Roseville Chiropractic, Roseville Chiropractor - MyRosevilleChiropractor.com

Exciting New Things at Thomas Chiropractic!!!

2010-09-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

WE ARE MOVING! Starting in October, the practice will have a new home at 720 Sunrise Avenue, Suite 104. We are about two blocks south (closer to Cirby

away from Douglas) from the old office but still on the same side of the street. The new office will be easier to find and have better parking. In addition, the inside is being remodeled and should be very comfortable with an efficient flow.

To celebrate the new office, we are hosting an Open House on Tuesday October 5th from 5:00-7:00 pm. Please come and enjoy some appetizers and dessert and take a tour of the new office. Although not critical, if you can RSVP by either commenting on the blog, Facebook, Twitter, or responding to the email, it would be much appreciated.

The first two weeks of October is our annual Food Drive! Anytime between October 4th-14th

your friends and love ones can receive their initial visit (exam, x-rays, report, and first adjustment) at no charge in exchange for a generous donation of non-perishab

le food items.

Finally, October 9th is Patient Appreciation Day! Stop by anytime between 10:00 and 2:00 for a FREE adjustment, FREE chair massage, and good food. Please also help support our food drive that day.

Hope to see all of you at any or all of these events!

Sciatica? Really, is that the best you can come up with?

2010-06-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the tone of the title. It mostly reflects my attitude toward diagnosing these days and the overemphasis on trying to categorize illness as opposed to focusing on health and restoring or maintaining it. Don't get me wrong, a diagnosis can be critical in certain situations. However, a diagnosis like "Sciatica" is completely useless!

Here is why. How would you feel if you took your car into the mechanic because there is a pinging sound at 50 mph and he came back and told you that you have "Pingatica Pentavra." When you ask him what that means he says you have a ping in your engine at 50 mph and then hands you a pair of ear muffs so you can't hear it anymore? Oh, and the bill, of course.

The only thing the mechanic did was give you a fancy name for something you already knew and then gave you a remedy that didn't really solve anything. And yet, you are supposed to be comforted by both. Are you? We settle for this all the time in our sick care society.

So what about sciatica? The sciatic nerve is the biggest conglomeration of nerves in the body. It forms in the back/buttock area and runs down the back of the thigh to about the knee. If it is irritated, it is painful and they call it sciatica. Sciatica is not a diagnosis; it's a fancy word that describes your symptoms.

The real question is what is causing the sciatica. Is it a bulging or herniated disc? Is it inflammation around the vertebrae and therefore the nerve roots which will form the sciatic nerve? Is it dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint? Is the piriformis muscle (or any other muscle in the area) tight or have lesions? Is the chair the person sitting on hitting the sciatic nerve and causing a direct irritation to it?

Furthermore, we need to ask what is causing all of the above mentioned things to happen! Why is the disc bulging or herniated? Why is there inflammation? And the list goes on. Then, we need to ask at what level do we want to treat? Do we mask the symptoms and hope the body will figure it out? Do we help the body restore function? Once we have, do we try and maintain or prevent?

At the end of the day, health is a sliding scale. There is proper function at the high end and improper function at the other. So often we try to pinpoint a single cause of dysfunction when the reality is that there are almost always multiple and complex causes. With that in mind, does it really matter what we call the symptoms if the goal is simply to restore function?

Does Chiropractic Heal You?

2010-05-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting conversation last night. The gentleman with whom I was speaking (he may even read this) had never seen a chiropractor and was a little skeptical. His comment was that it doesn't really seem like chiropractic heals anything; only gives temporary relief of symptoms. He was partly right!

Chiropractic doesn't heal anything, and neither do chiropractors. The body heals itself. The goal of chiropractic is to restore function of the joints and the nervous system that is directly connected to the joints. When there is proper function, the body will heal itself.

As far as his claim that chiropractic only brings temporary relief, that depends. I will concede to that being true if a patient just gets adjusted for temporary relief one or two times. Healing is a process and restoring function takes time. It's not like your body is a machine where you can just go in and change the parts. In order to restore function, one must go through a course of adjustments that will eventually lead to proper function. The tricky part is figuring out how long one can maintain proper function considering all of the things they do to hamper it. This is why in the beginning a patient may get adjusted 3-5 times a week. After some time, however, the time in between adjustments increases and the goal is to get down to a maintenance of approximately once a month. Of course, if your lifestyle is such that you readily create dysfunction in your body, then once a month might not be enough.

In short, shy of performing a miracle (which is an entirely different topic), healing is a process that not only takes time but occurs every second in our body as we navigate mortality. Chiropractic is a great tool to help promote this constant healing and combat the constant degeneration!

Let Freedom Ring From Your Aches and Pains, Through Chiropractic Care!

2010-06-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

If you have been suffering, please use this certificate and let me show you how chiropractic can help! You can print this out or just mention that you saw it on this blog. By the way, there are no strings attached. Your first exam, x-rays, report of findings and first adjustment are all free with this offer. All I ask is that you let me help educate you on how you can live healthier. You only have better health to gain!

-Dr. Jared Thomas

Tyreke Evans, NBA Rookie of the Year, and Sacramento King, gets adjusted! So should you!

2010-06-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

Going Paperless! My Journey Into the Realm of Electronic Health Records

2010-06-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

I finally did it! I got new software that allows me to keep your records digitally so that I don't have a bunch of paper files. The advantages are great but the learning curve is killing me. It is so much easier to hand write a few sentences, that only a few select people will probably ever decipher, and call it good. Now, however, I have detailed, thorough, professional notes in typewritten print that I can pull up with the click of a mouse.

So, the next time you come into my office and I am cleverly toting around my iPad and slowly trying to figure out how to input your concerns, taking more time than you or I am used to, just remember, when I get it all figured out, you will have pristine records... that no one will probably ever read.

My Chiropractic Response to Health Care and the Economy

2010-03-31T08:44:00.000-07:00

Health care and the Economy have been hot topics for some time. So many people pay through the nose for health insurance that covers little or cannot afford health insurance at all. In addition, so many doctors are struggling either to make a decent living, or are working twice as hard for half as much. This has created a whole new paradigm in the offices around the country

Health care has become consumer driven. In the recent past, you went to a doctor and did what he said and the insurance paid for it. Not so anymore. First, due to the vast amount of information available to us on the internet, we approach the doctor less as a true doctor (in Latin doctor means teacher) and more like a physician (one who is licensed to apply remedies). Secondly, because of the shift in cost responsibility, each doctor's visit is a buying decision. We want the best care for the least amount. We want options so we can decide what is best because it is our health and our money.

This is my response! First, your health is your responsibility. Please don't ever let anyone take control of it. Because it is yours, you have choices on how to keep healthy. As a doctor, my job is to educate you on how you can either maintain or regain good health. As a physician my job is to administer adjustments as one facet of your healthcare. I believe that people who get chiropractic adjustments consistently enjoy better health. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that regular chiropractic care helps to maintain a good immune system and promotes flexibility, proper nerve flow and greater balance. If you want to wait until you are sick or hurting, that is yours to decide. Likewise, if you want to exercise preventative or maintenance care, you will reap the rewards. Some lucky people can function properly without chiropractic care for a long time. Others cannot. Some people see the importance of maintaining proper function of their joints and are willing to pay for it because they see that the benefits have value. They also believe that in the long run, it will save them money. Others would rather take the risk until they are affected by it. Whatever you decide to do, they are your options and you need to feel comfortable with them. Likewise, you need to realize that certain approaches have more value. Sometimes the more expensive option will save on future costs. Sometimes it won't but has more immediate benefits. Either way, do your research and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Now, concerning the economy, we are all in this together. I get it. Because I get it, I put this verbatim in the booklet I give to people at their first visit:

We live in a world of financial instability. Healthcare is a major concern because of cost and access to care. Ultimately, your health is your responsibility and should be one of your highest priorities.

Because of my passion to empower others with the ability to live a healthy life, I believe in giving everyone who is truly desirous of attaining greater health, that opportunity. For this reason, I express to you my promise that if you cannot afford the recommended care to achieve your goals, I will personally arrange a comfortable solution, be it a longer payment schedule, a reduced fee (based on hardship), or something else. I have only Three rules should you need an alternate payment arrangement. 1. Stick to the program. 2. Don’t discuss the arrangement we have made with others. 3. Share your success.

In my office, health comes first!

Why am I willing to bend over backwards to help someone who may not be able to pay me what I am worth? Let's just say that I truly believe that you reap what you sow. I look way beyond financial success for validation. If I can make a difference in someone's life and lead them to good health, I feel confident that I will be sufficiently compensated in various ways including financially. So far, I haven't been let down and have been able to support my family. Some call it Karma, I call it sticking to my purpose.

I cannot take responsibility for your health but I can show you an affordable way to dramatically improve your health. The question is are you ready to be an educated consumer? Don't let the insurance companies or the government determine your health care. It's up to you!

How to Safely Stretch Your Hamstrings

2010-04-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

Tight hamstrings can cause low back dysfunction and low back dysfunction can cause tight hamstrings. Either way, they need to be stretched daily. The trick is to hold for at least 30 seconds. This video demonstrates the proper technique.

TMJ

2010-04-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

The other day I had one of my favorite patients on my table complaining of a tooth ache. She asked if I knew a good dentist so I told her about my mine, Dr. Ashish Arya, and how great his staff, Lena and Corby are. I proceeded to adjust her neck and jaw, etc. and gave her a card for Dr. Ashish.

I followed up with her last night and she told me that when Dr. Ashish did the exam, not only was there nothing wrong with the teeth, but she did not have any discomfort or pain. He gave her some stretches for the jaw and sent her on her way.

Though not an every day occurrence, a tooth ache that is really jaw dysfunction does happen frequently. The technical term for the joints of the jaw are the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Dysfunction is known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or TMJ syndrome. (Side note: I hear people say they have TMJ, a lot. I always chuckle because everyone has TMJ. What they mean is that they have TMJ syndrome.)

TMD or TMJ Syndrome can be very painful. The temporomandibular joint is a very sensitive joint. Dysfunction can cause headaches, tooth aches, mouth pain, face pain, popping or clicking, and even earaches.

Chiropractic adjustments have been very effective in managing TMD. I work on the jaw and surrounding musculature on a good portion of my patients with great success. So, the next time that you get an earache, headache, or toothache, check with your chiropractor, it could be your jaw!

Thank You!

2010-03-20T10:11:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to write a quick blog post thanking everyone for their participation in Patient Appreciation Week! All told, we saw over 180 patients, 30 of whom were new. Thank you for your kind referrals!

Ice or Heat?

2010-03-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

I get asked quite frequently whether to use ice or heat on an aching joint. When in doubt, use ice but use it properly. I have outlined protocols for icing below. That is not to say that there are not times when heat is appropriate, but icing is almost always beneficial if done right, whereas heat can cause problems on a new or inflamed injury.

The rule of thumb is that if the injury is acute or new within the last 6 weeks or if it is an exacerbation of an injury, use ice. Heat is good for loosening up sore muscles and stiff joints. If you need to get things moving, heating for 20 minutes can be very therapeutic. Be careful though. If you heat an inflamed joint, it will feel better while it is on but the heat will increase the inflammation and not only cause more discomfort but also prolong your healing. As a precaution, I typically recommend using heat only if you are going to be moving around (ie. never before or during bed time). If you are going to use heat before bed, follow it up with ice. That way you won't wake up feeling like you were hit by a train.

Icing is not as simple as just putting something cold on you for a little while. If done properly, it can be extremely beneficial. If done improperly, it will have little to no benefit. So, here are the rules to using ice properly.

1. Cover the affected area. Not using enough ice will not drive the inflammation away enough to make it worth the pain of icing. A nice big ice pack for big areas like the back, legs and arms is critical. Conversely, for feet and hands an ice pack might not be good at all. I usually recommend an ice bucket if the body part fits. ***I will explain those protocols below.

2. Make sure the ice penetrates. Too often, people will put a bath towel between the ice pack and the affected area. Their excuse is usually that it is too cold. They are missing the point. It is supposed to be cold! You should only use a paper towel or thin t-shirt in between.

3. Let it go numb. If the area you are icing doesn't get numb you really haven't done it right. When icing you should feel it get cold which should then start to burn. (Be careful not to get an actual ice burn. On rare occasion if the ice pack is too cold and it is up against sensitive skin it can burn the skin. This shouldn't happen with most ice packs and if you have a paper towel between.) After the burning feeling, the area should start to ache until it goes numb. Once it is numb, you are done!

4. Never ice longer than 20 minutes. After 20 minutes the body sends out a signal that the area is developing frostbite and will send more blood to the area. As icing helps to drive blood/inflammation away, sending more blood in is a bad thing. If after 20 minutes the area never got numb, take it off and wait 40 minutes to ice again.

5. Wait 40 minutes before you can ice again. Make sure the affected area is back to regular body temperature before you shock it again with ice.

***Ice Bucket Protocol: Use an ice bucket for ankles/feet and hands/wrists. This is by far the best way to drive out inflammation from these areas.
1. Get a bucket big enough.
2. Put as much ice in it that will cover your affected extremity.
3. Fill it with water to the same level.
4. Cover fingers or toes with a sock.
5. Immerse the extremity.
6. Keep it moving gently to keep the water immediately surrounding from warming up.
7. Ice until numb (usually around 5 minutes).
8. Repeat once the limb is back to body temperature.

Happy Anniversary!!!

2010-03-07T16:38:00.000-08:00

It's Our 5th Year Anniversary and Patient Appreciation Day!

Saturday March 13th, 10-2pm

FREE Adjustments

FREE Chair Massage

Food, Fun, and Prizes

March 8th-18th

FREE New Patient Exams

FREE New Patient X-rays

FREE New Patient Reports

FREE First Adjustment

Call 780-1370 for your appointment

Everyone is invited!!!

10 Things To Do If You Get In An Auto Accident!

2010-02-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

1. Make sure you and the other driver are safe before getting out of the car. If you are in a busy intersection move out of harm's way (if possible). Make sure you pull as far as you can to the side of the road.

2. Check for injuries. Most people don't feel injured immediately after an auto accident because of the adrenaline rush. Be cautious. With every auto accident you are going to have an injury; the forces involved are just too great not to. If an ambulance comes, the EMT's will check things out. They usually recommend you come with them. If you feel like you can drive home then tell them. If not, go. Better safe than sorry. It will be a pain to deal with the ambulance bill when it comes and your claim hasn't been paid, but your health is worth the hassle

3. Exchange information. At minimum, you should get their name, telephone numbers, license plate and card numbers, and their insurance information. One of the more innovative things I would recommend besides writing down the above information is to take lots of pictures. Most cell phones these days have cameras. Take pictures of the accident but also take pictures of their driver's license and insurance card.

4. Call the police. Do this just in case. Truth is, most of the time they just tell you to exchange information. It may not feel necessary to call but you never know. If you call and they can't help you in time then call back later and file a police report. This will help protect you.

5. Inform your and the other driver's insurance company. The quicker you get the ball rolling the easier it will be for you. There are two sides to an auto accident claim, the property damage and the bodily injury. The car they should fix quickly. Taking the time to see a doctor about the bodily injury before any decisions are made is important (will discuss next). If the accident was not your fault, you should still let your insurance company know. They can back you up if the other person is either under insured or just a pain to work with. You may also have Med-pay which is an extra writer that covers injuries regardless of who may be at fault.

6. See your chiropractor! Chances are you have some pain or discomfort. Even if you don't have pain, get an exam. In every auto accident you are dealing with forces that cause tissue damage. Sometimes you don't feel the problems until months later when weak scar tissue tears and starts the inflammation again. In addition, it is tough to argue with insurance companies unless you get checked out soon after the accident.

7. Ice. The protocol for icing should be 20 minutes maximum on the affected area. You want to feel the cold then burn then ache before it goes numb so only use a paper towel or thin t-shirt between your skin and the ice pack. NEVER USE HEAT after an auto accident. This will feel good while it is on but bring a lot more blood to the area and make the inflammation worse. Increased inflammation will slow down the healing process.

8. How should you pay for your care? This could be its own blog post but I will keep it short. If the accident was not your fault you shouldn't have to pay anything out of pocket. I am happy to treat people on a lien until is settles. If it is your fault you either have to pay for it yourself or have Med-pay on your auto insurance policy. Besides Med-pay, if you are not at fault, retaining an attorney can save you a lot of hassle and stress and should help you get a little extra money for all the things you will have to deal with on your road to recovery.

9. Journal. The more information you have the better. Take note of your aches and pains, when you have to take pain meds, times when you get headaches, days/hours missed from work. One of the most important things you can document is what you cannot do anymore as a result of your injuries from the auto accident. Detail will help convince the insurance adjuster that your injuries are legitimate.

10. Get better. Healing takes time. It is a roller coaster ride that can be frustrating. Don't stop treatment too early or it could come back and become chronic. Remember, a positive attitude goes a long way to healing.

Hey Doc, Which Bed Should I Buy?

2010-01-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

I get asked on a daily basis which bed is the best. My honest answer is whichever bed provides the most support while allowing a comfortable night's sleep. I also share that my best advice is to use the 90 day money back guarantee. I know that this sounds like a cheeky answer but finding the right bed can be tough. You don't want to invest your time and money into a bed that is going to cause harm. By the same token, it can take 30 days or more to really figure out if your new bed is going to work. That saying, knowing where to begin in helpful. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Keeping the spine in neutral is the most important thing you can do. Beds that are too soft typically let your pelvis sink which can cause low back problems. Conversely, beds that are too firm will push too hard on the shoulders and hips, causing discomfort that can keep you from a well rested sleep. A good bed will help distribute the weight making it more comfortable while keeping your spine in neutral.

2. Your body type will determine what type of bed you need. The less dense a person is, the less support is needed so a soft bed can be ok. In addition, if you have large hips you may need a little more cushion to be comfortable and keep your back in neutral. Same goes for broad shoulders.

3. How you sleep makes a difference. Side sleepers typically need a little softer bed because their shoulders and hips are the major points of contact. Back sleepers should choose a more firm mattress to help support the more distributed pressure. Stomach sleepers should learn to sleep on their side or back after age 5.

After taking your body type into consideration, now you have to find the right mattress. Mattresses are very well designed these days with lots of options that can help even the playing field. This is especially true if you and your spouse have different needs. Here are your options for beds:

1. Innerspring mattresses are the most common. Spring count is the trick here. The more, typically the better the bed. A good spring mattress can work out great for you. It can also break down quickly and sag in high pressure areas.

2. Memory foam is the latest trend but a good one. Memory foam conforms to the body which is soft but provides good support. It can be an excellent choice but some do complain of feeling too hot or feeling like they feel a little trapped. These mattresses are very durable.

3. Latex mattresses are very similar to memory foam in terms of support and durability but spring back a little quicker so there isn't that trapped feeling. They also seem to be a little better if feeling hot is a problem.

4. Air mattresses (not the kind you suffer on when you visit your family) have some major advantages. A good air bed will have several air chambers and will be adjustable. This is especially good with vastly different body types. The downside, of course, is that there is a possibility of it leaking.

5. Water beds have come a long way. In the past, I would have said avoid anything that can leak. Now, it is possible to get a good water bed that gives good support. Unfortunately, very few people will do well with a water bed and they are a much bigger hassle to return.

If you are in the market for a new mattress you should check out my friend, Christine's blog, "From Date to Diapers." She has a contest where she has teamed up with Sealy to give away a free mattress set. These mattresses have a great track record and lots of options to fit your needs.

The final thing to consider about a bed is that your issues might not be with your bed but with your back. If your spine isn't functioning well, a good bed might help but chances are you just need to restore the function. Of course, I am happy to help with that, too!

10 Good Reasons to Use Chiropractic to Achieve Better Heatlth in 2010

2009-12-31T10:47:00.000-08:00

It's the last day of the year and people are starting to come up with New Year's resolutions. I would venture to say that at least one resolution you have involves your health in some way. Let me give you 10 good reasons chiropractic should be included in your action plan.

1. Chiropractic helps control pain. Pain is a great de-motivator/distraction. When you get adjusted, you not only get an endorphine release but you also close down the nerve pathways that cause pain. This will allow you to work out with less pain.

2. Chiropractic improves joint function. Working out on joints that are not working properly can create worse problems.

3. Chiropractic improves balance. Balance is very important to good health. Getting adjusted regularly helps improve your balance. This is closely associated with proprioception which was the topic of the previous post.

4. Chiropractic will help improve your posture which will help you look and feel your best. Correcting the posture of the low back will especially help decrease the "pooch."

5. Chiropractic improves nerve flow to the vital organs. When your organs are working properly your body will be healthier. This is especially true for the organs that deal with elimination of waste like the gut, the kidneys and the liver. When you get the gunk out you will be healthier. This is especially true after binging since Halloween.:)

6. Chiropractic improves hormone function. The thyroid gland controls metabolism and is critical to good health. In addition, balancing estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, etc. can make a huge difference in your energy.

7. Chiropractic is good for your feet. When you make that resolution to go running and your feet are killing you, we can help adjust the foot or do some soft tissue work to get you back out there.

8. Chiropractic can increase your lung capacity. When you get adjusted it allows the joints of and around the rib cage to be well lubricated and move freely. This allows proper inhalation and exhalation. Good breathing equals more oxygen which leads to more efficient cells and better health.

9. Chiropractic can help your sinuses. When you feel like you cannot breathe because the cold you caught just before Christmas just won't go away, come in for some cranial adjusting and experience what it's like to breathe through your nose again.

10. Chiropractic restores the body's ability the work, heal, and function properly!

There you have it! 10 good reasons you should include chiropractic care in your goal to be healthier. See you soon!

Proprio...What? or, Are You Coordinated?

2009-12-29T09:47:00.000-08:00

One of the best ways that chiropractic can help everyone from everyday folks to elite athletes is by improving proprioception (pronounced:pro-pre[long "e"]-o-sep-shun).

Proprioception has to do with coordination and position sense. Try this experiment. Close your eyes and touch the tip of your nose with your finger tip. Were you able to do it? The highest number of nerve receptors that sense movement are in the neck, hands and feet. All joints, however, have their fair share. The better these receptors work, the better the body can respond.

Let me give you an example. If a person sprains his or her ankle, they are more likely to sprain it again and again. The reason this happens is because first, the ligaments are weak but more importantly because with injury the proprioceptors become dull. It doesn't have to be injury either. Posture changes proprioceptors, as well.

The danger of having dulled proprioceptors is a much broader topic than you probably want to delve into at this time. Suffice it to say that if your proprioceptors are not working well, you leave yourself very susceptible to injury. Likewise, pain sensation travels on the same nerve fibers so pain increases as proprioception decreases and vice versa.

The trick to getting these proprioceptors to wake up? Get the joint moving. Lack of motion or improper motion scrambles the receptors. Proper stimulation through movement, improves their function. Chiropractic adjustments and activities that challenge us physically both in strength and coordination are the best ways I can think of to accomplish this goal.

A Safe Crunch! (Spinal Stabization Exercise 4/4)

2009-12-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

It is quite the conundrum when you are trying to strengthen your core to decrease your risk of low back injury and you find that you have hurt your low back. This crunch, when done correctly, is very safe and very effective!

Would You Take Advice From your Doctor about Car Problems?

2009-11-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

I was talking with a patient last week who had just come from her oncologist. To help with the side effects of chemotherapy and to help fight off the cancer cells, she has been doing hour long sessions in my hyperbaric chamber 2-3 times per week. Her energy has been remarkable during chemo. Very little fatigue. One would never know she even had cancer and was on chemo. By the way, she is in her late 70's.

During her conversation with her oncologist, he told her that she could stop doing the hyperbaric chamber. She shared this with me to which I responded, "Did he give you advice about your car, as well?" She laughed and said, "Of course not."

Here is my point. I have no doubt that this oncologist is an expert in treating cancer with medicine and that he cares for his patients. I am sure he knows much more than I do about cancer. I am also sure, based on previous comments he has made, that he knows very little about hyperbaric oxygen therapy. So why does he feel compelled to give medical recommendation on something he knows nothing about for a procedure being performed by another doctor?

Side Bridge (Spinal Stabilzation 3/4)

2009-11-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Two of the most, if not the most, important spinal stabilizing muscles of the back are the quadratus lumbori. (quadratus lumborum singular or QL). This exercise is the most difficult of the 4 stabilization exercises but is extremely beneficial.

Food Drive

2009-10-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Will Work for Food!

Please join us at

Thomas Chiropractic's Annual Food Drive

New patients... Current patients... everyone is welcome!

New patients -- October 19th through 29th

Free exam with X-rays

Free report of findings

One free treatment

...all for a donation of nonperishable food items!

Please call 916.780.1370 to schedule your appointment

Current patients -- October 24th

10am-2pm

Free adjustments

Free chair massage

Great food and prizes

...all for a donation of nonperishable food items!

We'll see you at Thomas Chiropractic, 408 Sunrise Avenue in Roseville!

www.MyRosevilleChiropractor.com

Food will be donated to the Community Resource Council, Inc.

3 Things to Help Your Allergies/Hay Fever

2009-10-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

Let me just start off by saying that I have developed allergies in the last several years and I hate it! That saying, I have had a lot of success managing them with these 3 simple things.

1. Cleanse your gut. An allergy is an over reaction to an irritating foreign object. There are several theories as to why it overreacts. Once such theory is that the body is so inundated with junk that it is in a constant state of histamine reaction. Indeed, all of the dyes, preservatives, and fake substitutes have to be taking their toll. Cleansing the gut will help to settle down the fight and can dramatically decrease allergies. There are 101 ways to cleanse your gut. Here are a couple of ways:

If you want to go hard core this is what you do. Go to the health food store and

get the biggest bottle of powdered vitamin C you can find. Take enough until you

get very loose stools. By the way, it is a lot. On the day you do it, stay close to

home and fast from food all day. The next day go easy on introducing foods.

Stick with fruits and finely ground grains (nothing artificial and avoid dairy that

is not yogurt). Be careful with this one to not get dehydrated, ie. lots of water!

Another great cleanse is to eat only ripe banana (little brown spots on the peel),

plain yogurt, English walnuts, and unprocessed whole grain bread. If you mix

the banana, yogurt and walnuts it is not bad. At night, psyllium husk in orange

juice or a cleansing tea. I do this for as many days as I can stand it (usually 3-4).

Then start introducing other foods slowly. During your allergy season try to

avoid dairy except for yogurt.

2. Use a Netti Pot or something similar. When there is a histamine reaction, the body produces mucous in the sinuses. This mucous then works like fly paper attracting pollen and other allergens. Cleaning out the mucous can make a huge difference. If you have ever had plain water squirted up your nose, you know how unpleasant it is. So please, do yourself a favor and use warm water with the little saline packet they sell. You can make your own mixture but it is a pain and your compliance will suffer. I recommend cleansing the sinuses at least twice a day during allergy season. If your allergies are under control, 3-6 times per week will help maintain.

3. Work on your neck and head. The sinuses drain into several networks of lymph nodes that run along the muscles of the neck. Lymph utilizes gravity and muscle contraction to move down and eventually back into the blood where it will be cleaned by the kidneys and liver. If neck muscles are tight it will block the flow of lymph and the sinuses will back up. Getting adjusted to allow the neck to function properly will cause the muscles of the neck to settle down and be loose. In addition, a good massage can do wonders for getting lymph to flow. Finally, I adjust the cranial bones. When the sinuses exert a pressure on the skull it changes the shape of you head. Moving the plates of your head will help create the right pressure to push the mucous and lymph to where it is supposed to be.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

2009-01-28T16:49:00.000-08:00

I took the time today to spend an hour in my hyperbaric oxygen tank. I have decided to take at least one hour a week to decompress (or really compress if you are being literal). The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are vast. Ultimately though, it comes down to a very simple concept.

If you think of the cells of our bodies like little engines the analogy is easy to grasp. There are two major things that make the engine work. It needs fuel and it needs oxygen to burn the fuel. The more oxygen the quicker it will burn the fuel.

We have plenty of fuel in our bodies but we have a limited amount of oxygen that we can take into the cells of our bodies. The reason for the shortage is because oxygen gets into the cells by piggybacking on red blood cells. We have a limited number of red blood cells in the body at any given time. (If you want more spend some time in high altitude where the body will adapt to the decreased available oxygen in the air by creating more red blood cells). Red blood cells also have a certain number of oxygen molecules that can bind to it. Oxygen binds to red blood cells in the lungs and then oxygen is transported to the cells of the body.

This is where hyperbaric comes in. If you increase pressure you can dissolve oxygen into liquid. So, all of the oxygen in the air around us and in the body, but not in the cells, can now be transferred into the cells. More oxygen in the cells equals faster burning motors.

So what? When cells burn quicker we observe things we wouldn't normally see. For example, in children with Autism new brain patterns develop. In stroke victims, oxygen can reach the damaged area and start the healing process. Athletes use is it to recover from the stress, strain and injuries inflicted upon them. The list of benefits goes on. We have seen success with MS, stroke, autisms, chronic fatigue, injury recovery, recovery from chemotherapy, lyme disease, cerebral palsy, wound that wouldn't heal, and so much more.

Venting

2009-01-29T17:16:00.000-08:00

The title is meant to be a pun. If you have ever been in a hyperbaric chamber you will get the joke. I find humor a good way to calm down my anger towards idiocy.

I posted about the hyperbaric chamber yesterday and now I am going to vent about some mis-information out there. I operate a mild pressure chamber as opposed to a high pressure chamber. I went with the mild pressure because it does everything that a high pressure chamber does but was much cheaper to purchase and operate and much much safer.

I have gotten a few calls lately and it is very clear that there are some individuals with an interest involved saying that mild hyperbaric therapy has no value. They are obviously saying it loud enough that people are scared and need to be educated.

First of all, what makes hyperbaric therapy work is in the pressure that drives ambient oxygen (the oxygen in and around the body but not in the cells) into the cells. It is not in the oxygen you breath in. In fact, breathing in pure or concentrated oxygen only improves the treatment slightly. Secondly, pressure is pressure. The old riddle what weighs more a pound of feathers or a pound of lead applies here. The answer is they are the same. It doesn't matter whether there is a soft wall (which is not so soft when it is pressurized) or a hard wall be glass, metal, or whatever.

The only difference between a high pressure chamber and a mild pressure chamber is in the name. High pressure chambers can go up to a much higher pressure than mild pressure. Since I am mostly interested in dealing with brain and nervous system healing and repair, which research has shown to be more beneficial at lower pressure and not 100% oxygen. In fact, the clinics working with kids on the Autistic Spectrum and other brain issues only go up to about 1.3 ATA. The chamber I operate goes up that high as well.

It drives me crazy that professionals are out there preaching that if a little is good a lot is much better when the research is pretty clear. For additional information check out this link to an article written by Julie Buckley, MD.

Mesothelioma Pain Management through Chiropractic Care

2009-09-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Chiropractic care is typically administered to treat and prevent pain and disorders pertaining to the musculoskeletal system that controls the body’s movement, including the spine. However, it is often sought as a form of alternative medicine and complementary care to coincide with traditional medical treatments.

In order to help manage pain and relieve headaches, tension and stress, many cancer patients have included chiropractic care in their course of treatment. Patients interested in alternative treatment, who strongly believe in the body’s ability to heal itself, may find chiropractic care particularly appealing. Alleviating severe headaches and movement pains during cancer treatment may make the treatment process more comfortable for cancer patients, including those fighting mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is mainly cause by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a number of military and industrial applications throughout the 20th century. The symptoms typically take 20 to 50 years to become noticeable and by this time the disease is usually in advanced stages. Treatment options are often limited as the cancer is diagnosed late in development.

Two studies published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics examined the cases of two patients combating cancer. A 57-year-old man diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer experienced significant pain relief and was able to reduce the amount of medication needed following chiropractic care. He also reported an increase in his quality of life during his journey with the cancer following a visit to a chiropractor.

A 54-year-old man diagnosed with lung cancer (a cancer sometimes linked to asbestos exposure) began seeing a chiropractor after experiencing little pain relief one year after he underwent surgery to combat his cancer. The man experienced pain relief immediately after beginning chiropractic care and discontinued use of all pain medications after two visits to his chiropractor. The Journal noted, “These clinical examples offer two specific instances of how chiropractic may improve the quality of a cancer patient’s life.”

Note: Though I am not the author of this blog post, I fully endorse its message and the benefits of chiropractic for patients suffering from mesothelioma. I would also add that in my office we have seen great success helping people who are suffering from a variety of cancers and their subsequent treatment protocols (radiation, chemotherapy, etc.) with both chiropractic and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. --Dr. Thomas

"Nothing Helps My Mid Back Pain!"

2009-03-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

At least once a week I get a person in here who presents with mid back pain that is dull and achy but can go really sharp. It is a stabbing pain that feels like a knife going right through to the front. Taking a deep breath is difficult and forget about sneezing, coughing or laughing. Often times they feel like they are having a heart attack because of the tightness, the altered breathing and because it can even refer pain into the arm.

That, my friends, is a rib subluxation. The worst part about it, besides the unbearable pain, is that unless you address the concern directly, it can linger for a long time and go chronic. It is also something that doctors, including chiropractors, don't always look at and don't always know how to handle.

Luckily for me (insert tongue into cheek), I have a rib that subluxates quite often and have had it since I was 20. It was the cause of of miserable pain and some nasty heart burn (another topic of conversation that we can address later). When I finally found a chiropractor who figured out that it was, in fact, a rib and not my neck or a thoracic vertebra that had subluxated, then adjusted it properly, it was heaven. Since then, I make sure to educate my patients that have a history of rib subluxtions to let me know if it is acting up before I get too far into adjusting the spine. Otherwise, we can keep adjusting and never quite see full improvement.