Arthritis – Relief with Chiropractic
March 27, 2013
Want relief from arthritis pains?
Human anatomy is an intricate thing. Every little nerve or cell communicates and functions within the cohesive environment we call our body. There are hundreds upon thousands of conditions that affect the human body and cause pain every day, many of which can be relieved or managed with the regular chiropractic care. Arthritis is no exception to this idea and is one of the most common conditions causing pain among individuals of all ages.
What is arthritis?
The Arthritis Foundation explains, “While often referred to as if it were a single disease, arthritis is actually an umbrella term used for a group of more than 100 medical conditions that collectively affect nearly 46 million adults and 300,000 children in America alone. While the most common form of arthritis – osteoarthritis (OA) – is most prevalent in people over 60, arthritis in its various forms can start as early as infancy. Some forms affect people in their young-adult years as they are beginning careers and families and still others start during the peak career and child-rearing years.”
Generally speaking, arthritis is an inflammation condition of the joints that causes varying levels of pain throughout the body. Various arthritis conditions affect the musculoskeletal system and usually result in pain, stiffness, lack of mobility or damage to the long-term structure of the body’s joints.
How can arthritis be remedied with chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care focuses on movements within the body and its ability to heal itself. Regular adjustments can minimize spinal and joint subluxations and can vastly improve range of motion. Additionally, chiropractic care can decrease arthritis pain and minimize fluid buildup within the joints.
Utilizing chiropractic care as a form of symptom relief or prevention in arthritis patients is an all-natural, non-invasive and highly beneficial practice. In addition to regular adjustments relieving pain, they will limit the need for over-the-counter medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen or prescription medications that are much, much worse. Eliminating the need for any of these drugs removes the risk of experiencing the various side effects that could accompany harsh chemical treatments.
Here at Rozenhart Family Chiropractic, we strive to serve you and your family’s healthcare needs in the most beneficial and non-invasive way possible. If you or anyone you know is suffering from arthritis or any other health condition for that matter, we want to hear from you. We wholeheartedly believe that we can help you feel revitalized, refreshed and ready for whatever life throws at you. Come in and see us soon, we can’t wait to help you feel your best.
Photo Credit: Dr. Weisgerber
Lessons Learned From Doing Something Tough
September 26, 2012
As many of you know, I completed my second Tough Mudder course last weekend. Many of you thought I was crazy, and at some points I thought so too! Living fully to me means pushing myself beyond what I believe I am capable of doing- physically, mentally and emotionally.
This course is designed to NOT be a race, but a course that you complete with your team for the purposes of team building and support, encouragement and FUN!
Team of 2!
Mudder Pledge
The first big lesson I received from this year’s course is that the TEAM makes all the difference. Because of a few miscommunications and transportation challenges, the team I ran with was a team of 2! Me and my teammate- fantastic acupuncturist Ann Marie Deas- recruited some help along the way to get over the big walls but we both really missed the team support we had last year. 12 of us did it together last year and our experience was entirely different.
Who is on your team in your LIFE that supports and encourages you to go the extra mile or take the step you don’t think you can?
Secondly, I learned AGAIN, that fear is only in your mind!! I completed 2 obstacles that I was VERY afraid to attempt. The Boa Constrictor-2 long narrow tubes 20 feet long, filled with water, mud and people to crawl through. The Electric Eel, crawling through a 20 foot long platform filled with 6 inches of water while electrically charged wires hang down over your back. YIKES! I was SCARED but did it anyway.
What are you afraid of?? I encourage you to feel it and do it anyway. Maybe it’s starting a new project, letting an unhealthy relationship go, making a new friend, trying a new activity?? DO IT! It is so much better to look back and say “I can’t believe I did that” than say ” I wish I would have done that”.
Those are some MUDDY shoes!
Soaking up the Sun – Homemade Summer Skincare for the Sunburned
July 5, 2012
Photo Credit: S Diddy
We all enjoy catching some rays in the summer season but sunburned skin can take all the fun out of going outside. While it is highly recommended that you wear a proper sunscreen for your skin, sunburns still occur and your skin can become itchy, dry and often times very irritated. Did you know that one of the super foods found right in your kitchen can be the starting point for the sunburn relief you have always hoped for? Oatmeal is found is just about every American’s kitchen cabinet and can be used with a multitude of mixtures to help sooth your sunburned skin.
Red and irritated sunburns can keep us from enjoying our day leaving you distracted and unfocused, but with these few recipes you are guaranteed to find something that helps your skin stay strong and soothed when you get summertime sunburns.
What you will need:
- 1 cup natural yogurt- Greek works great because of the naturally thick consistency
- ½ cup dry oatmeal – Any kind of raw oatmeal works (Do not use instant oatmeal)
In a small mixing bowl, hand-stir the ingredients together until they create a visible even mixture of the two ingredients. Use a wide angled brush or facial sponge to apply to the entire face avoiding the eyes and leave on the skin for 15 minutes. It will be easier and much more relaxing if you lay down flat while the mask dries on your skin. After the time has passed, wipe the mask off your face using a washcloth that has been warmed in the microwave, but be sure that the cloth is not too hot for your skin. You will feel instant relief. If you happen to have naturally dry skin adding a few drops of honey to the mix could add in some moisture lost by the skin burn.
Eggs are not only for eating. They have an incredible amount of protein and they aren’t only good for our bodies internally but also externally.
What you will need:
- 2-3 egg whites (you can purchase carton of egg whites if desired)
- ½ cup dry oatmeal
Lightly beat the egg whites and oatmeal together. The egg white will foam a bit depending on the amount of force you beat them with. This should lightly coat the oatmeal and create and thin mixture. After the mixture is a desired consistency apply it to your face and let it dry. After it has dried wash it off with warm water. Follow up with a steam washcloth for five minutes.
Sometimes remedies can come from the most awkward places but when bad sunburn hits, we are willing to try just about anything. Some common remedies include Right Guard deodorant spray, hemorrhoid ointment and Pepto-Bismol. Pepto-Bismol, or pink bismuth as it is generically known, contains subsalicylate which is an active ingredient known to sooth imbalances within the stomach and also on the face.
What you will need:
- 1-2 caps full of pink bismuth (can be found at most Dollar stores)
- ½ cup dry oatmeal
In a small bowl, mix the two ingredients until it is the desired consistency. Apply to your face using a facial brush and leave for five minutes. Rinse with a cool washcloth and then follow with a steaming treatment. If your face is too hot to touch, then use a food processor to mix aloe, cucumber and water and apply the mixture every hour as needed.
Always be sure to protect yourself in the sun, but if the sun still wins the battle and leaves you with a nasty burn try one of these remedies out and let us know what you think. Check back tomorrow for remedies to help with dry, chapped and maturing skin.
It’s Back!! Summer 10 Day Detox
May 31, 2012
There’s no better way to get a jump start on healthy eating habits than with a gentle 10-day detox. You asked for it…so it’s back!! You’ll cleanse your body, remove toxins and engage in better eating habits, while shedding extra pounds. This is a healthy, fully supported program that includes:
A guided meal plan for 10 days, plus dietary suggestions for post-detox meals.
A complete shopping list.
Metagenics Ultra Clear Medical Food.
Metagenics Adva Clear Capsules.
Group meetings in advance to get all your questions answered.
Group support and communication throughout the 10-Day Detox.
The next 10-Day Detox session starts on June 18th, 2012. Deadline to register is June 11th. You must attend a pre-detox meeting at Rozenhart Family Chiropractic prior to participation in the program on June 15th at 6:30pm.You do not have to be a practice member to join us, so feel free to invite your family and friends! If you are not a practice member, your fee includes your first spinal exam, nerve scan and any necessary X-rays!
Pricing:
$197, which includes all your supplements and materials. You MUST attend a pre-detox meeting on Friday, June 15th at 6:30pm at RFC
Repeat Participants, $177
Non-Practice Members , $227 which includes a spinal exam, nerve scan and any necessary X-rays!
We look forward to your success! Call Erika at 408-979-9999 to get registered!
Preventing Osteoporosis: 3 Tips for Women’s Wellness
May 10, 2012
Last week as part of women’s wellness month in May, we talked about the disease that is affecting millions of Americans; osteoporosis. (Read part one here) We discussed the causes and likelihood of being diagnosed with this bone disease, but what can you do about it? Here are tips and tricks for preventing the disease that so commonly affects women.
What Can a Woman do to Prevent Osteoporosis?
Just because this condition is common in women does not mean that we shouldn’t combat it in the healthiest way possible. Here are 3 simple tips that can help keep our bones dense:
*Exercise- It has been recommended that adults need at least 30 minutes of activity every day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Taking the activity a bit further and performing weight-bearing exercises like aerobics, dancing, walking or yoga will help your body resist gravity and stimulate new bone growth. Simple activities like lifting cans of food or using ankle weights when walking can also increase bone strength and overall wellness for women.
*Calcium Intake- Make sure you are supplementing your body with everything it needs to prevent it from using your own bones to fill its calcium needs. Eating foods like sardines with bones, vegetables, and calcium supplements can drastically improve the calcium absorption in your body. Vitamin D is a natural vitamin that is also known to help aid in the absorption of calcium – when vitamin D levels are low, calcium levels seem to decrease at a rapid rate at well. This can be prevented by taking a vitamin E supplement or spending 10 minutes in the sun on a nice day, but don’t forget to protect your skin with a quality sunscreen. Need a good one? Look here.
* Avoid Road Blocks- Everyone has a guilty pleasure but staying away from these bad habits can save you the aches and pains of this degenerative disease. Excess alcohol consumption is directly linked to loss of bone density. Limiting your intake to one glass a day could decrease your chances of getting osteoporosis. Smoking cigarettes is a habit known to many as a cancer-causing habit, but in addition to the damage that can be done in your lungs, smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of estrogen in the body. Lastly, avoid cola drinks. It has been proven that the extra amounts of phosphorous in cola drinks can prevent proper calcium absorption.
Osteoporosis is a degenerative and sometimes debilitating disease, but by keeping an eye on your lifestyle and staying active throughout the years it can be prevented. Remember these tips throughout the rest of women’s wellness month in addition to year-round. Be sure to let us know if you’d like more lifestyle tips to incorporate into your day-to-day routine!
Photo Credit: MikeBaird
Keeping Women Well – Preventing Osteoporosis
May 3, 2012
Photo Credit: DrWeisGerber
Aging is an intimidating time in any woman’s life; once again your body is changing and you often have no clear cut idea as to why. The month of May is dedicated to promoting wellness among women and conditions that affect millions in the US; conditions like osteoporosis. This disease in particular has had famous faces attached to it, but besides knowing that celebs like Sally Fields and Blythe Danner are affected by the disease and advocate in medication commercials, what do you really know about bone density? All of your questions are answered here:
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis (porous bone) is a disease found commonly in elderly and aging individuals. It is a bone weakening condition due to a loss of bone mass density. The loss of mass and tissue in the bone increases likelihood of fracture dramatically and can cause chronic pain. A bone affected by osteoporosis will be at risk of breaks with the slightest bump, nudge or fall.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis?
Obviously we cannot feel our bones deteriorating. As mentioned, a fracture can occur in something as simple as a bump or even a sneeze, and often it isn’t until that fracture occurs that the disease is detected and diagnosed. Back pain may be a subtle sign of vertebral fracture and could spark interest in getting chiropractic care that in turn could lead to the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
How common is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a common diagnosis found among older women. Due to the already thick nature of most men’s bones, a woman is more likely to be diagnosed with osteoporosis in her lifetime. In females, the lifetime risk of hip fracture is 1 in 6, compared with a 1 in 9 risk of a diagnosis of breast cancer. In males, the estimated lifetime risk of experiencing an osteoporosis fracture over 50 years is 30%, similar to the lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer. Women in particular can lose a large amount of bone density (20%+) during the first five years following menopause, which automatically makes them more likely to develop the bone disease.
Stay Tuned- Next week we will uncover a few stress free changes that can drastically decrease any woman’s chances of being diagnosed with osteoporosis in their lifetime.
Check Out “The Doctors” Today!
April 24, 2012
Chiropractic Care for Golfers
March 8, 2012
- Photo courtesy of chispita
Any regular golfer can tell you that the game can lead to stiffness and soreness from the bent-over stance, repeated swings and hours spent walking the course. Back, neck and shoulder pain are common complaints among golfers – pain that can interfere with their game and relegate them to the sidelines. To avoid injury and keep yourself in top golfing form, here are a few tips:
- Equipment matters. Use golf clubs that are the right size for you. Hunching over too-short clubs will just lead to persistent back pain.
- Stretch first. Men especially should stretch regularly to increase their trunk flexibility, including twists and side bends. We can help you design a stretching routine that’s just right for you.
- Wear good shoes. Your golf shoes should fit well and offer plenty of support for the hours you’ll spend on your feet at the course. Consider custom orthotics if your shoes are not supportive enough.
- Pull your bag. Carrying a heavy golf bag all day (especially if you carry it on one shoulder) will compress your spine and cause irritation. Pull it instead.
- Switch sides. Take practice swings regularly with your non-dominant hand to help balance your body.
If you golf regularly, come in for a consultation. Chiropractic care to address posture, flexibility and proper nerve function can help you prevent golf injuries before they happen and improve your game. Beyond keeping your back pain-free, we can also relieve stress in your shoulders, neck, wrists and knees to help keep you out on the course. Call Kristina at 408-979-9999 to make an appointment.
Balanced? Check Out These Before and After Pictures!
March 2, 2012
How do you think walking around in an unbalanced affects your daily life? You might have never thought about it , but here are two pictures of a practice member laying down on her back before and after she got adjusted. Which do you think causes less stress on her system?
Pre-Adjustment Leg Imbalance
Post-Adjustment Leg Length Balance!
Relief from Plantar Fasciitis
March 1, 2012
Photo Credit: morgan.queen
Sometimes called “first step pain,” plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain in adults. It occurs when the tissue (or fascia) on the bottom of the foot that connects your heel bone to your toes becomes inflamed, leading to pain when you stand or walk.
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of factors, including weight gain, foot arch problems (like flat feet or high arches), distance running, tight Achilles tendons and shoes with inadequate arch support. Most people feel the discomfort when they first get out of bed in the morning, or after sitting for long periods of time, thus the “first step” moniker.
To relieve the inflammation, rest as much as possible and apply ice to the painful area. Wear shoes with good support; some people find custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) to be helpful.
At Rozenhart Family Chiropractic, we can adjust the bones of the feet to restore proper arches and take the stress off the fascia and connective tissue of the foot. This allows restoration of proper function and a decrease in inflammation and pain. We can also teach you heel stretching exercises that can help.
To prevent recurrence, maintain a healthy weight, wear supportive shoes that are in good condition and fit well, and avoid standing or walking barefoot for long periods of time.
If you are suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, visit Rozenhart Family Chiropractic for help. Call Kristina at 408-979-9999 to make an appointment.
Thank You Silicon Valley
