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 

West Hartford Neck Pain Relief: Why Curves Matter?

ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC
HEALTH RESEARCH REPORT #9

INTRODUCTION

The neck of the human body is a bio-mechanical marvel.
It possesses a wide range of mobility in nearly every direction. The neck serves as a conduit for the major blood vessels to the brain and is the primary pathway of the central nervous system. 

The cervical (neck) region is one of the most important areas of the body and a growing body of research clearly shows that its structural integrity and function are absolutely critical to overall health and healing.

The brain and the spinal cord make up the central nervous system. The spinal cord is often thought of as just a cable that transmits nerve messages, but it is actually a direct part of the brain.

The spinal cord plays a crucial role in the health and homeostasis of the human body by sending and receiving billions of nerve messages every single second.
The Central Nervous System is so vital to overall health and functioning of the human body that it is protected by the hardest substance in the body — a series of vertebral bones that make up the spinal column.

The human vertebral column, or spinal column, is a highly versatile mechanism and displays all the rigidity, strength, and leverage required in the job of a crane. In contrast, it is extremely elastic and flexible. The vertebral column exhibits more varied functions than any other unit of the human body.

The small bones of the spine are called vertebrae and are designed to fit together in an S-shape. This column of curves is balanced so that the weight of the human body is evenly distributed throughout the spine. If these curves are out of balance, the vertebrae are pushed out of line, placing abnormal stress on the nerve pathways, muscles, and soft tissues of the spine.

The curves of the spine are important because they allow the spine to support more weight and to withstand more stress than if it were straight. This is because the curves increase resistance to axial compression — that is, head-to-toe squishing of the spine. That means ten times more weight can be supported by a curved spine than if it was straight.

When viewed from the side, the vertebral column shows four normal curves. The curves of the vertebral column are important because they increase its strength, help maintain balance in the upright position, absorb shock during walking and running, and help protect the spinal column from fracture.

1 PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Humans are born with a C-shaped spine and the spinal curves develop in resistance to different gravitational stresses that affect the body.

The first spinal curve to develop is the cervical curve and it develops as the baby learns to lift its head.
The cervical spine consist of 7 vertebrae -- the same in all mammals — from the tiny mouse to the long- necked giraffe. The cervical bones - the vertebrae - are smaller in size when compared to other spinal vertebrae.

The purpose of the cervical spine is to contain and protect the spinal cord, support the skull, and enable diverse head movement (e.g., rotate side to side, bend forward and backward).

Between each vertebra (with the exception of the space between C1 &C2) are springy disks of tough cartilage with a jellylike core that compress when under pressure to absorb shock. These disks are subjected to tremendous forces.
Strong ligaments and muscles surround the spine to stabilize the vertebrae and to control movement. The cervical spine has a unique structure that is related to its important biomechanical functions.

Head Support: The cervical spine supports the weight of the head, which weighs between 10-14 pounds — about the same as a bowling ball. With proper posture, the weight of the head is held directly above the center of gravity. In a forward head position, the head is held ahead of the center of gravity and results in a stress load on the cervical spine that is equivalent to the weight of the head multiplied by the number of inches the head is forward from the center.

Mobility: The spine is a dynamic structure; designed for movement in a wide variety of positions, including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the head. Specialized articulation between the occiput and the atlas (C1) allows for 50% of the flexion and extension of the neck. Specialized articulation between the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) allows for 50% of the rotation of the neck.

Protection and Transmission: The spinal cord and nerve roots are encased within the protective structure of the spinal column. Pairs of nerves exit in the intervertebral foramina (IVF). When the spine is in its optimal structure, the spinal cord and nerve roots are protected. Loss of this optimal spinal structure results in the interference of normal nerve transmission.

The human body contains millions of sensory receptors that supply input into the Central Nervous System (CNS) to allow it to control and coordinate all bodily functions.

Each receptor is sensitive to a form of physical energy — mechanical, thermal, chemical, and electromagnetic.
The receptors transform stimuli into electrochemical energy that the nerves use to supply sensory information into the CNS.

Encased within the joints of the body are different types of mechanoreceptors that enable our bodies to unconsciously monitor the exact position of our muscles, joints, and bones — a process called "proprioception."

Proprioception is our "body sense": If you have ever tried to walk after one of your legs "falls asleep," you will have some idea of the difficulty in coordinating muscular activity without proprioception.

Mechanoreceptor input into the CNS occurs at an optimum state when the biomechanical integrity of the spine is intact. Loss of spinal structure diminishes important sensory input into the CNS.

OPTIMAL STRUCTURE OF THE CERVICAL SPINE

When discussing the human body, it is important to understand that the word “normal” applies to a condition that is optimum or ideal, rather than a condition which might be considered “average” for a large group of people.
The point is not to try and determine an exact ideal of what everyone’s body conforms to, but rather to use the laws and principles of physics, math, and neuroanatomy to determine a range of optimal normal values to which everyone can strive to achieve.


Correction and maintenance of the structure of the spine, in particular the cervical spine, is of paramount importance in the pursuit of optimal health.

Gray’s Anatomy clearly shows how spinal muscles leave the greatest pivotal stress at C1 and C4-C5 to allow for the greatest strength and potential energy. This demonstrates that there must be lateral curves for peak performance.3

is widely recognized that proprioceptive input from muscles, joints and other receptors is necessary for the accurate control of movement and posture. Loss of proprioception results in large systematic errors in multi-joint movements attributed, at least in part, to impaired motor programming. 2

JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
There is a mechanical basis for these normal
anatomic curves; they give the spinal column
increased flexibility and augmented, shockabsorbing
capacity, while at the same time
maintaining adequate stiffness and stability at the
intervertebral joint level. 4

CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS OF THE SPINE
“The normal curvatures of the spinal column lie in the plane of the sagittal suture. The curves absorb
vertical forces in a spring-like fashion and this has shock-absorbing qualities. The ideal shape of the
spine was elucidated by Killus(1976) with the help of computer analysis. Killus superimposed 150
measurements and with the help of further conversions, found the ideal spinal column.” 5


“A study in the research journal Neurosurgery, of patients who required surgery for cervical
spondylotic myleopathy, revealed that those patients who had a normal cervical lordosis prior
to the surgery showed significant post-operative neurological improvement over those
surgical patients who did not have a pre-operative cervical curve.” 6

NEUROSURGERY
Because of its mobility, relatively small structure, and weightbearing role, the cervical spine is a frequent site of spinal nerve trauma, subluxations, and fixations.
When you have sensitive nerve pathways passing through such a mobile structure, the potential for breakdown is high.
The cervical spine has the greatest amount of potential for
malfunctions and for creating health problems that affect the entire health and function of the body.

THE CERVICAL SPINE AND TRAUMA
The cervical spine is susceptible to various forces that cause the vertebrae to lose their proper structural position. These types of traumas include macro trauma, such as auto accident/whiplash, sports injuries, and falls; repetitive or micro-trauma, such as work tasks and poor postural habits; and early development trauma, which includes childhood falls and even the birth process.

Whiplash injury is caused by a sudden exaggerated thrust of the head backwards, forwards, and sometimes sideways.
Abnormal forces are applied to muscles, ligaments, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and intervertebral disks, as the weighty head moves beyond normal physiological limits.
There are often no visible bruises or abrasions from this type of injury, yet victims report classic symptoms following the accident — even years after its occurrence.

The symptoms or Secondary Conditions are due to abnormal structural stress of the vertebral bones and soft tissue of the head and neck. Whiplash injury is most often associated with automobile accidents, but can also occur due to impact sports, domestic violence, playfully tossing a small child into the air and even amusement park rides. As well as headaches, neck pain and TMD.

WHIPLASH FACTS
• Over one million Americans each year suffer a whiplash
injury
• 25% of whiplash victims suffer from chronic pain
disabilities;
• 1/7th of whiplash victims report pain 3 years after initial
injury.
U.S. Automobile Accident Statistics 7

"In speaking of the forces generated in the head and neck as a result of whiplash, the convention is to use the term G. One G is equivalent to the acceleration resulting from the earth's gravity, 32.2 feet/sec. Ewing measured the maximum peak acceleration of the head of human volunteers exposed to nominal 10-G, 250-G/sec runs and found the surprising high\ force of 47.8 G. Thus, in some cases, the head may accelerate up to 5 times the input acceleration." 8

CROFT & FOREMAN
The birth process, even under normal conditions, is frequently the first cause of spinal stress. After the head of the child appears, the physician grabs the baby's head and twists it around in a figure eight motion, lifting it up to receive the lower shoulder and then down to receive the upper shoulder. This creates significant stress on the spine of the baby.

"Spinal cord and brain stem injuries occur often during the process of birth but frequently escape diagnosis. Infants who survive often experience survive often experience lasting neurological defects. Spinal trauma at birth is essentially attributed to excessive longitudinal traction, especially when this force is combined with flexion and torsion of the spinal axia during delivery." 9

Dr. Abraham Towbin
The proper structure of a baby's spine must be maintained, as the primary ossification (rigid bone development) is not complete until approximately 3-6 years of age. Deviation from proper spinal structure resulting from the birth process can result in abnormal spinal development.

LOSS OF OPTIMAL CERVICAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Loss of the optimal cervical spinal structure and its resulting pathologies are known in medical literature by numerous names including spondylosis, spinal stenosis, cervical compression myleopathy, spondylocondrosis, cervical disc herniation, subaxial disc space narrowing, cervical fixation,

cervical radiculitis, vertebral subluxation, and many more.
Vertebral subluxation is perhaps the most accurate description of loss of normal vertebral position.
Vertebral subluxations alter the protective structure of the spine, which causes abnormal nerve transmission, resulting in a state of disharmony and lowered resistance in the body.
Vertebral subluxation also causes abnormal joint physiology, resulting in a degeneration of the bones and soft tissues of the spine.

Vertebral subluxation and loss of cervical curve is devastating to a person’s health and are well documented by leading health authorities.

“Encroachment or narrowing of the intervertebral canals may be the result of some involvement of the proximate soft tissue structures and/or the bony structures. Irritation of the cervical nerve roots may give rise to pain, sensory changes, muscle atrophy, muscle spasm, and alteration of the tendon reflexes anywhere along their segmental distribution. Any condition causing narrowing of the intervertebral canals may cause compression of the nerve roots. “ 11

Ruth Jackson, M.D.
THE CERVICAL SYNDROME

An injured joint is likely to cause persistent, disturbed, sensory feedback to the central nervous system and therefore existing motor programs have to be modified. Sensory receptors in the joint can influence muscle tone. This produces interdependence between biomechanical and neurological mechanisms.”

NEURO-ORTHOPEDICS
Alfred Brieg, leading neurosurgeon, has shown that the loss of the normal cervical curve stretches the spinal cord anywhere from 5 to 7 cm and results in abnormal tensions on the hind-brain, cranial nerves, cervical cord, and cervical nerve roots.

BIOMECHANICAL EFFECTS OF POSTURAL CHANGE
Abnormal rotations and translations on the soft tissue
in the cervical canal are depicted in the figure at right.
In A, the neck is in the normal lordotic position.
The cord is relaxed and folded in the posterior. The nerve roots are relaxed. Loss of curve B, the cord is stretched, the nerve roots are stretched, and the nerve roots are pressed upward against the pedicles of the vertebra.

“Neural dysfunction associated with acute or chronic subluxation syndromes basically manifest as abnormalities in sensory interpretation and/or motor activities. These disturbances may be through one of two primary mechanisms, either direct nerve or nerve root disorders of a reflex nature.” 10

CERVICAL SPINE TRAUMA
SPINAL DEGENERATION
Spinal degeneration is the gradual and progressive breakdown of vertebral joints and related structures due to long-standing misalignments or vertebral subluxations, caused by deterioration of the intervertebral disc, bad posture, or a variety of traumatic injuries. When left uncorrected, these spinal misalignments cause abnormal biomechanics which erode joint surfaces. This degenerative process is similar to the abnormal wear on automobile tires when left unbalanced.

To stabilize the degenerating joints, the body deposits calcium at the edge of bone, resulting in irregular joint surfaces and arthritic spur ring. Although it has been suggested that aging is responsible for degenerative changes in the spine, recent research indicates otherwise. According to Anatomico-Roentgenographic Studies of the Spine, the incidence of degenerative changes varies from one segmental level to another.

The C5/C6 level is most frequently involved, with C6/C7 being the level most frequently affected. The C2/C 3 level is the one least likely to exhibit degenerative changes. Clearly, the primary cause of spinal degeneration is abnormal stress loads on the biomechanics of the spine.14

“The aim of this study was to determine whether F-16 pilots are at an increased level of cervical spine degeneration versus pilots who do not fly F-16s and therefore are not exposed to the G-force stress on the cervical spine. In total, 316 pilots were evaluated, 188 F-16 pilots and 128 pilots in the control group.

Two radiologists, who were blinded as to whether the x-ray films wer e of F-16 pilots or the control group, examined these x-rays separately. In both groups, the time between the pre- and post-x-rays was an average of six years. Results: Both radiologists found comparable statistically significant differences between the groups.

In the F-16 group, an increased osteophytic spurring was found at levels of C4-C5 and C6-C7 and increased arthritis deforms were found in the cervical spine. These findings demonstrated that the increased biomechanical stress on the cervical spine was responsible for the degeneration.” 15
AVIATION SPACE ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE

Spinal degeneration often goes undetected because of the lack of pain and symptoms during the early phases. During the later phases, pain, loss of mobility, stiffness, and a host of neurological conditions become more common

PHASES OF SPINAL DEGENERATION
VERTEBRAL SUBLUXATIONS AND HEALTH CONDITIONS
Vertebral subluxations cause nerve interference which diminishes the inherent healing potential of the human body. Subluxations have been documented to cause a variety of health problems, including headaches, migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, TMJ, sinus infections, ear infections, vertigo, allergies, asthma, thyroid conditions, sinusitis, arm pain, shoulder pain, hormonal imbalance, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and many others

“I have seen pain and illness of the human body caused by subluxations.” 16 Dr. Louis Casamajor Professor of Neurology
We have been conditioned to believe that health problems begin or are indicated by some type of a symptom, but nothing could be further from the truth.

In any health condition, the symptoms are always the last thing to show up and the first thing to go away.
Vertebral subluxations are often referred to as the “silent killer” because they destroy the health and healing potential of the human body long before the presence of any symptoms.

Cervical spine surgery is often necessary in cases involving major accidents, trauma or other obvious pathologies, but in many cases, the surgery could have been prevented by using a mechanical or corrective approach. Most cervical spine surgeries involve the removal of part of or all of the disk or bone, and then fusing the vertebrae together with a bone graft, either in front of or behind the spine. The bone graft may be one of two types: an autograft (bone taken from another part of the person’s body) or an allograft (bone supplied by a bone bank donor). Often, metal plate screws or wires are also used to further stabilize the spine. Cervical spine surgeries always result in loss of function and mobility in the cervical spine.

CERVICAL SPINE SURGERY STATISTICS
From 1979 through 2009, spinal surgeries increased 137%, while the population on whom almost all of the surgeries are performed rose only 23%.
The rate of cervical spine surgery increased 53% from 1979 to 2009, and the rate of cervical fusion surgery increased more than 70%.
The rate of spinal surgery in the United States is 40% higher than any other country.
Complications of cervical spine surgery include nervous system complications (15 per 1,000) and death (6 per 1,000).17
National Center for Vital Statistics

STRUCTURAL CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CARE
The science of STRUCTURAL Chiropractic is founded on the premise that a properly functioning nervous system is the foundation of health, and that the structural integrity of the spinal column must be maintained in order to facilitate optimal nervous system transmission and communication.

Virtually all spinal problems are caused by some type of mechanical or structural stress; therefore, it stands to reason that they require a mechanical correction. Drugs can do little more than suppress the symptoms that may be associated with spinal conditions and surgery, even when required, can eliminate some of the more obvious structural effects of subluxations, but neither can correct and restore the optimal structure of the spine.

Doctors of Chiropractic detect and correct vertebral subluxations by physically adjusting the spine to restore normal spinal function and balance which allows the nervous system to send and receive information. This allows the inherent healing potential of the body to best express itself.

Specific Gentle Chiropractic adjustments restore the normal structure of the spine and maximize the posture of the human frame — a process that is unique to the Chiropractic profession

The Chiropractic correction of the spine is not something that happens overnight. The time frame for correction varies with individuals.

The corrective process requires time, and usually corrective exercises and changing of ergonomic and postural habits, but the results are worth it.


The effectiveness of Chiropractic care (referred to in scientific literature as “adjustments” or “manipulation”) has been demonstrated by thousands of scientific research and case studies.

“Even infants can be affected by life- and health-damaging effects of vertebral subluxation, according to a study by Dr. V. Fryman, M.D.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Orthopedic Association, says that out of 1,250 infants chosen at random, 211 of them suffered from nervousness, vomiting, muscular abnormalities, tremors, and insomnia.
 
Two hundred (95%) of those children had abnormal cervical (neck) muscle strain, indicating vertebral subluxation. When the subluxation was adjusted and the muscle strain removed, an immediate calming effect resulted: the children’s crying stopped, the muscles relaxed, and the children fell asleep.” 20

“Interference to the nervous system results in damage within a short period of time and, therefore, Chiropractic care should begin at birth on a preventive basis. “ 21
Dr. Arpad DeNagy
Factual evidence strongly suggests that the atlas adjustment has an effect on the entire nervous system, primarily through its effect on joint mechanoreceptors. The most important proprioceptive information needed for maintenance of equilibrium is derived from the joint receptors of the upper cervical spine, appraising the orientation of the head with respect to the body. Upper cervical misalignments can adversely affect reticular formation activity by abnormal afferentation to the thalamus.


“Chiropractors have suspected involvement of the somatoautonomic reflex, and current experimental findings suggest this is a valid assumption. It appears from clinical research that abnormal spinal reflexes can set into motion a wide variety of abnormal pathological and functional processes.

The somatoautonomic reflex hypothesis may be the most logical justification for the use of chiropractic adjustments for conditions other than pain.” 24
Robert A. Leach,
THE CHIROPRACTIC THEORIES

Spinal manipulation applied to a restricted atlanto-occipital joint results in an immediate disappearance of spontaneous activity in the oblique capitus superior muscle. With spinal manipulation, this is more rapid than either anesthetic applied to the joint capsule or to the muscle directly. 25

MANUAL MEDICINE

“If people truly understood the value and importance of Chiropractic, they would hold their Chiropractor at gunpoint, if necessary, in order to ensure their family was adjusted.” 26
Dick Gregory,
Comedian, Author, and Political Activist
“Capsular or ligament injury results in loss and deactivation of mechanoreceptors — the proprioceptive role of the affected segment is adversely affected. Spinal manipulation may help activate receptors and restoring proprioceptive control reduces the chance of re-injury. Hence, it is an important consideration in preventive care.” 27
Basmajan & Ryberg,
RATIONAL MANUAL THERAPY
There are many quotes and stats, and if you are like me you want to know exactly where I get this information, below are the references.
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 or visit our site: www.advancedwesthartford.com
FaceBook Page

Thank you to Keith Wassung the author.  
REFERENCES
1.Tortora, Gerard T. (1996). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Benjamin Cummings Publishing, p. 181.
2.Journal of Neurophysiology, 70(5).
3.Gray, Henry MD. Gray’s Anatomy.
4.White, A., & Panjabi, M. Clinical Biomechanics of the Spine. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott, p. 2.
5.Junghanns, Herbert MD. (1990). Normal Biomechanical Stress on Spinal Function. Aspen Publishing, p. 32.
6.Naderi, S. MD, & Ozgen, S. MD. (1998, July). Cervical spondylotic myleopathy surgical results: Factors affecting
results. Neurosurgery, 43(1).
7.National Safety Council. (1998). U.S. Automobile Accident Statistics. Itasca, Illinois.
8.Croft, A., & Foreman, S. (1995). Whiplash Injuries: The Cervical Acceleration/Deceleration
Syndrome. 2nd edition. Baltimore, MD: Williams and Williams Publishing.
9.Towbin, Abraham MD. (1998). Brain Damage in the Newborn and Its Neurological Sequels:
Pathological and Clinical Correlation. Danvers, MA: P.R.M. Publishing, p. 137.
10.Schafer, R. DC, Monograph — www.chiro.org/places/mon-22.html
11.Jackson, R. MD. (1978). The Cervical Syndrome. Springfield, Illinois: Thomas Publishing, p. 61.
12.Johannsen. (1990). Neuro-Orthopedics, 1(23).
13.Greive, G. (1986). Modern Manual Therapy of the Vertebral Column. New York: Churchill-Livingston, p. 186.
14.Hadley, L. MD. (1981). Anatomico-Roentgenographic Studies of the Spine. Springfield, Illinois:Thomas
Publishing.
15.Hendrickson, Ingrid J. PhD, & Holewijn MSc. (1999). Degenerative changes of the spines of
fighter pilots of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Aviation Space Environmental Medicine, 70, pp. 1057-1063.
16.Dr. Louis Casamajor, Professor of Neurology.
17.National Center for Vital Statistics.
18.Seyle, Hans. Nobel Laureate.
19.Lennon, J. (1994, January). American Journal of Pain Management.
20.Fryman, V. Journal of the American Orthopedic Association.
21.DeNagy, Dr. Arpad. The Rockefeller Institute.
22.Crowe, T., & Kleinman, H. (1991). Upper cervical influence on the reticular system. Upper Cervical Monograph, 5(1), pp. 12-14.
23.Hadley, Dr. Lee. Syracuse Memorial Hospital.
24.Leach, R. DC. (1986). The Chiropractic Theories: A Synopsis of Scientific Research. Williams &vWilkins, p. 150
25.Thabe, MD. (1986). Manual Medicine, 2: pp. 53-58.
26.Gregory, Dick. Comedian, author, and political activist.
27.Basmajian MD, & Ryberg MSc. (1993). Rational Manual Therapy. Williams and Williams Publishing, pp. 451-467.
COMPLIMENTS OF

Back Pain and Bad Posture: What's The Link?

At Advanced Chiropractic we can say for sure this, "Bad Posture is not ONLY muscle imbalance or a need to strengthen your core as many trainers in West Hartford preach". Yes, you will improve posture when you strength train properly and this will not change the structure of your spine at all.
 
The key is to combine Structural Correction (enhancing the spine and its ligament connections to normal range) and Strength Training (cross-fit, boot-camps, personal training or conventional gyms).

To many personal trainers and conventional chiropractors believe that folks just need one or the other, as a Structural Chiropractor (the only one in West Hartford and the Farmington Valley) I am here to make a strong declarative statement that is not ambiguous, "You need Structural Correction with Complementary Recommendations and Strength Training".

 If you don't have both you will always have half the solution and therefore half the results, incomplete and this will cause you chronic recurring back pain to rear it's ugly head over and over again. This causes you to jump from one temporary solution to the next temporary solution, until drastic measures are necessary, because the "once in a while" back or neck pain has turned into debilitating pain requiring surgery. 

Conventional chiropractors work to relieve pain, get you moving better and decrease muscle spasm and do a fine job, just like physical therapists. Personal trainers work to improve strength, stability and cardiovascular improvement, all worth while and necessary.

Structural Correction is a branch of chiropractic that focuses on bringing your spine back to within normal range to correct Secondary Conditions as; Poor Posture, back pain, neck pain, headaches. It's easy to understand, Structural Correction focuses on the ligaments and normal structure of the vertebrae (spine).
 
For example, think of your houses foundation, if the foundation is off a few inches, what do you think the Secondary Conditions that would be a result of an abnormal foundation? Cracks in the dry wall, squeaky floors, window and doors not opening properly - of  course. Now, some would put a patch on the dry wall, a nail in the floors and wd-40 on the window frames, yet you and I know that the underlying problem is the foundation and the abnormal frame work.

What would you do? 

Fix the foundation or do the temporary patch up jobs?

Most reasonable people would fix the underlying problem, the foundation - this is Structural Chiropractic in a nutshell. Correction vs. Temporary Patch.

Personal Trainers, Physical Therapist and Conventional Chiropractors are not concerned with bringing your spine back to with in normal range, it's just not their focus.

Structural Correction has one focus correct your spine back to within normal range to help relieve, improve Secondary Conditions, such as low back pain, neck pain, arm pain, sciatica, and headaches including Migraines. And then teach you how to protect your spine once it's corrected.

How do I correct an abnormal spine?

We use specific spinal correction utilizing two different instruments, Structural Rehabilitation with our Remodeling tables and Complementary Recommendations for you to do the other 23 hours of the day you are not in our office. Our focus eliminates the need for aggressive spinal manipulations, having you come in "forever" and we are not good at a "jack of all trades practice" that is why we only focus on Structural Correction.


Mention this blog post for a complimentary consultation, which is a conversation not a commitment and $75 Off Our Complete Structural Corrective Chiropractic Examination, which includes a full series of Structural Corrective Radiography's with Spinal Analysis, Digital Photographic Structural Correction Assessment, Laser Guided In-fared Heat Analysis and Chiropractic, Orthopedic & Neurological Tests with a customized written report, which also includes first day service with Structural Rehabilitation if necessary.  


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

Screwed...Literally

Screwed... Literally 

 

I meet folks in West Hartford who are skeptical about conventional chiropractic care and I do not blame them.

We are NOT a conventional Chiropractic office, we focus on a branch of Chiropractic called Structural Correction. Here is the big difference between Conventional and Structural Chiropractic.
As you know we DO not use aggressive manipulations, or ask you to "believe" in chiropractic or claim to cure everything.  And many like our approach, they say it just makes sense and is reasonable.

The picture above is that of an unfortunate patient (not at our office) that has under gone major back surgery. Now, after seeing that picture, there is nothing in my office that should scare, intimidate or even cause you to take pause.

What I can say after my years of experience is this; "uncorrected spinal structure will cause damage and degenerate spinal structures which for some will cause major debilitating consequences".

We do Structural Chiropractic to correct abnormal structure from degenerating to such a point where this surgery was performed.

We use two different instruments, a handheld Correcting instrument and our Structural Corrective Table. Again, most conventional chiropractors use their hands with a non-specifc general manipulations - which are safe.

Our goal or focus is structural correction, with that in mind we need to be specific and realize not every vertebra (back bone) needs to be corrected. Our technique is similar to fine tuning of a grand piano vs  using a sledge hammer to persuade a piece of concrete. Specific, gentle with a less is more mindset to patient care.

Detecting is vital, the correction is as much a science and art. That is why we take Structural Films, most conventional chiropractors DO NOT take films anymore. Again, the more specific we are the less force we need to use and results tend to speak for themselves.

Also the hand held instrument delivers forces from mere (3-4) ounces to 40 pounds per square inch - very specific. Also the speed in which that specific force is delivered resonates (beneficial)  with the tissues of the body, mainly your nervous system and ligaments.

And, I know people are hesitant to go to a Conventional Chiropractor because of unnecessary worry about aggressive manipulation - since you have experienced Structural Chiropractic or now know about about our gentle specific correction, when people ask about our office you can honestly say we are gentle and specific - different than most conventional chiropractors.

Who should be our patient?
Patients who have periodic reoccurring symptoms, chronic patients, and those who have been to other conventional chiropractors and/or physical therapists, and have not experienced significant correction.


Many Secondary Conditions, such as; back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches and TMJ have been helped by correcting abnormal structure.
Plus, our technique gets results, in  my not so humble opinion.
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

Neck & Back Pain: What To Do?

Neck and Back pain are two common reasons patients seek out any doctor. Commonly neck and back pain are treated by either using medications, injections, Physical Therapy or Conventional Chiropractic and if need be surgeries from minor to major spinal fusions.

There is more than one way to cook an egg.

We use Structural Chiropractic care to detect and then correct a Primary Structural Condition called Anterior Head Syndrome or AHS for short. Because AHS is a Primary Condition it is responsible for many Secondary Conditions - you may know as symptoms, such as Neck and Back Pain.

In many cases, AHS (Anterior Head Syndrome) may be the underlying cause of a large variety of Secondary Conditions. We focus on correcting AHS and can create a plan of care to improve your structure and your health.

AHS causes abnormal pressures on your discs, vertebrae (spine bones), muscles, ligaments and nerves, once we correct AHS this relieves the harsh forces on these inner frame work structures improving your spine and health.

The objective indicators that confirm AHS are the following:

Muscle Tension/Spasm
Dwager's Hump ("Granny Hump")
Compressed (Degenerated) Disc
Nerve Impingement Syndrome
Damaged (Degenerated) Vertebra

There are many ways to deal with secondary conditions our way is to address AHS. We correct AHS with the following:

You see when your head has shifted more than an inch anterior this creates an additional 10 pounds of force, which generates harsh pressures in your spine leading to degeneration, pain and discomfort. What we focus on is correcting you structure back into the normal range this alleviates the harsh pressures allowing your spine to improve and you to regain health. This is how we accomplish our goal of Structural Correction.

AHS can cause these Secondary Conditions:

Neck & Back Pain
Sciatica
Numbness & Tingling
Muscular Spasm
Headaches
Pinched Nerves
Herniated Discs
Degenerated Disc disease
Degenerated joint disease
Poor Posture
Dizziness/vertigo
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

We use:

Specific Spinal Corrections using two specific instruments. 

We use Spinal Remodeling Tables for our Structural Rehabilitation.

Finally, we design a Plan of Care that also includes Complementary Recommendations, that enhance your care in our office and then help you Protect your correction.
 
What we don't do is just as important as what we do, you need to know so you can make an informed decision.

We do not use aggressive spinal manipulations
We do not have you "come forever"
We do not ask you to "believe" in chiropractic
And we do not claim to cure everything

We focus on correcting abnormal Primary Structural Conditions of your spine called AHS (Anterior Head Syndrome).

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

Community Education Series New Additions...

Important Announcement, July 19th 9:54am:

Community Education Series New Additions...

Chiropractic: Myths & Facts Presentation

Every Monday at 12 noon and Wednesday at 6 PM. This is a group presentation that describes the difference between Conventional vs Structural Chiropractic (our Care).

No sales pitches - this is informational, you will learn Why:

1.) We Do Not use aggressive spinal manipulation
2.) We DO Not have you come forever
3.)We Do Not claim to cure everything

and...

Why we ONLY correct structure of your spine, which has helped many with Secondary Conditions/symptoms, such as: Unattractive Granny Hump (Dowager Hump) back and neck pain, sciatica, TMJ and headaches.

Also...

Private consultations are also available.
It's a conversation, not a commitment.

For additional information call: 860.523.5465

 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

Hartford Benevolent Chiropractic Clinic

Hartford Benevolent Chiropractic Clinic

Important Announcement:

Local Chiropractor Dr. Chris Chase, owner of Advanced Chiropractic in West Hartford, CT has teamed up with Pastor Bruce Carter, of The Temple of Restoration located in Hartford, CT to provide chiropractic services to local folks who need care and cannot afford it.

This endeavor was facilitated by respected educator Dr. Ann-Marie Adams of Hartford, she is responsible for introducing and putting together Bruce L. Carter and Chris Chase, DC to make this happen. Dr. Chase said, “I am confident in saying that without Anne-Marie Adams help; this would not have been possible”.

Dr. Chase said, “There is no question that there are people out there who are truly in need, and who truly cannot afford chiropractic care. As a chiropractor/healthcare provider I have many opportunities to do overseas healthcare related missions work, but I would prefer to focus on the people that are in need, right here in our backyards who have fallen on hard times, and who are also truly in need of chiropractic care”.
Dr. Chase goes on to state, “Part of my personal mission is to help when I can, and be a positive force in our community.” Dr. Chris Chase has donated his skills in the past to Volunteers In Medicine of Cape May Court House, NJ.
On the second Thursday of each month Dr. Chase will be providing his Chiropractic services for no charge at Temple of The Restoration in Hartford from 10am to 12 noon.
Temple of The Restoration is located on:
635 Farmington Ave Hartford, CT 06105
(860) 232-4867

Additional information: 

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

Hartford Benevolent Chiropractic Clinic

Advanced Chiropractic Facebook Page 

Breast Augmentation: What Else Enhances The New You?

Breast augmentation is common and has many beneficial outcomes. In my practice I have seen breast reductions just as often as I have seen breast enhancements. What is common for both situations is a desire to look and feel better.
So what is a Chiropractor who focuses on Structural Correction of the spine talking about breast augmentation?
Good question. Please read on.
Back pain, as you can image for women with breasts that are considered out of proportion with the rest of their features plays a significant role in back pain, along with the social and mental aspects. It's much more than bad posture especially,  if the woman developed early in life (early bloomer) compared to her class mates.  This causes usually a rounded shoulder, hunched look - in an ill attempt to "hide" her breast development (out of fear of attention and criticism).

How Strong Is Your Foundation? Normal is on the Left abnormal is on your right.

Our patient post breast augmentation (breast reduction), with an abnormal structural shift of her mid back (thoracic spine).
Black LINE indicates NORMAL the RED Line is where she was and is ABNORMAL

As the old saying goes, "as the twig is bent, so grows the tree". 
The young girl grows into a young women with the pronounced rounded shoulders and hunched back. This is NOT just bad posture. These young women have changed the shape of their normal spinal structure to outside the normal range. Even with the breast augmentation, the abnormal spinal shift remains and detracts from the over all ascetic of the young women form.

See the example below:

We've all seen a spine before and I'll guess the last time you have seen a spine was probably your  High School Biology class.
The example to the left is a BEFORE Standing Neutral lateral radiography of the Thoracic spine - just means this is the side view of a patients mid back.
At the top, where the number 2 or Second Thoracic vertebra is located- is the very top of your thoracic spine (mid back), and down by the number 10 or tenth thoracic vertebra is the lower portion of the mid back.
To the right is the anterior or where your chest is, to the left is the posterior or back.

What's Normal?

Normal range for the thoracic spine (mid back) is the black line.  The red dashed line is abnormal, the red arrows indicate Degenerative Disc and Joint Disease or Osteoarthritis. Notice the disc spacing between the vertebrae (back bone) at the levels 7 & 8 & 9 - notice how thin the spacing appears.  

This young female patient had moderate to sever mid back pain, and she had moderate hunch back or granny hump appearance, which is the primary reason she sought out our unique focus of care.  Even after she had her breast reduction surgery.
How she appeared and her health are big factors for her, much like teeth on a child or adult when they are crooked. The Orthodontists straightens the teeth to function better AND have a pleasing smile as well. Same principle with our care, to Structurally Correct for Optimum Health and to enhance your symmetry, which is ascetically desirable.  The surgeons with their skills reduced the patients breast significantly - however the structural damage was done. The breast reduction helped tremendously (and I recommended this procedure), yet our care enhanced the total outcome the patient desired.
This AFTER Radiographic (X-ray) study of the same female patient AFTER her Initial Phase of Care that was customized to her needs.

Normal

Look at the Dramatic difference. And as a bonus to the patient look at the spacing between 5 & 6 - 8, all gained height.
The patients symptoms or as I call them Secondary Conditions, the reason I use the word Secondary because they are a result of the Primary Abnormal Structural Shift of the Thoracic spine.

In other words, her mid back was outside the normal range causing increased pressure on her discs, stress and strain to the muscles, ligaments and obviously the bones.

This Primary Condition Anterior Head Syndrome, also distracts from the ascetics of our patient (the goosed neck appearance).

But this is only half the story you see, the spine is like links in a chain, if one link or section of links are abnormal this can effect the other section- just look at the Radiography of the Cervical Spine or neck, which was contributing to this patients mid back pain and appearance.

As you know this is the side view BEFORE radiography of our patients cervical spine, and as you can already tell the black line is normal and the red line is abnormal.
Because of the abnormal structural shift (Anterior Head Syndrome) of the skull relative to our patients thoracic, or the classic goosed neck" appearance - this causes abnormal forces or increased weight, by at least 10 pounds(the weight of a bowling ball) to primarily the neck but also the mid back. In other words if I just looked at her mid back and not her ENTIRE spine, then the most important piece of the puzzle would of been missed - leading to a less than ideal out come for our patient. 


What our patients come to understand, and we realize that most patients want the "patch up job" - yet, once they have had a few patches, they look for something more in line with our service, which is Structural Corrective Chiropractic Care. I'm not saying our care is better, what I will say we have a different focus that our patients appreciate.  

Young women, girls are more and more at risk because of our modern life style (Texting, computer games), which leads to a commonly called structural condition called Texting Neck or Anterior Head Syndrome

Our focus is to correct this abnormal structure so you or your child can live pain free, look their optimum and function normally.  It's easy to understand, once your spine is in the normal range, this gives your body the chance to heal. The tension is no longer on the bones, muscle, disc and nerves.

Think of your satellite dish on your house and the wires that run to the box on your tv, if those wires are interfered with - what do you think the signal would be... blurry right.
Well, this is similar to what happened in our case above when her spine was abnormal.... this caused interference, and  the inference had accumulated over a long period of time, resulting in  Secondary Conditions, such as; Headaches, TMJ and Mid Back pain along with a dramatic disadvantageous appearance.

Our focus is to detect and then correct abnormal structure of the spine in girls and young women to help them function optimally and enhance their look. We do this well and is all we do - we do not dabble in other procedures(which is an option many (not all)of my colleagues like to offer), we focus exclusively on structural correction.

Have a GREAT Day!

Dr. Chris and the Advanced Crew....
Advanced Chiropractic Facebook Page 

Advanced Chiropractic Site