The Chiropractic Choice...

While chiropractic care can help with any number of symptoms and conditions, we have listed some of the more common conditions that you may recognize in yourself or others. If you are experiencing any of these problems, please contact us for an appointment today.

ALLERGY

Millions of people who suffer from a wide variety of conditions, allergies included, have benefited from chiropractic care even though chiropractic is not an allergy treatment. Why? Because chiropractic is a method of health care that permits your body to function at its best. That is especially important if you suffer from allergies.

But first, let's find out, what is an Allergy? Your immune system keeps you 100% natural, organic, rejuvenated! It recognizes and destroys anything not supposed to be in you: bacteria, viruses, food, pollutants, dust, pollen, drugs, and even tumors.  A healthy immune system gives patients a high resistance to disease and infection, and a better ability to deal with stress and allergens.

By releasing stress on the nervous system, chiropractic care permits the immune system to function more effectively. Which all allergy sufferers need. A nervous system without stress functions more efficiently. Recent understandings in psycho-neuro-immunology reveals that when the nervous system functions better the immune system benefits.

Elimination of Allergens is the most Advanced Step. Currently we are taking a small sample of patient’s blood and sending it to one of the…. finest specialized labs in the country.  Most allergens can be identified from a small blood sample including: food, pollen, environmental, as well as many others.

FOOD ALLERGIES……………………….. Must be Avoided by all Patients.

Our patients are the most surprised by the Allergens they are consuming at dinner time.  Spices, dairy, egg, fish, gluten, fruits and specific nuts are common on the list of over 400 food items tested.  Elimination of food allergies along with chiropractic adjustments lessens the stress on the immune system.   Our patients improve their body’s ability to deal with other allergens that cannot be eliminated like pollen, mold, dust, animals, and chemicals. For some patients with severe allergies this can be life saving!

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Chiropractors correct the basic cause of food allergens and improve the function of your immune system. Freed of chemical stress, your body will work more effectively to neutralize the allergy causing chemicals in your environment.

DISC PROBLEMS

The disc is a small cartilage pad situated between spinal bones. The soft jellylike center is contained in layers of fibrous tissues. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine.  Healthy, discs allow normal bending, turning, and lifting.

Since spinal discs have a very poor blood supply, they depend upon the circulation of joint fluids to bring nutrients and expel waste. If a spinal joint loses its normal motion and this pumping action is impaired, the health of the disc deteriorates. Like a wet sponge, a healthy disc is flexible. A dry sponge is hard, stiff, and can crack easily. This is how many disc problems begin.

Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebra above and below it, a disc cannot “slip” as commonly thought. However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots which can interfere with function and severely advancing the aging process. Spinal Decompression is the GOLD STANDARD of care for disc related problems, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency of narcotic pain pills by choosing conservative chiropractic care.

WHIPLASH

Whiplash is most commonly received from riding in a car that is struck from behind or that collides with another object. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments that support the spine and head can be overstretched or torn. The soft, pulpy discs between spinal bones can bulge, tear or rupture. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal position, reducing range of motion. The spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck can get stretched and irritated. While occupants may suffer considerable soft tissue injury, the car may only be slightly damaged.

The resulting injury of the spine and soft tissues can cause headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the shoulder, arms and hands, reduced ability to turn and bend, and even low back problems.  The body attempts to adapt, so symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months later.

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The chiropractic approach to these types of injuries is to use specific chiropractic adjustment to help return spinal function. After a thorough examination and case history, the doctor will recommend a series of visits to help restore proper motion and position of the spinal bones. If caught early enough, inflammation can be reduced and scar tissue can often be minimized resulting in a full recovery. Consult a Chiropractic Doctor before enduring a prolonged recovery with life changing dependencies of medication, surgery, or chronic pain.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a condition characterized by the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage.  Most commonly found in the weight bearing joints of the body such as the knees, hips, and back. It is also common in the neck and hands. As the joint is broken down it can lead to joint stiffness and increased strain on the muscles in that area. Additionally, as joint function changes it can lead to movement compensations and place strain on other areas of the body as well. Although degenerative changes are common with age they do not automatically result in pain. Research now shows that it is not the degeneration of the joint that is responsible for pain but the effects the degeneration has on how the joint is functioning particularly the stiffness and muscles strain. In addition to  chiropractic, nutrition and supplementation become a vital role in wellness. We focus on restoration and maintenance of function by emphasizing joint movement and increasing the ability of the muscles to support and stabilize the affected joints. In addition, we assess how the body as a whole is functioning to uncover any other movement abnormalities that may be affecting the degenerated area.

JOINT DYSFUNCTION

Joints of the body need to move. When this movement becomes restricted and normal motion is altered several problems arise. Most commonly joint dysfunction results in pain, stiffness, muscle tightness, cartilage breakdown/degeneration, and movement compensation leading to undue stress on other areas of the body. Joint dysfunctions are common in the spine and the extremities and can commonly occur with injury, poor posture, muscle tightness, scar tissue, or muscle imbalance.

The doctor will assess movement of the joints to find areas of altered or restricted movement. Once identified, the movement can be corrected using a combination of chiropractic joint adjustments and Active Release Technique. Whenever possible simple home exercises are demonstrated to facilitate and maintain proper motion in key areas. Underlying factors such as poor posture and muscle

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imbalance often need to be addressed in cases of chronic or recurrent joint dysfunction.

NECK and LOW BACK PAIN

Subluxations (misalignments of the spinal column) are one of the most common causes of neck and low back pain. When vertebrae are misaligned, they put pressure directly on spinal nerves, causing pain. Muscle spasms may occur, which can increase the pressure further. This extra pressure can cause even more inflammation and irritation, which leads to more pain. And the cycle continues.

Often times stretching and massage may only temporarily relieve the pain, because the cause (subluxation) has not been addressed and corrected. A chiropractic adjustment focuses on “Correcting the Cause.”

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

These days millions of Americans have jobs which can have damaging effects on the hands and arms. Repetitive movements which are not performed with good ergonomics in mind can cause micro-trauma to the hands and wrists.

This trauma combined with joint dysfunction and spinal problems may result in a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve which is affected travels from the tips of the fingers through the wrist up the arm and into the neck connecting to the spinal cord.

If one or more of these structures are affected, symptoms of wrist pain, numbness, weakness, burning and loss of muscle function can occur.  Things that provoke carpal tunnel are: sitting at a computer or workstation doing repetitive motions, typing, and texting are common ergonomic issues.

Chiropractic can assure that all of the joints and muscles along the path of the nerve are free of obstruction and functioning normally, to reduce nerve irritation.

It is vital to address symptoms such as hand burning early…. so surgery can be avoided.  Co-management with your surgeon is common.

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Typically… many patients will need more than one surgery in their lifetime for carpal tunnel if they choose not to follow an active care rehabilitation program and avoid the motions causing carpal tunnel compression.

HEADACHES

80% of headaches originate from the neck. Usually an increased amount of stress and tension held in the shoulders causes contractions of all of the surrounding neck muscles. When these muscles contract, vertebrae can become misaligned causing pressure on spinal nerves, and ultimately pain. With a typical cervicogenic (neck origin) headache, a person usually feels pain starting at the base of the skull which radiates into the temples, eyes, and forehead. Headache Types: (the bones of the neck)

Cervicogenic 

Tension (muscles in the neck & face) Migraine (Aura or No Aura) Chemical (drugs, medications, allergies) Cluster (May be a medical referral) Many Others……

Testimonial: “I took Imitrex for years for my migraines, a couple times a week usually and sometimes daily.  Imitrex will make the headaches go away but it doesn’t prevent them. I get adjusted every 2 weeks and I only need imitrex now about 2 or 3 times a month. It makes me a lot happier when I can avoid the headache altogether. Thank You Dr. Renee and Dr. Randall you’re always there when I need you.”

Debbie, 44, Whitewater, home maker

FIBROMYALGIA Fibromyalgia is a controversial and complicated condition. For proper diagnosis and treatment, a wide variety of factors need to be considered including: "head-to-toe" joint and muscle function, nutrition, food allergies, genetics, and lifestyle issues.

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A thorough examination including orthopedic and neurologic testing as well as other specialized tests will help to determine the exact causes of your symptoms and your individualized treatment plan. Very often, a comprehensive treatment program addressing all of these issues leads to significant improvement.

Joint and soft tissue manipulation is often very helpful in relieving the aches and pains of fibromyalgia and related conditions. Other treatment options may include ultrasound or electrical muscle stimulation, acupuncture, therapeutic exercises, medical massage & myofascial release techniques.   Graston Technique has also been very successful in our office.

These procedures, combined with nutritional natural medicine, and an active care rehabilitation program will constitute a comprehensive, holistic approach.

Although researchers are still a long way from finding a "cure" for fibromyalgia, chiropractic care is very successful in the effective management of this condition. However, if after examination we conclude that your case cannot be helped with conservative care, a prompt referral will be made. Testimonial: “I was never really diagnosed with anything and had pain and tenderness all over my body everyday.  I was given pain pills, muscle relaxers, and other medications that worked sometimes, but I also didn’t feel safe driving either while on the medications.  Dr. Renee treated me a few times now and I feel good everyday, I see Dr. Renee every couple weeks when my tenderness and pain starts coming back. She takes good care of me.” Jocelyn, 68, Whitewater, retired

SCIATICA The sciatic nerve is a long nerve originating in the lower back and extending down the back of the leg.  More often referred in the medical community as radiculopathy, pseudo-radiculopathy, and neuropathy/neuritis.  When this nerve is irritated, it can cause pain, numbness, weakness, or other symptoms in the lower back and down the leg.

There are several possible causes of this condition. A misaligned vertebra is the most common

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cause.  Primary inflammation of a joint called facet syndrome is also very common.  Bulging or injured discs and muscle spasms can also cause pressure on the sciatic nerve increasing anatomical degeneration.

Several other conditions may cause this symptom, so a complete evaluation including X-rays if medically necessary will be completed in our office.  Orthopaedic and Neurologic examination would be needed to correctly assess the exact cause.

In severe cases we will order and schedule a CT or MRI for you. Spinal Decompression is the GOLD STANDARD in treating many of these causes along with chiropractic adjustments in our office.

PINCHED NERVE

A pinched nerve is just that. It is a severely compressed nerve, usually caused by a misaligned vertebra. When nerves get pinched they become severely inflamed and muscles may spasm, causing even more discomfort. The pain is usually so severe that you can't move that part of the body and it can cause other symptoms as well.  When left untreated, arthritis, degeneration, and chronic painful diseases may set in that are difficult to correct and will prolong therapy. There can be several causes of the pinched nerve; a proper examination is needed to determine the exact cause. Chiropractic Adjustments are very successful in treating this condition.  Call for an Appointment Today!

MAINTANENCE CARE

You do not have to be injured to benefit from chiropractic care. By staying well adjusted with maintenance chiropractic care you can help prevent future injury and live a more productive happier life.

Some other possible benefits of maintenance care are: optimal nerve output for optimal physical performance, improved posture, decreased stiffness, increased mobility, energy, strength, circulation, and immune function just to name a few. Testimonials:

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“I see Dr. Randall once a month like clock work.  I use to come every spring or summer when I would throw my back out playing softball. Then I just got sick of falling out of shape every winter and getting hurt.  I have not had a softball injury in 2 years and I play twice a week and on weekends.”

Kurt, 29, Janesville, mechanic

“I come about every couple weeks just because it helps me sleep better.”

Kristen, 27, Whitewater, mommy

“I’m a painter by trade, but I do a lot of drywall and plaster as well. I always get neck pain from repetitive motions and I do a lot of overhead work. I can’t stop working and I’m not changing jobs anytime soon so I drop in about every other Friday afternoon. Thanks for taking late appointments.”

Derek, 39, Abells Corners, business owner

“I was in a severe car accident when I was 16 years old and even though I was injured I didn’t have any broken bones so I was released from the ER.  Because I was 16 they did not give me any medications because I wasn’t that bad upon evaluation now I’m 35 and I have had 3 MRI’s in the last 7 years.  I have disc herniations in my neck and my lumbar spine and it just goes out for no reason since my accident.  Now I come every couple of weeks and it makes a huge difference, I don’t live in pain anymore and I don’t fear doing any activity.”

Bryan, 35, Whitewater, engineer Everybody benefits from Chiropractic a little differently, but one thing everybody has in common is that they just feel better.

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