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How To Treat Arthritis At Home

5/16/2022

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Hello, everyone! This is Dr. Bob Salamon with Lowcountry Chiropractic. As always, I hope you’re doing well and staying healthy! In my last post, we discussed scoliosis, an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, and how chiropractic care can relieve pain caused by this condition and can prevent it from worsening if caught early enough. Today, we’ll be talking about arthritis and ways you can treat it at home. Arthritis is the inflammation, swelling or tenderness of one or more joints. The two main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which can get worse with age. Although arthritis cannot be cured, there are ways you can manage your symptoms at home. If you are interested in learning more, you’re in the right place! Let’s get started.

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, affecting about 50 million adults and 300,000 children. There are different types of arthritis– in fact, there are over 100 types– but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the flexible tissue that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. This most often happens with age and affects the fingers, knees, and hips. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue and joints, causing pain and swelling. It often affects the hands and feet, and may also affect the internal organs and systems. 

The exact cause of most types of arthritis is unknown, but there are certain things that may put you more at risk. For example, having a family history of arthritis, having certain autoimmune disorders, or having a job or playing a sport that puts repeated strain and stress on your joints can all contribute to the development of arthritis. Prior injury to a joint could increase your risk of developing arthritis later in life. Additionally, smoking and lack of exercise can increase your risk. Obesity is also a common trigger of arthritis, as more weight puts extra strain on your joints. 

Different types of arthritis may require different treatments, but it is commonly treated with medication, such as anti-inflammatory and pain medications to relieve symptoms. Physical therapy is also a great way to rehabilitate the joints and improve strength, range of motion, and mobility. In severe cases of arthritis, surgery may be recommended. For those looking for a more natural and non-invasive treatment, chiropractic care is one of the safest and most effective therapies you can use. Chiropractic care can realign joints to relieve pain and minimize further damage to the cartilage surrounding the joint. In addition to visiting a chiropractor, there are ways that you can treat arthritis at home that will help manage your symptoms. 

Exercise

One of the best ways to treat arthritis at home is through exercise. We all know how important exercise is to our overall health, but it is also great for our joints. Exercise strengthens the muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the joints. This allows the area to act as a protective barrier or “brace” for the joints, protecting them and lessening pressure put on weakened joints by offering support. Joint pain is also reduced during and after exercise because of an increase in synovial fluid. Synovial fluid, sometimes known as joint fluid, is a thick liquid located between the joints. It cushions the ends of our bones and allows them to slip past one another freely, greatly reducing friction. Physical activity increases the circulation of the fluid, making it much easier for the joints to move. 

Low-impact exercises tend to be best for those with arthritis, including walking and cycling. Water activities and exercises are also great because the water’s buoyancy provides extra support for your muscles and joints– This increases your strength, endurance, and flexibility while putting less strain on your joints. Calming exercises such as yoga or tai chi have also proven to help reduce joint pain. Both of these exercises involve deep breathing and meditation and have been shown to improve mobility and range of motion, and reduce stress. 

Hot and Cold Therapy

Heat and cold treatments are a great way to reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Heat therapy works by dilating the blood vessels, which increases blood flow and improves circulation in painful or stiff areas. There are two types of heat therapy: dry heat and moist heat. Dry heat comes from things such as heating pads or heat lamps. Moist heat comes from warm baths or showers and steamed towels. In any case, you want to aim for more of a warm temperature, rather than a hot one– This is more comfortable and will not damage the skin. 

In contrast, cold therapy works by reducing blood flow to a particular area. This is sometimes referred to as cryotherapy, and can significantly reduce inflammation and swelling. Cold therapy may include ice packs, ice baths, and coolant sprays. Again, you should find a temperature that is tolerable. It may feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but cold helps numb deep pain and discomfort.

Adopt and Maintain a Healthy Diet

Just like exercise, we know the benefits of a healthy diet. Not only can proper nutrition improve your overall health, but it can work wonders for your bones and joints, too. While a diet cannot eliminate arthritis, there are many foods that can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. 

Some foods that fight inflammation include:

  • Fish: Some types of fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that omega-3s are effective in reducing inflammation and stiffness in people with arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, herring, and scallops. If you do not like or can not eat fish, you may consider taking omega-3 supplements.
  • Fruits: Many fruits and berries are high in antioxidants, which can help reduce cartilage damage. This, in turn, can reduce joint pain. Fruits rich in antioxidants include apples, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, pomegranates, oranges, and mangos. 
  • Spices: Some spices have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger and turmeric are two of the most extensively researched spices and are often used in herbal medicine. Both ginger and turmeric have been found to fight inflammation and relieve chronic pain associated with arthritis. 
  • Dark leafy greens: Greens like spinach, broccoli, and kale are rich in vitamins E and C. While vitamin E works to reduce inflammation, vitamin C promotes the production of collagen, which is a component of cartilage that aids in joint flexibility. 
  • Seeds and nuts: Seeds and nuts are so full of nutrients that just a handful per day can do the trick. Walnuts, peanuts, almonds, pistachios, chia seeds, and flaxseed are some of the most nutrient-packed and cut down on inflammation– Some even contain omega-3s! This can reduce enough inflammation to ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
  • Green tea: Long renowned as a “superfood,” green tea is rich in antioxidants, especially polyphenols, which are believed to reduce inflammation and slow cartilage degeneration. 

Choosing one or all of these home remedies can bring much-needed relief– Especially if coupled with chiropractic care. Your chiropractor or primary care physician may also recommend massage therapy, as this gentle manipulation can reduce joint pain and stiffness. A chiropractor will evaluate your condition and can create a customized treatment plan accordingly. Chiropractors are also trained to give nutritional advice and can help you come up with a dietary plan that will help reduce inflammation of the joints. They can also recommend an exercise regimen that can be done at home. The body is self-healing and self-regulating, so these recommendations can provide your body with the guidance it needs to help you function as best as possible.

Although there is no miracle cure for arthritis, symptoms can be managed with a combination of at-home treatments as well as chiropractic care. I hope you found this article informative. If you or a loved one are suffering from arthritis, you may benefit from chiropractic care. Consider reaching out to Lowcountry Chiropractic! We specialize in different chiropractic techniques, as well as both therapeutic and Swedish massage. Send us an email or give us a call and we’ll assess the situation and develop a long-term treatment plan to address your needs. We want to help you live a pain-free life– It’s what you deserve. As always, this is Dr. Bob and I have your back covered!
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Benefits of Chiropractic Care For The Elderly

2/3/2021

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Chiropractic care is safe and effective for everyone at every stage in their lives. Today, we will be discussing chiropractic care for the elderly; benefits, safety, and common myths! 

Hello everyone, it's Dr. Bob Salamon here with Lowcountry Chiropractic! Welcome back to the blog. I hope you are continuing to stay healthy and well out there, and I hope you've started to take the advice I discussed in my last blog to heart. Making those healthy additions in your life can make all the difference, keep you healthy, make you feel good, and so much more! Always know that I'm here to answer your questions or to schedule you for a consultation;  just give us a call or shoot us an email!
 
Today, I wanted to turn the tables and talk about chiropractic care for a certain age group. I've mentioned before that the myths and misinformation about chiropractic care can get in the way of individuals receiving life-changing treatment that can improve their overall quality of life. I hear these excuses and reasonings why individuals shouldn't get care all the time; I'm too young it's not safe, I'm too old it's not safe, I'm pregnant so it's not safe, I'm not in pain so I don't need chiropractic care. All of these reasons are incorrect. Today, I want to discuss and talk about chiropractic care for the elderly.
 
  • Is Chiropractic Care Safe For The Elderly?
First and foremost, absolutely! According to the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, chiropractic care for the elderly is a safe and effective alternative. It is one of the least invasive options for multiple different types of pain and can help avoid serious surgeries that could come with a very difficult healing period. According to Dr. Cheryl Hawk, a professor at the Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, TX says that chiropractic care is one of the safest interventions for the care of back pain in the elderly. The risk of any problems or harm from chiropractic care is similar to having a very serious problem after receiving a shot, which is very little. The most common side effects can be muscle soreness and stiffness, which can be addressed with drinking plenty of water, a well-balanced diet, and rest. These side effects are very similar to how you'd feel after starting a new workout plan. There is no age limit for chiropractic care. To guarantee this safety, the chiropractic treatments are modified to fit the age of the patient to best suit their issues and body. Modifications are made to the changes to the neurological and musculoskeletal systems that come with aging naturally. A 30-year-old will receive different treatments than an 80-year-old!
 
  • What Are The Benefits of Chiropractic Care For The Elderly?
Chiropractic care offers so many benefits to anyone that seeks out and receives care, it's one of the many reasons why I love what I do! You might be surprised at the number of benefits chiropractic care can give the elderly.
  • As I mentioned in my previous blog, chiropractic care can help strengthen and maintain your immune system. The elderly are one of the most affected groups when it comes to poor immune systems, especially during this pandemic. Getting consistent chiropractic care can help build up and maintain a senior's immune system.
  • One of the most common reasons we see patients is to help them deal with pain. As you age, your body could be experiencing more pain due to arthritis, bad knees, a bad back, and many other reasons. Chiropractic care is a natural pain management system; it can help these issues from getting worse and can potentially get rid of the pain you're experiencing altogether.
  • Chiropractic care can help increase mobility in seniors, allowing them to get around without the need of a nurse or family member, a cane, or a walker. Chiropractic care can help improve flexibility, align your joints, and help with tightness in the muscles, allowing seniors to move as they please and be able to conduct activities of daily living.
  • Balance can be improved and restored with chiropractic care. Elderly individuals who are prone to or at risk of falls truly benefit from chiropractic care, as treatments have been known to stimulate spinal receptors to improve coordination and balance.
  • Chiropractic care can help manage, stop, and decrease the degeneration of the spine. 
  • Seniors can see a decrease in joint degeneration across the board if they receive consistent chiropractic care. Subluxations can cause the spine and other joints to wear out and break down much easier than they are meant to. This can cause serious pain, loss of mobility, inflammation, and many other painful issues. Chiropractic care decreases spinal degeneration and other arthritic changes by properly aligning the spine.
  • Chiropractic care can help prevent seniors from using over the counter pain medications.
  • It can help seniors avoid going under the knife for what can be very invasive procedures like hip, knee, and back surgery.
  • Chiropractic care can lead to an overall better quality of life, health, and wellness. It can allow seniors to move and get around to enjoy their favorite activities, allow them to spend time with their families, help them stay healthier, sleep better, digest better, concentrate better, have improved memory, and my other wonderful attributes.
  • Improving one's health, range of motion, balance, and stability not only improves one's quality of life, but it can also help seniors live at home longer on their own without a family member or a nurse having to move in, or having to move into a nursing home. It can also provide a senior's family peace of mind, knowing how much happier they are living at home, and knowing they are much safer from falling or slipping thanks to a stronger and healthier back.
  • Due to the fact that chiropractic care has a connection to the brain and its health, Medicare has accepted chiropractic care as an approved healthcare cost they will cover in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Dementia. Research is still happening on this topic, but many believe chiropractic care could help in the prevention or even prolong the years before either of these diseases appear.
 
  • Myths To Ignore When Seeking Chiropractic Care For The Elderly
I hear these myths and tall tales all the time in my office, and I know there are even more out there that I haven't heard yet. I wanted to share a few myths and false facts to throw out when considering treatment. Each of these statements is false;  don't let them get in the way of receiving the treatment you need!
  • Chiropractic care is dangerous!
  • I'm too old for chiropractic treatments.
  • Chiropractic care is expensive, and I can't afford it on my pension or retirement funds.
  • Chiropractic care only treats back pain.
  • Chiropractic care isn't covered by insurance.
  • Chiropractic treatments rarely work.
  • Your bones will grind against one another when you get treated, and it'll hurt!
  • There is no scientific proof that chiropractic care works.
  • Chiropractors are not real doctors.
  • It's just a fad!
Remember, each of these items is false! If these are the reasons why you have been staying away from treatment, let us remedy that now! Give us a call or schedule an appointment with us right away!
 
  • Preparing For Your First Adjustment
Going to your first chiropractic appointment at any age can be overwhelming and make you a little nervous. Sometimes the worry and fear of not knowing can be what causes a person to not get the treatment they need. With that in mind, I wanted to provide a list of how to prepare for your first chiropractic appointment.
  • Make sure to show up a little early for any last-minute paperwork.
  • Dress comfortably and in clothes that don't restrict movement.
  • Be honest with your chiropractor about your medical history, what medical issues you have, what pain you're experiencing, and so on. While I'll be able to tell a lot about you from your exam, I won't be able to read your mind.
  • You might be asked to also get an x-ray or other tests so your chiropractor can understand more about your body and what troubles you might be experiencing.
  • Prepare for an adjustment on your first visit!
  • Remember, this won't hurt. Your chiropractor will go at a speed that is comfortable for you and will answer any questions you might have during your visit.
  • Be prepared to leave with some homework! Your chiropractor might ask you to do some stretches, buy a new pillow or a new office chair, or recommend some light exercises to help your alignment and overall health improve. These adjustments will also make your quality of life in between appointments more manageable and comfortable.
  • Please drink plenty of water and rest after your adjustment!
 
I hope all of this helps! Please know we are here for you at any stage of your life and can help you at any stage of your life. If you have any questions or concerns or would like to come in for a consultation give us a call! Stay healthy and safe, readers! Until next time, I'm Dr. Bob and I've got your back covered!

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Chiropractic Myths Debunked!

10/28/2020

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When it comes to the world of chiropractic care, just like any medical profession, you will hear some pretty crazy myths and rumors that can spread like wildfire. These can cause some hesitation and even fear for people who've never sought out care before. Today, we are going to be debunking some chiropractic myths to get rid of any fear or hesitation that you might have!

Hi everybody! It's Dr. Bob Salamon here with Lowcountry Chiropractic. I hope all of you out there are saying healthy and safe. I also really hope that while we inch closer to flu season that you take the time to read my last blog on the importance of keeping your immune system strong. If you've already read it, I hope that you've started to implement everything I talked about into your everyday life. I know some of it might be a huge lifestyle change, but each of those tips and suggestions will guarantee that you're not worn down all the time, you're not getting sick all the time, and that you are consistently feeling better more often than not. If you have any questions about this or would like to come in and chat more about getting the care you need and starting your chiropractic journey, please don't hesitate to do so. We are here for you!

Since we are reaching the end of October and are getting very close to Halloween, I thought it might be interesting and fun to switch things up a little bit with the blog. I hear all kinds of strange myths, rumors, and incorrect facts that my patients heard and believed before they started to come see me. Sometimes the things they've heard have prevented them or made them skeptic about coming and seeing me sooner. So, in the spirit of All Hallows Eve, I wanted to debunk a few of these crazy myths and take the scare out of the care in your chiropractic journey.

Myth #1 Chiropractic Care is Expensive!
Fact: I can't tell you how many times I've tried to debunk this either in my blogs, in the videos I post, in my social media, or when someone comes into my office. This is one of the very first things I will share with my patients and potential patients: I will never allow the cost of care to get in the way of the care you need to feel better. I am willing to work with all of my patients to create a payment plan or a financial plan based on their financial standing. Also, keeping up with your chiropractic care and working towards being aligned and allowing your body to be working at 100% capacity is much more affordable than the alternative. It is also an all-natural alternative to expensive drugs both over the counter and prescribed. It can also be much more affordable and effective than injections or invasive surgeries. It can also prevent you from missing days off from work or even the potential of losing or having to leave your job because you're in so much pain or recovering from surgery. That can be a huge money saver and a good professional decision too. Chiropractic care is also much less expensive than your regular checkups!

Myth #2 Spinal Adjustments Hurt!
Fact: When you come to get adjusted for the first time, you might be nervous about the fact that an adjustment is going to hurt. An adjustment involves the subtle and conservative movement of joints and the spine that are restricted and causing you pain. These actions will not hurt you! We are expertly trained to make sure you don't feel pain during an adjustment. Most patients will feel some kind of instant relief or release during or after their appointment, making it something they look forward to. If you are nervous I will walk you through exactly what I am doing during your adjustment, I will prep you for each step, and I will not rush through the adjustment. We can take the whole experience at your speed.

Myth #3 Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain
Fact: If you've just started reading my blogs or following us on social media, you know that this is not true! Chiropractic care is a whole-body treatment, working to help your whole body work at optimum health. Chiropractors are working with your back and spine to make sure that you don't have a pinched nerve or vertebrae out of place that will cause a subluxation. These subluxations can cause pain anywhere in your body, can weaken any system of your body, and can affect your sleep, digestive system, how often you get headaches, and much more. Since we are helping alleviate pain and issues in your whole body, we work on all parts of your body, not just your back! Chiropractic care can also be used to help assist with pregnancy-related issues and help promote a safer and more comfortable delivery. According to the National University of Health Sciences, chiropractors help resolve and manage a wide range of health conditions for over 30 million Americans of all ages every year.

Myth #4 Chiropractic Adjustments Are Not Safe
Fact: This is also very false. Chiropractic care is one of the safest and all-natural treatments you can give your body. According to the Health Journal, this rumor is so popular that many studies have been done to prove that chiropractic care is very safe. Recent studies prove that any risks or negative effects are extremely rare. It is safer than surgery and any medical side effects that can come from medications and surgery. Studies have even gone on to prove that chiropractic care is safe for patients of all ages.

Myth #5 Chiropractors Aren't as Educated as Medical Doctors
Fact: This is one of the hardest myths that I and others in the chiropractic world have to fight against every day. Every chiropractor goes through an incredibly demanding educational process and program that is very similar to medical doctors. Most chiropractic programs require a four-year undergraduate degree before you are accepted into a four-year doctoral program to become a chiropractor. As many of you know from reading my recent blogs, I graduated and worked professionally in another field before going back for my doctoral degree. The educational journey and curriculum you take during these four years are very similar to that of a medical doctor. Instead of focusing on surgery and pharmacology, a chiropractor spends their time focusing on joint mobilization, the muscular system, the nervous system, and radiographic imaging. Many schools require their students to do at least one year of clinic residency before they can practice on their own. You also must complete a very difficult, challenging, and rigorous set of board examinations before you are given your license to practice!

I hope these five debunked myths have shifted your opinion of chiropractic care and cleared up any hesitation or fears you might have had. Many myths are floating around out there so if there is something I didn't touch on, please don't hesitate to reach out or call us. We are always here for you to talk about how chiropractic care can help improve your life and quality of living! Until next time, I'm Dr. Bob Salamon and I've got your back covered!

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The Truth About Osteoarthritis

9/2/2020

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Something is lurking in the joints of millions of Americans every year:  the very real pain of arthritis. 

Hi everyone! It's Dr. Bob Salamon here with Lowcountry Chiropractic. I hope everyone is doing well. Today we are going to be discussing a topic that is very prevalent in our country, and that is arthritis. A lot of people have it and suffer from its pain every day. In this blog,  I want to put arthritis into perspective. I want to explain what arthritis is and some of the many ways you can treat it. There are many different types of arthritis; there is rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune problem, psoriatic arthritis, enteropathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout and many more. In this blog though, we are going to be discussing the most common type of arthritis, and that is osteoarthritis. It is also called DJD or DDD, which stands for degenerative joint disease or degenerative disc disease. 

Why is it important to get a grip on your arthritis? The main reason is that it is a degenerative condition. If you don't take care of it, it will more than likely get worse as you get older. Why is that important? Osteoarthritis will and can destroy or at a minimum cause a lot of pain in your joints. It can appear in your hands, your spine, your knees, hips, shoulders, and almost everywhere else in your body. This type of arthritis causes pain because of the inflammation surrounding the joint it is affecting. 

Let's talk about osteoarthritis. Our bodies get out of symmetry as we go through our daily lives. Typically, this type of arthritis is caused by asymmetry, and your joints start to work improperly because they are not working symmetrically. This can happen in your spine as well. You'll find that if you have a vertebra or two that is locked or misaligned,  it's going to put a lot of stress on that joint. What the body does in reaction to this misalignment is it takes calcium out of the bloodstream, and sends it to that affected area to strengthen it. In theory, that sounds like it would make total sense, but what happens is that calcium deposits can form which leads to spurring. In addition, asymmetry causes the discs in your spine or cartilage in your peripheral joints to wear thin. You don't want spurs in a joint that aren't supposed to be there; they're going to get in the way of your ligaments, tendons, and the space the joint uses to properly move. These spurs are going to cause you a lot of pain because of the inflammation they cause. As we know, inflammation leads to serious pain. This is what is happening to your body when you have osteoarthritis. 

The next question then becomes, how do you manage this condition? As I mentioned before, if you don't do something about your osteoarthritis, it is going to get worse. The medical approach is usually some kind of steroidal anti-inflammatory product or injection to the affected joint. These products are created to take out some of the inflammation so you feel better. These remedies don't do much for correcting the cause of your arthritis, and steroids carry their own set of pretty nasty symptoms that might not appear until much later.  

How can chiropractic help? Chiropractic looks at a particular joint (in your spine, shoulder, hands, etc.) and figures out whether or not the bones in that joint are moving properly. What chiropractors do is adjust or treat that bone or bones to restore the proper motion to that joint. Once this happens, your body can work symmetrically and the degenerative process can be stopped.  If the degenerative process is slowed down or stopped the inflammation will decrease, and the pain will get better. If you have arthritis, chiropractic care is something that you need to seriously think about incorporating into your health protocol.

I also recommend a few supplements to my patients that help with inflammation connected to osteoarthritis that help with the pain in a natural way. 

1. Fish oil! If you're going to use this, please use high-quality fish oil. 
2. Coconut Oil! Most people don't know much about the benefits of this oil, but just like fish oil, it can do wonders for inflammation. If you want to add this oil to your diet, take a couple tablespoons preferably after a meal.  Always make sure you use high-quality coconut oil. I recommend virgin, organic cold-pressed brands. 
3. Turmeric is a great spice that you can put in your food or take in pill form that also helps with inflammation and the effects of osteoarthritis. 

Exercise can also help, but if the joint is damaged you want to be careful about doing too much repetitive exercise to the affected joint. Also, be very careful when doing too much weight-bearing or load-bearing exercises with that joint. Getting in a pool and swimming and some lightweight workouts are good to keep your affected joints moving. 
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I hope this helps! If you're suffering from osteoarthritis or think you might be, please make an appointment to come to the office. We will do a very thorough exam (including x-rays), show you exactly what's going on and what is causing your problems. We will then get to work on fixing those problems so you can get healthy, out of pain and prevent that degenerative process from getting worse. I am Dr. Bob Salamon, and I have your back covered! Stay well! 
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Staying on Track; Your Dedication to Wellness and Maintenance of Your Chiropractic Care

6/16/2020

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Staying on top of your health and wellness is so important! Working out, eating well, and brushing your teeth are things we hopefully do regularly. Did you know that your chiropractic care is just as necessary for your body's maintenance? 

Hi everybody! Dr. Bob here with Lowcountry Chiropractic. Today's blog is going to be dedicated to the  maintenance for your chiropractic care. Anyone that has a car knows that they have to go in and get it serviced regularly. Rotating your tires, getting an oil change, and things of that nature need to happen regularly. This helps your car run better and last longer. Everyone I know brushes their teeth, works out, and tries to get enough sleep regularly. Why do we do these things? Inherently we know, like keeping up with basic maintenance on our cars, these things are going to help prolong our health, lifespan, and quality of life. They will also help prevent serious issues down the road if we take care of ourselves. Taking care of your body and putting good things into it will promote good things coming out of it. You can prevent cavities, help create a better sleep schedule, and keep your body fit and working at its optimal health all by maintaining these normal services to your body. 

With chiropractic care, it is very similar. Most people who come into my office, depending on what the condition is, are going to need some level of intensive care in the beginning. This is very normal, especially if they've never been to a chiropractor before. It is also very normal if the problems and issues in their spines and bodies have been around for a long time. There are four different goals of chiropractic care:
  • To get people out of pain. This is generally almost always why people come into a chiropractic office. 
  • To correct the spinal problem at hand so it doesn't come back again. 
  • To retrain the muscles and ligaments around the spine to hold it in place. This will make sure the spine doesn't shift again to cause the pain and damage that has brought the patient in. 
  • Wellness and maintenance care. 

Wellness and maintenance care is a very important step in this process. It is something that is done or should be done anywhere between once a week to once a month. Most people need some care on an on-going basis to ensure that the work we've done on their spine is being maintained. This way things don't fall out of place and the problems don't reoccur. If you want to stay healthy, you have to continue going to your chiropractor. Once we've done all the work to get you lined up you're going to be exposed to physical, emotional, and chemical stresses in your life. These stresses will eat away at the weak areas in your spine that we work on fixing. These stresses can lead to you getting out of alignment again if you don't keep up with maintenance.

A good analogy would be to look at what braces do on teeth. When you put them on, it doesn't take long for those teeth to change their position and become aligned. What does take time, up until the braces come off, is the remodeling of the gums and soft tissue around the new position of the teeth. This allows the teeth to stay in their new correct positions when the braces come off. Maintenance care in chiropractic is very similar to that. We know that we are subject to a lot of stresses in our lives that tend to harm our spine. Wellness care is there to make sure that we are doing everything we can for you to deal with these stresses. This will prevent you from returning to the state of health you were in when you first came into my office. 

Now, some people do come into the office and they don't have a lot of issues or pain. They might not need intensive care at the beginning of their treatment. But, they are certainly going to wellness care going forward just like anyone would. I hope this helps to clarify a little bit about why wellness care is so important in chiropractic. If any of you out there thinks you need a chiropractor, you probably do. If any of you out there is hurting, come in and we'll take a look. We will sit you down and go through a very thorough workup and take some x-rays if we need to. Then, we will get started on getting you back to health and maintaining your health with regular care. I hope this helps. I hope everybody out there is staying safe and well, and I look forward to next time. Take care! 
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Chiropractic Isn't Just for the Spine

1/16/2020

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Even if you aren't new to the chiropractic world, you might not know how much chiropractic can do for your body beyond the spine. Did you know that chiropractic care can help you from head to toe? 

Hey everybody! It's Dr. Bob Salamon here at Lowcountry Chiropractic. I hope you're doing well! Today we are going to be talking about the expanded role of chiropractic in treating the non-spinal joints in the body.  Most people understand (if they know chiropractic) that chiropractors adjust or work on the spinal bones. In reality, chiropractors work on all the joints of the body. Why is that? Every joint in your body, if it is not moving properly, can cause problems or pain.  The chiropractor's role is to realign the bones that are out of alignment, and then restore the range of motion and get rid of any malfunction and pain. So let's start with the very top of the body and work our way down to discover how a chiropractor can help you. 

  • Let's start with the bones of the skull. There are sutures found in the skull that are slightly moveable and can be adjusted.  The benefit of adjusting the skull is reduction of headaches and increase in mental focus.
  • A chiropractor can adjust the sinuses, just above and below your eyes. This helps tremendously with allergies and sinus infections.
  • Chiropractors can help with TMJ, which is a jaw issue that can be very painful when you're chewing, talking, and even sleeping. 
  • Shoulder problems can also be addressed. If you have a torn rotator cuff in your shoulder, chiropractic care isn't necessarily going to help with that, but if you have other joints like the acromio-clavicular out of alignment, it can be very painful. Sometimes just one adjustment can fix this pain. I had a patient come in who is a construction worker, and he had a chronic shoulder issue. I adjusted his shoulder once, and he couldn't believe how much better it felt. 
  • As we continue to move down the body, we hit the elbows. Elbows can give you all kinds of problems, the most common of which is pain.
  • The bones in your wrists and hands can be adjusted. There are over 20 bones in just one hand! That goes for your feet as well! 
  • The hip bones and hip joints often get out of alignment. When this happens, you're not walking symmetrically, which can put a lot of pressure on the feet and knees and can lead to joint degeneration. 
  • Knees can be adjusted. I get a lot of people who come in with sports injuries or who have slipped and fallen, and it has caused them to misalign the kneecap or the tibia, fibula, and femur), and I can help adjust these issues. If you have a soft tissue injury like a torn ACL, chiropractic care isn't going to fix this issue. But it can certainly restore the proper motion in that joint that was lost with these soft tissue injuries. 
  • We can adjust the feet, ankles, and toes. Again, in your foot, if one side is not working properly you will not be walking properly. The body will immediately be asymmetrical and when that happens, it can affect other areas of the body. The stresses will cause referred re pain back up into the knees, the hips, the lower back, and so on. 

I just wanted to spend some time on this topic because so many of my patients come in with an extremity issue, and don't realize that I can help them with it. Any articulation in your body can be effectively looked worked on by a chiropractor. If you are having any of these issues that are mentioned above and if you are trying to go the least invasive route (the least surgical and drug intensive route) look us up and give us a call. If it's a misalignment issue, we can help you! 

So again, it's Dr. Bob, and I hope you have a great day!

​

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How Chiropractic Care Can Help Arthritis

1/2/2020

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One of the most common forms of pain, arthritis, haunts millions of Americans every year. Could chiropractic care be one of the best routes to avoid this pain and help alleviate the pain for those already suffering? 
Hey everybody! Dr. Bob Salamon here at Lowcountry Chiropractic. For this blog, we are going to be discussing arthritis. Arthritis affects about 54 million Americans every year. We are going to be focusing on osteoarthritis, which is the most common type.  There are many other types of arthritis like rheumatoid, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic, and infectious arthritis, but not as many people suffer from these types of arthritis compared to the number of people who suffer from osteoarthritis. 
Another common term for osteoarthritis is ‘degenerative joint disease’. This condition will get worse if you don't take care of it. It will slowly break down your joints. Which joints does this exactly affect? Almost any of them. It can affect your spinal bones, your knees, your ankles, your wrists, and your shoulder joints. Any of your body's articulation points can suffer from arthritis. 
What is arthritis?  Medical experts don't have a cause for it, but we will get to that shortly.  At its base, arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints that can cause swelling, lack of range of motion, pain, and discomfort.   Medications are one way to treat arthritis, but anti-inflammatory drugs just cover up the pain you're experiencing. Medications aren't addressing the issue or cause of your pain. Therefore you might not feel the pain as much when you use anti-inflammatories, but they can make the problem worse.
There are three steps you can take that can naturally help you treat and deal with the pain of arthritis without medications. They are simple, and ones that are worth taking the time to do. Let's talk about each of them.
  • Your Diet
    • Nutrition impacts arthritis in a big way. You need to be eating foods with little or no refined sugars. We discussed this in our last blog when I mentioned "going green" and "refining your life". Sugars are inflammatory agents. They cause inflammation in your body. If you can eliminate processed foods like desserts, pasta, bread, and other foods that have refined sugars in them, you're going to start feeling so much better. 
    • You need to consider consuming less saturated fats, fried foods, and anything that has hydrogenated oils in them. These foods will affect arthritic conditions too. They are also inflammatory agents. 
    • Eating better means adding more fruits, vegetables, and nuts to your diet.
    • You need to be drinking plenty of water. Water will help flush out some of the inflammation found in your joints. 
  • Staying Active
    • The next step in helping your arthritis is to exercise. Your joints need to be moving. If you have a doctor that tells you "Oh, your back is bothering you, go lay in bed for a week", that's NOT the answer. That is going to make things worse. Your body and the receptors in your body need movement. They need to stay moving to remain healthy. 
  • Chiropractic Care
    • The third step is to get chiropractic care. Why is chiropractic care helpful for arthritis? I'll give you a little analogy. If you're driving your car and your front end is out of alignment, what's going to happen when you're driving on the highway? If you take your hands off of the wheel, you're going to find that the car is going to pull to either the right or the left. If it pulls to the right, the tires, breaks, and everything on that side are going to wear down a lot more quickly than they are on the left side. The same is true in your body. If your joints are not moving symmetrically, the weak side will wear out more quickly, and your body will lay down extra calcium on the weak side, this creating spurring and inflammation. You need to keep both your car and body in alignment. If you don't, that tire or arthritic spot is going to continue to get worse. 
    • The same situation is found in chiropractic.  Maybe you've had a fall, you had some trauma, and something got out of alignment. Your body will be fighting to restore homeostasis and symmetry, but it won't be able to. What it does then is put down that extra calcium to protect that weak area, thus causing more problems.
    • What I do as a chiropractor is determine what areas of your body are out of alignment. I adjust or correct those areas and get the body working symmetrically again. Effective chiropractic care can stop arthritic degeneration. In some cases, it can even reverse it. It depends on the severity and age of the arthritic condition.
So, that's how nutrition, exercise, and chiropractic can help with arthritis. It is very important to do all of these steps. I tell all of my patients that you have to keep your spine aligned and keep your body symmetrical to keep that arthritis out of your body. If any of you are suffering from arthritis or think you might have it, it's not a death sentence. It can be managed and helped. You can see results with less pain and inflammation. Please, if you're suffering, contact us. We would love to have you come in and do a thorough exam and x-rays. Having an x-ray taken is the most cost effective way to know if you have any arthritis. If you have arthritic conditions, we will be able to help you!
That's it for today. I look forward to seeing you soon!
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Spinal Stenosis; Treatment Without Going Under

7/18/2019

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One of the most common back pain issues affects over 200,000 people a year - but with regular treatments from your Chiropractor, your pain can be eliminated or managed. Most importantly, if already suffering, you can avoid going under your surgeon's knife.

Even though age is just a number and should never be something that holds you back - sometimes it's your back that betrays you as that number grows. One of the most common and painful diagnoses found in the neck and lower back is called Spinal Stenosis. Affecting over 200,000 people a year - back pain sufferers are no stranger to this malady. Many of you might already be aware of this disease, especially if osteoarthritis has become a part of your daily life. But if you're new to the world of back pain or have put a lot of wear and tear on your body over the years, or arthritis has started to settle in, now is the time to start paying attention. It is also time to start paying attention to how chiropractic care can alleviate this pain without surgery - so you can safely and comfortably continue living your life!

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the space within your spine (the spinal canal) that can cause pressure on the nerves that travel through your spine. It causes a pinching of the spinal cord and possibly the nerve root which leads to pain, cramping, weakness, or numbing. The condition commonly appears in the neck and lower back and is most often caused by wear and tear over time causing arthritis. Anyone over the age of 50 is at risk of suffering from it, although it can happen in younger patients if they have been exposed to or have experienced trauma, scoliosis, and genetic diseases that affect bone muscle development.
Other Causes can also be related to:
  • An overgrowth of bone
  • Herniated Disks
  • Thickened Ligaments
  • Tumors
  • Spinal Injuries​
The two most commonly occurring types of Spinal Stenosis are Cervical Stenosis (located in the neck) which is less common but more dangerous, and Lumbar Stenosis (located in the lower back) which is the most common form.
Symptoms to look out for in your neck:
  • Numbness or tingling in a hand, arm, foot, or leg
  • Weakness in hand, arm, foot, or leg
  • Problems with walking and balance
  • Neck Pain
  • Bowel or Bladder dysfunction (found in severe cases)
Symptoms to look for in your lower back:
  • Numbness or tingling in a foot or leg
  • Weakness in a foot or leg
  • Pain or cramping in your legs when you stand or walk for long periods of time
  • Back Pain
If these symptoms go untreated you may experience or have permanent numbness, weakness, balance issues, and paralysis. It is doctor recommended to seek treatment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. There is no cure for this disease - yet. But there are many steps you can take to ease the pain and improve your quality of life. Treatments can vary between medications, cortisone injections, and surgery. But what if you could avoid these treatments? That's where chiropractic care steps in!

According to the US Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, Chiropractic care is beneficial in the treatment of patients with spinal stenosis. Think of it as a preliminary treatment - something that can be done to prevent this diagnosis happening to you, help it from becoming worse if you already have been diagnosed, or slow the progression. Think about it - Chiropractic care focuses on keeping you properly aligned so your nervous system continues to work without being interrupted. This way it can function the way it's supposed to. Continued alignment care can also help the weight distribution on the spine to help it return to its normal functioning speed. So, if you start becoming a regular visitor of your Chiropractor - you may not ever have to know what spinal stenosis is!

If you're diagnosed your doctor may start adding gentle adjustments to your care to help regain your range of motion and give you enough space in your back so the nervous system can continue its normal function. What else can greatly help is (doctor approved) exercises, stretches, and activities that boost joint function. Exercise keeps your muscles strong, improves your flexibility, boots strength, keeps your blood flowing, and helps reduce pain.

If you have been diagnosed or put a lot of wear and tear on your body - don't jump to a surgeon or pain pills just yet. There might be a simpler and safer way of taking care of that back pain. You're not alone - and you're not without help.  Dr. Bob will be here when you need him, and will give your back the care it needs and deserves!
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Dr. Bob Salamon
8988 University Blvd., Suite 104
North Charleston, SC 29406 
843-553-9383

bob.salamon@lcchiropractic.com
Office Hours:
​M, W, F: 10:00AM - 1:00PM & 3:00PM - 6:00PM
Saturday: By Appointment Only
Closed T, Th, Sunday


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