Not Just The Spine

Did you know that the benefits of chiropractic treatment extend to joints beyond the spine? It’s true. All the joints in the body need movement to remain healthy and functional. This is not just limited to the joints in your spine.

Appropriate movement of the joints depends directly upon their alignment. Being alignment specialists, chiropractors are generally concerned with appropriate functioning of every joint in the body. As we explained in our recent article about chiropractic myths, adjustments for the joints are generally not painful at all.

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as a restricted range of motion or you’re experiencing sounds coming from the joints, you would be doing your body a great service to see a chiropractor. An adjustment may be  just the treatment you need to remedy the problem.

In this article, I am going to talk about four main joints of the body and we work on with patients at Back In Balance Chiropractic.

The Ankle

Inversion sprain is one of the most common injuries that can occur to the ankle. When the ankle is suddenly twisted, the twist not only results in inflammation in the ankle joint and areas around it, but it also partially tears some of the ligaments providing support.

This can in turn alter the biomechanics or misalign the bones in the foot and the ankle. Therefore, inappropriate mechanics might actually be the cause of ankle sprain.

Before turning to using chiropractic treatment for the ankle, chiropractors usually first suggest decreasing the inflammation through applications of ice, rest and elevation for about 3 days or 72 hours. It is crucial for patients to let the initial stage of the remedies to run their course.

This is important because it enables chiropractors to conduct an appropriate assessment of the ankle. Swelling of the joint can potentially cause joint restriction. For this reason, chiropractors are extremely concerned about the probable damage that can be caused to ligaments surrounding the ankle.

However, the ability to mobilize the joint as quickly as possible is essential. Immobility of the joint for a prolonged period of time can result in accumulation of scar tissues and degeneration of muscles. So make sure you don’t waste time getting your ankle checked out.

The Knee

Misalignment syndromes are quite common in the knee. The knee is a simple hinge joint that moves in a single plane. Any sudden movement or twist of the lower leg can result in putting unusual pressure on the knee joint.

Misalignment syndromes of the knee that can cause pain include chondromalacia patella and patellofemoral syndrome. If pain is experienced in the knee area, referring to a chiropractor is suggested as it is significant to find out the origin of the problems with the knee alignment.

Proximal tibiofibular, the lesser known knee joint, is located on the outside half of the knee. The core bone forming this joint is known as the fibula and the fibula goes all the way down to the external area of the ankle where it then creates the lateral malleolus.

Defective positioning of the fibula can cause trouble in both the ankle as well as the knee, particularly when injuries resulting from twisting concern this bone. In order to reposition the fibula at the joints and to ease the pain caused by subluxations, a chiropractor can perform gentle adjustments to realign the joint.

The Wrist

Like the ankle for your lower body functions, the wrist is a significant joint for the upper extremities. Activities that involve repetitive movement of the hands and arms can cause irritation in the wrist area.

Of the activities that involve the use of hands, gripping is the most common one. The nerves and muscles that enable a person to perform a gripping action go through an enclosed space known as carpal tunnel which is located inside the wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, an extremely painful condition, is caused by misalignment of the bones that form the carpal tunnel as well as the irritation of the soft tissues that pass through it. To deal with these problems, consider making an appointment with a chiropractor as they are specialists who have the ability to help you pursue the best course of action.

Often, a basic adjustment performed on the wrist can prove to be all that is needed to provide immediate relief and eliminate the possibility of experiencing pain and dysfunction. However, at times, it may be necessary to apply ice, splint or engage in targeted exercise and stretch to recover the affected area.

The Shoulder

Last but not least by any means is the shoulder. It is a complex joint in the sense that it requires the greatest array of motion due to its functional needs, but without needing a great amount of stability. Whereas most other joints are provided with an increased amount of stability by their own structure, the shoulder relies on surrounding muscles for a balance of strength and flexibility.

Moreover, the positioning of the shoulder is directly impacted by poor posture which can in turn lead to problems in the concerned area.

Chiropractors understand that subluxations in the neck can very easily cause pain in the sensitive nerves that go through the area leading to the shoulder.

Restriction of the upper spine can result in creating a fixated curve in this area causing the head as well as the shoulders to sway forward. This then puts extreme pressure on the supporting tissues. However, visiting a chiropractor can quickly remedy both of these issues.

The important thing to remember though is that even when a joint is restored back to proper functioning, be it by realignment or enhancing mobility, it is up to the patient to engage in exercise and stretching that will aid in maintaining its function.

At Back In Balance, we work with you until your pain is gone. Whether it requires 1 trip or 12, our goal is to completely eliminate pain from your body.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and let’s get the discussion going.

Justin Schallmann

Boost Productivity & Brain power

• a. Clinical Neurophysiology published research: 20 min of moderate exercise immediately increases attention and cognitive ability.
• Amplified Focus lasts up to an hour

Make Healthy Connections

• a. Having strong social ties can pay off in significant health benefits (like lower blood pressure, fewer colds, and lower rates of mental illness, suicide, and alcoholism)
• A recent study found that those who work out are perceived by others to be more friendly, outgoing, personable, kind, and even more attractive than those who don’t.

Glowing Skin

• Increased heart rate = increased blood flow that circulates to the surface of your skin = Glowing and Hydrated

Have hotter Sex

• A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who completed a 20-minute treadmill run…Increased blood flow = increased physical arousal
• Only lasts 30 minutes

Get Better Sleep

• 2011 study, Engaging in moderately intense exercise for a total of 150 minutes a week (that’s 30 minutes a day, five days a week) = fall asleep faster and less fatigue during daylight hours.
• Lowers stress and anxiety allowing for more peaceful sleep. Note: late night physical activity may hurt quality of sleep.

Yours in Wellness,

Dr. Traci Grandfield, DC

Top 5 Chiropractic Myths – And Debunking Them

Since the beginning of the chiropractic field in the year 1895, the profession has continued to evolve year after year as technology continues to advance. D.D. Palmer, seen as the founder of chiropractic care, made it his goal to improve the health of individuals through natural, gentle techniques. But chiropractic care doesn’t come without it’s doubters. The purpose of this article is to address these myths and misconceptions that have remained in the public eye for many years if not decades. My goal is that you’ll see the healing potential that chiropractic care can do for you.

Chiropractic care and the NUCCA techniques we use at Back In Balance are unique in the fact that this gentle, non-invasive technique helps restore the body’s natural health and balance without the use of medications. The connection between the upper cervical spine (neck) and your central nervous system affects every aspect of your health from feeling sensations, hormones, movement, sight, etc.

Myth 1: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Painful

This myth is probably the most common and one that’s completely understandable. Having a doctor that you just met make adjustments to your neck or back can be quite scary. It’s almost impossible to relax if you’re never had chiropractic treatment before. However, the reality is that most chiropractic adjustments are completely painless and you’ll most likely see immediate pain relief. Mayo Clinic agrees that adjustments are safe as long as they are performed by trained licensed professionals.

Adjustments are used for treating lower back pain, headaches, spine-related pain as well as other conditions that are associated with the spine. Keep in mind that it is common to feel slight soreness in an area that had an adjustment due to the fact that these joints may have not had proper movement and placement in quite some time. Other side-effects, though rare, are headaches and fatigue. These symptoms usually subside after relief begins to settle in.

Myth 2: Science Doesn’t Support Chiropractic Care

Another common myth is that chiropractic care has no connection with any actual science and therefore are shunned by the scientific community. Not only is this false, but the chiropractic field has greatly advanced over the past two decades with many studies being published in the scientific community stating the effectiveness of chiropractic care. The industry continues to grow as more and more people realize the healing benefits of natural chiropractic care.

A simple question to ask yourself: Would you consider a trip to the surgeon if you could instead naturally heal pain that has been with you for years through 12 weeks of chiropractic care?

Myth 3: Chiropractors Only Work On The Spine

While the most commonly treated health problem is pain in the upper and lower back, expert chiropractors are extremely knowledgeable of the skeletal and muscular makeup up the body. While many health problems may be associated with the spine, there are a wide variety of techniques that chiropractors use to treat symptoms and conditions. Back In Balance uses NUCCA techniques while other chiropractors use tools for adjustments and others focus entirely on the lower spine. There are many different techniques us chiropractors use but they’re all to reach the same goal – relief of your long-term pain.

Myth 4: Chiropractic Care Is A Dying Industry

I was recently at a local event and I found it quite interesting how certain people that I spoke to seemed to believe that the chiropractic industry is slowly fading away. This may tie in to the belief that it’s not backed up by scientific evidence (which I debunked) but either way it stands that some people do believe that the industry isn’t growing. This couldn’t be further from the truth however. Our office here in Redmond, WA has grown each year. I strongly feel that as people begin to realize that traditional medicine isn’t actually curing their issues, they’ll continue to seek out alternative treatments.

Another fact is that many businesses now have full-time chiropractors in the office to treat employees that are suffering from pain. Sitting in an office everyday takes it’s toll on the body and it’s only a matter of time before you start making calls to your doctor. The beauty about chiropractic care is that the better you treat somebody, the more likely that they will tell their friends. Building relationships with my clients is my number one priority and I believe it’s why I have such a strong client base.

Myth 5: Chiropractic Care Is Expensive

Many people don’t realize that visiting a chiropractor on a regular basis is covered under many medical insurance providers. If you aren’t sure whether you’re covered, simply speak to your provider or a representative at your company. Chances are, the medical fees you pay each month cover chiropractic care. Study after study has shown that chiropractic care is more cost effective than regular medical treatment.

If you’re tired of waking up with pain in your neck, back, shoulders or anywhere else, consider giving a visit to an expert chiropractor in your area. Most chiropractors offer free consultations and occasionally you’ll have a chiropractor offering specials that can include free x-rays and more. It’s worth giving it a shot.

- Justin Schallmann

And that is the question that most people do not ask; what is the real cause of the pain? It’s an important question to be sure, but since it is never asked it is never answered. The patient with neck pain will sometimes suffer for many years, taking stronger and stronger drugs along the way, until one day the only remedy is surgical intervention. This happens every day to thousands of people all over the country and the world because they have never learned about the connection between the spine and the health of the body.

NUCCA Chiropractors believe that the spine and more specifically the first spinal vertebra called the atlas plays a very large part in the cause of neck pain. The atlas, because it is the first vertebra that the spinal cord must pass through on the way down the spine, can cause many problems if it is not aligned correctly with the axis (vertebra #2) and is putting undue pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

When the atlas is misaligned or ‘subluxated’ it will put pressure on the delicate nerves that pass through it, including the spinal cord and first 2 spinal nerves. One of the first symptoms that will arise from this pressure is muscle stiffness and pain, which can be in the neck itself and also in the shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers. Imagine; a simple thing as 1 bone out of place in your neck can cause all of those different body parts to have pain!

The best solution; put the atlas back in its proper position using a gentle NUCCA Chiropractic adjustment. In this way the atlas will stop putting pressure on the nerves, the muscles connected to those nerves will heal and the pain will subside and eventually go away completely.

Now doesn’t that sound better than having to take drugs all the time to control that neck pain?

Head pain can be a common and chronic problem for many people, they seek so many solutions and often get nowhere. Perhaps it is time that people looked into using the services of an experienced NUCCA Bellevue chiropractor. They have specialist skills and a lot of experience in dealing with people with head pain and neck pain.

Why should you specifically see a NUCCA Bellevue chiropractor? They are specifically accredited and acknowledged by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. This means that you know you are being seen by a professional and caring chiropractor. This NUCCA specialised practice is where special low impact techniques are used to control pain and discomfort.

This is done by applying a low force adjustment to the atlas vertebra, which is the first vertebra on the neck. By operating in a controlled and professional fashion, a NUCCA Bellevue chiropractor can alleviate and improve headache pain and neck pain. This is one of the most effective ways of treating cephalgia, and an approved NUCCA Bellevue Chiropractor in Redmond is the way to do it.

The focus of the NUCCA practice is on the atlas vertebra, which is the first bone in the spine. It has the unique ability to swivel on the vertebra below it. This allows movement of the head freely, and gives us the freedom of movement we normally enjoy.  However if there is a problem or misalignment in this first vertebra, then it can cause serious problems. This can lead to spasms occurring and also the presence of inflammation of the surrounding area. This can in turn lead to pressure being put on the muscles around the neck and head.

Muscular pain can contribute greatly to head aches and distress. Many headaches are misdiagnosed and are actually down to muscular tension or disturbance. Seeing a qualified NUCCA chiropractor can really help you get over your troubles. Many everyday tasks can contribute to muscular tension that causes headaches. Things such as looking down at a laptop or television screen can cause tension and misalignment in your back. If you are in the habits of doing things over a long period of time, without change, then you can really put strain on your back and neck.

Seeing a NUCCA Bellevue chiropractor can sort out your headache problems for good. It is better to get things seen to before they get even worse. A short trip to the chiropractor can really save you a lot of stress and pain.

Justin C. Schallmann is a NUCCA Bellevue Chiropractor and health educator. More information can be found at his website at http://www.redmondchiropractic.com

Chiropractic practitioners are health care professionals and experts in alleviating pain, solving health problems, teaching healthy lifestyle choices and bringing movement back into people’s lives who have been compromised by their conditions. The positive life changes and health improvements that are possible through chiropractic care are substantial. However the work of a chiropractor goes far beyond just neck pain and back pain. Often the problems people face in relation to headaches and head pain are fixable by a chiropractor.

Head pain is a common and chronic problem for many people that causes them to seek a wide variety of medical solutions without finding any that actually work. Perhaps it is time that sufferers looked into using the services of an experienced National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) Bellevue chiropractor? They have the specialized skills and experience needed to successfully treat people with head pain and neck pain.

Bellevue chiropractors are accredited and acknowledged by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. When you choose a Bellevue chiropractor, you will be diagnosed and treated by an individually accredited health care professional and caring practitioner. This NUCCA specialized practice utilizes special low impact techniques to control pain and discomfort.

Their procedure involves gently applying a low force adjustment to the atlas vertebra (the first vertebra on the neck). This is one of the most effective ways of treating cephalgia. Bellevue chiropractors in Redmond operate in a controlled and professional fashion. Their NUCCA approved treatments can alleviate headache and neck pain, as well as improve the overall health of their patients.

The focus of a NUCCA chiropractor practice is on the atlas vertebra. It has the unique ability to swivel on the vertebra below it. This allows the head to move freely and provides the diversity of movement we normally enjoy. A problem or misalignment in that first vertebra can restrain normal movements and cause serious problems. This may lead to spasms or the presence of inflammation of the surrounding area, which can in turn lead to pressure being put on the muscles around the neck and head.

Muscular pain often contributes greatly to headaches and distress. There are a number of everyday tasks and physical positions which might cause the kind of muscular tension that produces headaches. A good example is looking down at a laptop or television screen which causes tension and misalignment in your back. Repetitive activities like that one continued over long periods of time place a strain on your back and neck. Most headaches are improperly diagnosed and are actually caused by a muscular tension or disturbance. Being treated by the qualified NUCCA health practitioners at Bellevue Chiropractor can help you. They are able to correctly diagnose and treat the primary cause of your pain. They can also teach you how to successfully manage stress.

Justin Schallmann is a NUCCA Bellevue Chiropractor and health educator. More information can be found at his website at http://www.redmondchiropractic.com

Fibromyalgia is the most common arthritis-related illness after osteoarthritis. It is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Chiropractors that fibromyalgia can be caused by subluxations of the spine, especially the first vertebra in the spine called the atlas. When the atlas is misaligned or subluxated the resulting pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves can cause a multitude of problems and symptoms in the body, including many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Pain, swelling, joint and muscle stiffness and other symptoms can all be caused by misalignment of the atlas.

Chiropractic treatment for fibromyalgia begins by determining in what position the atlas is misaligned. Once that is clear, it can be returned to the normal position using gentle chiropractic adjustments. Once the atlas is returned to its normal position, the nerves that were being pressured will begin to function again at their peak and the body will start to heal. Over time the symptoms will disappear as the body heals itself.

A number of other factors can contribute to the severity of fibromyalgia. These include diet, stress levels and allergies, so it is best that you speak with a Chiropractor and let them know as much information about your particular symptoms as possible. Regardless of the cause, if you are suffering from fibromyalgia you will certainly want your nervous system functioning correctly and at its optimum performance.

National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) Chiropractic adjustments can assure that it will. If the atlas and axis vertebrae are aligned correctly the nervous system will function correctly. No matter what disease or malady you suffer from, a fully functioning nervous system is the best way to heal and stay healthy.

Dr. Justin Schallmann, DC and Dr. Traci Grandfield, DC are NUCCA Chiropractors treating the greater Seattle area. They can provide relief to individuals suffering from pain through safe, natural and holistic treatments. These doctors have developed programs that address the immediate pain as well as provide the education, training, and care that will help an individual to achieve greater long-term health and wellness.

Back In Balance Chiropractic
152nd Ave NE, Bldg. #4
Redmond, WA 98052
Telephone: 425.437.9974
Email: info@BackInBalanceRedmond.com

We’ve got your back!

Along with being one of the most common of all medical complaints, headaches are one of the leading causes of medical care visits in the United States. Fortunately, over ninety-five percent of headaches are caused by ‘benign’ or non-life threatening problems. Most of these are labeled as tension or migraine headaches. Both are painful and stress inducing. The best way to deal with them is to see a National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA Bellevue Chiropractor).

The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association method for the treatment of headaches is well known, gentle and effective. It is a technique which employs a very low force adjustment with controlled contact to the first cervical (neck) vertebra or the ‘atlas’. The atlas is the first bone in the spine and is quite unique in that it has the ability to swivel or rotate on the second vertebra, or ‘axis’. This uniqueness gives humans the ability to freely turn their heads to the left and right. When the Atlas is misaligned or ‘subluxated’ we can get headaches from the pressure that this special bone puts on the delicate spinal nerves and the all-important spinal cord.

Misalignments of the atlas can cause spasms and inflammation to occur within the muscles of the neck and head, putting them under constant elevated tension. This makes a person more prone to headaches. NUCCA chiropractors use a soft, but prolonged force to the atlas that will help to place it back it its normal position. That takes the pressure off of the spinal nerves and spinal cord and reduces the tension and inflammation that is the root cause of many headaches.

Common causes of tension headaches include reading, sewing, and other activities during which the head is flexed forward (looking down) for prolonged periods. Driving and computer work can aggravate the spine due to the often poor ergonomics of such activities.

Whether you are suffering from occasional or chronic headaches, the best thing to do is to see your NUCCA Chiropractor for an exam and some x-rays to determine a course of treatment. When problems like Subluxations are not treated, they can become progressively worse over time and cause more headaches. It is better to take care of the problem now and ensure fewer problems in the future.

Dr. Justin Schallmann, DC and Dr. Traci Grandfield, DC are NUCCA Chiropractors. They can help to provide relief to individuals suffering from headaches, other aches and pain through gentle, safe and holistic treatments. These doctors have developed programs that address the immediate pain as well as provide the education, training, and care that will help their patients achieve greater long-term health and wellness.

Back In Balance Chiropractic
152nd Ave NE, Bldg. #4
Redmond, WA 98052
Telephone: 425.437.9974
Email: info@BackInBalanceRedmond.com

That’s very good news for the untold numbers of people that suffer needlessly with neck pain which can lead to headaches, numbness, and tingling and pain into the shoulders. It gives them a valid treatment option that is superior to self medicating or having to deal with the many negative effects of powerful prescription pain killers and other drugs.

Both chiropractic and exercise had more than doubled the likelihood that participants in the study would experience complete relief of their pain compared to the medication group. For chiropractic patients, these benefits lasted for at least a year which demonstrates that chiropractic can provide long-term relief.

The authors of this study concluded: “Spinal manipulation therapy and home exercise led to similar and long term outcomes, but participants who received medication seemed to fare worse, with a consistently higher use of pain medications for neck pain throughout the trial’s observational period.”

The chiropractic method of treatment and exercise is successful because it deals with the problem causing the symptoms, rather than just masking them with pain relief medications or treating the condition with high risk surgery. Neck pain can be caused by an injury such as an auto accident or activities like sitting long hours at a desk, talking for extended periods on the phone, or carrying a heavy pocket book or briefcase on a shoulder. No matter what the cause, chiropractic will restore optimal pain free health.

Dr. Justin Schallmann is a NUCCA Bellevue chiropractor who utilizes a combination of chiropractic treatments and home exercise plans to expedite the care of correcting the cause of the neck pain. He has been treating patients for the past seven years at our office located in Redmond, Washington. His treatments have successfully helped people with neck pain who have come to us from Redmond and the surrounding towns of Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah and Sammamish, as well as Seattle.

If you are in pain, allow us to help. We can treat your pain, the condition causing it and give you back the freedom you once enjoyed to engage in normal daily activities. Call our office for a consultation at 425-437-9974. For more information about Dr. Schallmann and his practice, visit www.RedmondChiropractic.com

Back In Balance Chiropractic
152nd Ave NE
Redmond, WA 98052
425-437-9974
www.redmondchiropractic.com
info@backinbalanceredmond.com

When asked about his approach to healing during a recent interview, Dr. Schallmann stated:

“I work very closely with my patients to make sure that they are able to reach their health and wellness goals and participate in their normal activities without the fear of pain or stiffness. I have focused my practice on using a whole body approach because everything we do has a direct affect on how well our body functions and heals. By creating holistic health and wellness programs for my patients we are able to empower the individual to become an active participant in their overall health and wellness.”

Diagnostic and Treatment Procedures

The diagnostic and treatment procedures at Back in Balance chiropractic are designed to be professional, comfortable and patient friendly. Patients receive an initial consultation with Dr. Schallmann which allows him to evaluate their past medical history, normal daily activities, lifestyle, diet and exercise program.

The patient will be asked about any recurring medical or physical issues and triggers for any pain that they may have experienced. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination and take x-rays.

After a thorough evaluation of all the information collected during the initial consultation and examination, the doctor will develop and suggest an individualized treatment plan comprised of care, education, and training.

Any immediate issues will be addressed using gentle National Upper Cervical Association (NUCCA) chiropractic methods. Treatment includes a customized exercise plan that will help the patient to realize improved circulation throughout the body, an increased metabolism and better stamina.

Dietary changes may be part of the individualized treatment plan. These changes will help the patient to reduce the toxins they ingest regularly and increase the nutrients that are required by the body to heal and regenerate damaged cells and tissues more effectively.

Healthy Lifestyle education will be offered to inform the patient about how making simple changes in their daily routine can bring about a positive affect on their health and help them to build up their immune system.

Visit Back In Balance in Redmond, WA for more information about how Dr. Justin Schallmann provides his patients with the ability to improve their overall health and wellness using holistical methods and solutions. Individuals interested in getting more details about this press release will find contact information below.

Dr. Justin Schallmann, D. C.
Back In Balance Chiropractic
2761 152nd Ave. NE, Bldg. #4
Redmond, WA 98052
Telephone: (425) 437-9974
Email: info@BackInBalanceRedmond.com