Degenerative Disc Disease: West Hartford Doctor Explains One Likey Cause

Many folks have been told they have degenerative disc and/or degenerative joint disease and they didn't feel it happening, why?

This is what I explain to our patients that come in for care and many have been to other healthcare providers (even conventional chiropractors) and never knew exactly how this happened (disc degeneration) and what can be done.

The following is a typical exchange I have with folks in our office...

Dr. Chris:  Mrs. Smith, I'm sure you've seen a spine before, but why don't we take a second and review a little bit of anatomy before we get into exactly what we do here at Advanced Chiropractic.

The spine is made up of 24 segments called vertebrae, they are divided into three main sections; cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back), and lumbar (low back). Each region has a normal curve and as you can see the verebrae are smaller at the neck and gradually become larger towards the low back.

Does it make sense that, without proper alignment, the spine is unlikely to function correctly?

To use an analogy, what would you expect from a house that has undergone a structural shift in the foundation or inner framework? Would you expect there to be problems with the walls - perhaps a few cracks?

Would you expect to be a lot of creaking - perhaps due to floorboard issues?

Would you expect there to be problems even as minute as a window being able to open smoothly?

So as you can see, when the underlying structure is affected, the end result is a series of secondary issues, such as degenerative disc and joint disease.

Does all of that make sense?

Mrs. Smith: Yes, thank you for explaining this no one has explained just how degeneration happens.

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What makes our care unique is our focus on Structural Correction of your spine back into the normal range, which we engage Plastic Deformation. Plastic Deformation, has caused the structures that support normal alignment to warp.

Commonly, health care professions use different medications, therapy(massage, conventional chiropractic, PT) or even surgery to address the damage of the disc and I'm sure these have helped many. None of these methods have the goal of structural correction and if a structural condition is the cause, then these methods may need some assistance.

Our Specific Spinal Correction using our S.C.I assists us in engaging Plastic Deformation to be used in your favor - instead of working against you. In addition to the plastic deformation our Specific Spinal Corrections also give vital input into your nervous system (it's not that complicated).

Think of a thermostat in your house, you set the heat to 73 degrees and the heater goes on until 73 degrees is reached, this is what we all know as a normal feedback loop. This is what your nervous system regulates - you to your external environment and you to your internal environment.

Without the Specific Spinal Correction, you lose the vital input into your nervous system, this is what we do very well and are the only Structural Chiropractor in West Hartford and Central Connecticut. Meaning, you can not get what we have to offer anywhere else, even if some state they "correct" posture - in fact every Mom corrects posture when they say; " Stand up straight". 

Structure is not the same as posture- Proof is in black and white, meaning the structural corrective x-ray of before and after our care, which no one else does. Not saying we are better, and we are excellent at correcting abnormal structure of the spine. 

You see, degeneration of the disc or joint is Secondary to the primary Condition or abnormal structural shift of the spine, this is the critical factor in your game plan of recovery of function, without the endless need of medications, end less physical therapy, being told to "live with it" and repeat surgeries.

Your spine needs an expert who has devoted his whole professional career to one aspect, that is structural correction. If you have been everywhere, even to conventional chiropractors and are frustrated, then seek out a consultation which is a conversation not a commitment with our office.

Have a Great day!

For additional information call: 860.523.5465

ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC of West Hartford Dr. Chris Chase - Certified Structural Correction Chiropractor, Dr. Chris is the only Structural Chiropractor in West Hartford, and surrounding communities.  ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC is a company that offers Structural Correction services for women, children and men - which is different from traditional chiropractors (not better BUT significantly different). 

Degenerated Disc, Bulging Disc & Herniated Disc: West Hartford Doctor Explains Little Known Approach

Most folks go to their family doctor for aches and pains, which is the normal routine.
 
The family doctor is usually compassionate and caring and wants to help, so he or she will usually prescribe a pain killer and or muscle relaxer. If there is a neurological component to your pain (sharp, traveling pain - radiating, weakness in muscles) then they usually refer out for an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

The MRI will usually reveal secondary conditions, such as damaged discs and irritation of spinal nerves - this is very common scenario. Next will be a referral to a physical therapist, in which they will provide exercises, stretches, electric stim, ultrasound and even manipulations or nerve mobilizations. If this does not work out then a trip to the neurosurgeon for a surgery consult.

Most neurosurgeons wait to perform surgery, they know how dramatic and usually irreversible surgery can be - especially around your nervous system, so they want you to do everything else first. And recently, scientific studies are saying structural alignment is critical for a positive outcome of surgery. Which is prudent in my opinion.

How you look at things determines your actions. If you think the problem is a bad disc then you do everything to correct the bad disc.

We take the perspective of what caused the bad disc in the first place? Many will then think car accident, work related,age, genetics, and falls, etc.

This would be a mistake. Here is why.

Your spine has a normal range, no different than a normal range  for blood pressure, a normal range for weight or even a normal range for body temperature. When your spine is outside normal range this CAUSES spinal degeneration.

What caused the abnormal position of your spine? What I mentioned above; the car accidents, falls, repetitive work related, AND this is not caused by age or genetics (which is a myth).

Most common solutions that I've mentioned above do not address correction of the spine back into the normal range. Not that this is wrong - just a different perspective. Like I said, most do the above and if those approaches do not work out then I will suggest a complementary solution that you can add to anything you are currently doing to make it work better.

Structural Correction, what is the focus?

Structural Correction is a branch of Chiropractic that focus on enhancing your spine back into the normal range or at least get your spine as near normal as possible. This focus is designed to optimize your spine to take pressure off your discs, which will alleviate  the irritation to your nerves and improve the function of your spine, including disc health.

Here is a recent study...

In a 52-week study of patients with neck pain, Structural Correction (SMT) resulted in faster recovery than physiotherapy (mainly exercise) or general practitioner care (counseling, education, and medication). Costs of the manual therapy were about one-third of the costs of physiotherapy or general practitioner care. British Medical Journal, April 2003

And another study...

http://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/2013.4.SPINE12838
" Sagittal (side view) alignment of the cervical spine may play a substantial role in the development of cervical myelopathy(muscle tension, spasm, weakness) as cervical deformity can lead to spinal cord compression and cord tension."

Folks, these are medical researchers saying that an abnormal spine causes degeneration, we focus on correcting what they have researched without surgery, with out medication and without you having to believe anything. We back up our focus with research from the most prestigious Scientific Journals.

We look for Anterior Head Syndrome or AHS (seen in the picture above) for short, there are five distinct indicators that tell us for sure if you have AHS, they are: 

1. Head has shifted anterior (forward) more than 30mm or 1 inch from your shoulders. 
2.  Degenerated vertebrae
3. Nerve Impingement Syndrome
4. Muscular spasm/tension
5. Degenerated disc
   
   Now, our solution does not ask you to "believe" in chiropractic, or ask you to come in "forever" and we do not use any form of aggressive spinal manipulation, we us gentle specific spinal corrections enhanced by structural corrective remodeling and complementary requirements.
   
   We do place you on a customized initial phase of care and expect you to follow our recommendations, just like any good doctor would advise. We use objective scientific indicators to establish the severity of  your condition  and to track your improvement. We use structural corrective x-rays (most PT's and Conventional Chiropractors don't even look at these scientific test anymore - we find the information obtained is critical to outstanding patient care) really, you would not buy a house with out looking inside first - this is how I feel about working on your inner-frame work, I need to see your spine first.
   
   Have a Great Day

 For additional information call: 860.523.5465



ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC of West Hartford Dr. Chris Chase - Certified Structural Correction Chiropractor, Dr. Chris is the only Structural Chiropractor in West Hartford, and surrounding communities.  ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC is a company that offers Structural Correction services for women, children and men - which is different from traditional chiropractors (not better BUT significantly different). 

New Advanced Chiropractic Update Just Released

A Brand New Update has been released, look to your inbox. If you are not on our Update list, then Join our List - until then here is the link: http://conta.cc/1dmk59r.

If you like what you've read then share this with your friends or family members, quality usable information that can improve your health.

Neck & Back Pain: Why Disc Degeneration & Degenerative Joint Disease Is Not Far Behind?

Abnormal shifts or deviations within the inner frame work of the body may be the true underlying cause of these common Secondary Conditions (Symptoms):

• Neck & Back Pain
• Sciatica & Hip Pain
• Numbness & Tingling
• Muscular Spasm & Tension
• Headaches (Including Migraine)
• Pinched Nerve (N.I.S.)
• Herniated Disc
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Degenerative Joint Disease
• Decreased Range of Motion
• Poor posture
• Dizziness/Vertigo
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 We all know that the human body has a normal temperature, a normal range for blood pressure, and normal eyesight, but most of us are unaware that the same applies when it comes to the inner framework of the body.

As a Doctor of Chiropractic who focuses on Structural Correction which is a branch of chiropractic that is different than conventional chiropractors, our focus is these abnormal spinal deviations. We work with you so that those little "once in a while" issues don't turn into a major debilitating condition.

Disc Degeneration and Degenerative Joint Disease, how does it happen?

It is not related to age or heredity. Think of your spinal bones as coral. Coral changes shape due to pressure, this is what happens to your spinal bones - the abnormal pressure degenerates or damages the spinal bone. Your disc is much like a hockey puck, very strong and not at all like a jelly doughnut. The spinal bones change with the abnormal pressure, this causes the abnormal motion of your spinal bones. The abnormal motion contributes to the damage of the disc, basically causing the discs to dry out or dessicated. This leaves them vulnerable to bulging and herniation.

In addition, the abnormal deviations cause nerve irritation. Your nerves are continuously sending signals about your body position to your brain and your brain sends orders to your muscle to respond.  If the message going to your brain is garbled then the information coming from your brain to your muscle will be garbled. Just look at a persons abnormal posture, which is a Secondary Condition caused by abnormal deviations of the spine. When a person is in a hunched position, this is an indicator of A.H.S. or Anterior Head Syndrome, which will lead to abnormal pressure on the spinal bones and discs. This abnormal positioning will lead to back and neck pain.

When your inner frame work is with in normal range, your spine can handle the pressure which relieves the pressure on your discs and improves the back and neck pain. This also helps your nerve system to function correctly and helps your body function at optimal.



Have a Great Day

For additional information call: 860.523.5465



ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC of West Hartford Dr. Chris Chase - Certified Structural Correction Chiropractor, Dr. Chris is the only Structural Chiropractor in West Hartford, and surrounding communities.  ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC is a company that offers Structural Correction services for women, children and men - which is different from traditional chiropractors (not better BUT significantly different). 

Sciatica & Hip Pain: West Hartford Doctor Reviews Options

Sciatica and Hip Pain usually go hand in hand. There are many causes of Sciatica, in this post we will discuss the role of abnormal structural shifts of the spine that cause the Secondary Condition of Sciatic and Hip pain. The lumbar spine or low back has a normal structure that is similar in shape to ellipse or an elongated half circle, with the bigger part of the curve at the bottom with the curve gradually lessening as you move up the spine.

This shape is designed to carry the weight of your body and to be able to lift or carry heavy objects with out damage. The strongest shape under load is an arch. Your intervertebral discs (IVD for short) are designed for maximum movement and NOT for weight bearing exclusively.

The problem comes in when your spine is outside normal range, basically losing the natural normal shape. This abnormal structural shift has dramatic repercussions, one is the dessication (drying out) of your IVD causing them to weaken and eventually bulge or herniate.

As a Structural Corrective Chiropractor our focus is much different than a traditional or conventional chiropractor, not better. A conventional chiropractor has three goals; get you out of pain, increase your movement and lessen muscle spasm. They use various methods and modalities and have no doubt that most do a good job.

As a Structural Chiropractor our focus is on your inner frame work of your body - your spine. We look to see if your spine is outside normal range and then customize a plan of care with the goal of getting your spine back into the normal range.

Your spine is similar to a foundation of a house, if the foundation has dropped a few inches, then it is reasonable to expect creaky floors and cracks in the dry wall. Some will just "patch-up" the cracks and put a nail in the squeaky floor. We both know that the underlying condition has not been adequately addressed and more secondary conditions will pop up over and over again.

What we focus on is correcting the foundation (your spine) back to the normal range to help prevent those Secondary Conditions from coming back. When your spine is in the normal range this takes the abnormal pressure off your discs allowing them to heal and repair, this leads to less irritation on your nerves and helps the Secondary Condition of Sciatica.

This is all done with out you having to "believe" in chiropractic, or having you come in "forever" and we don't claim to cure everything. We only focus on correcting abnormal structure of your spine.

We look for abnormal shifts of the spine which leave indicators of the damage, such as degenerated discs and /or degenerated bone. We also look for muscle spasm and Anterior head Syndrome. If you have one indicator then you have a Primary Structural Condition, the more indicators you have the more severe the problem.

Most folks will try medications, physical therapy, conventional chiropractic and if those do not work out then surgery. Which is usually followed up by another surgery in the future.

At Advanced Chiropractic, we focus on Structural correction of the spine. We do this utilizing S.C.I spinal adjusting methods, which are followed by Structural Rehab and Complementary requirements.

Our methods are designed to reduce the stress on the displaced segments essentially putting them back in place, we eliminate the pressure on the spinal nerves that are not only causing you pain, but also inhibiting the optimum function of your nervous system.

Have a Great Day

For additional information call: 860.523.5465



ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC of West Hartford Dr. Chris Chase - Certified Structural Correction Chiropractor, Dr. Chris is the only Structural Chiropractor in West Hartford, and surrounding communities.  ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC is a company that offers Structural Correction services for women, children and men - which is different from traditional chiropractors (not better BUT significantly different). 

Dr. Chris Chase is known for his directive focus to patient care and comprehensive approach to better health.

For additional information call: 860.523.5465

Advanced Chiropractic Helps Hartford Benevolent Chiropractic Clinic

Hartford Benevolent Chiropractic Clinic

This Thursday

9/12/13

10am to 12noon

Free Clinic is located at The Temple of Resurrection, here is the link:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Temple-of-Restoration-ToR/362149400495768?directed_target_id=0

Hartford Benevolent Chiropractic Clinic

 The sole purpose in us providing principled chiropractic care to folks who truly are in need, is to do what we can to improve their lives.

"A PCA otherwise known as a PRINCIPLED CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT, is instrumental in its capacity to allow the body to operate better. It's NOT just about body aches and pain."  said, Dr. Chris Chase

West Hartford Chiropractor Reviews: The Ten Best Foods For Optimal Health?

When you Google "Best Health Foods or Top Ten Health Foods" you will see a gigantic range of foods listed and if you are interested in foods that your body needs because they are essential to great health, then the list becomes very miniscule.

These Top Ten Lists are biased to the doctor or nutritionists goals. Obviously, if the goal is fat reduction then the list would be vastly different than the Top Ten Grains list.  The way I approached my list is three fold;

1. The list had to contain essential fats
2. The list had to have anti-inflammatory properties
3. The list had to have anti-oxidants.

West Hartford Chiropractor Reviews: The Ten Best Foods For Optimal Health?This is the best list, if optimum health is your goal, in my opinion.

1.  Salmon
   
   I love salmon because it has your daily supply of Vit D and B12. So if you want more energy and stronger bones and immune function - Salmon has it all. Along with Omega-3.
   
2. Walnuts
   
   Omeaga-3 and Vitamin E along with phenols in the skin. Great for heart problems, anti-oxidants and good fats for brain and immune system health.



3. Almonds
   Helps lower cholesterol and reduces your chance of diabetes. Rich in copper, maganese and riboflavin, which are vital for energy production - tired all the time, then have some salmon and almonds.
   
   
4. Avocados
   
   Loaded with anti-oxidant properties and yes loaded with fat - the good fat, that you need. Also they have carotenoids, which are anti-oxidants and even more than bright colored vegetables.
   
5. Beans (Yes, I realize if you are on the Paleo Diet these are a no no)Black beans in particular are high in fiber, great with blood sugar regulation and have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
   


6. Blueberries
   
   Are a low glycemic food, so they will not spike your blood sugar. Helps your nervous system specifically for memory and cognitive function. As you know high in anti-oxidants.
   
7. Garlic
   
   Helps reduce blood pressure, blood thinning, cholesterol, and protects your heart. Also along with being an anti-viral it is also an anti-oxidant.
   
8. BroccoliHigh in Vitamin D, C and K, helps to reduce cholesterol because of the high fiber content
   
   
9. Spinach
   
   Multiple vitamins, of which K is the most. Along with being an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.
   
10. Dark Chocolate
    Great for your heart, brain and blood sugar. Also an anti-oxidant.

Why is a Structural Chiropractor from Advanced Chiropractic in West Hartford talking about foods?

We are not a conventional chiropractic office meaning that, we focus more on optimum function of your body and not just helping with pain, decreasing spasm and increasing range of motion (all great goals).

You see your nervous system (your nerves and brain) are made up of 60 percent structural fat. All your nerves are covered with fat - similar to omega-3. They are essential fats because, your body cannot make these fats. You must obtain them from your diet and or supplementation. Essential fats are critical to proper nervous system function and immune system function.

Anti-inflammatory properties because chronic unchecked inflammation, as you know wreaks havoc on your cardiovascular system and joints including your neck and low back.

Since I work with your nervous system and your inner framework (spine) that protects your nerves and want you on an anti-inflammatory diet (which is great for your joints and heart) it just makes common sense that I would talk about these specific foods.

You see, I know that health is not just a clear nervous system free of interference or a spine in the normal range, you need these foods to give your body the necessary building blocks for good health. I take no chances with our patients - I want you to be healthy, it's my priority.  I give you all the information and direction to give you the best chance for optimal health.

Have a Great Weekend.

For additional information call: 860.523.5465



ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC of West Hartford Dr. Chris Chase - Certified Structural Correction Chiropractor, Dr. Chris is the only Structural Chiropractor in West Hartford, and surrounding communities.  ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC is a company that offers Structural Correction services for women, children and men - which is different from traditional chiropractors (not better BUT significantly different). 

Dr. Chris Chase is known for his directive focus to patient care and comprehensive approach to better health.

For additional information call: 860.523.5465

West Hartford Doctor Launches Facebook Page and Patient Only Chiropractic Group

Dr. Chris Chase of Advanced Chiropractic, here in West Hartford has launched a Facebook page for his practice and a private Facebook Group for his patients and friends of the practice.

Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/advancedwesthartford1

Dr. Chris states, " FB is a great way to present information to our community, our group page is an extension of our office in which we go into more detail about optimizing health".


For additional information call: 860.523.5465



ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC of West Hartford Dr. Chris Chase - Certified Structural Correction Chiropractor, Dr. Chris is the only Structural Chiropractor in West Hartford, and surrounding communities.  ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC is a company that offers Structural Correction services for women, children and men - which is different from traditional chiropractors (not better BUT significantly different). 

Dr. Chris Chase is known for his directive focus to patient care and comprehensive approach to better health.

For additional information call: 860.523.5465

West Hartford Community Education Series Continues... Autism: Improving Quality of Life For Your Child

The One Approach To Improving The Quality Of Life You Have Probably Never Heard Of...

This workshop will explore one of the most common forms of neurological stress and how removing that stress can result in quantifiable improvements in language, sociability, and behavior in children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Seating is limited, call 860.523.5465 to RSVP. No child care at this event. Speaker will be Dr. Christopher Chase, owner of Advanced Chiropractic.

When: Tues, Sept 10th

Where 1022 Boulevard (Boulevard Shops Plaza) Advanced Chiropractic

Time: 6pm
Fee: Complimentary

Here is the link: http://westhartford.patch.com/groups/announcements/p/community-education-series-continues-autism-improving-quality-of-life-for-your-child_00394404

West Hartford Doctor Offers Workshop - Chiropractic:101

DID YOU KNOW?

We offer a complimentary talk called "Chiropractic 101".

WHY DO WE DO THIS?

We understand that many people are "on the fence" about visiting a chiropractor and may have some hesitation. That's ok and we know how you feel.

This short, 20 minute talk allows us to tell you about Structural Corrective chiropractic (what we do) vs. traditional chiropractic (what most others do) in a non-confrontational manner without any pressure for you to sign up for an examination or care. IT'S JUST A CONVERSATION, NOT A COMMITMENT. It also allows you to meet the doctor and staff at Advanced Chiropractic, see the office and decide if this is the right place for you.

WHEN DO WE DO IT?

Every other Tuesday at 5:30pm.

We will also have light snacks and refreshments for you to enjoy to hold you over until dinner.

WHERE DO WE DO THIS?

Right here at 1032 Boulevard, West Hartford (Boulevard Shops)

WHAT NEXT?

If you or someone you know would like to attend, please call the office at 860.523.5465  and let know how many are coming or if it's just