Bed Wetting in Adults and Children

July 7, 2010

Bed wetting is sometimes called ” nocturnal enuresis”.  It can be embarrassing and a nuisance.  Lets talk about how chiropractic can help with this problem without drugs or surgery.

First lets find out how bed wetting occurs. If you have seen a doctor and it has been proven that the occurrences are not because of emotional stress than it is a physical problem.  Drinking less water before bed is recommended but in many cases, this isn’t enough. One treatment people rarely think of with this problem is chiropractic.

So what do our nerves have to do with this problem?

We have a reflex in our body that keeps our smooth muscles preventing ourselves from urinating in our sleep to stay contracted. It is called a phrenic reflex. If is not working properly the smooth muscles relax and release any fluid inside the bladder is released causing you or your child to wet the bed.

So what can a chiropractor do about the reflex?

Often times the reflex is just obstructed by a vertebral misalignment known as subluxation. A subluxation means the bone is out of place causing the nerves around the area to become dysfunctional. So, if the nerves affecting the phrenic reflex are not working properly because of being impaired, we need to get the bone and nerve back to where they need to be in order for the body to function properly.

We allow the bone to move back into the joint and the body can now function the way it should.

Does this Really Work?

Yes it does! Check out these study results:

1. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, examined 171 children who had bed wetting every single night. Chiropractic care was administered to each child.

After receiving treatment, the average “wet” nights for the entire group decreased from 7 to 4 nights per week. Also, 25% had a 50 percent reduction in bed-wetting nights. 15% had no more occurrences after treatment.

2. A control group of 46 bed-wetting children. Some were not treated with chiropractic care and others were. 31 children receiving treatment showed an almost 18% reduction in wet nights, the untreated group showed no improvement at all.

So while we may not always completely alleviate the problem, we can help decrease the amount of bed-wetting significantly.

Dr. Amie B. Gregory

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

Is it normal for my child to have chronic pain?

June 18, 2010

Kids are resilient!  Remember when you were a kid?  You could fall down, scrape your knee and it wouldn’t bother you a bit.  How many times did you fall learning how to walk, ride a bike, or just strain yourself during physical education class?

Kids are small and flexible so doesn’t it make sense that a bone may be moved out of place? Sometimes the body can take care of itself and put the bones back to where they belong, but sometimes the body may need some help.  One warning sign is a child with long term pain.  The body is saying there is something wrong

If your child has chronic pain, it usually means there is a problem and is not normal.  Abdominal pain could mean many different things and it would be a good idea to see a medical doctor to make sure it is not appendicitis or a serious condition.  If your child is experiencing musculo-skeletal problems then there may be a fracture, tear or bio-mechanical problem that needs to be addressed.

After ruling out a fracture or serious problem, chiropractors can analyze and examine your child to make sure that they are functioning properly and are not pulling or straining ligaments, tendons and bones in their bodies.  We are experts in body mechanics and can promote healthy posture, alignment and function.   Starting early in life being aware of your body will lead to a long, vibrant and happy life with limited stress and injury.

Chiropractic is safe for everyone, even kids. We offer gentle ways of allowing the bones to go back and stay where they belong.  We can help keep your child happy, healthy and loving life!

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

Are backpacks good for my child’s posture?

June 16, 2010

Kids carry heavy backpacks with school supplies.  Many times the backpack is carried over one shoulder pulling on one side of the neck.  This causes one shoulder to be higher than the other.  This can start to cause postural problems, headaches and neck pain.  Also, because the load is so heavy, kids often bend over pushing their head forward causing more stress on the neck and shoulders.   Research has come back showing that kids backpacks can be up to 30% of their body weight.  That is pretty heavy and to carry this load several days a week can have some huge affects on the body!

Prolonged stress on the back not only causes upper back and neck problems but lower back problems because of the strain on the spinal column.  Posture can be greatly affected because children are still very flexible and growing.  Please choose ergonomic backpacks that put less stress on the back and shoulders and ALWAYS have both straps around the shoulders to prevent unnecessary stress on the body.  This will enable your child to have a fighting chance against postural problems in the future!

Here are some things to look for when buying a backpack:

- Padded backs to help reduce pressure on shoulders, arms and back.

- Belts for the hip and chest to aide in proper weight distribution.

- Multiple compartments so that items can be placed in the pack with better balance and distribution plus keeping them secure and easy to access.

- Stabilizing compression straps on the sides and bottom to help secure and compress the contents.

- Reflective patches to increase pre-dawn or night safety.

Hope this helps!

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

Updated Baker’s Cyst Information

June 15, 2010

Q: What is a Baker’s Cyst?

A: A Bakers Cyst is a fluid growth that occurs on the back of the knee. It can become hard and very painful.  A Baker’s Cyst can occur in children and adults.

Q: How does it happen?

A: A cyst starts to grow when there is a biomechanical problem adding stress to the joint such as with walking, running, standing and/or posture. It is also called a Popliteal Cyst.  Pulling of the muscles, tendons and ligaments can form swelling and then the cyst will start to form.

Q: What are the symptoms of Baker’s Cysts?

A: Symptoms of Baker’s Cysts can include:

  1. swelling behind the knee which can get to to size of a golf ball
  2. Difficulty and pressure on the joint when bending the knee. This pressure can go all the way down the calf muscle.
  3. Pain and tenderness after exercising

Q: What can be done to help alleviate a baker’s cyst?

A: Rest is the number one way of relieving problems with the cyst. Inflammation will go down and the fluid in the cyst will start to alleviate. Braces can also be worn to reduce the stress on the joint and prevent bad body mechanics which start to build the cyst back up again.

If given time to heal and stress is taken off of the joint, the cyst will get rid of its fluid and disappear.  Did you know that there is a 40% chance that a cyst removed by surgery will reoccur. That is a pretty high percentage!  So, if you can bear it, give it some time to take care of itself instead of opting for invasive surgery.  Once your tissues are cut open, there will be scar tissue left over and it may be hard to recuperate.

It is also important to alleviate the bio-mechanical problem.  It can be caused by uneven leg length, foot problems, tight muscles which add stress to the knee joint, trauma to the knee joint.  Taking care of the cause the cyst occurrence is key.   This will avoid a lot of unnecessary pain and irritation.

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

Chest pain can be caused by a rib out of place

June 15, 2010

Most people are amazed to find out that the ribs are not directly attached to the vertebrae.  There is tissue between the rib and vertebrae which allows them to move and expand when we breathe. When a rib is not in the right place, it will inflame causing pain and discomfort.

So, what does it feel like when a rib is out?

When a rib is out of alignment, pain can occur in the front of you chest, side or upper to mid back.  In the case of a rib out in front of out chest, it may sometimes feel like you are having a heart attack.  Many patients check into the emergency room only to find out that cardiac or pulmonary problems are ruled out.  If this occurs, it is probably a rib out of place.  I personally have had a rib out of place in the front from boxing and I can say from experience that it can be a bit scary until you know that you are not having a heart attack.

If a rib is out in the back, pin point pain will occur in the upper/lower back or side, especially when breathing.

So, what can be done?

A chiropractor can find the rib easily with a “hands on” assessment.   After finding the problem and guiding the rib back in place, the rib will stay in place and the tissues and nerves around the area will heal which will stop the pain.

Ribs are overlooked by many health practitioners but I have seen several patients with pain that just won’t go away and they are unsure what is causing the problem.
After finding a rib that is out of place and correcting it I have gotten amazing results!  The patient can normally get fast relief and reassurance that they do not have a serious health problem.

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

SASTM (Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) what is it?

June 12, 2010

Soft tissue mobilization is used to treat a number of problems.  SASTM instruments are designed for treatment of soft tissue disorders.  These remarkable instruments effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue helping your body to heal and create more movement in the body. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions through sound waves. The unique design allows the clinician to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure, due to square surface of the instruments.

Trauma to soft tissue causes a local inflammatory response.  This initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibers (scar tissue). During the treatment, the instruments breakdown scar tissue adhesions which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur.  This allows your body to move properly and put less stress on your joints.

This form of treatment is beginning to be used by colleges like Stanford to increase their performance.   To find out more about Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization check out this site

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

San Carlos Event Calendar – June 2010

May 29, 2010

The ‘Fun’ Calendar

Every Thursday is Hot Harvest Nights Farmers Market, Downtown Laurel, 593-1068

June 2 Cache Creek Casino Trip, Adult Center, 802-4384

June 3 Health Lecture, Adult Center, 802-4384

June 4 YAC Middle School Dance, Youth Center, 802-4471

June 5 Butano Ridge Challenge Hike, 802-4382

June 5 Stargazing at Crestview Park, 592-2166

June 9 Huddart County Park Pathfinder Hike, 802-4471

June 11 Sunshine Lunch Celebration, Adult Center, 802-4471

June 12 Stargazing at Crestview Park, 592-2166

June 13 Moss Beach Distillery Brunch Trip, Adult Center, 802-4471

June 15 Communication Secrets Lecture, Adult Center, 802-4384

June 16 ECHO Organ Club, Adult Center, 802-4471

June 21 Summer Adventure Camps Programs begin, 802-4382

June 24 Advanced Healthcare Directive Workshop, Adult Center, 802-4471

By admin | Posted in San Carlos California | Comments (0)

San Carlos CA Summer Concert Series

May 29, 2010

The San Carlos Summer Concert Series is every Friday Night from July 9-August 6

Burton Park is  ‘the place to be’ on 5 Friday nights in July and August from 6:00-8:00pm. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and a picnic and enjoy great music in a beautiful setting.

July 9  – The Distractions  ‘Rock ‘n Roll Classics’

July 16  – Big Bang Beat ‘Ultimate Party Classics’

July 23 The Bell Brothers  ‘Country Rock’

July 30 The Refugees  ‘Tom Petty Tribute’

August 6 E-Ticket  ‘Oldies Rock ‘n Roll’

By admin | Posted in San Carlos California | Comment (1)

Physical Therapy, Scar Tissue and Chiropractic

May 28, 2010

When a person injures themselves and sees a medical doctor, in most cases the M.D. sends them to physical therapy to strengthen the injured area.  Exercise is great for your body and health but there is a difference between stretching and strengthening.

First of all, depending on the injury, there may be numerous areas of scar tissue that has to be alleviated in order for the muscles to function properly without further injury.  If exercise is done too soon, it may only add to the problem.  After most accidents or sport injuries, the chances of scar tissue forming is very high.  This needs to be addressed before building your muscles.  Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy is great at getting rid of scar tissue quickly and easily.  It is used by trainers and athletes around the world.

After the scar tissue has been addressed, it must be determined whether stretching or strengthening is needed.  Stretching your muscles is key before starting any exercise program. You don’t want to start exercising a muscle that is already stiff and tight.  That will increase the chance of a further tear or injury.  After a few bouts of stretching, you will become more flexible and are now ready to start an exercise program.

Physical Therapy is great and offers a wonderful benefit to healing.  However, if your body is not aligned or moving properly, physical therapy can only do so much.  Chiropractic aligns the body properly to enable proper function.   We offer more than just an adjustment, you can get it all!

At Precise Moves Chiropractic, we offer proper alignment of the body, massage and physiotherapy.  This helps you get better results quicker!

We can help with any musculoskeletal problem and so much more!!!  Call us today (650) 353-1133

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

Burner Syndrome is more common than you think!

April 26, 2010

This injury is most common with football players but it can happen with anyone who falls onto their shoulder pushing their head to the opposite side of their body.  It can also occur when people stretch their neck muscles and nerves beyond their capacity.  Symptoms of burning or stinging pain in the shoulder or neck occurs.  It is often followed by pain which may radiate down to the arm or hand.  Numbness and weakness of the shoulder or arm may happen immediately or over time.

Treatment begins with icing the injury if there is edema and muscle therapy is begun after the swelling is down.  Low force chiropractic adjustments are greatly helpful and Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (S.A.S.T.M.) can improve movement of the neck and decrease the affects of scar tissue after the injury.

It is important to start rehabilitation quickly in order to keep motion in the neck and prevent stiffness which will make for a slower recovery.   Exercise programs to improve strength and flexibility are administered once the body is stable.

At Precise Moves Chiropractic we are very successful with burner syndrome and numerous sports injuries.  If you have hurt yourself, have limited motion or are not functioning at the level you would like, give us a call…we can help!

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