March 2014

How a Chiropractor Treats Knee Pain

iStock 000027630618Large Are you suffering from uncomfortable, knee pain? If so, have you considered the treatment options for easing the pain? If you think there is nothing that can be done to treat knee pain, think again. One way in which you can help heal your knee and prevent pain from occurring in the future is with chiropractic care. Fortunately, chiropractic treatment is usually effective at treating many different forms of knee pain. Here’s how a pain management specialist like a chiropractor treats your knee problems.

Six Steps to Treating Knee Pain

    1. In-depth examination. The chiropractor begins by making an examination of the knee joint and asking questions to find out the source of the pain, how the pain might have occurred, when the pain is most intense, and whether there is also pain in other parts of the body. It is important to remember that the knee joint may not be the only problem – pain may be transferred from other areas of the body such as the hips or the lower back. Once the examination has been completed, the chiropractor will draw up a treatment plan.
    1. Reducing inflammation and pain. In order to help improve mobility and reduce swelling, ice may be used on the joint. The knee will be elevated and rest is recommended for the initial period following the onset of pain.
    1. Chiropractic adjustments. Manipulations are needed in order to bring the knee back to its previous functionality as well as increase its strength and range of movement.
    1. Massage. Soft-tissue massage helps increase flexibility in the knee as well as ease pain. It is important that the massage is gentle enough not to cause any extra discomfort.
    1. Rehabilitation exercises. The long-term goal of the treatment is to remove pain as well as prevent it returning in the future. To this end, various exercises and rehabilitation activities are recommended for carrying out at home. You will also learn how posture affects the knee joint and how to sit and stand properly to minimize pain.
  1. Home care. Take steps to lose weight if you need to – excess weight puts extra strain on the knees. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to improve joint health as well as your overall health.

Still have questions?  Contact Advanta Total Health in Marietta, GA today to schedule your FREE consultation!

Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy in Marietta, Georgia

Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Marietta Georgia It’s no secret that as we get older, our bodies begin to change in less than desirable ways. You may notice that your metabolism doesn’t function like it used to, leading to loss of lean muscle mass and weight gain, especially around the belly despite diet and exercise. You may notice that we don’t sleep as soundly as we used to and hit the afternoon slump particularly hard. Maybe your concentration span has shortened and you are feeling “foggy-headed” or even depressed.

All of these symptoms used to simply be seen as getting older and there is nothing you can do to stop or reverse them. But what if you could?

What if you could regain your metabolism, sound sleeping patterns, concentration, and even improve your day-to-day mood? What if what you had considered as your life “slowing down” could actually be reversed, allowing you to fully enjoy your life yet again?

At Advanta Total Health in Marietta, Georgia, we understand that you are just reaching your prime! There is no reason for you not to enjoy your life with all of the energy and focus that you need to live it to the fullest!

Hormone Replacement Therapy in Marietta, Georgia

Our natural hormone replacement therapy in Marietta, Georgia, could actually allow you to look and feel like you are 20 years younger by reversing the signs of aging at a hormonal level.

You see, as we age our bodies naturally begin to reduce the production of natural hormones such as testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. All of these hormones play a vital role in regulating metabolism, bone density, cognition, and even mood. When these hormones are out of balance, so are we.

Our natural hormone replacement therapy is uses natural, plant-based bio-identical hormones that work with your body. Unlike synthetic hormones, there is a minimal risk of side effects and can give you a wealth of benefits, such as:

  • Weight Loss
  • Increased Energy
  • Slowed or stopped hair loss
  • Improved mood
  • Improved sleep patterns
  • Increased sex drive and stamina
  • And so much more!

To learn more about our natural hormone replacement therapy in Marietta, Georgia, call 770.955.2225 today!

 

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Knee Pain: Why Does My Knee Hurt?

A flexible, mobile knee joint is a wonderful thing because it allows you to live an active life – play sports, walk and run, sit and stand, and enjoy the full range of movement that a complex joint like the knee allows. However, the flexibility of the joint also causes problems – you are more likely to damage the joint or cause problems through overuse. You are on your feet for large portions of the day and the pressure bearing down on the knee often results in pain. Knee pain could come in the form of a dull ache. You may also experience swelling and redness, and there may be stiffness and weakness. You may not be able to bend the knee as normal, or put weight on it.

If your knee is painful there are many possible reasons for the discomfort. Here are the most common causes of knee pain and discomfort.

Ligaments, Cartilage and Tendons

  • Torn Ligaments. The ligaments are bands of tissue that connect your bones and muscles. A common cause of knee pain is a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which connects the shin and thigh. This injury is commonly caused by sudden changes in direction while pressure is put on the knee.
  • Torn Cartilage. Cartilage connects bones and muscle and you can cause inflammation and damage to the cartilage in the knee through overuse of the joint or injury.
  • Tendonitis. An injury may also cause swelling and irritation to the tendons, which are tissues linking muscles and bones in the knee joint.
  • Ligament Pain. Ligaments that are too tight and not flexible cause pain in the knee.

Bone and Other Joint Components

  • Bursitis. A knee injury inflames the fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the knee joint. This results in pain and discomfort as well as swelling.
  • Bone Chips or Loose Cartilage. A tiny piece of bone may break loose from the joint or cartilage can be separated from the joint. The chips stay in the joint cavity and cause problems with knee mobility.
  • Dislocated Kneecap.

Arthritis

  • Osteoarthritis. One of the most common types of arthritis that affects the knee joint
  • Gout. Another form of arthritis that is caused by a development of uric crystals in the knee joint.

If knee pain is affecting your everyday life, seek help from a pain management specialist. There are many different ways to treat knee pain – see the following article for more details.

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Shoulder and Neck Pain: What You Need to Know

Millions of people suffer from shoulder and neck pain but many are under the impression that waiting it out and suffering in silence is best. Others believe there is nothing a doctor can do to treat neck or shoulder pain that is not linked to another underlying health condition. But leaving shoulder or neck pain untreated is not a good idea. Not only does the pain and discomfort cause problems in your everyday life, including difficulties walking, working, and relaxing, but an untreated injury can lead to more problems further down the line. Arm yourself with the facts about neck and shoulder injury so you can resolve the problem in the best possible way.

Why Do I Suffer from Pain in my Neck and Shoulders?

While the benefits of having a flexible, mobile neck and shoulder joint are clear, the disadvantages are also obvious – the lack of stability in the neck, the weight it supports, and the reliance on the shoulder muscles all make it relatively easy to damage the neck or the shoulders and cause pain. Often a small movement made at the wrong time, or a sudden movement that forces the neck forwards or backwards, can have strong repercussions in terms of pain.

What are the Common Causes of Pain in the Shoulders or Neck?

Poor posture is one of the most common causes of neck and shoulder pain. Sitting in the same position for a long time, when your weight is not properly distributed over your chest, causes pressure in the shoulders and the top of the spine. Standing and walking in a way that puts strain on the shoulder muscles and ligaments is also a problem – poor posture is a major contributing factor to neck and shoulder pain.

You may be able to identify the moment when the pain struck – an auto accident that caused whiplash, for example, or a heavy football tackle. Sometimes pain is due to a dislocated shoulder.

If you are struggling to find a reason for your pain, it could be a condition called wry neck. Wry neck describes when the neck is suddenly painful, stiff or uncomfortable. Wry neck is not usually caused by an accident or an injury, but it could be the result of a viral infection. There may be spasms of pain that spread across the upper back.

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7 Tips for Treating Headaches and Migraines

Headaches are a common problem, with up to 90 percent of Americans suffering from the uncomfortable condition. If you frequently experience headaches it can be difficult to lead a normal life. Often, headaches interfere with work and with family time – you don’t want to socialize with a pounding headache, or finish that spreadsheet at the office. Headaches may sometimes be the sign of another illness or health condition but they are much more likely to be triggered by environmental stimuli or by bodily processes like stress, tension, or blood sugar levels. Fortunately there are remedies and techniques proven to help relieve the discomfort of headaches and migraines. Here are seven of the best ways to reduce the pain and live a normal life again.

1. Visit a Chiropractor.

You may not realize it, but many headaches are caused by tension in the neck and the upper back. In order to relieve this tension and stress and properly align the spine, it is beneficial to see a chiropractor. You will also be able to receive advice about proper posture and sitting positions in order to minimize the impact of stress on the joints in your head, neck and back.

2. Exercise Regularly.

Exercise can also relieve stress and release tension. Try a low-impact form of exercise so you don’t cause extra pain, such as yoga, a stretching class, walking, or swimming.

3. Drink Plenty of Water.

Dehydration can cause headaches. If you regularly suffer from headaches, check how much you are drinking. You need at least eight glasses a day.

4. Avoid Foods That Trigger Headaches.

Common culprits include cheese, foods with nitrates or artificial sweeteners, wine, smoked meats, pickles, and cold foods like ice cream or other cold desserts.

5. Improve Your Diet.

Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and other whole foods and avoid processed foods in order to increase your vitamin levels and also avoid artificial additives. Avoid too much caffeine (and too much alcohol) and don’t smoke.

6. Practice Stress-Reducing Techniques.

Try meditation, yoga, or other deep breathing practices to regularly inject a little calm into your busy life. Simply sitting for a few minutes in a darkened room or listening to some calming music can make a difference to the severity of your headache.

7. Use a Moist Heat Pad.

If the tension in your neck is promoting a headache, sit quietly with a warm, moist towel wrapped around your neck. The heat will help remove tension.

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Six Steps to a Healthy Lower Back

If you are suffering from low back pain, what should you do? Stay in bed, walk it off, or take medication? How can you ease the pain of an injured lower back? Low back pain is a common complaint among all types of people in the United States. Low back pain can be acute, meaning it is brought on suddenly, usually as the result of an accident or injury, or chronic, meaning that the back condition is long-lasting. If you suffer from low back pain, here’s how to make a difference to the way you feel.

How to Treat Low Back Pain

1. See a Specialist.

Visiting a back care practitioner or a pain management expert is the first step in helping heal an injured or damaged lower back. When visiting the clinician, tell them exactly what caused the back pain – if anything – and where exactly the pain is affecting you. You will receive recommendations about how to treat the pain – treatment options include chiropractic treatment, massage, physical therapy, and more.

2. Ease into Gentle Exercise.

The sooner you can start to work your back and the surrounding muscles again, the better. Lying down for long periods of time can actually make back pain worse. Low-impact exercise activities can help bring flexibility to your spine and ease discomfort. Ask your clinician what you can do for exercise.

3. Check Your Posture.

Whether you are trying to cure a bad back or trying to prevent one, good posture is essential. Learn how to stand and sit correctly so you are balanced and your weight is kept in a straight line – too much curve can put too much pressure on the lower back.

4. Work Your Core.

Weak core muscles often mean a poorly supported back. Strengthen your abdominal muscles to provide a strong “cage” for your lower back. When your core is strong you reduce the strain you place on your back.

5. Follow a Healthy Lifestyle.

Being generally healthy and with a good mental outlook will help prevent back problems and also cut the time it takes to heal a sore back. Follow a healthy diet, don’t smoke, and keep your weight at a healthy level in order to bring benefits to your back.

6. Get Enough Rest.

While you can overdo it in terms of getting too much rest, it is important to sleep well in order to maximize the chances of healing your back. Choose a supportive mattress and try to sleep on your side so you take away stress from the lower back area.

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