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Relief From Headaches Throbbing…sharp or shooting pains…intense "gripping" pain…or even a dull, constant aching…all describe a painful headache. Although there are many kinds of headaches and reasons for them, one thing is clear: headaches can be troublesome, and at times, debilitating. More persons seek medical advice because of headaches more than any other complaint. What has not been fully appreciated are the results that could be obtained through skillful chiropractic care in the treatment of headaches. Other treatment options, however, have proven to be problematic. It has been documented that certain drugs used in the treatment of headaches can actually make them worse and cause complications. Furthermore, these very same painkillers can lead to drug dependency. These dangers, and the fact that the source of the pain is not truly being addressed, have sent many people looking for another solution to their headache dilemma. This is where your Dr. DeSiena could be a welcome ally. Examining the vital information about headaches will help you to understand why In fact, the traditional medical community is only now recognizing the importance of considering restricted motion in the muscles, joints, back or neck as a potential source of headaches (including migraines). As a result, a simple and treatable musculoskeletal cause easily cared for by a chiropractor may be over looked or even wrongly diagnosed by other types of medical practitioners. People most likely to suffer a headache related to their neck or back are those whose professions involve constant postural strain such as: Beauticians – Telephone Operators – Machine and Vehicle Operators – Construction/Assembly Line Workers – Typists/Computer Operators – Dentists – Hygienists, etc. Migraine Headaches * One-sided pain associated with nausea * Moderate to severe pain * Throbbing sensation * Extreme light, sound, and touch sensitivity * Visual "aura" Tension Headaches * Steady, dull pain that "caps" your scalp * Mild to moderate pain * Tension in your neck or head * Mild light or sound sensitivity Cluster Headaches * Pain near the forehead or around the eyes * Excruciating pain * Penetrating, non-throbbing pain * A series of headaches * Watery, swollen eyes Dr. DeSiena is skilled in providing expert care for your neck and back – which are often associated with certain types of headaches. This is most often accomplished through a chiropractic "adjustment." An adjustment is designed to achieve several objectives: to decrease muscle spasm (which causes pain) and to help restore normal mobility to the affected area. The increased mobility is believed to promote circulation. This in turn aids in the proper nutrition of the joints and spine, thereby decreasing irritation, inflammation and pain. The adjustment may be done by Dr. DeSiena’s hands and may be assisted by a specialized table and other aids. Your practitioner may also use a small, hand-held instrument (called an ACTIVATOR.) Adjustments are continued as prescribed by Dr. DeSiena. Dr. DeSiena may also employ additional therapies, such as: Traction – Neck/Back Education and Exercise Program for Home Care – Proper Diet – Rest – Stress Education – Additional Related Treatments to Maintain Your Progress An initial visit to the chiropractor is similar to that of a medical doctor. A detailed health history is taken to determine the nature of your difficulty and the best course of treatment. X-rays may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. If necessary, specialized diagnostic such as CT scan, MRI, or video fluoroscopy may also be ordered. In addition, Dr. DeSiena will perform a physical exam – which usually includes general physical, orthopedic and neurological evaluations in addition to specific chiropractic assessments. This will enable Dr. DeSiena to locate the areas of pain, restriction of motion and extent of your problems. Working with Dr. DeSiena to provide crucial information and to understand your condition greatly helps the recovery process. Keeping the recommended treatment schedule also helps ensure the most effective and rapid recovery. We understand your discomfort and appreciate the opportunity to work with you for your complete healing. For over a century, Doctors of Chiropractic have cared for the health needs of millions of people. The chiropractor is concerned not only in helping you to overcome the pain and disability that spinal problems create, but also in helping you to stay fit and enjoy life to the fullest. Isn’t it time you talked to Dr. DeSiena? REFERENCES 1. Upper Cervical Syndrome: Chiropractic Diagnosis and Treatment (1988) ed. Vernon H, William & Wilkins, Baltimore, 152 2. Granella F., et al. (1987) "Drug Abuse in Chronic Headache: A Clinic-epidemiologic Study", Cephalalgia 7:17-19 3. "Chiropractic Management of Headache" (1991) The Chiropractic Report; Vol 5,2 ed Chapman-Smith, 1 4. Sluijter ME et al (1989) "Cervical Headache: Diagnosis with the Aid of Computerized Analysis of Cervical Mobility", Cephalalgia 9 Suppl 10:199-200 5. Milne E (1989) "The Mechanism and Treatment of Migraine and Other Disorders of Cervical and Postural Dysfunction", Cephalalgia 9 suppl (10): 381-382 6. Jirout J (1985) " Comments Regarding the Diagnosis and Treatment of the C2-3 Segment", Manual Med 2: 16-17 7. Turk Z, Ratkolb O (1987) "Mobilization of the cervical spine in Chronic Headaches" Manual Med 3: 15-17 8. Miller B. Maxwell JL, DeBoer KF (1984) "Chiropractic Treatment of Tension Headache: A Case Study", ACA J Chiropract 21: 62-66 9. Ref 1 Supra, 161 10. Vernon H. (1991) "Spinal Manipulation and Headaches of Cervical Origin: A Review of Literature and Presentation of Cases", Manual Med 6: 73-9 ADAPTION OF GRAPH USED WITH PERMISSION Relief From Back Pain Hurting? Stiff? Sore? You’ll want to read on and discover the latest government research findings to help you get relief quickly. You’ll be glad to know that the best treatment for most "acute" or short term low back pain (that is, pain lasting less than 3 months) is just the kind Dr. DeSiena offers! And it’s all without any complicated, risky or expensive surgery, drugs, traction or extended bed rest. In fact, the major government agency sponsoring the new national health guidelines has told other medical practitioners who use those treatments that such care is no longer advisable for short term episodes. That means you’re in the right place to find help. According to the findings, the expert spinal manipulations offered by Dr. DeSiena are a recommended, safe and effective form of initial treatment to relieve your discomfort-especially in the first month your new symptoms appear. Together with you, Dr. DeSiena can design a complete and personalized care program to help speed your recovery. Low back pain is a very common problem, second only to the common cold as a reason for a doctor visit. In fact, at least 8 out of 10 people will have low back pain at some point in their lives, with more than 95% having the problem more than once. While your condition is no doubt painful and bothersome, the good news is that acute low back pain is usually not serious, and you will recover and be back to your normal activities soon. However, it is especially important to seek professional care when your low back distress lasts more than a few days, keeps you from your daily activities, or produces severe pain. Here are a few causes of low back pain: Muscle spasms* Trauma* Accident* Repeated damage to the spine* Heredity* Aging* Disease* Irritated nerves* Referred pain from other body organs* Stress* Poor Posture* Poor muscle tone* Excess weight* Strenuous activities* Inactivity Even others symptoms, which seem unrelated can be important clues as to the source of your problem- such as abdominal pain, menstrual pain, nausea or diarrhea. Dr. DeSiena is highly qualified to help determine the nature and best care for your condition, and to assist in any outside medical referrals if necessary. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THE KIND OF SPINAL CARE DR. DESIENA CAN OFFER YOU TO RELIEVE YOUR ACUTE LOW BACK DISCOMFORT… 1. Has been found to be more effective and offer quicker results than traditional medical treatment such as medication, traction, corsets and bed rest. 2. Reduces pain quicker than medication and twice as fast as bed rest alone. 3. Shows long term benefits (up to 12 months) when performed by chiropractors- with benefits now being shown for those suffering long term severe pain. One hospital study in Canada showed nearly 90% of those with pain and impairment for more than 7 years were restored to full function after a short term chiropractic regimen. 4. Is safer than other treatments-such as unnecessary surgery or nonproductive hospital stays. Some estimates by medical doctors themselves indicate that as many as 90% of back surgeries could be avoided- and only 1% are truly necessary. Several additional reports indicate that some 70% of low back pain resulting in hospital confinement is not productive. 5. Helps return people to work sooner than other medical treatments. One California study showed workers returning twice as fast and a Nevada worker’s compensation study showed workers missing 66% less time. 6. Saves money and pain! Inpatient medical care average 7 times the cost, with outpatient medical expenses 50% higher than chiropractic without attaining the same reduction in pain. 7. Gives more patient satisfaction. Studies show that patients with low back pain were more satisfied with this form of treatment and preferred it over every other option. In fact, patients were willing to pay for it themselves if that was the only way the could get this care. Dr. DeSiena is a uniquely trained expert who can help you with your low back problems. Your care will begin with a thorough examination and history and other diagnostic tests or X-rays if needed. Your doctor will then outline a care plan just for you. Dr. DeSiena’s goal is not to merely bring relief to your pain, but to alleviate the source of it as well! This is generally the goal of the chiropractic "adjustment" or "spinal manipulations" you will receive during your care. An adjustment is intended to decrease muscle spasm and to help restore normal mobility to the painful area. The increased mobility helps promote circulation and helps ensure proper nutrition to the joints and spine, and is thereby believed to decrease irritation, inflammation and pain. An adjustment may be done by Dr. DeSiena’s hands and may be assisted by a special table and other special aids. Your practitioner may also use a small, hand-held instrument (called an ACTIVATOR) which allows him or her to apply specific low force to the needed area without discomfort to you. Adjustments are continued throughout the healing process or until the body is able to maintain its appropriate function without pain. Other therapies such as ice, heat or special exercise may also be used. The better you comply with the recommended treatments and schedule, the more likely your recovery will be complete and effective in the shortest time possible. While a chiropractor can be your greatest asset when you suffer a bout of acute low back pain, there’s no reason you should wait until you have a problem to see Dr. DeSiena. Enjoying regular chiropractic care, along with the helpful tips and specific strengthening exercises your doctor offers, can be a wise choice for you. That’s especially important with today’s stressful lifestyle and the constant daily demands you place on your body. Perhaps that’s why more than 18 million Americans visited their chiropractic have cared for the health needs of millions and millions of people for more than a century. Isn’t it time you talked to Dr. DeSiena? Call Dr. DeSiena to discover how regular chiropractor care can get you back on track! A Brief History Of Chiropractic The first recorded chiropractic adjustment was performed on September 18, 1895, by Dr. Daniel David Palmer, a Canadian-born teacher and healer. Dr. Palmer was, at the time, studying the cause and effect of disease. His patient was Harvey Lillard, a janitor working in the same building as Dr. Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Lillard, who had complained of hearing problems for over 17 years, allowed Dr. Palmer to examine his spine. Dr. Palmer discovered a "lump" on Mr. Lillard's back and suspected that a vertebra might be out of place, which he then repositioned the vertebra with a gentle thrust. After several such treatments, much of Mr. Lillard's hearing was restored. Since Dr. Palmer's first chiropractic adjustment, the art and science of chiropractic has progressed significantly. Today, advanced diagnostic procedures, sophisticated equipment, scientific research, and the growing acceptance among other health care professionals makes chiropractic a popular health care choice. Chiropractic Philosophy The chiropractic perspective on health and disease emphasizes two fundamental concepts: 1) the structure and condition of the body influences how the body functions and its ability to heal itself; and 2) the mind-body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health and in the healing processes. Although chiropractic shares much with other health professions, its emphasis and application of philosophy distinguishes it from modern medicine. Chiropractic philosophy gravitates toward a holistic ("total person") approach to healing which combines elements of the mind, body and spirit and maintains that health depends on obedience to natural laws, and that deviation from such laws can result in illness. Widespread Use of Chiropractic Care The increasing interest in alternative forms of care has caught the attention of several health associations and government agencies. A 1993 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that "The estimated number of visits made in 1990 to providers of unconventional therapy was greater than the number of visits to all primary care medical nationwide," and chiropractic was among the most frequently used non-medical therapies. A followup report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that the use of non-medical treatments had increased significantly since the 1990 survey, with "overall prevalence of use increased by 25%, total visits by an estimated 47%, and expenditures on services provided by practitioners of alternative therapies by an estimated 45%." Of the survey respondents, one in nine (11%) had used chiropractic care within the previous year. Healthy Tips for a Healthy Spine The following tips can help you take better care of your spine: 1) Make sure you have a firm mattress that keeps the spine aligned and supports the spine's natural curve. The best sleeping positions are on your back or side. 2) When standing for extended periods, rest one foot on a small stool to maintain spinal curvature and relieve pressure. The knees should be bent when bending forward. Low-heeled shoes may help by maintaining spinal curvatures and cushioning your weight. 3) Use chairs that promote good posture and support your back. Placing a lumbar support in the lower portion of your back may help support your spine's natural curve. Readjust the seat of your car so that your knees are level with your hips. 4) When bending forward, bend at the knees and hips, but keep your back straight. This will help to keep your spine's curvature in proper alignment. When lifting, keep your spine straight while using your legs to do most of the work. Hold the objects being lifted close to your body to keep the weight on your spine to a minimum. The ABCs of Subluxations Vertebral subluxations are displacements of the spinal bones (vertebrae) that can cause stress to your spinal cord and nervous system. Subluxations may be caused by poor sleeping habits, poor posture, strenuous exercise, injuries, auto accidents, sports, slips or falls, and in some cases, the birthing process itself. Chiropractic adjustments are very helpful in correcting subluxations and restoring optimal health.