abundance in pretty much every area of the United States, it is the leading cause for fall allergy symptoms. Starting in mid-August, a single ragweed plant can release one million pollen grains per day until late October.

A common symptom of ragweed allergies is Allergic Rhinitis. This includes sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, as well as worsening other health issues, such as asthma.

If you are an allergy sufferer, keep in mind this autumn that ragweed season is predicted to be especially strong because of the hot, dry summer we’ve had. Keeping your windows closed is a way to keep pollen out of your home, but it can be carried in on clothing, shoes, even your pet. Keeping clothing and your living space clean is a good way to try to reduce your allergy symptoms for this ragweed season.

Just a bit of information on me and my experiences with allergies. Every approximately August 15th mine would start. Not only was it hard to concentate in school, but at every else too. It was so bad it would run my immune system down and I would get sick. The short story is, my dad took me for allergy shots, I can't actually say helped (maybe, maybe not). However, some time after that, I had injuries from soccer which my folks took me to the chiropractor for. We didn't really think about it and no one said anything about it, including my chiropractor at the time, but it was soon after that I didn't notice allery problems as much.

What I have since leaned is that cervical adjustments may help for a few reasons. So the bottom line is, there are things we can do to reduce allergies - allergy shots may be one. Of course I know chiopractic treatments were much cheaper for my folks and needles are no fun, not to mention, I had to leave right after school every Friday to go to the allergist - no fun for a kid, plus I would miss practice that day, or anything else I had planned for the afternoon.

I currently get my neck adjusted regularly, try to reduce dust or allergens in the house as much as possible, use a hypoallergenic pillow with a dust cover, and avoid staying in my aunt's house to long (she has an angora cat which gets me all stirred up!), just to name a few. Getting adjusted is by far the easiest and has other benefits too.


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 decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:

• Chiropractic Adjustments For Allergies
  
• Chiro care frequently asked questions
  
• Natural Allergy & Sinus Relief
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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The Keys to Successful Squat Exercises

If you’ve ever tried to tone and tighten your lower half or to do more in your workout, you were probably told to do squats. Building strength and staying fit is a great way to improve your health and reduce your aches and pains. Squats can be a strong move that strengthens your legs and buttocks while increasing endurance. However, there is a right and wrong way to perform the move, and if done incorrectly it could cause more harm than good.



When doing squats, or any toning exercise, it’s important to stay focused on your form the entire time. To start, stand with your legs slightly wider than shoulder width with your toes pointing away from center at a 45 degree angle. Keep your weight on the heels of your feet, and you know you’re doing this correctly if you are able to wiggle your toes easily. This stance will keep your knees safe from injury during the squat, so make sure to keep this position throughout the movement.



During the exercise itself, keep the muscles in your buttocks flexed throughout the move. Lower slowly into the squat keeping your shins straight and your knees above your ankles. Never squat down with your knees extending past your toes, instead lean back bringing your buttocks out behind you.



Be especially careful doing squats to prevent lower back strain. You will find that you really don’t need much weight at all. Try doing them in your living room for a few reps and you will feel the burn rather quickly. At the gym you can use light dumbbells in your hands or a smith machine to keep you in stable form.



As with any exercise, the proper form for squats is best learned through repetition. Once you’ve got the right form down, keep at it consistently and you’ll be seeing results in no time.




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 decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:

• health articles
  
• powerful exercises
  
• back pain and sciatica exercise video
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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How can more Omega-3 Fatty Acids in my Diet Help my Bones?

The benefits of increasing the amount of Omega-3-rich foods can have numerous positive effects on your overall health. It supports brain development and growth, helps fight obesity, and can help prevent cardiovascular disease. However, new studies are showing Omega-3’s are also beneficial to bone health.

Omega-3’s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are commonly found in fish. Aside from the other health benefits, having more Omega-3’s in your diet will help with bone loss prevention and bone fracture prevention, including reducing your risk for osteoporosis. This is important for anyone’s health, but especially for people who are at a higher risk for bone loss, such as post-menopausal women.

So where can you find Omega-3’s in your diet? Fish such as tuna, salmon, halibut, snapper, cod, and scallops are all high in Omega-3’s. If fish is not your favorite food though, it can be found in plant sources as well, such as flaxseeds, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and walnuts. Another way to get more Omega-3’s is to take a dietary supplement.


Additional Reading Resources

• How Can Chiropractic Help My Disc Degernation
  
• Natural Treatment Options for Women with Osteoporosis
  
• I Have Osteoporosis Or Osteopenia Bone Deterioration...Can The DRX Or Chiropractic Treatment Still Help Me??
  
• Glastonbury Chiropractic Office
  
• Weird Tips and tricks for a Leaner Body and Flatter Belly
  
• 5 Foods that FIGHT Abdominal Fat
  

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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Pelvic Misalignment: A Very Common Cause of Low Back Pain

The most common pelvic shifts are translators to the side (shifts right or left), tilting forward or back, and rotation of one of the ilia.

The ilium is one side of the pelvis. It can rock forward or back. When it rocks forward it can make that leg seem longer, when it tilts or rocks back that side leg is shortened. You can see how this can lead to lumbar misalignment. It’s similar to driving with one tire at 35 lbs and the other at 20 lbs. If there is imbalance, it works its way to the axel and steering. Just like the leg leads to the pelvis, which works its way into the back. Correcting foot alignment with orthotics may also help tremendously.




One thing we do at CT Spine & Disc Center is look at posture because it tells us so much. Catching a pelvic shift, whether one side or both, will help us to correct the lumbopelvic structure which will in turn correct our low back spine. Doing this takes pressure off of the nerves and restores body function.

If it’s been a long time and degeneration and disc bulging has arisen, we also have spinal decompression for severe back pain or sciatica.


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 decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:

• Another traction device I've recommended
  
• Electric muscle stim
  
• Chiropractic alignment
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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Chiropractic Helps Muscle Tightness and Muscle Spasm

Everything in the spine connects- muscles have tendons that connect to bone, bones are connected by joints or ligaments, one part of the body connects to the next… It makes complete sense that if you align the spine and or mobilize an area that was supposed to move that wasn’t, that the body will start working better.

If everything is in its proper alignment or position it allows all the surrounding structures to do the same. Let’s take an example: Let’s say on side of the pelvis is shifted, you may even notice it in the mirror in your posture. Then, chances are that your sacrum or lumbosacral junction on that side becomes irritated or restricted. This also means that the ligaments and tendons in the area are compromised leading to problems in your gluteus muscles, low back muscles and even hip musculature.

Let’s take a step back- what was the lumbosacral junction? This is where your lumbar spine meets the sacrum. Just off to the sides of this joint are your sacroiliac joints (where the sacrum joins one side of the pelvis or ilium). You already see all the connections being made just in the lower low back. This area is also one that is rich in nerve supply.

You can obviously come to the conclusion that freeing up a nerve will get things feeling better. Muscle tightness and spasm is the same. Essentially the muscles are controlled by the nerves. If there is nerve pressure then those muscles innervated by that nerve or nerves will get some problems. It’s like kinking a garden hose, if that flow to that muscle is inhibited it won’t work at 100%.

So you then can understand how relieving nerve pressure will help. This is exactly what your chiropractor does. Now bone on nerve makes sense but typically it’s inflammation that irritates the nerve; whether it’s inflammation on the nerve or the nerve itself gets inflamed. So, really what happens is that when we mobilize a restricted area or align the back, inflammation is then able to dissipate and communication is restored allowing all parts of the body to function normally again – all the way down to the cellular level. Doing this gets rid of muscle spasm and tightness.




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 decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:

• ciropractors glastonbury
  
• causes of back pain
  
• 7 seconds to pain relief
  
• What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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