What is the cracking sound with an adjustment?

June 20, 2010

Cracking or popping is caused by a mixture of synovial fluid located in the joint, friction and gas.  The sound happens when the gas (mostly carbon dioxide) is released from the joint.

Just think about when you get a package in the mail.  Often times there is bubble wrap in the box to protect your stereo, television etc.  When you press into the bubble (friction), it makes a popping sound.  That is pretty much like the pressure a joint gets with an adjustment.  No breaking of bone, no smashing bones, just a release of gas.  After the “pop” happens, the joint will not make a noise again until the gases come back into the joint.  That is why once you hear a pop, another one can not be repeated.

So, now after learning this information, there is no reason to fear of the sound right?  Well, if you are afraid of the sound, there are other methods of moving the joint that don’t involve a popping sound and most chiropractors will accommodate you if you are don’t like the sound.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

What is meant by disc herniation?

June 20, 2010

A herniated disc results in symptoms of back pain, leg pain and/or weakness of the legs.

What consists of the disc?
The disc lies between each vertabrae of the spinal column.  The outside of the disc (annulus fibrosis) is rigid and can take the pressure of gravity on the spine but can rip when there is excessive twisting.  The inner part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) which is gel like leaks out of the tear and puts pressure on the nerves exiting the bone.  This causes pain, numbness, tingling in the areas supplied by those nerves.

What causes the disc to herniate?
It happen with a fall or accident or can occur over time with stress to the spine.  Many people live with a herniated disc but it is when the nerve is irritated and swells that it begins to cause symptoms.

What other symptoms can occur with a disc problem?
1. Shocks that shoot down the leg, arm or back
2.Tingling and numbness
3. Pins and needles
4. Bowel or bladder dysfunction (this may be a cauda equina syndrome which may be an emergency if associated with numbness in the groin area)

How is a disc diagnosed?

A thorough examination is performed and if treatment is performed with no improvement, an MRI is recommended.

What can chiropractic do?

Chiropractic has a high success rate with herniations.  We are proficient with moving the bones in the proper alignment and freeing up the nerve.  We also give exercises to patients to strengthen the core.   As mentioned above, people can live with a herniation as long as there is no stress to cause inflammation.  We can keep the body healthy and moving properly making sure that the herniation does not swell and cause symptoms.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Physical Therapy or Chiropractic?

June 13, 2010

People are injured in car accidents, work related injuries or during sporting events everyday.  When this happens, they usually see a medical doctor.  During their visit they are often referred to a physical therapist.  Physical Therapy is a great way to condition your muscles and body after an injury but chiropractic also offers great relief as well.  Lets look at how chiropractic can help facilitate health.

As a chiropractor, I offer soft tissue relief and rehabilitation, exercises, physiotherapy and musculo-skeletal relief.   Doesn’t it sound reasonable to have a full spectrum of care instead of just performing exercises after an injury?  Don’t get me wrong, I think physical therapy helps but chiropractic offers exercises and so much more!

At my office, I offer a long term solution to get you healthy and functioning at your highest level.  After your pain has subsided and your bones and tissues are stabilized, you will begin an exercise program that will keep you healthy.  You just have to stick to it!

Give us a call if you have had an auto injury, hurt yourself during a sporting event or have any physical complaint. We can give you a consultation right over the phone.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , | Comments (2)

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues?

June 11, 2010

TMJ can be very painful.  It can lead to headaches, vision problems, neck pain, earaches, the inability to chew properly and much more.

The Cartilage that is above your mandible can move forward or be pushed up behind the joint.  This will either make it impossible for you to put your teeth together or chew evenly on both sides.  You may sometimes hear cracking and experience pain when chewing, talking or moving your mouth.

How can I help you with this problem?

I have taken specialized training in TMJ to move the disk to the proper place above your jaw so that it moves properly without pain or dysfunction.  There is no need for  surgery, x-rays or medication, just a gentle adjustment which will alleviate your symptoms.

Why go through unnecessary procedures when a specialized exam can be performed and find out how your TMJ is working.

If you have this problem, please contact us today for an exam, we can help!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Plantar Fasciitis an epidemic?

June 10, 2010

Plantar Fasciitis is becoming a problem in our community.  Why is this so?

Over the years our shoes have changed, we walk on hard surfaces all day long and we sit for long hours everyday without exercising our feet the way we should.  The plantar Fascia underneath our feet helps us to move our feet when we walk.  It is made of ligamentous tissue and when stretched too far, it will inflame and become tender and sore.

Our bones in our feet are meant to move and glide on dirt and adhere to surfaces.  Now that we walk on hard surfaces all day long, owe slam our bones on the ground and our slam on our fascia.  Cold laser can help alleviate the pain, but is not necessarily a long term solution.
Keeping these bones in the proper place is essential to stop the incidence of Plantar Fasciitis.  Adjustments and soft tissue work to the feet along with proper orthotics is key to keep your feet healthy and functioning properly.

Come into our office and we can address this issue and keep you running, walking, dancing or just keep you pain free!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Spinal and Extremity Care

June 9, 2010

Chiropractors are masters of the spine and nervous system.  We tract and follow symptomatic patterns in the body and relieve stressors in these areas which allow the body to function at its highest level.  Did you know that we can affect any joint in the body?  Yes! Its true!  Some chiropractors believe that the whole body including your hands, feet, shoulders etc. are all involved in symptomatic problems in the body.

Everyone has heard about the kinetic chain we have on our bodies.  Remember the song…hand bones connected to the wrist bone, the wrist bones connected to the elbow bone?  Well, chiropractors certified in chiropractic extremities by the Council of Extremity Adjusting believes this to be true.

Everything is connected so after we adjust the spine, we make sure the other areas of the body are addressed to make sure they don’t affect the movement and function of your body.

I am the only chiropractor in the San Mateo County area that is certified by the CEA to adjust ribs, arms, legs, shoulders, feet and address TMJ problems.  If you have any problem in your body, we can help!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in San Carlos California, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

The Affects Of Tight Hamstrings

April 18, 2010

A lot of patients that come into my office have tight hamstrings and think it is normal to feel a pull in the back of their legs when bending forward.  This is not normal.  Sure, there may not be any problems right now but in time, the muscle can cause several dysfunctions.  Tears, low back and sciatic pain (because the muscle attaches to the lower portion of the hips), and pain or tears in the back of the knee may occur.  The hamstring muscle is really three muscles.  The semitendinosis, semimembranosis and biceps femoris.

What causes hamstring tightness?
Sure, genetics can play a part but in most cases it is caused by improper or not enough stretching.  There are easy stretches that only take about 6-10 minutes and can prevent tears and problems in the future.  Stretching before and after an athletic event helps in maintaining a flexible muscle so it is recommended to do so every time you engage in a sport.  Here is a common stretch that is easy to do.

  • Sit on the floor with one leg straight
 and the other bent with the foot pressing against the inner portion of the outstretched leg
  • Keep your back straight as you lean forward through the hips 
to one the straight leg side
  • Hold (don’t bounce) for 25 to 30 seconds
  • Switch sides

Doing these exercises will prevent injuries and keep you low back loose preventing injuries.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

How can I take care of Vertigo and dizziness?

April 17, 2010

Vertigo and dizziness can be scary but there are a couple of maneuvers that can help.

Vertigo happens sometimes when we change position of our head rapidly.  This can happen when changing from a sitting position to standing or from a laying down to standing position.  It can even happen if we turn our head too fast.

Sometimes this problem is because of a blocked nerve in the upper portion of our neck which goes to our inner ear.  It can also be caused by a mass of particles in the inner ear.  In either case, it can be taken care of and you can get your life back!

The Epley Maneuver is helpful with this problem.  It reconfigures the fluid in the ear and allows the inner ear to function.  How this works is a patient is taken from the seated position to laying down on his/her back with the affected ear facing down.  This is held for about 20-30 seconds and then the head is rapidly moved to the other side.  It is again held in this position for 20-30 seconds.  After staying in this position, the patient is then put on their side.  Then the patient is turned to face the floor.

After this maneuver it is recommended to remain in an upright position for 24 hours (or as long as you can sit comfortably).

Chiropractic adjustments to the top of the neck are safe and also help greatly with vertigo or dizziness.  Since the head is moving properly and the nerves are functioning normally, the ear works the way it should and the equilibrium is maintained.  Performing both the Epley Maneuver and adjusting the neck gets great results!

Call our office today if you have this problem!  We can help!

Precise Moves Chiropractic
San Carlos, CA
650-353-1133

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Whiplash and chiropractic

April 6, 2010

Whiplash is an injury to the cervical spine (neck).  In a whiplash injury the joints between the spinal bones (vertebrae), discs, muscles, ligaments and nerves may be irritated or damaged.

When does whiplash occur?
Whiplash is commonly seen with car accidents but it can happen in any case where a person is hit from behind.  This can be from sports or even if someone playfully pushes you from behind a little too hard.

Symptoms of whiplash can happen within a two week period.  It doesn’t necessarily happen right after the incident.  Pain in neck, arm, hand and/or shoulders is common.  Limited neck movement, swelling, stiffness, dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, concentration or memory difficulty, insomnia may also occur.

How do you know if you have whiplash?
Most of the time you will have discomfort and not be able to move properly.  After car accidents it is common to take an X-ray.  It will show the bone positions in the neck and soft tissue swelling in the neck.   After a car accident it is common for most hospitals to take a CT Scan or MRI to see if there is any serious soft tissue or cervical disc damage.

How can whiplash be helped?
Well, first the swelling needs to be diminished.  Ice packs help this problem tremendously.  Then after the swelling is down, we can start working with getting the scar tissue and damage in the soft tissues of the neck repaired and functioning properly.  Gentle adjustments to the neck allow the neck to keep its curve and move without promoting more damage.  During treatment, exercised to strengthen the neck are performed.

In the past cervical collars were immediately put on patients after a car accident.  This is not recommended unless there is a severe injury with a lot of instability in the neck.  Normally, if a collar is worn and there is no severe damage, the muscles and ligaments in the neck weaken and this can promote further injury.

We have helped several patients that have come in with whiplash.  Soft tissue repair and neck adjustments can get you back to normal.  Just because you have a car accident and were hurt doesn’t mean you have to live your life in pain and dysfunction.  We can help!

Call our office today!

Precise Moves Chiropractic
San Carlos, CA
650-353-1133

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

How can I prevent spraining my ankle?

March 28, 2010

Ankle sprains are becoming common.  Sprains occur when the ligaments of the ankle are stretched and pulled beyond their capacity.  This sometimes leads to partial tears or complete tears in the foot.  In 85% of ankle sprains, the Anterior Talofibular ligament is damaged by someone planting their foot, then rolling over the outside of their foot.  This inside of the foot is only sprained about 15% of the time.

In a total tear, stabilization of the foot is necessary along with R.I.C.E (rest, Ice, compression, elevation) for regrowth and restoration of the tissues.  The foot can still be checked for proper movement and can be manipulated safely but with caution.  Partial tears require R.I.C.E and stabilization is not normally necessary.  Exercises after the inflammation is gone along with getting the foot and ankle in their proper position helps and gets patients back walking normally quickly.

People with chronic sprains sometimes think it is normal to keep spraining their ankle.  This in NOT true!  The reason why someone sprains their ankle many times can be because of balance issues, pathological gait patterns and improper foot position.  Learning balance exercises, proper gait and getting the foot in the proper position can prevent future sprains and keep patients healthy and active for a lifetime.

We are extremity experts at Precise Moves Chiropractic.  We can help with any sports injury or extremity problem.  Please call us today to make an appointment for an exam and consultation!

Precise Moves Chiropractic has been serving the San Carlos, CA area since 2007!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)