Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Vertigo - Issaquah Chiropractor alleviates dizziness and nausea

VERTIGO

Vertigo is the sensation of that either your body or the environment around you is moving, when both are fixed in stationery positions. It may even feel as though your body or the world around you is spinning.

True vertigo is different from the feeling of lightheadedness that comes with fainting. In addition to the feeling of motion, it may include nausea or vomiting, ringing in the ears, and sweating. You may also experience visual disturbances, feelings of weakness, difficulty walking or talking, or a feeling of reduced consciousness. Each episode can last from several minutes to several hours and may be constant or intermittent.

Vertigo may result from any number of causes or as a symptom of another illness or injury, such as whiplash, an inflammation of the inner ear, a tumor (acoustic neuroma), a decrease in blood flow to the brain, neck injury or head trauma, headache (especially migraines), or multiple sclerosis.

How Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Help Those with Vertigo?

The NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Associating) technique that is utilized at The Balanced Spine involves a gentle touch and a controlled correction to the first vertebra of the spine, commonly called the Atlas. This adjustment often corrects any misalignments in the spinal column which irritate the nerves that run from the brain and spinal cord to the blood vessels in the head.

Often, cervical spine misalignment that is the result of severe trauma, an injury or an accident causes nerve function between the brain and body to be compromised. The balance centers of the brain are influenced by the nerves in the upper cervical region. Recent research has revealed that vertigo, dizziness and balance symptoms may result from this type of misalignment.

The NUCCA doctors at The Balanced Spine can conduct specific diagnostic tests on your spine and perform a thorough spinal exam to locate any misalignments. Our offices are uniquely equipped with state-of-the-art technology and chiropractic technique to investigate symptoms and treat pain and discomfort. Foremost on the doctors’ minds is returning their patients to optimal health and potential. Through MyoVision™ analysis and SpineMaster™ data, the doctor at The Balanced Spine can determine the nature and severity of a patient’s subluxation or the pressure and irritation on the nerves around the spine.

Next, through a gentle correction to the upper cervical vertebrae, performed by hand the NUCCA practitioner can realign the spine. This type of adjustment generally relieves any nerve interference, balances the body, resulting in improvement or total relief of the symptoms associated with vertigo.

There is no need to suffer the symptoms of vertigo any longer. Schedule your free consultation today to discover if NUCCA chiropractic can help alleviate your vertigo.

http://www.thebalancedspine.com

(425) 369-1040 Issaquah, WA

(425) 437-9974 Redmond, WA

TMJ/TMD - jaw pain relieved by Redmond NUCCA chiropractor


TMJ/TMD/Jaw Pain treatment at The Balanced Spine

What is TMJ/TMD?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder—also called Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)—refers not just to one but to a number of conditions that cause pain in the face, head, or jaw area. The TMJ is located just in front of the ears, and are the two hinged jaw joints that attach the lower jaw (mandible) to the bones at the sides and base of the skull (temporal bones). These joints allow the jaws to open, close, move side-to-side, and rotate in movements such as chewing, swallowing, or speaking.




What causes TMJ/TMD?

There can be multiple causes for TMJ/TMD. Trauma to the face, jaw or spine, neurological dysfunction of the Fifth Cranial Nerve (this nerve controls the jaw muscles), clenching the teeth, bone abnormalities, arthritis of the TMJ are potential causes for the TMJ disorder.

What are the symptoms of TMJ/TMD?

The symptoms of TMJ/TMD may include headache, tension in the jaw/face/neck muscles, jaw stiffness, pain or clicking sound when the mouth opens or closes. TMJ, which may be chronic (long-lasting) or temporary, affects more than twice as many women as men and most often appears between the ages of 20 and 50.

NUCCA chiropractic treatment and TMJ/TMD

There are significant indicators in the nervous system that help us understand why NUCCA chiropractic care is so effective in helping people with TMJ/TMD. Here at The Balanced Spine the doctors practice an exclusive form of chiropractic care called NUCCA, (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association). The NUCCA approach targets resolving the underlying cause of the symptom and removing that nerve interference from the spine. The NUCCA procedure which is a light and gentle touch applied at the atlas, the top bone in the neck, balances the spinal column and skull to alleviate this spinal stress or nerve interference, and allows for the healing process to be optimized. ¬¬NUCCA is the only technique that corrects based on precise measurements of the relationship between the skull, C-1, and C-2 to the pelvis using X-rays.

The most likely link between the spine and TMJ/TMD is the fifth cranial nerve. The fifth cranial nerve exits the spinal cord and wraps up through the skull to where it controls the muscles of mastication (chewing). This nerve is very susceptible to injury when the bones at the top of the spine misalign (subluxate). If one, or both, of the fifth cranial nerves (there is one on each side) becomes irritated or impaired, it may begin to send too many or too few neurological impulses to the muscles of the jaw, causing the muscles to tighten and even pull the jaw out of place resulting in TMD. Correcting the spine will help return the nervous system to proper function, the muscles will be rebalanced and the patient can get relief and recover from the TMJ disorder. There have been many patients at The Balanced Spine who have felt their jaw shift back into place during a NUCCA chiropractic correction.

The doctors at The Balanced Spine have been working specifically with TMJ/TMD specialists with whom we have been able to achieve excellent results. In fact, one post-graduate dental collage (Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dentistry) recommends that its dentists co-care with a NUCCA doctor when challenged with complex TMJ/TMD cases. Many patients find that they can manage their TMJ/TMD while others find that co-operative care with their dentist or doctor achieves the best results.

Whether you have a terribly complex case or just some minor tension in the jaw, we take these issues seriously and it is highly likely that your jaw will improve under NUCCA chiropractic. The TMJ/TMD has a reputation of being a highly complicated and frustrating problem to fix. Begin the treatment of the TMJ/TMD with us or add NUCCA chiropractic care to what your dentist/surgeon is already doing and begin to find relief from this painful problem.

If you or someone you know is suffering from TMJ/TMD/Jaw Pain call and schedule an appointment today.

http://www.thebalancedspine.com

(425) 369-1040 Issaquah, WA

(425) 437-9974 Redmond, WA

Monday, May 24, 2010

Herniated Discs - NUCCA treatment and pain alleviation

HERNIATED DISCS

Discs are sponge-like substances that are located between each of the vertebrae in the spine. They act as “shock absorbers” for the spine, cushioning the vertebrae and allowing for the type of movements that help you twist, bend and rotate.

As the spine ages, the center of the disc may lose some of its water content, causing it to have less of a cushion effect. As the disc continues to deteriorate, the outer layer may tear, allowing tissue matter from the center of the disc to escape through the tear into the area where the nerves and spinal cord reside. This condition is known as a ruptured or herniated disc.

Symptoms of a herniated disc differ based on the size and location of the herniation , but may include: low back pain, leg pain (usually in one leg), muscle weakness, tingling sensation in the buttock, knee, ankle, foot or thigh, pain in the thigh, and in extreme cases, weakness that affects both legs and/or loss of bowel or bladder control.

Causes of herniated discs include the natural degeneration of the spine, as described above, injury to the discs resulting from poor lifting posture, repetitive movements, sports, and back strain. The doctors at The Balanced Spine place utmost priority in discovering the specific nature of your injury and returning their patients to optimal health. Our doctors conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the patient’s condition. The Balanced Spine is uniquely equipped with state-of-the-art technology and chiropractic technique to investigate symptoms and treat pain and discomfort.

How Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Help Those with Herniated Discs?

Here at The Balanced Spine we practice an exclusive form of chiropractic care called NUCCA, (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association). The NUCCA approach targets resolving the underlying cause of the symptom and removing that nerve interference from the spine. The NUCCA procedure (a light and gentle touch applied at the atlas; top bone in the neck), balances the spinal column and skull to alleviate this spinal stress or nerve interference, and allows for the healing process to be optimized. ¬¬NUCCA is the only technique that corrects based on precise measurements of the relationship between the skull, C-1, and C-2 to the pelvis using X-rays.

Since many disc disorders result from spinal trauma to the cervical spine, any injury to the neck area or brain stem can lead to interference with the brain's control over the postural muscles of the spine - resulting in muscle weakness or spasms. Spinal muscles in spasm often lead to compression of the vertebrae and, therefore, compression of the discs between the affected vertebrae.

The NUCCA approach can determine whether a cervical injury exists, realign the spine through a gentle correction applied with the hands, and reduce any nerve irritation and pain resulting from the herniated disc.

Once the spine is properly realigned, and the body comes back into a state of balance, vertebrae and disc pressure are relieved and the herniated discs are able to heal.

We have a superb selection of products at The Balanced Spine which help improve your posture and take the pressure off your disc. Ask about the right one for you, as well as instruction on proper ergonomics concerning your work space.

Schedule your free consultation today at one of our convenient locations in Issaquah or Redmond, WA. You do not need to live with the pain of a herniated disc anymore.


http://www.thebalancedspine.com/
(425) 437-9974 Redmond, WA
(425) 369-1040 Issaquah, WA

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

NUCCA treatment for Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease


NUCCA treatment for multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease

A link between head trauma and the later development of Parkinson’s disease (PD) or Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been documented by NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) chiropractor Erin L. Elster, D.C. (1) Dr. Elster discovered a strong association between head trauma and the subsequent development of PD in retrospective case-controlled studies and found this association to be stronger than that of other environmental agents long suspected as risk factors for PD.

Over a period of five years 81 MS and PD patients were treated in Dr. Elster’s private NUCCA chiropractic office; an uncontrolled, non-randomized environment, but abundant in patients who had experienced at least one head or neck trauma prior to the onset of the disease. Of the 81 MS and PD patients, 78 recalled having experienced a head or neck trauma; 39 patients being involved in auto accidents, 29 patients experiencing sporting accidents such as skiing or football, and 16 patients reporting falls on icy sidewalks or down stairs. The duration between the traumatic event and disease onset varied from two months to 30 years.

To determine the nature of the subluxation (misalignment of the upper cervical spine from the neural canal) two diagnostic tests were performed: paraspinal digital infrared imaging and laser-aligned radiography according to IUCCA protocol. Upper cervical subluxations were found in all 81 cases. After administering treatment to correct their upper cervical injuries, 40 of 44 (91%) MS cases and 34 of 37 (92%) PD cases showed symptomatic improvement and no further disease progression during the care period.

At The Balanced Spine the doctors successfully treat patients with MS and PD regularly. Similar to Dr. Elster’s method of determining the nature of a possible subluxation the doctors at The Balanced Spine conduct a thorough examination using, among other determinants, MyoVision™ thermography, Spine Master™ precision posture measurement, and leg-length discrepancies. The Balanced Spine is uniquely equipped with state-of-the-art technology and chiropractic technique to investigate symptoms and treat pain and discomfort. Foremost on the doctors’ minds is returning their patients to optimal health and potential.

The Balanced Spine practices an exclusive form of chiropractic care called NUCCA, (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association). The NUCCA approach targets resolving the underlying cause of the symptom and removing that nerve interference from the spine. The NUCCA procedure; a light and gentle touch applied at the atlas, the top bone in the neck, balances the spinal column and skull to alleviate this spinal stress or nerve interference, and allows for the healing process to be optimized. ¬¬NUCCA is the only technique that corrects based on precise measurements of the relationship between the skull, C-1, and C-2 to the pelvis using X-rays.

Schedule your free consultation today at one of our convenient locations in Issaquah or Redmond, WA. Find symptom relief with us today.

http://www.thebalancedspine.com/

(425) 437-9974 Redmond, WA

(425) 369-1040 Issaquah, WA


(1) J. Vertebral Subluxation Res. - JVSR.Com, August 2, 2004, “Eighty-One Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease”, Erin J. Elster, D.C.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Fibromyalgia symptoms a thing of the past

Prior to The Balanced Spine? “I had some inexplicable neck and upper back pain for a number of weeks, and the situation was not resolving itself. It was interfering with my exercise habits and activities.”



The experience? “Terrific! The team at TBS is very easy to work with, and they care a lot about their patients.”


Accomplishments? “In just a few weeks, nearly all of my neck and back discomfort has been resolved. I’m shocked at how effective the treatment has been.” –Jack C.

Prior to The Balanced Spine? “I have had neck problems and fibromyalgia for several years. It was to the point that my husband actually noticed it more than I did. I just lived with it.”


The experience? “I’ve had a very positive experience. I like that the focus is on actually healing, rather than ongoing manipulations for the rest of my life.”


Accomplishments? “It actually exceeded my expectations. I honestly didn’t realize how bad I had been feeling until I started feeling better. I have more energy, I sleep better, and I have a better attitude.” –Suzie C.

http://www.thebalancedspine.com/

Focus on wellness

Prior to The Balanced Spine? “I felt a lot of tension in shoulders, lower-back, slouching a lot. I felt spine was off-balance a bit. Wanted to get adjusted.”



The results? “I feel a lot more conscious about posture, etc. It’s been very informative and helpful. Lots of feedback from the doctor. I learned lots of stretches to help heal my lower back pain.”


Achievements? “A lot of feedback that made me aware of wellness levels at each appointment, i.e. chart on travel card.” –Karen L.


Prior to The Balanced Spine? “Lots of time and effort and money has been spent trying to deal with physical pain. The focus (in prior care) was on vigorous spinal adjustments on knees, hips or shoulders.”


The results? “I like the focus of overall health and healing – of assisting my body in healing. The ‘small’ adjustments have actually made discernable improvements in both pain and function.”


Achievements? “Coming three times a week and filling ou the travel card has kept my focus on daily decisions that support my health. Willpower to overcome has been nudged out in favor of the intention to be balanced.” –Judy D.
 
http://www.thebalancedspine.com/

A 36-hour headache...ick!

Before TBS? “I had a lot of neck and shoulder pain as well as migraine headaches. My head tilted to the left and one leg was slightly shorter than the other. In addition, lower back pain and other pains in hips and thighs when getting up from a chair. Basically, I was a mess!”



The results? “It’s been pleasant, non-invasive and I never liked the traditional adjustments (cracking, etc.) from other chiropractors over the years. I don’t know how Dr. Schallmann uses the gentle neck manipulations to improve how I feel but I know it works!”


Achievements? “My posture has greatly improved as well as my head doesn’t tilt to the left like it did. Dr. Schallmann suggested I stop taking Tylenol meds at night as a preventative, and I did. I feel the same in the morning without Tylenol as when I took it. I hate taking medications.” –Eve D.

Before TBS? “I experienced headaches lasting 36 hours at times. Once to twice monthly for the last 10+ years and increasing.”


The results? “First 6 weeks, headaches are almost gone. If one comes on I come in and it’s gone within the hour.”


Achievements? “I feel happier to find a cause of my discomfort and a solution.” –Madey W.

http://www.thebalancedspine.com/

Feel like you have Rice Krispies in your neck?

Before The Balanced Spine? “Neck pain, headaches, low-back pain…all of these were almost daily, and I was feeling uncomfortable with the stress that I was having.”



The results? “It took a few appointments and I realized that I hadn’t had headaches and my low-back pain was reduced.”


Achievements? “Better posture and I felt more relieved and relaxed between the appointments.” – Maria Laura M.O.

_______________________________________________
Before The Balanced Spine? “Lower back pain, shoulder and neck pain. Felt like I had ‘Rice Krispies’ in my lower neck.”


The results? “Less neck pain and less shoulder pain. I noticed I wasn’t getting headaches as frequently.”


Achievements? “Did not have to worry about neck and back pain. I also noticed better posture at work and ability to focus better.” – Thomas W.

http://www.thebalancedspine.com/

Jaw pain solution

Before TBS? “Stiff neck, often with limited range of motion, like I couldn’t turn right. Along with that both shoulders were very tight and I have a lot of lower back pain from carrying my child and standing over the sink doing daily chores.”



Since TBS? “Now I experience less pain from lower back, shoulders are less tight, and a better range for my neck. The adjustments to correct the problems are relatively painless.”


The Balanced Spine has helped me achieve… “…a healthier body through basic exercises for the shoulders, neck and lower back. A body with less pain and much more relaxed muscles.” –Kelly S.


Before TBS? “Jaw pain – left knee pain – and I was having a hard time going down stairs.”


The correction? “There is such a little bit of pressure you can’t really tell he is doing anything. Afterwards I feel completely relaxed.”


The Balanced Spine helped me achieve… “….less jaw pain and little-to-no knee pain going downstairs. I feel more energy and can sleep much better.” –Vicky F.

Bike accident recovery

“I worked and still work a lot. But I would frequently go home with aches and pains in my neck and shoulders and lower back. It made work and homelife more difficult and stressful. Plus, bad posture.”



Since TBS? “Excellent! The staff here is friendly and very good at what they do! Always feel welcome and relaxed.”


Health and wellness goals? “Through my visits I’ve noticed my pain occurs less often significantly. Less aches and pains make my days much easier. And it’s helped with my posture.” –Jesse F.

Before TBS? “Trained triathlete after a car/bike accident, previously had chiropractic care but not for past 10-15 years. After months of inactivity my neck and shoulders were sore and stiff, and I wanted to find a chiropractor with gentle methods to treat the temporary condition.”


At TBS? “The staff has been friendly, accommodating and helpful. The treatment has been effective, which is obviously the primary concern. TBS seems interested in patients’ general well-being, which is a welcome change from many practitioners.”


Health and wellness goals? “Effective treatment was my main goal and has been the primary way TBS has helped me – I am back to walking/exercising and doing regular daily activities. I appreciate that the goal of treatment is long-term wellness rather than continued adjustments.” –Sheryl W.

http://www.thebalancedspine.com/

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Not the typical cracking adjustment

Prior to The Balanced Spine? “My left shoulder and neck were very tight and causing pain. I still encounter problems but at a less significant rate.”



Patient experience? “Very friendly staff. I particularly give Dr. Schallmann credit for his patience and attentiveness to all care. He gave me some stretches that have helped reduce pain.”


Health and wellness goals? “My goal was primarily to reduce pain and this was somewhat accomplished. It has net been entirely resolved but definitely improved.” –Shanna del C.


Prior to The Balanced Spine? “I knew I has out of alignment and was looking for a chiro that was in network and close to work with convenient hours. I was delighted to find that The Balanced Spine doesn’t perform the typical ‘cracking’ adjustments. Bonus!”


Patient experience? “Wonderful! My hip pain and stiffness in neck and shoulders are all but gone. I have better posture and flexibility. I am able to do more physically in my yoga and exercise practices.”


Health and wellness goals? “The staff is very accommodating to my schedule and Dr. Schallmann has answered my questions in ways that I understand.” – Sylvie W.

http://www.thebalancedspine.com/

TMJ related headaches

Prior to The Balanced Spine? “I got into a truck wreck and injured my back and neck. (My patient experience) has been knowledgeable, comfortable.”



Health and wellness goals? “Give me tips on how to strengthen my back and neck, how to eat well.” –Ian B.


Prior to The Balanced Spine? “I had severe back pain an neck pain. After completion of first phase of treatment neck pain and back pain have come down. Also, there has been improvement in the neck stiffness.”


Patient experience? “Experience has been really good. Dr. Schallmann has been friendly and listening.”


Health and wellness goals? “Dr. Justin Schallmann has suggested some changes in my food habits which helps me improve my health and wellness goals.” –Kathir G.

Prior to The Balanced Spine? “TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) related headaches was the primary reason I came here.”


Patient Experience? “I’ve had an excellent experience at The Balanced Spine. Dr. Schallmann and the staff thoroughly explain the treatment plan and set good expectations.”


Health and wellness goals? “The travel card is great incentive to keep focused on diet, exercise and mental upkeep. My stress level and headaches have been greatly reduced.” –Mike B.

http://www.thebalancedspine.com/

Couldn't sleep through the night

Prior to The Balanced Spine? “From years of hard play and hard work, I had fairly chronic sciatic pain that traveled down my right leg. I also had discomfort or a ‘kink’ in my mid back between my shoulder blades and general stiffness in my neck and upper back.”



Patient experience? “Enjoyable. The doctors are easy to work with and helpful. The visits are generally relaxing and low stress.”


Health and wellness goals? “By relieving low back pain (sciatic) I am able to be more active, energetic and in a better mood. This allows me to work out more often, play with my kids and be more productive around the house.” –Sean Mc


Prior to The Balanced Spine? “I was experiencing discomfort in neck and hip so much so that I couldn’t sleep through the night or even sit at my desk without being reminded of the pain. It also limited many of the activities I once found easy.”


Patient experience? “I’m new to this kind of treatment, but overall it has been positive.”


Health and wellness goals? “Balance physically has helped me concentrate on other aspects of my life just as important to me, which has been a life saver.” –Steve P.

http://www.thebalancedspine.com/

Tailbone Tale - sitting all day takes its toll

Prior to The Balanced Spine? “I had dull pain in my bottom tailbone area from sitting all day at work. Also, I was experiencing occasional shoulder, neck and middle back muscle tenseness. I had a slight misalignment/weird pain in my left hip joint. There was a sharp, occasional pain at the bottom of my neck.”



The NUCCA correction? “It was a gentle pressure on my neck. Non-invasive. No pain.”


Since The Balanced Spine? “I’ve achieved a healthy spine, healthy body, awareness of the importance of alignment in my body. Most of all, I think I avoided lots of pain and suffering in the future that would have happened had I not come in and taken care of it now.” – Lizanne M.

Prior to The Balanced Spine? “I was experiencing a pain in the low back as well as in the back of the neck and shoulders.”


The NUCCA correction? “The correction was very subtle and after initial visits I didn’t feel a lot of change. However, slowly I noticed that pain started reducing. I feel fresher every morning and evenings when I return home from work.”


Since The Balanced Spine? “I feel healthier and a less stressful life in general. I noticed that as my spine became better aligned not only did the pain reduce but I felt more relaxed even after long working hours. This has definitely made a difference.” –Yogesh M.
 
http://www.thebalancedspine.com/