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Whiplash Leads to Accelerated Breakdown of the SpineAccidents and injuries will tear loose the connective tissue (Muscles, ligaments and tendons) that holds the spine in place. This will create a weakness, which will allow the spine to breakdown and lock into a stressed position. The longer the spine is misaligned the more wearing down of the spinal joints, discs, muscles, etc will take place.
Frequently in NUCCA offices we will see patients who have been involved in car crashes. Not only recent car crashes...but car accidents that have occurred 5, 10 or 15 years before or even longer. Based on the extent of degeneration in the spine the original injury to the spine can be dated approximately. Why is that? Well if the spinal balance is altered due to misalignment there will be unequal pressure applied to the spine. Over time this will lead to a breaking down of the bones, ligaments, discs etc. or what is called degenerative disc disease (Bone spurs and disc thinning etc.).
Upper Cervical Chiropractors have been seeing this phenomenon in our offices for years. But now the research is also showing that Degenerative Disc Disease or what is commonly called Arthritis of the spine is a result of accidents or injuries.
Here is what Dr. Mason Hohl an MD and professor of surgery at UCLA Medical Center says...“Follow-up x-rays taken an average of 7 years after injury in one series of patients without prior x-ray evidence of disc disease indicated that 39% had developed degenerative disc disease at one or more disc levels since injury.” 7 years after the injury the discs and other spinal structures are already breaking down! There was an expected incidence of 6% degenerative change in the population over this period of time.
Dr. Hohl goes on to say “Thus, it appeared that the injury had started the process of disc degeneration.”
He goes on to say “In another follow-up study of patients with similar injuries but with preexisting degenerative changes in the neck, it was observed that after an average of 7 years 39% had residual symptoms, and x-ray evidence of new degenerative change at another level occurred in 55%.” So if you already have had an injury that has started the degenerative process and you have another injury it leads to more degeneration in the area.
Why is it so important to get you head and neck alignment evaluated? How many of us have had a head or neck injury that has misaligned our spines? Every day that the spine stays misaligned...more degeneration takes place.
So is it possible to prevent arthritis? Absolutely!
A balanced and stable spine will not degenerate at the same rate as a misaligned and unstable spine. If you would like to have your spine evaluated for early-onset arthritis, especially if you have a history, whiplash injuries click the button below:
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Dr. Donald Erwin of Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 21 years, Dr. Erwin has helped many people find natural relief in Sacramento, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Elk Grove, Roseville, Yuba City, Davis and Placerville. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, digestive disorders and auto injuries. More information can be found on his website at https://www.donerwindc.com/
Fibromyalgia is the second most common musculoskeletal condition affecting more than 12 million Americans. Most of the affected patients (approximately 80%) are women between the age of 25 to 60. Fibromyalgia is frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread joint pain and fatigue, depression, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, numbness and tingling in the fingers and feet, stiffness , and other symptoms. It is believed that mental, physical and emotional stress, central sensitization, neuro-immuno-endocrine problems and trauma or injury to the upper cervical area are likely related, however the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Trauma or injury to the upper cervical area can be caused by a car accident, falling, injury to another part of the body such as the head or back and even contact sports.
Treatment for fibromyalgia is used to improve quality of life, minimize the symptoms and help decrease the need for medication. There are many over the counter medications used to treat the pain. Other medications both over the counter and prescription as well as alternative remedies can be used to help with sleep and depression. However there can be lifestyle changes done to decrease symptoms of fibromyalgia including finding stress relievers, reducing the use of artificial sweeteners such as Splenda, eating more protein to help get rid of sugar in the body, taking care of the thyroid by eating foods rich in iodine such as seaweed, making sure posture is correct when sitting and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Aerobic exercise and relaxation is also used to help reduce the pain.
Upper cervical chiropractic can be used to correct underlying misalignments that are leading to nervous system dysfunction. When upper cervical chiropractic is used to specifically correct certain vertebrae in the cervical region, it can directly relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. Studies are documenting that upper cervical doctors are getting drastic improvement in patients with fibromyalgia.
Upper cervical chiropractic is used to precisely put the head, neck and spine in the correct position. Considered extremely gentle, upper cervical chiropractic has no twisting or pulling but instead used a controlled and precise movement. Upper cervical chiropractic helps relieve irritation to the brain stem and allows nerve impulses to flow properly. This form of chiropractic was developed by B. J. Palmer around the 1930s and tends to only cost a fraction of what traditional medicine does.
To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Donald Erwin of Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 21 years, Dr. Erwin has helped many people find natural relief in Sacramento, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Elk Grove, Roseville, Yuba City, Davis and Placerville. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, digestive disorders and auto injuries. More information can be found on his website at https://www.donerwindc.com/
Irritable Bowel SyndromeIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder affecting anywhere from 12-30% of the US population. The symptoms include chronic pain in the abdomen, discomfort, bloating and unhealthy bowel habits which can mean that sufferers have diarrhea or constipation or that they vacillate between those two extremes unpredictably.
As anyone with IBS or living with someone who suffers from this disorder knows, it is one of the most difficult digestive disorders to live with and the treatment generally involves medication or diet changes which have significant lifestyle impacts. Because the traditional medical treatment for IBS is so unsatisfactory, around 50% of those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome will seek alternative forms of treatment including herbal remedies, yoga, acupuncture and increasingly, upper cervical chiropractic care. The benefits of alternative care are proven to be successful and fewer or no side effects as compared to the more traditional medical approach.
Upper cervical chiropractic is a specific branch of chiropractic care which was developed in the 1930’s and has been in use ever since. It is effectively used to treat a great number of disorders and symptoms through focusing on proper alignment and posture of the neck and upper spine. Upper cervical chiropractic techniques optimize the health and wellness of the body.
This specific form of treatment has been found to be effective for digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome. There have been scientific studies to support this type of treatment and its efficacy, as well as a wealth of anecdotal evidence over the years to give weight to what chiropractors already know. By resolving poor posture and spinal alignment, the symptoms of IBS and similar digestive disorders can be improved and sometimes even resolved in a gentle, natural method that is free of side effects. This makes it the perfect solution for IBS sufferers who want to lower the dosage they need to take, or avoid harsh medications all together.
The first step in finding out if upper cervical chiropractic might be a good alternative treatment for your irritable bowel syndrome is schedule a consultation with an upper cervical chiropractor in your area. Go to www.upcspine.com or if you are in the Sacramento, California area, to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Donald Erwin of Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 21 years, Dr. Erwin has helped many people find natural relief in Sacramento, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Elk Grove, Roseville, Yuba City, Davis and Placerville. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, digestive disorders and auto injuries. More information can be found on his website at https://www.donerwindc.com/
Natural Sciatica ReliefSciatica is a painful condition that can result in numbness and tingling in the legs and sharp pains in the lower back, specifically near the hips. So how can upper cervical chiropractic help with sciatica if the back pain caused by the condition is focused in lower part of back? Consider the connection.
The entire spine is all connected. Thus, the area where the pain is presenting currently is not necessarily where the original problem was. For example, whiplash from a car accident could cause an injury to the top two vertebrae. This could affect a person's posture over time. As a result, the alignment of the entire spine could be thrown off resulting in an unequal weight distribution. Finally, it may result in sciatica.
Ultimately, a person could have problems all up and down their spine, while the initial injury in this case was to the upper part of the neck. Thus, to treat the real problem and not just the symptoms, the top two vertebrae need to be properly aligned. Then proper posture can be restored.
Thus, upper cervical chiropractic may be the best way to attain drug-free, natural relief if you are suffering with pain from sciatica. Be sure to visit a upper cervical chiropractic facility to determine if this is the best way to treat your condition. Though it may at first seem counter intuitive to align the upper spine when the pain is lower, this may be your best option.
To find an upper cervical chiropractor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or www.upcspine.com. If you are in the Sacramento, California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Donald Erwin of Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 21 years, Dr. Erwin has helped many people find natural relief in Sacramento, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Elk Grove, Roseville, Yuba City, Davis and Placerville. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, digestive disorders and auto injuries. More information can be found on his website at https://www.donerwindc.com/
An injury to the neck caused by a sudden movement of the head, backward, forward, or sideways, is commonly referred to as "whiplash." While the term "whiplash" is most frequently used to describe auto accident injuries (in which a person is rear-ended, hit head-on, or hit from the side), whiplash can also frequently occur during ski accidents, bike accidents, falls, blows to the head, and other head/neck traumas.
THE MYTH: "If I don't have any symptoms right away, I'm O.K.".
THE TRUTH... After many auto and sport-related traumas, symptoms can be so slight at first, an individual may not realize he/she has been injured. Even if a person feels relatively normal after an accident, he/she should be thoroughly examined. Symptoms can be delayed for days, months, or even years.
COMMON SYMPTOMS: The following are symptoms that can occur following a head/neck injury (days to years later):
In many cases, more severe immune-related, neurological, pain, and disease conditions (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Susceptibility to Infection, ADHD, Seizures, Multiple Sclerosis) can result from head/neck injuries, sometimes occurring many years after the accident.
Two million people are exposed to whiplash injury (related to an auto accident) in the U.S. every year.
When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth or side-to-side beyond its normal limits, ligaments supporting the neck vertebrae can be sprained (over-stretched) or torn, forcing vertebrae out of their normal position.
In tests of low speed rear impact collisions, it was reported that the neck can be injured even in slow speeds accidents as low as 5 mph.
Most rear impact accidents occur at crash speeds of 6 to 12 mph - speeds below the threshold for property damage to the vehicle - but sufficient to cause neck injury.
Whiplash injuries to the cervical spine can occur in sports (skiing, hockey, football, cycling, ice skating, gymnastics, boxing), during falls (down a flight of stairs, on an icy sidewalk), and many more!
If a person (infant, child, or adult) experiences an accident, a proper spinal exam is necessary to assess whether a neck injury occurred. An NUCCA upper cervical chiropractic specialist uses specialized testing and specific x-rays of the upper neck to accurately assess a neck injury. If a neck injury is found, a specific adjustment by hand is used to correct the injured vertebrae. Correction of the neck injury can improve, reverse, and prevent numerous whiplash symptoms.
If you are looking for natural whiplash injury treatment in Sacramento, California click here to schedule your NUCCA evaluation,.
Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Donald Erwin of Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 21 years, Dr. Erwin has helped many people find natural relief in Sacramento, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Elk Grove, Roseville, Yuba City, Davis and Placerville. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, digestive disorders and auto injuries. More information can be found on his website at https://www.donerwindc.com/
Fibromyalgia is a little understood illness that still has the stigma of not being a real disease to many ignorant people and doctors. However, people who do have fibromyalgia would argue that the reality of their life with fibromyalgia includes pain, stiffness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
Perhaps studies of brain changes and chronic pain may help researchers and doctors better understand illnesses like fibromyalgia. The latest research is suggesting that fibromyalgia has a connection with the central nervous system and is the result of a malfunction, or dysfunction, of the central nervous system. A. Kuchinad and colleagues studied 10 women who had fibromyalgia and compared them with 10 women who did not have the illness. Among the women with fibromyalgia, Kuchinad's team found a reduction in brain tissue that wasn't found in the controls. This finding was backed up by yet another study not long after. Other research has shown awake like brain activity in patients with Fibromyalgia when sleeping. No REM sleep leads to the unrefreshed sleep common with the condition.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another syndrome that has its skeptics. There is no test for IBS (nor for fibromyalgia). Diseases that have no tests are diagnosed through exclusion. This means that doctors must do tests to rule out all other possibilities and IBS is only diagnosed when all other illnesses are ruled out. People with IBS experience pain and cramping, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. As with fibromyalgia, brain imaging of patients with IBS has found a loss in brain tissue and the patterns are very similar to fibromyalgia and other chronic pain issues.
So what is wrong with the central nervous system with people who are suffering with these mysterious conditions?
Frequently, an undetected head or neck injury that is affecting the brain is related to both of these conditions. An upper neck misalignment causes pressure on the central nervous system at the level of the atlas (top bone in the neck). When accidents and injuries tear loose the connective tissue that holds the spine together it will create a weakness and allow the spine to break down and lock into a stressed position. The most vulnerable area of the body to trauma is the upper neck because it is the most movable area of the entire body. If that top bone is misaligned it disrupts the function of the central nervous system.
We have seen hundreds of patients with upper neck misalignments in our practice and frequently it is an underlying cause of conditions like Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A common scenario is a person will have a head or neck trauma earlier on in life , leading to the head and neck being significantly misaligned and that misalignment causing pressure into the brain stem. As the pressure is removed the body begins the healing process. The longer that nervous system has been dysfunctional the longer it takes to heal. Eventually you will see a decrease in pain and stiffness, sleep improves and energy increases.
Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have similar results. As the nervous system begins sending the proper messages to the digestive system again...digestion frequently becomes normal.
So does this type of care help everyone with Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Of course not! Nothing is 100%. But if you have had a head or neck trauma prior to the onset of the symptoms then NUCCA could be the answer.
Don't give up hope...there is a cause behind every effect in the body.
To find a Dr in your area, go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Sacramento, California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Donald Erwin of Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 21 years, Dr. Erwin has helped many people find natural relief in Sacramento, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Elk Grove, Roseville, Yuba City, Davis and Placerville. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, digestive disorders and auto injuries. More information can be found on his website at https://www.donerwindc.com/
Do you get migraines, and want to get rid of them?
Are you looking for natural migraine relief without drugs or surgery?
Do you have a history of head or neck trauma from accidents or injuries?
If you answered yes to all these questions, keep reading.
Dr. Raymond Damadian, the inventor of the MRI has been doing some amazing research with upright MRIs. He's been able to show that when someone has a misalignment in the upper neck it is actually changing the flow of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to, from and through the brain. CSF is the fluid that lubricates the brain and spinal cord.
The obstruction comes as the first few bones in your neck become misaligned and causes a backup of CSF and increased pressure inside the head. This brain pressure can lead to a variety of different problems, including migraine headaches.
When this misalignment was corrected by a specialized upper cervical procedure, the studies show that the pressure inside the head decreases significantly and the CSF flow becomes normal , and migraines and other conditions, have significantly improved.
For example, one of the studies reports on two patients who presented with severe, long-standing migraine headaches and other complications following whiplash injuries. Both patients were examined in an upright MRI utilizing specialized software, which allowed for evaluation of CSF flow.
It was found that in each patient there was a misalignment of the 1st cervical vertebra (Atlas), as well as substantially reduced CSF flow between the skull and the neck. Both patients received an upper cervical correction directed at the C1 misalignment.
Within an hour of the correction both patients were rescanned and normal CSF flow was restored. Additionally, the headache pain was nearly eliminated immediately after the correction in both patients.
The researchers stated:
Prior research has demonstrated a correlation between CSF flow obstruction and intracranial pressure headaches. This is a potentially significant clinical finding (CSF obstruction) that can lead to long-term and often unexplained complaints of unresolved headaches, neck pain, tingling, numbness, and a variety of other symptoms.
This type of upper neck correction can only be performed by a specially trained group of doctors. Fortunately for you, one of these doctors is within your own community.
If you are looking for a doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Sacramento, California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Donald Erwin of Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 21 years, Dr. Erwin has helped many people find natural relief in Sacramento, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Elk Grove, Roseville, Yuba City, Davis and Placerville. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, digestive disorders and auto injuries. More information can be found on his website at https://www.donerwindc.com/
Sciatica is a disorder which causes a set of symptoms including pain in the derrière or leg that becomes worse when sitting, standing or squatting, also it can cause a burning or tingling “pins and needles” sensation in the leg, weakness, numbness, difficulty of motion in the foot or leg. The sciatic nerve runs from the spine through the buttocks, the tight and down the leg on both sides of the body. It is not abnormal for symptoms to manifest only on one side of the body.
Back pain and sciatica can be caused by disc problems in the back. Muscle trauma or injury is another cause for sciatica. Extra weight causes pressure on the lower back, so pregnancy and obesity are also common sciatica pain causes. In addition there are some spinal diseases such as swelling, arthritis and cancer that can cause the pain as well.
Most sciatica patients begin with NSAID’s such as Advil which help to bring down swelling and pain levels. Muscle relaxers and epidural steroid medicines are also used for anesthetic and swelling relief. In certain cases, surgery can be done, to fix a damaged disk or remove a tumor, for example. But many people are concerned about the side effects associated with drugs and surgery.
Seeking proper alignment through upper cervical chiropractic could be the answer to relieve your back pain and sciatica. The ultimate goal of upper cervical chiropractic care is to correct misalignments in the spine that may be leading to long standing postural problems.
So since upper cervical chiropractic focuses on alignment in the area of the upper spine, how does it help sciatica which is pain at the lower area of the spine? It helps because misalignment in the top of spine causes a shift that forces your body to compensate. Therefore, fixing misalignments at the top of the spine through upper cervical chiropractic, can help as your body begins to perform properly with no more over-correction for misalignments at the top of the spine. If you are interested in the benefits of upper cervical chiropractic for sciatica, begin by scheduling a consultation with an upper cervical chiropractor in your area.
To find an upper cervical chiropractor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or www.upcspine.com. If you are in the Sacramento California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Donald Erwin of Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 21 years, Dr. Erwin has helped many people find natural relief in Sacramento, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Elk Grove, Roseville, Yuba City, Davis and Placerville. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, digestive disorders and auto injuries. More information can be found on his website at https://www.donerwindc.com/
NUCCA upper cervical chiropractic in the mediaAs a chiropractic procedure the technique of the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association has been featured on Good Morning America, Public Television, and Discovery Health.
NUCCA research broke new ground in medicine, by being involved in a pilot study on the effects of NUCCA care for high blood pressure. In research published in the Journal of Human Hypertension, it was shown that NUCCA chiropractic care resulted in the lowering of blood pressure equal to the strength of two blood pressure pills for some patients. Read the article on the research at WebMD.
The research branch of the NUCCA organization, the Upper Cervical Research Foundation (UCRF), is actively pursuing research into the effects of adjustments on the upper cervical spine (upper-neck). UCRF is working with some of the brightest minds in health care. You can read about some of their projects here.
