West Hartford Chiropractor Answers Patient Question: I am getting better, but why?

Patient Question: I am getting better, but why?

Dr. Chris: I ask the patient for their hand and move a finger up and down. Then I have them close their eyes and tell me which way I moved it.

They say either up or down, and I ask them how they knew. They usually say, "I felt "it.

And, I then explain what that "felt it" means is that every joint and muscle in the body is hardwired to the brain. It is essential for the brain to constantly keep track of where we are in space.

As you know, the brain is an electrical system, but we don't have batteries or a charger. The brain is powered up by sensation.

The majority of brain input comes from joints and muscles spindles in the spine (special muscle nerves) as well as the vestibular or balance system.

If there is a problem with the slight movement of any of the vertebrae(spinal bone), you probably wouldn't notice it, but over time, it reduces the input (quality information) to the brain.

That is called subluxation or Structural Shift. Couple that with trauma, toxicity, inactivity, prolonged sitting, etc. and you get chronic health issues.

We do corrections to stimulate the spine and ultimately increase the function of the brain. This in turn helps your body heal your Secondary Conditions. 




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). 

West Hartford Chiropractor Donates To The Rise Up Group

This is a group that is doing good things for young people in the community and Advanced Chiropractic is happy to donate a TempurPedic Pillow as a door prize for their up coming event, here is the link: http://www.theriseupgroup.org/
What is the Rise Up Group?
RiseUP was founded in 2012 by a group of recent UConn graduates who realized that there is a lack of support given to our youth in urban communities.

RiseUP's Mission:

To empower our youth to become the catalysts to UPLIFT and INSPIRE urban communities

RiseUP's Vision:

Is focused on education and fostering a sense of social entrepreneurship that transcends school walls by embedding ourselves within local neighborhoods. We pair every Scholar with a Personal Champion and utilize our structured network of passionate individuals to provide the framework, confidence and support needed to overcome socioeconomic and cultural barriers.

RiseUP’s Goal:

To provide our Scholars with the necessary resources needed to achieve their maximum level of academic excellence, personal growth, and professional prosperity. RiseUP’s “pay it forward” philosophy will drive social equality in our partner schools and communities.

www.theriseupgroup.org
matt.conway@theriseupgroup.org
https://www.facebook.com/RiseUpldp


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). 

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). 

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 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

What Back Packs; One West Hartford Doctor's Recommendations.

West Hartford Kids Start School: Back Packs, One Doctors Recommendations.

1.) Make sure they are never heavier than 10% of your child's body weight.
2.) Two strap it (the 80's are gone, no more slinging the back pack over one shoulder)
3.) Two strap with a waist strap is best
4.) Try and get a back pack that has a lumbar cushion (a small cushion at the bottom back of the back pack) this corrects the slouch posture..
5.) Have the Back Pack sit as low as possible on the spine.


Why do the those five?
Science has shown those 5 measures will help your child avoid pain.

Normal structure for your child's spine is her ears over shoulders and shoulders directly over the hips and hips in line with the ankles. In builders terms PLUMB and Level (shoulders level, hips level, etc). When your child wears an inappropriate Back Pack this forces your child to bend forward and hunch her shoulders and jut out her head to carry the uneven load.

This abnormal structural shift of the spine is your child's way of compensating for the load. This places continuous harsh forces on their developing bones, discs, ligaments and nerves and frequently cause the secondary conditions of: back pain, head aches and shoulder pain.

What to do next?
 
 If your child is hunched over or her head is more than an inch forward or anterior from her shoulders, these are indicators of a structural problem that I correct (shameless plug). Have your daughter and sons back packed checked by a structural chiropractor, we offer a complimentary service of checking your children's back pack. It's quick and no worries I will not try to sell you any Ginsu knives - this is a public service I offer each school year.  Just like any good dentist would tell you if they spotted a problem, it's better to address a problem early then later on.

And, your child's spine protects her nervous system - to me, it just makes sense that getting this right is important.

For additional information call: 860.523.5465

Have a GREAT Day
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

IT Pain: New Approach For West Hartford Runners

Every sport or athletic activity has their own set of common aliments and injuries. In football it's torn knee ligaments and concussions, tennis is the wrist and elbow, yoga is the neck, cross-fit it's usually the shoulders, and in running it's the knee and iliotibial band pain.
All are great sports and I recommend ALL of the above to my patients and you need to know that these aliments are common and for the most part PREVENTABLE.
Most reading this are runners, so I will be brief with the anatomy lesson. The iliotibial tract or band as it's commonly referred too is connective tissue and runs from the Ilium (pelvis bone) to the lateral superior aspect of the tibia (the outside part of the lower knee). Because the iliotibial tract is connective tissue for example, like tendons and ligaments blood supply IS NOT as plentiful as say a muscle would normally be supplied. This means that connective tissue heals S-L-O-W-L-Y.
Connective tissue does what it's name implies - CONNECTS bone to bone for stabilization of joints - and connective tissue is found all over your body, from your head, spine and even your little toe.
For example:
A runner complains of outside of thigh and knee pain. Some common solutions are:

• Correct running shoes ( I recommend FleetFeet) with orthotics 
• Proper training technique
• NSAIDS
• ICE
• Elevation
• REST
• Massage and stretching (which runners LOVE to stretch, Right?)
• Rollers all types 
• Physical Therapy with eclectic stim, ultrasound, work hardening, stretching, etc.

All of the above is designed to increase how well you function and works well. What I am talking about is when you have done all of the above have seen improvement and still have pain.

This pain is not normal, not supposed to be common and does alter your running style or bio mechanics - which leads to chronic pain.
What else is there?

Structure dictates function. Just like a dump truck is designed to well, dump - a Ferrari is designed to go really fast.
Your pelvis, and foot are designed to handle the load or pressure of running, jogging and walking - if there is pain something is WRONG. A abnormal structural shift of your pelvis will create abnormal loads to your iliotibial tract, which will also inflame your iliotibial bursa (pillow that lays under the tract and slow to heal as well). This will cause tight or shorten muscles in your pelvis area, for example your Psoas, Piriformis and the forgotten Satorius muscle. And of course the weakness of the quad or thigh muscles.

Muscle, as everyone knows moves your bones. Bones are levers (H.S. physics class), if the levers are not at optimum MORE WORK (energy) must be done by the muscles.
That scenario leads to injury and chronic pain.
For example if you have over pronated or supinated feet, an anatomical short leg or a malformed pelvis and like to run for exercise, the excess load not properly handled will create pain. No matter how much stretching or icing you do - if the structure is not addressed you will have chronic problems.

What to look for?
Some good objective indicators are:
1.) One hip lower than the other - put your hands on your hips and look in the mirror, is their a noticeable difference?
2.) Chronic pain or easily aggravated - even when you are doing everything else correctly.
3.)Degeneration in your SI joints or hip joints or knee joint
4.)Degeneration in your connective tissue - like your knee Mencius.

What to do?
Usually most runners have the proper foot wear (that is huge) and they stretch (well some do). They also have running form down - very important.

What I recommend is have your structure of your pelvis evaluated. A proper evaluation is with the use of Standing or weight bearing Structural Corrective radiographs. This is how we visualize anatomical short femur heads (legs) or a malformation of your sacrum (a bone in your pelvis -that is your foundation for your spine and key stone of your pelvis). This is standard in our office we do with every patient. 

The correction is to enhance any structural abnormality closer to the normal range.  When your structure is OPTIMIZED your function (running) is enhanced, ending the chronic cycle of SI joint pain, iliotibial band pain and the common runners knee.
Soft tissue rehab is important and what is often overlooked is Structural Correction (which very few know to even do - which is why if results matter than so does the technique), which usually makes all the difference.

Have a GREAT Day

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

Pinched Nerve (N.I.S.):West Hartford Doctor's New Approach?

It's much more than just your posture. Abnormal shifts or deviations within the inner frame work of the body may be the true cause of this common Secondary Condition (Symptom):

Pinched Nerve (N.I.S.)

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.

We focus on Structural Correction, which is a branch of chiropractic that specifically deals with these spinal deviations and can work with you so those little "once in a while" issues don't turn into a major debilitating condition.

Normal Structure is not an option. Restoring and protecting your body's normal structural alignment is a key factor in maintaining optimal health and wellness.

Traditional chiropractors look to decrease your pain, increase your range of motion and decrease pain. And I have no doubt they accomplish their goals.

Other common solutions are medications and if that does not work out, then physical therapy. If those do not work out then there is muscle relaxers and stronger pain medication. If this does not work out then as a last resort there is surgery with follow up rehab and usually a future surgery down the road.





At Advanced Chiropractic in West hartford, we focus as I stated above on Structural Correction of the spine. We do this without aggressive spinal manipulation, without you having to believe in chiropractic and we do not claim to cure everything. We have one focus - Structural Correction of the spine.

What we do is different than traditional chiropractic.

We use correcting tools, such as the S.C.I. which has one purpose, Plastic Deformation.

What is Plastic Deformation?


Simply stated, the reason that you have a Structural abnormality is due to a warping of the structures that are responsible for maintaining proper structural alignment. This instrument is designed to direct impulses toward the segments that require attention, thus speeding up the corrective process.

We also use Structural Rehabilitation with our Remodeling tables and Complementary Recommendations that are designed to enhance our care in the office for the other 23 hours of the day you are not in the office.



There is much more to our solution, for additional information call 860.523.5465


Have a GREAT Day

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, you may inquire at: 860-523-5465 


 

Degenerative Disc Disease: New Approach From A Local West Hartford Doctor

 Most folks know that a degenerated disc is not normal. Most hear the explanation that your intervertebral disc is like a jelly doughnut, if there is too much force compressing the disc, this will cause the disc material to squeeze out or herniate, irritating nerves and causing pain, weakness and in many disability.

I do not like that analogy at all.
Your disc is more like a hockey puck - yes, it is that tough. Your disc bulging or herniating is usually the LAST sign of a bad disc. It's like running out of gas and then the warning light comes on. Prevention and catching a problem early are two distinctively different approaches. When it comes to degenerating discs, it's better to prevent or at least catch the problem early.

Most conventional chiropractors and other healthcare professionals, treat back problems and do a wonderful job at helping people out of pain, moving better and decreasing spasms.

At Advanced Chiropractic we focus on a branch of chiropractic called structural correction, which is different than conventional chiropractic (not better) and different none the less.

Normal vs. Abnormal

Normal is crucial to KNOW abnormal. I am sure you know what a normal blood pressure is, or a normal body temperature can be, and even normal eye sight. Many do not know what a normal spine looks like. Normal structure is vital for the health of your intervertebral discs. Abnormal structural shifts of the spine create harsh forces on the disc causing over time damage (degeneration), which leads to pain.

When your spine experiences a structural shift, at first no big deal and if not corrected over time this abnormal shift does not handle the harsh forces put on your spine effectively. Your body adapts by remodeling your spinal bones (degenerates), this damage spares your disc for the short term. Over the long haul this abnormal shift of the spinal bones transfers the harsh forces to the bones. This causes an inability of your disc to receive proper nutrition, which allows them to dry up (dessicated) and shrink (lose need height).

You see, normal structural alignment protects your discs. Just like a stack of Lego's, if the Lego's aren't stacked well they will collapse. To prevent disc degeneration the structure of your spine must be in the normal range - not perfect alignment (no one is perfect), this is the best reason to get checked by a structural chiropractor.

What if your disc is degenerated already?

Commonly people reach for medications, and if that does not work out then there is physical therapy or conventional chiropractic. If that does not work out then there is muscle relaxers and pain medication, then surgeries - and even future surgeries.

At Advanced Chiropractic Our New Approach is....

As I stated above our focus is to direct your spine to what every healthcare professional who truly understands anatomy realizes exactly what normal range looks like. We do this with our gentle specifc spinal correction with our SCI device, which is designed for one thing and one thing only - the process of Plastic Deformation.

What is Plastic Deformation? Simply stated, the reason that have a structural shift abnormality  is due to a warping of the structures that are responsible for maintaining proper structural alignment. This instrument is designed to direct impulses toward the segments that require attention, thus speeding up the corrective process. In addition to the SCI device we use Structural Rehab to protect the correction achieved along with complementary recommendations to enhance the care in our office, so you do not become dependent on our practice.


Simply put, when your spinal structure is in normal range, your spine can handle the harsh pressures and not damage your disc, allowing your body to heal which reduces and most of the time eliminates your Secondary conditions of back or neck pain.
For additional information, or to schedule for a Free Consultation call 860.523.5465
Have a GREAT Day

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, you may inquire at: 860-523-5465 

West Hartford Migraine Relief: Women Do Have Options

Of all the headaches, mom's know the classic migraine has the ability to knock you off your feet, force you to close off the world, including their kids by making their bedrooms a fortress that defends against  light, sounds (children, TV) and smells.  When a mother avoids her children, then you know how severe a Migraine can be to the sufferer and their family that bares the consequences as well.

Everyone knows when mom has a Migraine. The walking on egg shells, the "not now" responses to the kids, and the altering of plans repeatedly is a consequence of chronic Migraines. This in addition to keeping you from work and in today's climate of uncertainty, repeated absences from work is never good for women's career.

Unlike traditional chiropractors or the more common solutions for Migraines, here at Advanced Chiropractic, we focus on Structural Correction by utilizing gentle specific spinal corrections, structural rehab and complementary recommendations in an effort to correct Anterior Head Syndrome (AHS).

We are all familiar with normal temp: 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. How do we know someone has high blood pressure or normal eyesight? The only way to appreciate abnormal - is to know normal.

When it comes to normal, we're not expecting anyone to be perfect. However if your Head is displaced 30mm or more beyond what's considered acceptable, you have Anterior head Syndrome. You head shifting forward is no different than your car being forced out of alignment.

Because the underlying structure has been shifted (regardless of reason), this deviation of your skull puts abnormal stress on your muscles, ligaments, spinal bones, discs and nerves - forcing them to degenerate or become damaged which can cause Secondary Conditions, in this case a Migraine.

What's normal look like and what does abnormal look like?

The "How Strong Is My Foundation"? picture you can see the dramatic difference between normal on the left and abnormal on the right. At first abnormal shifts of the spine are no big deal. No one has absolutely 100% Perfect structure. However, no different than blood pressure, eyesight, normal weight, there is a range that is considered acceptable and unacceptable.

If your structural shift are outside of what's considered normal, then you will experience one or more of what we refer to as Secondary Conditions or symptoms. The reason we call them Secondary, is because as you may have guessed it's the result of a Primary Structural Condition, like Anterior Head Syndrome.

Secondary Conditions can include, headaches which includes Migraines.

Think of a bowling ball that weighs 12-16 pounds. Anyone can hold a bowling ball close to their chest and it would be very hard to hold that same ball with outstretched arms for any length of time. Now, considering that for every inch your head is forward from your shoulders this adds an additional 10 pounds of force to your spine.

So if your head weighs 15 pounds and is two inches forward, that means an extra 20 pounds of force is being exerted on your spinal bones, muscles, ligaments, disc and nerves - this continuous strain can result in Chronic migraines.

The four signs I look for that are tell tale signs of Primary Structural Condition are:

1. Anterior Head Syndrome
2. Degenerated or damaged discs
3. Nerve Impingement Syndrome
4. Damaged Degenerated spinal bones
5. Muscular Spasm?Tension

If you have just one of these indicators then you have a Primary Structural condition, the more indicators means more severe the case.

Just like there are more than one way to cook an egg, there are many ways to treat a migraine. The first step for most women is to take prescription medication. If that doesn't work out, the next step is usually stronger medications including injections. If these do not work out than anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications are prescribed.  My goal is not to give you my opinion about those treatments. The point of this article is to educate you on what choices you do have, so you are able to make the best decision for you, your family and your condition.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this article, here at Advanced Chiropractic, we focus on the Structural Correction of the spine. We do this with by utilizing specific spinal corrections, structural rehab and complementary recommendations.

Here's how improving AHS is likely to alleviate your Migraine headaches. By correcting the displaced head and cervical spine, you dramatically reduce the pressure on the spinal nerves, which in turn allows the blood vessels to constrict and dilate normally. By reducing 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 your pain, but are also inhibiting the optimum function of your nervous system.

There is much more to our unique plan, which is customized to the individual patient, based on our Structural Corrective Examination findings. As well as complementary recommendations, your homework that you do on your own to enhance what we do in our office. 

Have a GREAT Day

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, you may inquire at: 860-523-5465 

New Approach To Neck Pain: Why Structural Corrective X-rays?

We are not a conventional chiropractic or physical therapy office, they are nice folks and I have no doubt that they all do a good job with their patients. What we do is different than the conventional, we focus on a branch of chiropractic called Structural Correction.

The following is a patient question that I thought would be beneficial to this post, enjoy...

Patient Question: Other doctors never took x-rays of my spine, why do you?

Me: We focus on Structural Correction which is a branch of Chiropractic that is different than Conventional Chiropractic.

Just like there is a normal blood pressure or normal eye sight, there is a normal range for your spine - not perfection, yet normal range none the less.

We need to know exactly where your spine has shifted abnormally and use Structural Corrective Radiographys (x-rays) with our Structural analysis to determine severity and determine our plan of action.

Most conventional chiropractors and physical therapists, do not use x-rays to determine structural shifts, they are focused on other goals - which is all well and good, we prefer to dig a little deeper.

And...

Would you buy a house without looking inside first? I like to know for sure what your spine looks like before I come up with a plan to correct your spine, to me this just makes sense.

The Normal Structure picture is what any knowledgeable health care provider, be it a neurosurgeon, structural chiropractor or orthopedists all can agree is normal structure.

Neck pain is a Secondary Condition that is usually a result of a Primary Condition of abnormal structure. The difference in our focus is to detect this abnormal structure and then correct the abnormal structure. When we correct the structure Secondary Conditions, such as Neck pain resolve.

Why?

Because, harsh pressures are exerted on your spine, discs, muscles, ligaments and nerves causing damage (degeneration) and pain. When we correct the structure these abnormal pressures are relieved allowing your body to continue healing in the appropriate ways. This is why we dig a little deeper, and to tell you no amount of massage, stretching, strengthening will ever correct an abnormal spine. Only a Structural Chiropractor, who focuses on structural correction can assist you.

Advanced Chiropractic is the only Structural Chiropractor in West Hartford and the Farmington Valley. We have two ways where you can gain additional information, the first is our Chiropractic:101 group presentation. This presentation is a non-formal chat about Traditional Chiropractic vs.Structural Chiropractic and other Myths and Facts you need to know to make an informed decision.

The other option is a private, Complimentary Consultation, which is a conversation and not a commitment. This is where you can tells us what you are experiencing and where we can show you exactly how we work with patients.

We go over...

• Time in the office, 
• How long, 
• What type of discomfort if any, 
• Why we use specific corrections vs. aggressive spinal manipulations, 
• Insurance, payment options, etc.
• We go over other common solutions and then answer any of your questions. 

Side note:

When you come in for the Chiropractic:101 group presentation or private complimentary Structural Consult, we will present you with a gift certificate for $50 off our Structural Examination, our way of thanking you for taking your time to see our solution.

Have a GREAT Day!

About Dr. Chris...

Dr. Chris Chase is a Chiropractor that focuses on the Structural Correction of the spine at his practice Advanced Chiropractic, located in West Hartford,CT.  In contrast to traditional chiropractors whose goal is to provide temporary relief of pain, Dr. Chase's goal is to shift the underlying framework of the body back to the stability of what all healthcare professionals agree is normal.

Dr. Chase can be reached at 860.523.5465
and  www.advancedwesthartford.com or  www.facebook.com/advancedwesthartford1