Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Your First Chiropractic Visit in Kansas City

A great chiropractor has the goal of relieving a patient’s symptoms as fast as possible with as few treatments as necessary. A great chiropractor will also provide a patient with advice on how to avoid future episodes of pain — including back pain or sciatica. The chiropractic profession has an unusually large variety of philosophies and techniques used to help alleviate a patient’s pain. If you have never seen a chiropractor before, you should not hesitate to ask as many questions as you need to in order to understand and feel comfortable with your chiropractic visit.


your first chiropractic visit



What to Expect During Your First Chiropractic Visit in Kansas City:


For your initial consultation with a chiropractor you should expect a thorough chiropractic exam and to be at the office for at least 45 minutes. During your first chiropractic visit in Kansas City, you should expect:


1. Patient History and Symptoms. Prior to your consultation for your first chiropractic visit in Kansas City, you will be asked to fill out forms. These forms will provide your chiropractor with background information your symptoms of condition. You may be asked:


  • When your pain started?

  • How your pain started?

  • How would you describe your pain? Is it dull, burning or throbbing?

  • Does your pain come and go or is it constant?

  • Is your pain the result of an injury?

  • What makes your pain better?

You will also provide information on your medical history (including any pre-existing conditions and previous injuries. You will also be asked to provide information on your family’s medical history as well as information on other forms of treatment you may have sought prior to visiting a chiropractor for your pain.


2. Your First Chiropractic Exam. After learning a little bit about your background, you will have your first chiropractic visit in Kansas City. A thorough exam may include general medical testing such as pulse, respiratory rate, reflexes and blood pressure. A number of neurological and orthopedic tests will be used to assess your range of motion, neurological integrity, muscle tone and muscle strength.


Depending on your specific complaint and condition, further chiropractic tests may be necessary to assess your condition. This may include a postural analysis or a chiropractic manipulation.


3. Diagnostic Studies. The outcome of your first chiropractic exam in Kansas City will determine if your chiropractor would like to perform any diagnostic studies. Diagnostic studies can help to reveal pathology and identify structural abnormalities. This can help to make a more accurate diagnosis.


Diagnostic studies are not always necessary, but may include:


  • X-rays

  • Laboratory Tests

X-rays and some Laboratory Tests are frequently performed in a chiropractor’s office.


The Outcome of Your First Chiropractic Visit in Kansas City:


At the end of your assessment, your chiropractor will provide you with:


  1. A diagnosis

  2. An individualized treatment plan

  3. Anticipated length of treatment

 



Your First Chiropractic Visit in Kansas City

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Chiropractic Treatment of Running Injuries in Kansas City

Whether you are training for your first 5k or running another marathon, running can take a toll on your body. Aches, pains and overuse, injuries can sideline even the most experienced of runners. In the past, you have likely discussed treatment options with your family physician or even an orthopedic doctor. Perhaps, you have even discussed the possibility of surgery to eliminate the pain caused by a nagging running injury. For many runners, the desire to get back out there and continue training can lead to seeking alternative rehabilitation plans that may include seeking chiropractic treatment of running injuries in Kansas City.


chiropractic treatment of running injuries









Why Opt for Chiropractic Treatment of Running Injuries in Kansas City?


Many runners have begun relying on chiropractors that are trained in sports medicine. Traditional treatment of running injuries typically focuses on strengthening and coordination. On the other hand, chiropractic treatment of running injuries in Kansas City is designed to improve joint mobilization and ensure that all of the joints in the body are moving correctly. Chiropractic care also focuses on soft tissue repair. For a runner, a healthy body is a body where all of the joints move correctly and move in coordination with the body’s soft tissue.


If you plan on visiting a chiropractor for treatment of a running injury, expect a thorough evaluation of bio-mechanics. A chiropractor examines how you are moving, how you stand, the arch of your feet, how your knees are aligned and how your hips are aligned. A thorough evaluation allows for chiropractic treatment of running injuries in Kansas City to be a success.  A treatment plan takes into account the individual needs of each specific patient. No two treatment plans are likely to be the same.



Chiropractic Treatment of Running Injuries in Kansas City

What is Estrogen Dominance Syndrome?

When you think of a decline in estrogen, what comes to mind? Chances are you think of the hallmark of menopause. However, it is quite common for women to experience surges of abnormally high levels of estrogen during the premenopausal and menopausal phases of their lives. Surges of high levels of estrogen are even common throughout the various stages of a woman’s life. Dr. John R. Lee has conducted extensive research on estrogen dominance syndrome. It is his belief that excess estrogen along with a progesterone deficiency is the root-cause of a number of female problems. With that being said, Dr. Lee is a pioneer in using natural progesterone to help combat the symptoms of estrogen dominance syndrome.


estrogen dominance syndrome



Estrogen can pose problems throughout a woman’s menstrual history. Young women, who suffer from estrogen dominance as they enter menarche, can find themselves struggling with extremely difficult periods. As a result, many physicians will place these girls on oral contraceptives to help regulate the frequency and severity of their symptoms.


On the other hand, some women begin to experience troubles with estrogen dominance syndrome, much later in life. This can be the result of diet, environmental factors, liver impairment as well the result of anovulatory cycles that occur before menopause — there are menstrual cycles were ovulation does not occur.


The following diseases and problems are also believed to be related to or affected by too much estrogen along with too little progesterone:


  • Weight gain secondary to insulin resistance.

  • Fibrocystic breast disease

  • Particular types of PMS

  • Migraines

  • Menstrual disturbances — such as heavy or irregular bleeding.

  • Endometriosis

  • Fibroids

  • Breast cancer

  • Ovarian cancer

What Causes Estrogen Dominance Syndrome?


Aside from natural fluctuations of hormones during menopause, lifestyle choices and certain medical conditions can contribute to this condition. These include consuming a low-fiber diet, overloading the liver with internal toxins and absorbing environmental toxins.


  • Low Fiber Diets. A diet that is low in fiber can cause estrogen levels to increase. On the other hand, a diet that is high in fiber can decrease a woman’s estrogen levels. Why you might be wondering? This is because excess estrogen is excreted in the bowel. When constipation occurs, estrogen is re-absorbed. Research has indicated that women who consume a high-fiber diet have lower estrogen levels. Lower estrogen levels means a decrease in estrogen stimulation of breast tissues. This can reduce the risk of a woman developing breast cancer.

  • Overloading the Liver. The liver works to detox the body by protecting our bodies from the harmful effects of chemicals, food elements, environmental toxins and products that are the result of metabolism — which includes excess estrogen. Estrogen dominance syndrome can be the result of a woman exposing her body to too much alcohol, drugs or environmental toxins. Research indicates that urine estrogen levels can increase up to 32 percent in women, who consumed just two drinks a day. This also increases the risk of breast cancer in women who consume more than two drinks. However, the risk of osteoporosis is lower in these women.

  • Our Environment. We live in an environment that is full of estrogen. PCBs, pesticides and DDT can cause estrogenic effects. Chlorine and hormones in meats as well as dairy products can produce similar effects. As a result, it is critical to incorporate a pure, clean diet that consists of organic foods when at all possible. This can help to cut down your exposure to harmful xenoestrogens.

If you think your diet may be causing estrogen dominance syndrome, it may be time to consult with a doctor, who recognizes estrogen dominance syndrome. Since estrogen dominance syndrome is not a standard medical diagnosis, you may to to consult an alternative medicine physician. A doctor can measure hormone levels in your blood or progesterone levels in your saliva. A doctor is likely to recommend:


  • Increasing dietary fiber. Bowel regularity has been shown to ensure excess estrogen is eliminated from the body.

  • The use of dietary supplements. Lecithin and L-taurine help to promote bile circulation, which is beneficial in enhancing estrogen’s excretion from your body. DIM and Calcium-d-Glucarate can help to deactivate toxic substances in the body and excess hormones. This helps to encourage elimination of toxic substances.

  • Use of a natural progesterone cream. Absorbed through the skin, this cream can help to balance excessive estrogen.

  • Aerobic exercise. Research indicates that physical activity can help to slow the overproduction of estrogen. However, it is important not to over-exercise. Exercising too much can stop your menstrual cycle and has the potential to lead to a condition known as the Female Athlete Triad.

  • Optimize your weight. Having excessive body fat leads to the conservation of estrogen. As a result, overweight women are at a lower risk for osteoporosis but are at a higher risk for developing breast and uterine cancer.


What is Estrogen Dominance Syndrome?

Easing Hip Pain: Chiropractic care of Hip Pain in Johnson County

When we think of chiropractic care, a vast majority of us probably think of back pain. However, there are a large number of conditions, aches and pains that cause fans of chiropractic care to book some time on a chiropractor’s table. One of these areas of the body is the hips. There a number of common hip issues that are motivating factors for making an appointment with a chiropractor.


chiropractic care of hip pain in Johnson County



Common Causes of Hip Pain


Our hips serve a large number of functions for our body; they allow us to remain in an upright position, they allow us to bear weight, walk smoothly, jump, kick, run and play. Our hips are involved in nearly every move we make. As a result, pain in  the hips can have debilitating consequences for patients of all ages.


One of the most common causes of hip pain is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” condition that develops as a person ages. Symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the hip include pain, inflammation and difficulty performing day to day functions such as walking, sitting, standing or exercising.


Other causes of hip pain include:


  • fracture

  • bursitis

  • avascular necrosis

  • tendinitis

  • muscle or tendon strains

Symptoms of Hip Pain


The pain in your hip may vary depending upon the condition that has caused your hip pain. If you are experiencing hip pain, you may feel discomfort in your:


  • thigh

  • inside of your hip joint

  • outside of your hip joint

  • groin

  • buttocks

Pain caused in other areas of the body, such as the back, can radiate to the hips causing pain.


Depending on the cause of your hip pain, pain may become worse with physical activity. You may also notice a limp as well as decreased range of motion in the affected hip.


Why Use Chiropractic Care for Hip Pain in Johnson County?


Patients opt for chiropractic care of hip pain in order to be as pain free as possible and to be able to perform day-to-day tasks again and enjoy more strenuous tasks. Some patients opt for chiropractic care of hip pain in Johnson County because they would prefer to alleviate their symptoms while limiting their use of medications.


While you can see a chiropractor for a large number of hip-related concerns, one of the most common issues chiropractors treat when it comes to the hips is osteoarthritis. While osteoarthritis cannot be cured through chiropractic care, proper techniques can help help to ease symptoms.


Therefore, one of the common issues a chiropractor may see in his or her practice is a client on the table complaining of the problems that are connected to osteoarthritis of the hip. Although this is not a condition that can be cured through chiropractic care, proper techniques applied on the chiropractor’s table can help ease the symptoms. Chiropractic care of hip pain in Johnson County (osteoarthritis) also has the potential to slow the progression of the disease and may even prevent the need for surgery in the long run.


The aim of chiropractic care of the hip is to increase range of motion while decreasing the amount of pain and muscle spasms a patient is experiencing. This often involves mobilization and manipulation of the joints that have been affected by osteoarthritis. Manipulation occurs in a gentle manner. Individuals with osteoarthritis of the hip may also benefit from strengthening exercising to help strengthen the hips and their surrounding muscles.


It is important to remember that osteoarthritis of the hip is not the only reason you may seek chiropractic care of the hip. Traumatic injuries, overuse injuries and a number of conditions can involve the hips. While these conditions may not stem directly from the hips, your chiropractor can help to determine the root cause of your hip pain. For example, sciatica is a condition that has been known to cause pain in the back as well as the hips.


Depending on what type of hip pain brings your to a chiropractor’s office, your chiropractor may perform a number of different techniques. Chiropractic care of hip pain in Johnson County not only includes adjustments and manipulations by may also include passive motion and various rehabilitation techniques.


Need Proof that Chiropractic Care of Hip Pain in Johnson County Can Help?


Multiple studies have found that chiropractic adjustments are effective in relieving sciatica — which is a common cause of hip and lower back pain. In one study, the efficacy of chiropractic care to surgery for sciatica was researched. Sixty percent of chiropractic patients were able to substantially improve their symptoms. This enabled them to avoid surgery.


Multiple case studies have also suggested that chiropractic care can relieve pain associated with Piriformis syndrome and sacroiliac joint dysfunction — both of these conditions frequently lead to hip pain.


Studies have also examined the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment of hip osteoarthritis. One study indicates that 83 percent of osteoarthritis patients saw improvement within nine visits to the chiropractor. This study included the following treatments: axial manipulation of the hip, stretching and full kinetic chain treatment.


Natural treatment of hip pain can allow patients to avoid the risks and costs associated with medications and surgery. To learn more about how chiropractic care of hip pain in Johnson County can work for you, contact a LifeWorks Integrative Health today at 913-730-5838.


 



Easing Hip Pain: Chiropractic care of Hip Pain in Johnson County