Blog Torrance CA - NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

Sep 15 2019

Disc Injuries -Thoracic Disc Herniation and Chiropractors

The demanding activities and tasks at the workplace and the lifting of heavy objects at home, causes pain in the back and neck region of the body, which if not treated appropriately, can result in serious disc injuries. Thoracic spine herniation is a medical condition, for which chiropractic offers effective treatment methods.

What Is Thoracic Disc Herniation?

Thoracic disc herniation is a type of disc injury in which the upper back region of the body is affected and a tingling pain permeates throughout the affected area. In some cases, the patient might feel pain in his chest and rib cage, which might be because of the pressure exerted on the nerves in the area.

The thoracic spine of the body consists of 12 vertebra, referred to by doctors as T1 to T12. The thoracic spine begins at the base of the neck, and continues until the end of the rib cage, where the T12 vertebra joins with the first vertebra of the lumbar region.

Thoracic disc herniation is a medical condition caused by the bulging or swelling of the pulpous and nerve material, located in the center of the disc. The material squeezes out of its narrow space and becomes exposed. The pressure exerted by the disc on the exposed nerves causes extreme pain to the individual which hampers him in engaging in different everyday activities.

Disc generation is also a probable cause of thoracic disc herniation, as the disc experiences wear and tear due to age and strenuous usage. This medical condition is more likely to develop in individuals who are in the 40 to 60 year age bracket.

Medical professionals conduct MRI scans in order to determine that there is no pressure and damage to the spinal cord because of the degeneration of the disc. In extreme cases, where the herniated disc exerts pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves, an individual can even suffer from a paralysis in the lower region of the body.

If the disc herniation is more to the side, it might cause pressure or impingement on the nerve root, causing pain in the abdomen and chest walls. In other cases, the pressure on the nerves might cause a combination of different symptoms ranging from upper back pain to tingling sensations all down the spine.

Chiropractic and Disc Injuries

Chiropractic offer non-invasive treatment methods for different spine, neck and disc injuries. They provide services for joint adjustment and relief from various musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractic is gaining popularity for effective treatment of different painful muscle strains and disorders.

Image used under Creative Commons Licensing: the neck thing. ouch. no really…ouch! by Beth Punches

Sep 15 2019

No More Excuses – Be Happy

When was the last time you felt really and truly happy? Are you already looking for your general excuse, bills, dissatisfaction at work, family concerns, and so on? Here are the top five excuses for not seeking happiness and satisfaction in our lives and what you might change.

1. No time. Get in line. That’s the excuse everyone gives for putting off even pleasurable activities. And why do we do that? Do we get some kind of bonus points for always being busy? You might want to ask yourself what you’re actually getting done while you’re so busy. Americans in particular put a great deal of importance on being busy. We wear it like some kind of badge of glory. We have allowed ourselves to become so busy with the minutiae of our lives that it has completely consumed us, body, mind, and soul. I once decided to do an experiment and force myself to have one mental health afternoon a week. The only stipulation was that I could not work, think about work, talk about work, be connected to work in any way. At first, I demonstrated all the traits of an addict. Once I figured out that my addiction to “being busy” was preventing me from getting things done, I gained a whole new perspective of work and play.

2. It’s too expensive. Looking for activities that provide happiness don’t all have to come with a high price tag. But if you’re looking for guidance, at least choose activities over things. Studies have demonstrated greater satisfaction and happiness when we spend money on experiences. Look for opportunities to spend time in nature, go to a musical performance, or save for that trip of a lifetime. Happy memories of such events last longer than those related to the purchase of tangible items.

3. Not Enough Vacation Time. Sorry, but if you’re giving up vacation days to keep working, you’re headed to serious burnout and eventual depression. Everyone needs to take time off each week and a longer break from work a couple of times a year will help to recharge you. You will return to work with a new perspective, insight, and productivity. You can’t afford to NOT take time off.

4. The How of Happy. Happiness isn’t a thing. It can’t be bought. But it is something that can be found. Practices such as mindfulness and gratitude both demonstrate great results in respondents who track their personal feelings of happiness and general satisfaction in their life.

5. I’ll Be Happy Later. And I’ll take that crystal ball. No one knows how much time they have, and by deferring your dreams indefinitely you will be the one with great regrets at the end of your career or your life. We all laugh at the joke that says, “No one on their deathbed ever says they wish they had worked harder in life.” But there is an underlying truth in the joke.

What will be your regrets?

Photo Credit: Evil Erin via Flickr.com

Sep 15 2019

Dr. Marc Weiss, D.C. Chiropractor in Torrance, CA (310) 328-3031

Dr. Weiss D.C. and his staff look forward to providing you and your family with the excellent service and chiropractic care that has allowed us to continue in our treatments for the past 27 years.

Gain Relief today! Call (310) 328-3031 for free consultation.

Visit our office at
2410 Torrance Blvd., Suite D, Torrance, CA 90501

http://www.chiropractortorrance.com/

Sep 15 2019

Risks of Leaving the Sciatica Untreated

Sciatica is very painful medical condition in which the patient experiences extreme pain and tingling sensations in his back, hip, legs and thighs. The pain is caused as a result of pressure exerted on the nerves, either due to any inflammation in the vertebra or the narrowing of the spinal canal. Piriformis syndrome, lumber spinal stenosis and spinal disc herniation are common causes of sciatica pain in individuals. Chiropractic treatment is highly effective for relieving the patients of the painful condition.

Why Is Prompt Identification And Treatment Important?

It is very important for patients to recognize the symptoms and seek professional medical assistance for their sciatica condition. The doctor takes prompt prescribed tests to identify the cause of the sciatica pain in order to focus his attention on the specific treatment required for the condition.

If a patient does not seek medical assistance for his sciatica problem, it may result in exaggerating his condition with the period of time. A number of possible problems can arise for the patient besides the continuous pain in the back and the hip region.

Permanent Nerve Damage

Patients who do not seek prompt medical help for their sciatica run a high risk of suffering from permanent nerve damage. In case of a permanent damage to the sciatica nerve, the patient will experience excruciating pain in the back and legs, which will not be alleviated to a satisfactory level, even with the use of pain relieving medication.

The different treatment methods like water and physical therapy become extremely painful for the patient because of his severe nerve damage.

Paralysis in the Affected Limb

The patient experiences a loss of feeling in the affected limb, which in some cases also leads to difficulty in movement, and ultimately paralysis. The affected leg becomes devoid of all sensation and movement, hampering the patient already troubled with the excruciating pain.

Loss of Bladder Control

Patients who do not get medical treatment for their sciatica problem can experience a loss of control in their bladder and bowels. This adds to the problems already faced by the patient while dealing with his sciatica condition.

A pressurized sciatica nerve causes severe pain, tingling and numbing sensations in the legs and thighs, and cramps along with fever. Patients should seek prompt medical assistance for the correct identification and treatment of sciatica before the condition becomes incurable. Chiropractic treatment is considered as very effective for the treatment of sciatica pain in individuals.

Image used under Creative Commons Licensing: Leg pain by The Clear Communication People

Sep 15 2019

Nutrition and Diet for Scoliosis

A chiropractor will advise a scoliosis patient to follow a specific type of diet. Scoliosis is a medical condition in which the spine bends to one side. The lower part of the spine is the most common area in which the condition occurs.

The condition is more prevalent in girls rather than boys and usually happens during puberty when the child experiences a growth spurt. Back specialists recommend an adequate amount of nutrition for children who suffer from the condition. The diet is meant to increase bone mass.

Since the condition is hereditary a proper diet might not prevent the onset of scoliosis. However foods that support bone mass are likely to prevent osteoporosis. In fact, according to the University of Washington Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine osteoporosis can actually worsen scoliosis since it can worsen the curve of the spine when the child reaches adulthood.

If your child suffers from scoliosis it is best that you enrich his/her diet with foods that contain vitamin D and Calcium. Not only do they increase bone mass, they also prevent osteoporosis.

Calcium

Children who suffer from scoliosis are recommended to consume between 1200 to 1500mg of calcium on a daily basis. Just make sure that any low fat sources of calcium do not contain high levels of saturated fats. For example, such a diet should contain food items such as skim cheese or yogurt.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps a person’s body absorb calcium. This is also why your mom nagged you about consuming milk on a daily basis. It is packed with the nutrient. Other sources of Vitamin D include saltwater fish, eggs, cod liver oil and cereal.

The nutrient phosphorous is also responsible for bone growth. The human body also uses phosphorus to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D and encourage proper absorption of calcium.

Vitamin E

Vitamin D and calcium aren’t the only nutrients that can prevent a case of scoliosis from getting worse. After all, a child who suffers from the condition will also need a healthy dose of Vitamin E everyday to build strong muscles to support a compromised spine.

Some of the best sources of the nutrient include liver walnuts, almonds, mayonnaise, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, safflower oil, olive oil and others.

Remember a child who suffers from scoliosis needs a diet that prevents his/her condition from getting worse especially after puberty.

Image used under Creative Commons Licensing: Blausen 0785 Scoliosis 01.png

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