Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic - Augusta, GA

Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized chiropractic care with an emphasis on treating patients in an individualized environment, tailored specifically to you. Visit www.georgia-clinic.com for more information.

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Treatment with a Headache and Migraine Specialist in Augusta GA on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/11/treatment-with-a-headache-and-migraine-specialist-in-augusta-ga/

Treatment with a Headache and Migraine Specialist in Augusta GA

More people complain about headaches than any other medical ailment. There are approximately 45 million Americans complaining of headaches each year. That works out to about one in every six people or 16.54% of the population. More than eight million Americans visit their doctor for complaints of headache each year.

  Types of Headache Disorders

Migraine, tension-type headache and medication-overuse headache are of public health importance as they are responsible for high population levels of disability and ill-health.

A primary headache disorder.

Most often begins at puberty and most affects those aged between 35 and 45 years.

It is caused by the activation of a mechanism deep in the brain that leads to release of pain-producing inflammatory substances around the nerves and blood vessels of the head.

Migraine is recurrent, often life-long, and characterized by attacks.

Attacks include features such as

headache of moderate or severe intensity;

nausea (the most characteristic);

one-sided and/or pulsating quality;

aggravated by routine physical activity;

with duration of hours to 2-3 days;

attack frequency is anywhere between once a year and once a week; and

in children, attacks tend to be of shorter duration and abdominal symptoms more prominent.

Common migraine triggers include:

Hormonal changes in women. Fluctuations in estrogen seem to trigger headaches in many women with known migraines. Women with a history of migraines often report headaches immediately before or during their periods, when they have a major drop in estrogen. Others have an increased tendency to develop migraines during pregnancy or menopause. Hormonal medications — such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy — also may worsen migraines, though some women find it’s beneficial to take them.

Foods. Some migraines appear to be triggered by certain foods. Common offenders include alcohol, especially beer and red wine; aged cheeses; chocolate; aspartame; overuse of caffeine; monosodium glutamate — a key ingredient in some Asian foods and most processed foods; salty foods; and processed foods. Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger migraine attacks.

Stress. Stress at work or home can instigate migraines.

Sensory stimuli. Bright lights and sun glare can induce migraines, as can loud sounds. Unusual smells — including pleasant scents, such as perfume, and unpleasant odors, such as paint thinner and secondhand smoke — can also trigger migraines.

Changes in wake-sleep pattern. Either missing sleep or getting too much sleep may serve as a trigger for migraines in some individuals, as can jet lag.

Physical factors. Intense physical exertion, including sexual activity, may provoke migraines.

Changes in the environment. A change of weather or barometric pressure can prompt a migraine.

Medications. Certain medications can aggravate migraines, especially oral contraceptives and vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin.

Tension-type headache (TTH)

TTH is the most common primary headache disorder.

Episodic TTH is reported by more than 70% of some populations; chronic TTH affects 1-3% of adults.

TTH often begins during the teenage years, affecting three women to every two men.

Its mechanism may be stress-related or associated with musculoskeletal problems in the neck.

Episodic TTH attacks usually last a few hours, but can persist for several days.

Chronic TTH can be unremitting and is much more disabling than episodic TTH.

This headache is described as pressure or tightness, like a band around the head, sometimes spreading into or from the neck.

Cluster Headache (CH)

A primary headache disorder.

CH is relatively uncommon affecting fewer than 1 in 1000 adults, affecting six men to each woman.

Most people developing CH are in their 20s or older.

It is characterized by frequent recurring, brief but extremely severe headache associated with pain around the eye with tearing and redness, the nose runs or is blocked on the affected side and the eyelid may droop.

CH has episodic and chronic forms.

Medication-overuse headache (MOH)

MOH is caused by chronic and excessive use of medication to treat headache.

MOH is the most common secondary headaches.

It may affect up to 5% of some populations, women more than men.

MOH is oppressive, persistent and often at its worst on awakening.

  Why Medications May Not Always Be the Answer

Sometimes your efforts to control your pain cause problems.

Abdominal problems. Certain pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), may cause abdominal pain, bleeding and ulcers — especially if taken in large doses or for a long period of time.

Rebound headaches. In addition, if you take over-the-counter or prescription headache medications more than nine days per month or in high doses, you may be setting yourself up for a serious complication known as rebound headaches. Rebound headaches occur when medications not only stop relieving pain, but actually begin to cause headaches. You then use more pain medication, which traps you in a vicious cycle.

Serotonin syndrome. This potentially life-threatening drug interaction can occur if you take migraine medicines called triptans, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex) or zolmitriptan (Zomig), along withantidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Some common SSRIs include Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil. SNRIs include Cymbalta and Effexor.

  Below is a video of Sandlyn‘s Success Story for Migraines.  Prior to receiving treatment at Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic, Sandlyn had received a battery of tests from various neurologists, but she still wasn’t able to find a doctor who could successfully treat her migraines.  Through chiropractic treatments that specifically addressed her migraines, she is now living pain-free and can’t even remember the last time she had a migraine.

  If you’re a migraine sufferer and you’re tired of dealing with your migraines, we would be more than happy to sit down with you to see if our customized care as migraine-specialized Chiropractors in Augusta GA may be the right course of treatment for you.  We welcome you to schedule a complimentary consultation to find out if your migraines would be a candidate for our customized treatments.

    The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized care. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA and a chiropractor in Evans GA that provides customized treatments.

You can schedule your appointment by calling our friendly staff at [phone] or use our online form.

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Medical Doctor Held Accountable for Over-Prescribing Drugs on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/11/medical-doctor-held-accountable-for-over-prescribing-drugs/

Medical Doctor Held Accountable for Over-Prescribing Drugs

A Southern California doctor was found guilty of murder on Friday for over-prescribing drugs that caused the fatal overdose of three patients, in a landmark verdict prosecutors called the first such conviction in the United States.

In addition to the three counts of second-degree murder, Dr. Hsiu Ying “Lisa” Tseng, 45, was found guilty on 19 counts of unlawful prescription of a controlled substance and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

She was also convicted of illegally writing prescriptions for two of the deceased patients and 16 other people, including two undercover agents who were investigating how easily she prescribed addictive pain pills after brief office visits.

Prosecutors said nine of her patients died during a span of less than three years, while Tseng raked in $5 million from her clinic, dispensing potent, addictive medications to people who did not need them.

Prior to the criminal case, Tseng had already settled civil lawsuits with the families of five other men who overdosed on drugs she proscribed. Testimony revealed at least 12 of Tseng’s patients have died of prescription drug overdoses.

Tseng often used no medical records while prescribing the drugs, officials said.

“In many instances, she faked medical records when authorities began investigating,” according to the district attorney’s office statement.

The case comes amid what public health officials describe as a national epidemic in over-prescribing narcotic painkillers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last year the trend was fueling nearly 17,000 overdose deaths annually, as well as a rise in heroin addiction.

“You can’t hide behind a white lab coat and commit crimes,” Deputy District Attorney John Niedermann said. “Writing a prescription to someone knowing that they’re going to abuse it and potentially die was the theory of second-degree murder that we had.”

The doctor repeatedly ignored warning signs even after several patients died as she built a new medical clinic in Rowland Heights with the money she made from them, earning $5 million in one three-year period. One patient even overdosed in her office and had to be revived.

Tseng prescribed “crazy, outrageous amounts of medication” to patients who didn’t need the pills, the Deputy District Attorney told jurors in Los Angeles County Superior Court during closing arguments. Prosecutors said the recent verdict, capping a six-week trial, marked the first time in which a U.S. doctor was found guilty of murder for over-prescribing drugs.

*                      *                      *

Several years ago multiple news outlets broke the headlining news that pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline pled guilty to health fraud and paid a whopping $3 billion dollars to the United States government for it.  The payment is the largest fraud settlement in U.S. history, and the largest fine ever paid by a drug company.

If you would like to find out if drug-free treatments with experienced chiropractors in Augusta GA may be beneficial for you, you can schedule a complimentary consultation at Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

Augusta GA Chiropractor Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized services. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA and a chiropractor in Evans GA that provide customized care.

Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call [phone] or use our online form.

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Specialized Treatments for Fibromyalgia in Augusta GA on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/10/fibromyalgia-augusta-ga/

Specialized Treatments for Fibromyalgia in Augusta GA

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic (ongoing) condition of widespread pain, tenderness and fatigue. The word fibromyalgia comes from “fibro” – meaning fibers (connective tissue or muscle); “my” – muscle; “al” – pain; and “gia” – meaning the condition of. Thus, fibromyalgia literally means a condition of pain in the muscles and connective tissue fibers. However, individuals with fibromyalgia can and frequently do have pain anywhere in their body.

It is estimated that there are 12 million Americans living with fibromyalgia. The majority of them are women, but men can also experience fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can happen at any age but most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.

  Does Fibromyalgia Really Exist?

There are many misconceptions about fibromyalgia. Some people think it isn’t a real medical problem or that it is “all in your head.” It’s sometimes thought of as a “garbage-can diagnosis;” if doctors can’t find anything else wrong with you, they say you have fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia does really exist. Being diagnosed with fibromyalgia requires that you meet specific criteria. These include painful Tender Points above and below the waist on both sides of the body.

  What Causes Fibromyalgia?

The cause is unknown, but there are a number of possible factors involved:

Physically or emotionally stressful or traumatic events

Repetitive stress injuries

Illness

Fibromyalgia also can occur for no reason at all. People with fibromyalgia may have a gene that causes the body to react strongly to stimuli.

  What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia. Painful areas are called Tender Points.  Among the Tender Points that patients with fibromyalgia suffer from, they can also experience:

Pain that feels like a deep ache, or a shooting or burning pain.

People with fibromyalgia tend to wake up with body aches and stiffness.

For some people, pain may improve during the day, but gets worse at night. Others have pain all day.

Pain may get worse with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety, and stress.

Sensitivity to loud noises

Fatigue, depressed mood, and sleep problems are seen in almost everyone with fibromyalgia.

  Treatment for Fibromyalgia in Augusta GA 

The good news is that fibromyalgia isn’t progressive or life-threatening, and treatments tailored specifically for fibromyalgia an help alleviate many symptoms.  At Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic we can customized treatments tailored specifically for your fibromyalgia.  By greatly relieving the pain from fibromyalgia, our patients experience a significant improvement in psychological distress, cognitive abilities, sleep and functional capacity.  We also understand that fibromyalgia pain can be debilitating, and what provides relief for one patient may not work for another.  That is why it is crucial to not only find a doctor that specializes in fibromyalgia, but also one that creates customized treatments that are based on each individual patient.

Additionally, we are the only clinic in Augusta GA that can provide the combination of chiropractic treatments and cold laser therapy.  The FDA has approved the use of low level lasers for relief of chronic or acute pain, including the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Several studies have shown this treatment to be an effective alternative to prescription medication, especially with no known side effects.

Our goal for you: • Reduce your sense of suffering • Improve the quality of your life • Increase function.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

Augusta GA Chiropractor Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized services. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA and a chiropractor in Evans GA that provide customized care.

Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call [phone] or use our online form.

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By the Numbers: Drug Price Hikes on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/10/by-the-numbers-drug-price-hikes/

By the Numbers: Drug Price Hikes

Drug prices have taken center stage since Turing Pharmaceuticals made headlines for increasing the price of pyrimethamine (trade name Daraprim), an ancient, generic antibiotic used to treat certain rare infections, 5000%, from $13.50 to $750 per pill.  The drug has been around for decades. However, the drug company got the rights to own the drug in August.

A reporter for FierceBiotech said in a post Sunday that Shkreli called him a moron in a Twitter exchange where the reporter had asked about the reason for the higher drug price.  Even presidential candidates commented. Democrat Hillary Clinton tweeted that as president, she would end “price gouging” by drug companies.During a recent press conference, Republican candidate Donald Trump said the CEO “looks like a spoiled brat.”

Turing’s move also isn’t new. Other companies have also taken older, off-patent drugs and significantly raised their prices. Another example is Valeant Pharmaceuticals, which acquired two commonly used heart drugs, Isuprel and Nitropress, earlier this year and subsequently raised the prices by 525% and 212%, respectively.  The controversy arrives at a time of growing concern the rising prices of drugs. New, brand-name cancer drugs now routinely enter the market at more than $100,000 a year.

The news site qz.com summed up the recent fallout best by saying that “Firms raise prices frequently as they try to make as much money as possible before patents expire, recoup their investments, and make up for the high failure rate of pharmaceutical research.”

  DOXYCYCLINE HYCLATE

Common antibiotic

4¢ per tablet in 2013

$3.70 per tablet in 2014

+ 8,281%

  ALBUTEROL SULFATE

Used to treat asthma

11¢ per tablet in 2013

$4.34 per tablet in 2014

+ 4,014%

  GLYCOPYRROLATE

Used to treat irregular heartbeats during surgery

$6.50 per vial in 2013

$127.70 per vial in 2014

+ 2,728%

  DIGOXIN

Used to treat irregular heartbeats and heart failure

11¢ per tablet in 2012

$1.10 per tablet in 2014

+ 884%

  DIVALPROEX SODIUM ER

Used to prevent migraines and certain seizures

39¢ per tablet in 2013

$2.93 per tablet in 2014

+ 736%

  PRAVASTATIN SODIUM

Used to treat high cholesterol and prevent heart disease

5¢ per tablet in 2013

39¢ per tablet in 2014

+ 573%

  SOURCES: U.S. GOVERNMENT; HEALTHCARE SUPPLY CHAIN ASSOCIATION

  *                      *                      *

Several years ago multiple news outlets broke the headlining news that pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline pled guilty to health fraud and paid a whopping $3 billion dollars to the United States government for it.  The payment is the largest fraud settlement in U.S. history, and the largest fine ever paid by a drug company.

If you would like to get a second opinion to find out if drug-free treatments with experienced chiropractors in Augusta GA may be beneficial for you, you can schedule a complimentary consultation at Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic.  Many of our patients have said they wish they had considered drug-free alternatives sooner.  Our complimentary consultations are an integral part of our patient experience here, and our goal is to make sure that you, not the marketers of the pharmaceutical industry, remain in control of your health.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

Augusta GA Chiropractor Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized services. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA and a chiropractor in Evans GA that provide customized care.

Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call [phone] or use our online form.

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Treatment with a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist in Augusta GA on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/10/treatment-with-a-carpal-tunnel-syndrome-specialist-in-augusta-ga/

Treatment with a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist in Augusta GA

Carpal tunnel syndrome is possibly the most common nerve disorder experienced today. It affects 4 – 10 million Americans and is usually very treatable. Middle-aged to older individuals are more likely to develop the syndrome than younger persons, and females three times more frequently than males.

  Fast Facts

Carpal tunnel syndrome may interfere with hand strength and sensation, and cause a decrease in hand function.

Other conditions, such as arthritis, tendonitis and other nerve involvement, need to be ruled out before diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Physicians can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome by history of the symptoms, physical examination and electrical testing, and in some cases by use of ultrasound or MRI.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated effectively with medications, splinting, steroid injections in the wrist and/or surgery.

  Risk Factors:

CTS is associated with a family history of the disorder.

Many studies indicate that women have a significantly higher risk for carpal tunnel syndrome than men do.

Older people are at higher risk than younger adults.

  Signs and symptoms of CTS include:

Nighttime painful tingling in one or both hands, frequently causing sleep disturbance

Feeling of uselessness in the fingers

A sense that fingers are swollen even though little or no swelling is apparent

Daytime tingling in the hands followed by a decreased ability to squeeze things

Loss of strength in the muscle at the base of the thumb near the palm

Pain shooting from the hand up the arm as far as the shoulder

CTS should be diagnosed and treated early. A standard physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck can help determine if your symptoms are related to daily activities or to an underlying disorder.

  A More Cost-Effective Alternative to Surgery

As expensive as Carpal tunnel release surgery already is, there is also the cost of post operative therapies that may be necessary to strengthen and to teach the patient appropriate ergonomics. The amount of time necessary will depend on how quickly the patient recovers. The average cost of the procedure, therapy and other related expenses can average around $29,000.

As experienced chiropractors in Augusta GA, Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic has had tremendous success to treating patients for carpal tunnel syndrome.  In addition to providing customized chiropractic treatments, Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic is also able to provide patients with super pulsed cold laser therapy, with settings specifically made to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.  Approved by the FDA, cold laser therapy has been proven in multiple studies to be an effective form of treatment for patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Therapeutic lasers work by supplying energy to the body in the form of non-thermal photons of light. When converted to chemical energy, it can be used by the cells to accelerate the normal rate of tissue healing, thus blood flow is increased, swelling is decreased and muscle elasticity is improved helping to reduce pain.   You can schedule a complimentary consultation to find out if our customized treatments may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

  Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized care. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA and a chiropractor in Evans GA that provides customized treatments..

You can schedule your appointment by calling our friendly staff at [phone] or use our online form.

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Case Study Shows Chiropractic Success for Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/09/case-study-shows-chiropractic-success-for-symptoms-of-parkinsons-disease/

Case Study Shows Chiropractic Success for Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most patients. When approximately 60% to 80% of the dopamine producing cells are damaged, cardinal motor symptoms such as akinesia, rigidity, and tremor begin to appear.

A small number of patients have a direct mutation that causes it, but genetic predisposition and environmental factors are most commonly the cause. PD is a central nervous system disorder resulting from destruction of the substantia nigra, which initiates dopamine release, an inhibitory transmitter. The lack of dopamine causes a continuous excitatory signal to be sent to the corticospinal tract of the spinal cord, causing over-excitation of the motor cortex; this over-excitation creates the typical PD symptoms.

  Parkinson’s Signs and Symptoms May Include:

Tremor. A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers. You may notice a back-and-forth rubbing of your thumb and forefinger, known as a pill-rolling tremor. One characteristic of Parkinson’s disease is a tremor of your hand when it is relaxed (at rest).

Slowed movement (bradykinesia). Over time, Parkinson’s disease may reduce your ability to move and slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk, or you may find it difficult to get out of a chair. Also, you may drag your feet as you try to walk, making it difficult to move.

Rigid muscles. Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can limit your range of motion and cause you pain.

Impaired posture and balance. Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems as a result of Parkinson’s disease.

Loss of automatic movements. In Parkinson’s disease, you may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk.

Speech changes. You may have speech problems as a result of Parkinson’s disease. You may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be more of a monotone rather than with the usual inflections.

  Case Study Shows Success with Chiropractic for Parkinson’s Disease Patient

A case study found on the US National Library of Medicine illustrates how chiropractic can make a significant impact on the symptoms that Parkinson disease patients suffer from.

An 81-year-old male with a 12-year history of Parkinson disease sought chiropractic care. He had a stooped posture and a shuffling gait. He was not able to ambulate comfortably without the guidance of his walker. The patient had a resting tremor, most notably in his right hand. Outcome measures were documented using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionaire-39 (PDQ-39) and patient subjective reports.

Passive ranges of motion of his extremities showed rigidity with movement. It was difficult for him to extend his arms. His cervical musculature was rigid when lying supine; it took 3 to 5 seconds for his head to relax onto the exam table. When asked questions, he had difficulty responding due to stuttering pauses, which were frequent. His past medical history revealed hypertension controlled with lisinopril, hypothyroidism controlled with levo thyroxine and PD being treated with amantadine and ropinirole.

He performed a finger-to-nose test with both eyes opened then closed, which resulted in a tremor bilaterally at the initiation of movement which subsided throughout the movement, and returned upon ending the test with the finger at his nose. When examining fluidity of eye movement pursuits, there was disruption upon leftward movement. He then followed a moving target to the left of his visual field. When examining the motion of his eyes, there were abrupt pauses in movement. He demonstrated a resting tremor of his right hand that was continuous throughout the entire examination.

A PD questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39) was given at the initiation of care and the patient scored a 15. This instrument has the patient rate his or her activities of daily living and well-being.12 The patient received care twice a week after the initial examination for a duration of 2 months.

After 2 months, the patient completed a PDQ-39 with the score of 9, demonstrating improvement in activities of daily living and well-being. He also noted improvement in his ability to write his name without a tremor. He subjectively indicated an improvement in posture becoming more erect and a reduction in the leftward lean.

The patient’s wife stated that the patient no longer leaned while sitting. She also stated that friends and family saw change in the patient’s posture.

After seeing positive results in posture he began to walk without assistance from a walker. The patient stated that he no longer felt “unbalanced” to the point of needing assistance while walking, since under care he is no longer using a walker and continues to take more fluid steps with increased strides and stability.

  Treatment for the Symptoms of Parkinson Disease in Augusta GA

Although Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, specialized chiropractic treatments can help patients manage their symptoms, and in many cases, significantly improve their quality of life.  Many patients who suffer from Parkinson’s Disease receive customized treatments at Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic, and are able to experience a better quality of life through the reduction of their symptoms.

As experienced chiropractors in Augusta GA, we welcome you to experience our customized care, where each patient receives a thorough evaluation and treatment that uniquely corresponds to that patient’s health needs and preferences.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

Augusta GA Chiropractor Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized treatments. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA and a chiropractor in Evans GA that provide customized care.

Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call [phone] or use our online form.

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Treatment for Gait Disorders in Augusta GA on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/09/treatment-for-gait-disorders-in-augusta-ga/

Treatment for Gait Disorders in Augusta GA

A gait abnormality is defined as unusual and uncontrollable problems with walking. While many different types of gait abnormalities are produced unconsciously, most, although not all, are due to some type of physical malfunction. Some gait abnormalities are so characteristic that they have descriptive names, such as propulsive gait, scissors gait, spastic gait, steppage gait and waddling gait.

Additionally, gait disturbances may be associated with orthopedic conditions, inflammatory conditions of the joints (i.e., arthritic changes), or other abnormalities. Most often though, they are the result of some physical malfunction and may be a consequence of one or more of the following diseases or conditions:

Vestibular (balance) disorders.

Central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

Spinal cord abnormalities, including disease, trauma, and degeneration.

Peripheral nerve diseases.

Degenerative muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy and myositis.

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

Skeletal abnormalities and disease.

Arthritis.

Foot conditions such as plantar warts, bunions, ingrown toenails, and pressure ulcers.

Toxic reactions to alcohol, drugs, or allergens.

  Symptoms for Gait Disorders

Gait abnormalities have very distinctive features and are often named to reflect the prominent characteristics of the walk:

Propulsive: the posture is hunched over and rigid with the head and neck bent forward.

Scissors: the legs flex slightly at the hips and knees, giving the appearance of crouching, with the knees and thighs hitting or crossing in a scissor-like movement.

Spastic: the legs are stiff and the feet drag.

Steppage: the toes scrape the ground while walking.

Waddling: the gait is duck-like.

  Treatment for Gait Disorders in Augusta GA

Gait abnormality may be treated in a number of different ways, depending on the cause. As experienced Augusta GA Chiropractors, we offer completely customized treatments, that are based on your own individual condition.  We have also found that a better approach to treating gait abnormality that is not directly linked to a specific cause is to get at the root cause of the problem. Most of the time the condition is due to muscle weakness because of an abnormal joint plagued by a ligament injury or weakness, such as could be the case with osteoarthritis.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

Augusta GA Chiropractor Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized treatments. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA and a chiropractor in Evans GA that provide customized care.

Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call [phone] or use our online form.

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Survivor Winner Ethan Zohn Goes on the Record about Chiropractic on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/09/survivor-winner-ethan-zohn-goes-on-the-record-about-chiropractic/

Survivor Winner Ethan Zohn Goes on the Record about Chiropractic

As a professional soccer player, cancer survivor, and winner of the hit reality show Survivor, Ethan Zohn has made headlines for his plethora of accomplishments.  On January 22, 2010 he was ranked 14th in the USL Second Division Top 15 of the Decade, which announced a list of the best and most influential players of the previous decade.  In addition to winning Survivor: Africa, Zohn has also appeared on Survivor: All Stars, Celebrity Apprentice, Fear Factor, and The Discovery Channel.

What many may not know is Zohn’s personal connection to chiropractic.  With his brother as a chiropractor, Zohn has been a longtime champion of chiropractic, and recently spoke with Better Living Magazine about his trials and triumphs in life, including the role chiropractic has played.  Below is an excerpt of that interview.

  So, tell me a bit about your background.  We understand your brother is a chiropractor and is someone who has influenced you.  Could you tell us a bit about him?

Ethan Zohn: Well, my brother Lee, Dr. Lee Zohn, he is a chiropractor.  Having my brother by my side my whole life, working on me, definitely allowed me to perform at a higher level.  I personally know a lot of people who believe medicine is more like crisis management.  I learned early on in life that one of the keys of chiropractic is maintenance and prevention.  You can go to the doctor even when your not sick.  In modern medicine, you have to have symptoms in order to be considered sick.  Now with chiropractic.  And I really feel after each adjustment that I felt better as though I could perform at a higher level, and therefore played better.  I owe a lot of that to my brother for keeping me healthy and keeping me aligned.

  So, you’ve had your own personal health battles, including the big one, cancer.  When you heard the words, “You have cancer”, how did it impact your life?

Ethan Zohn: As you can imagine, my whole life was flipped upside down.  And I thought, “Okay, I’ve been leading a healthy lifestyle.  I’ve been eating well.  I’ve been exercising.  I’m a professional athlete, and I’ve been getting regular chiropractic adjustments my whole life., How did this happen to me?”  It didn’t make sense.  I think one that really helped was that I was in good shape.  Not to keep bringing it back to him, but when you get cancer, you feel really out of control, and that your body has turned against you.  But the things you can control like chiropractic, food, exercise, that stuff, that was really important for me to maintain.  So, even in my worst of moments, my brother was there helping me, aligning me.  He put a little pack together to bring to the hospital with rubber bands, small weights, and he gave me chiropractic exercises.

  That’s very inspiring and insightful.  What kind of treatment did you receive?

Ethan Zohn: Well, my brother, the chiropractor is the one who donated his stem cells to me in order to save my life.  So, he’s done it in so many different ways.  A true hero.

  Who else has impacted your life, and supports your healthy and chiropractic lifestyle?

Ethan Zohn: Ah, well, I’m dating a wonderful woman who has definitely impacted my life!  Her name is Lisa Haywood.  She’s an interior designer here in New York city, and she gets adjusted as well.

  Since winning Survivor, a lot has happened.  You helped co-found Grassroot Soccer.  Can you explain what that program is?

Ethan Zohn: Yes, before Survivor, actually, I lived and played professional soccer in Zimbabwe.  That was in 1999 and 2000.  And obviously, soccer was my life, my passion, so I moved to playing professional in the US and traveled to Zimbabwe to play in the Zimbabwe Premier League.  That was kind of my first time in an area where I guess HIV/AIDS was such a huge issue.  I saw some of my friends get sick, and they ended up being ostracized by the community and getting kicked off the team.  So I realized at that time in my life, I wanted to do something, but I didn’t know what I could do.  I didn’t know what one person could do to help this massive problem in all of Africa.  That’s why I started Grassroot Soccer.

  Do you have any daily life tips of what you think a healthy lifestyle is, or general words of wisdom?

Ethan Zohn: Nothing that’s going to shock them and be revolutionary, but for me, I think it’s just being around family.  Laughing and sharing the things that matter in life, like a smile and a good meal.  Just eat well and stay active, and I think it will extend your life for a long time.

  *                      *                      *

If you would like to find learn more about chiropractors in Augusta GA that specialize in sports injuries, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic.  Many of our athletes have said they wish they had considered other alternatives sooner.  Our complimentary consultations are an important aspect of our patient experience at our clinic.

    The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized treatments to  Augusta GA, Martinez GA, and Evans GA patients. Visit the main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA.

Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call [phone] or use our online form.

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Treatment for Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Augusta GA on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/05/osgood-schlatter-disease-augusta-ga/

Treatment for Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Augusta GA

Osgood-Schlatter disease is seen in the growing child and adolescent, particularly those who participate in athletics. This is an age where the bones are typically growing faster than the muscles and tendons. As a result, the muscles and tendons have a tendency to become tight. It is most common in young athletes who play games or sports that involve running and jumping.

Osgood-Schlatter’s disease was discovered and defined in 1903 by Dr. Robert Osgood and Dr. Carol Schlatter.   Osgood-Schlatter disease is most often seen in preteen and teenage boys from 10 to 15 years old. It is common in young athletes who play games or sports that involve running, jumping, or going up and down stairs. Adolescent athletes who are affected are most often involved in football, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or ballet.

  Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome

The symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter syndrome depend on the severity of the condition, but may include:

Pain in one or both knees

Pain when straightening the knee joint or full squatting

Pain on running, or going up and down stairs

Pain that eases with rest

A swollen tibial tuberosity

Red and inflamed skin over the tibial tuberosity

Quadriceps muscles that can sometimes lose strength and bulk.

  Causes of Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome

Some of the causes of Osgood-Schlatter syndrome may include:

Growth spurt – the condition tends to affect adolescent children. Affected boys are often aged about 13 to 14 years, while affected girls are often aged 10 to11 years.

Exercise – active children, particularly those engaged in athletics and sports, are at increased risk.

Gender – boys are more susceptible than girls, but perhaps this is because boys typically play more vigorous sports.

Injury – around half of all children with the condition report a prior knee injury.

Running and jumping sports place a significant amount of chronic repetitive stress on the tibial tuberosity. Until a person reaches skeletal maturity, a growth plate exists underneath the attachment site of the patellar ligament. This growth plate becomes aggravated and irritated with repetitive stress, so that it becomes a site of pain anytime stress is applied to the shin.  Usually though, there is not single event that can be identified as the genesis of Osgood-Schlatter disease.

  Treatment for Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome in Augusta GA

As chiropractors in Augusta GA that specialize in sports injuries, we are able to customize your treatment with cold laser therapy.  By applying cold laser therapy directly on the affected area, we can reduce the inflammation without the need for medications.  Proprioceptive or knee stabilization exercises can also be incorporated into treatment to enhance recovery.  Your customized treatment can also include  include gentle, repeated progressive stretches to improve the length and flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.  Early treatment is best. If Osgood-Schlatter disease is not addressed correctly or if the parents feel that success in sports is more important than the growing body, adult problems may arise.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

Augusta GA Chiropractor Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized treatments to Augusta GA, Martinez GA, and Evans GA patients. Visit the main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA.

Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call [phone] or use our online form.

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Study Shows Chiropractic Effective for Adult Scoliosis Patients on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/05/study-shows-chiropractic-effective-for-adult-scoliosis-patients/

Study Shows Chiropractic Effective for Adult Scoliosis Patients

Adult scoliosis encompasses a broad group of individuals who have varying causes of their spinal deformity.  These include idiopathic scoliosis, with its onset in childhood but presenting with pain and worsening deformity in the adult.  Other causes include congenital anomalies that arise in-utero, degenerative scoliosis caused by disc degeneration, post traumatic scoliosis (occurring as a result of fractures of the spine), and neuro-muscular scoliosis often seen in patients with polio, muscular dystrophies, or other neuromuscular disorders.

  Symptoms of Scoliosis

Back pain is the primary symptom of adult scoliosis, especially in lumbar scoliosis. However, if the scoliotic curvature involves the thoracic spine, and is severe, the patient may experience breathing difficulties, and the function of the lungs and/or heart may be compromised. In some cases where the thoracic curvature is small, back pain may be thought to be caused by spinal osteoarthritis.

In older patients, scoliosis occurs due to asymmetric degeneration caused by wearing through the faccet joints and intervertebral discs.  A feature of degenerative scoliosis is micro-instability. There is often forward, lateral and rotational slippage of vertebrae on vertebrae. Motion between these degenerative levels is often painful. If the changes in the spine are such that the curve coincides with narrowing of the spinal canal, one or more nerve roots may be pinched, resulting in spinal stenosis and leg pain.

  Participants in the Study

Adult patients with scoliosis who presented to 1 of 2 private medical clinics within the same 2-year period were selected for this study.  The average beginning primary Cobb angle for patients was 44° ± 6°.

A retrospective chart review was conducted at 2 spine clinics in Michigan, USA. Each clinic uses the same chiropractic rehabilitation program to treat patients with adult scoliosis. Multidimensional patient outcomes included radiographic, respiratory, disability, and pain parameters. Outcomes were measured at baseline, at end of active treatment, and at long-term follow-up.

Patient files were consecutively selected if they met the following criteria: (1) patients were at least 18 years of age and a Risser 5, (2) patients had a negative history for spinal surgery, (3) the patient completed his/her prescribed treatment program, (4) patients who had returned to the clinic for a 24-month long-term follow-up, (5) patients who gave written informed consent to use their data, and (6) patients who exhibited Cobb angles of at least 30°. Patients were specifically excluded if they had a history of neuromuscular disease or bony anomalies such as a hemivertebra or if they did not present for long-term follow-up. Patients who did not complete all of the outcome assessments were also excluded.

  Results of the Study

Looking at the Cobb angle measurements, a mean of 10° ± 9° of reduction was observed across all curvature groups. The QNPS scores improved by 39% after 6 months and further improved by another 21% at 24-month follow-up. Disability scores on the FRI improve from a baseline of 60% disability to 30% disability at 6 months and 18% disability at 24 months. Spirometry measures also increased by 7% and were maintained at 24 months.

  Chiropractic and Scoliosis

This study highlights how chiropractic’s conservative treatment can help a patient with scoliosis, without the risks of other avenues of care such as surgery.  No other healthcare specialty spends as much educational time devoted to the human spine as chiropractic does.  As such, chiropractors are able to effectively take care of your spine and the muscles surrounding your spine.

As experienced chiropractors in Augusta GA, we have had great success with our scoliosis patients, many of whom were told surgery was their next step.  With our customized treatments, we can tailor your care specifically for your type of scoliosis.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

Augusta GA Chiropractor Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized treatments. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for chiropractors in Augusta GA and chiropractors in Evans GA that provide customized care.

Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call [phone] or use our online form.

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Treatment for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Augusta GA on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/03/treatment-for-patellofemoral-pain-syndrome-in-augusta-ga/

Treatment for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Augusta GA

Knee pain is a common problem for both athletes and non-athletes. For someone who has not been involved in a traumatic injury, a condition called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) may be the problem. PFPS goes by several other names, including chondromalacia patella, patellar pain syndrome, and anterior knee pain.

  What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome refers to pain at the front of the knee, in and around the kneecap. (The kneecap, or patella, is the triangle-shaped bone at the front of the knee joint. The pain usually is accompanied by tenderness along the edges of the patella.

  The Patellofemoral Joint

The knee comprises of the union of 3 bones – the long bone of the thigh (femur), the shin bone (tibia) and the knee cap (patella) (figure 1). The patella (knee cap) is situated at the front of the knee and lies within the tendon of the quadriceps muscle (the muscle at the front of the thigh). The quadriceps tendon envelops the patella and attaches to the top end of the tibia (figure 1). Due to this relationship, the knee cap sits in front of the femur forming a joint in which the bones are almost in contact with each other. The surface of each bone, however, is lined with cartilage to allow cushioning between the bones. This joint is called the patellofemoral joint.

  What are the symptoms?

Usually there is pain and/or stiffness under or around the patella. This may occur to both knees simultaneously, and often occurs gradually over time. Pain can be worsened by activities, especially climbing, squatting or running, but can also be worse after prolonged periods of sitting with knees bent. A feeling of giving way can occur which is caused by the inhibition of muscle contraction in response to pain.

A popping sensation may occur in some cases, but the knee usually does not swell or lock with patellofemoral pain syndrome. These symptoms can be an indication of a different knee injury.

  How does it occur?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome can occur from overuse of the knee in sports and activities such as running, walking, jumping, or bicycling.

The kneecap (patella) is attached to the large group of muscles in the thigh called the quadriceps. It is also attached to the shin bone by the patellar tendon. The kneecap fits into grooves in the end of the thigh bone (femur) called the femoral condyle. With repeated bending and straightening of the knee, you can irritate the inside surface of the kneecap and cause pain.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome also may result from the way your hips, legs, knees, or feet are aligned. This alignment problem can be caused by your having wide hips or underdeveloped thigh muscles, being knock-kneed, having subluxations or having feet with arches that collapse when walking or running (a condition called over-pronation).

Fortunately, studies show that 80% of PFPS sufferers respond well to non-invasive treatment.

  Treatment for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Augusta GA

The focus of your treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome will be to identify the underlying cause, and correct this, which will allow the patella to slide smoothly over the femur and so not irritate or cause increased wear on the cartilage. However, there is a possibility that the damage caused so far may be significant enough to have led to some wear and tear. Although this cannot be undone, there are ways of reducing the symptoms of wear and tear.

As chiropractors in Augusta GA experienced in treating PFPS, we can formulate treatments tailored for your specific condition.  If you are an athlete, we can identify the risk factors of developing PFPS, and can treat you to reduce the likelihood of you developing this condition and having to take time out of training and competing while you recover.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

For a chiropractor in Augusta GA, Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized treatments to  Augusta GA, Martinez GA, and Evans GA patients. Visit the main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for customized treatments.

Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call [phone] or use our online form.

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Study shows Improvement with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after Chiropractic Care on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/03/study-shows-improvement-with-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-after-chiropractic-care/

Study shows Improvement with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after Chiropractic Care

Everyone knows what it’s like to be tired, but those suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are more than just tired all of the time. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome leaves its sufferers exhausted to the point that even a short walk around the block will send them to bed too worn out to even do what it takes to live a normal life–and yet they used to run several miles a day. The big problem is that this exhaustion goes on and on, day in and day out for months or even years.

  How Many Are Affected by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that this debilitating disease affects 100,000 to 250,000 Americans, but many researchers believe that CFS is far more common than this. Chronic fatigue syndrome is three times more prevalent in women than in men and is most common in younger adults, with 90% of cases in the 25-50 year age range.

  Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The CDC’s formal set of diagnostic criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is defined as:

1) Unexplained, persistent, or relapsing fatigue that is not a result of ongoing exertion, is new (not lifelong), is not alleviated by rest, and results in a substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, social, or personal activity

2) The occurrence of four or more of the following symptoms that have persisted or recurred for 6 or more consecutive months and that do not predate the fatigue:

Substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration

Sore throat

Tender lymph nodes

Muscle pain

Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness

Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity

Unrefreshing and/or interrupted sleep

Post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours

Sensitivity to odors, noise, bright lights, medications, and various foods

  A Study Investigates the Impact of Chiropractic on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients

In a study conducted by Dr. H. Charles Woodfield, DC and Marshall Dickholtz, DC., nineteen subjects diagnosed as having CFS according to the 1994 CDC diagnostic criteria were studied. Male and females between the ages of 18 to 65 years of age were considered when presenting a history of persistent chronic fatigue.

Patients who were fatigued six (6) or more months and who met four (4) or more diagnostic criteria were evaluated for study inclusion. Data and study administration were conducted using a practice based research protocol. Patients were monitored for a period of six months to insure Atlas alignment was maintained and then retested with the outcomes measures.

  Results of the Study

The results at the end of the study revealed a significant increase in the General Health component, from 30.3 pre to 55.6 post (p<0.001) and Mental Health, from 46.4 to 68.6 (p<0.01). The overall PSQI score decreased from 12.1 to 6.1 (p < 0.05).

The study goes on to report that unlike treatment approaches for some chronic illnesses, where measurable changes recorded immediately after an intervention dwindle or vanish over time, the patients’ SF-36 scores continued to improve compared to baseline; appreciably at three months, and substantially at six months.

The study concludes by stating that “This alternative to medical care seems to offer a possible solution to the enigma faced by CFS patients desiring improvement of their condition dictated by their diagnosis.”

  Treatment with a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Specialist in Augusta GA

As chiropractors in Augusta GA experienced with creating customized treatments specifically for chronic fatigue syndrome, we have successfully helped patients with their fatigue and lack of energy.

Chronic fatigue syndrome can be discouraging to deal with, but it is certainly treatable with our specialized treatments.  As one of the few Augusta GA Chiropractors that are able to provide treatments combining cold laser therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome treatments, we welcome you to schedule a complimentary consultation to find out if your condition would be a candidate for our customized treatments.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

For a chiropractor in Augusta GA, Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized treatments to  Augusta GA, Martinez GA, and Evans GA patients. Visit the main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for customized treatments.

Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call [phone] or use our online form.

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Knee Injury Specialist in Augusta GA on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/02/knee-injury-specialist-in-augusta-ga/

Knee Injury Specialist in Augusta GA

Anyone who has ever experienced knee pain knows how much if affects everything we do, from simple tasks such as sitting and walking, to more complex ones such as completing an obstacle course.  Although incredibly complex and sturdy, the knee is more prone to injury than any other bony structure in the body other than the spine.  In fact, there are actually many different causes of knee pain.  These different causes of knee pain result in slightly different kinds of pain that can require very different types of treatment.

  ACL, MCL and Meniscus Tears

The two most common causes of a meniscus tear are due to traumatic injury (often seen in athletes) and degenerative processes (seen in older patients who have more brittle cartilage). The most common mechanism of a traumatic meniscus tear occurs when the knee joint is bent and the knee is then twisted. It is not uncommon for the meniscus tear to occur along with injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL).

The ACL is located inside the knee joint and stabilizes the joint by preventing the shin-bone (tibia) from sliding forward beneath the thighbone (femur). A hard twist or excessive pressure on the ACL can tear it, so that the knee gives out and can no longer support the body.

These three problems occurring together are known as the “unhappy triad” which is seen in sports such as football when the player is hit on the outside of the knee.  Through customized treatments, we have been able to provide effective care that that addresses the ACL, MCL and torn meniscus.

  Runner’s Knee

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS or IT Band Syndrome)), otherwise known as Runner’s Knee, can be described as outside (lateral) knee pain that is made worse by any lower limb activities, most notably running and cycling.  The iliotibial band is a long thickened sheet of fascia that starts at the hip and extends to the knee. This band of fascia connects the tensor fascia lata and gluteus maximus muscles to the thigh and knee. The iliotibial band gives support to the outside of the knee and patella.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome is the most common cause of knee pain in runners, by some estimates accounting for 12% of all running-related injuries.  Treatment depends on the stage at which the ITB syndrome is found at the time of examination.

  Pes Anserine Bursitis

The pes anserine bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac located 2–3 inches below the inner side of the knee. It lies beneath 3 tendons of the hamstring muscle, and it prevents the tendons from rubbing on the shinbone of the lower leg. Bursitis  means the bursa has become irritated and inflamed, and this condition is usually painful. Certain positions, motions, or disease processes can cause constant friction or stress on the bursa, leading to the development of bursitis.  Inflammation of the pes anserine bursae or tendons usually develops due to overuse, trauma, or degradation.

It is important to treat bursitis in the early stages to reduce the symptoms, minimize damage and maintain motion and strength in your knee.

  Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, also called Anterior Knee Pain Syndrome, is caused by imbalances in the forces controlling patellar tracking during knee flexion and extension, particularly with overloading of the joint. Risk factors include overuse, trauma, muscle dysfunction, tight lateral restraints, patellar hypermobility, and poor quadriceps flexibility. A patient with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome will usually experience medial knee pain, with pain occurring with activities such as prolonged sitting with a flexed knee, walking up stairs, or running. . PFPS may account for 11% of musculoskeletal pain complaints and up to 25% of all injuries in runners.

We can help you identify the areas of your lower body that are tight, tender, weak and deconditioned to determine the exact cause of your pain.

  Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is one of the common causes of knee pain in active adolescents who play sports such as football, basketball, gymnastics and volleyball.  This condition is caused by repetitive stress or tension on the upper tibia. The patellar tendon and surrounding soft tissues at the point where the tendon attaches to the tibia can become inflammed. Pre-adolescent boys involved in sports that include frequent running or jumping are particularly prone to this.

Since Osgood-Schlatter Disease is caused by biomechanical factors, it will usually respond rapidly to appropriate conservative care.

  Knee Injury Specialist in Augusta GA

The knee is a complex joint that relies heavily on ligaments and muscles for stability. When pain is perceived as coming from the knee, all the anatomical components need to be examined, and in addition to the knee joint, the low back, pelvis, hip, ankle and foot need to be examined due to the direct influence they have on the knee, and vice versa.

For example, in addition to problems in the knee muscles, knee injury can also be linked to problems at the adjacent joints, such as the foot, hip, and pelvis. This is because the knee is directly connected to these structures through the tibia and femur, as well as the surrounding muscles.

As experienced Augusta GA Chiropractors at Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic we have great success in treating patients with a variety of knee conditions, and we are also one of the few clinics in the Augusta GA area able to customize your treatment with cold laser, if necessary.

Cold Laser Therapy uses red and infrared light for the relief of pain, to accelerate the healing and decrease inflammation. When the light source is placed against the skin, the photons penetrate several centimeters and get absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy producing part of the cell. This energy fuels many positive physiological responses resulting in the restoration of normal cell morphology and function.

Stimulates Healing and Repair of Tissue

Increases Tissue Strength

Reduces Pain

Reduces Swelling/Inflammation

Promotes faster  healing

Stimulates nerve function

You can schedule a complimentary consultation with our office to find out if our customized treatments are the right fit for your knee condition.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized care. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA and a chiropractor in Evans GA that provides customized treatments..

You can schedule your appointment by calling our friendly staff at [phone] or use our online form

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Restless Leg Syndrome and Chiropractic Care on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/02/restless-leg-syndrome-augusta-ga/

Restless Leg Syndrome and Chiropractic Care

Restless Leg Syndrome, also recently renamed Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED), is a neurological condition associated with abnormal sensations in the legs.

The disorder affects more than 5 million adults in the United States, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Typically, the sensations appear when an individual is trying to relax, or sitting for long periods. Moving diminishes the sensations, but in the evening and during sleep, symptoms worsen, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Additionally, studies have shown that the severity of the pain and the duration of the pain grows stronger and longer with age.

  There are four primary features of Restless Leg Syndrome:

Uncomfortable sensation in the legs with a clear need or urge to move the legs

The symptoms are worse at night

The symptoms come on with rest

The symptoms are relieved with movement

  Symptoms

The sensations are described as something crawling on the skin, tingling, cramping, burning, aching, gnawing, itchy, electrical, and painful.  For some people, their legs are so sensitive that they cannot stand to have sheets or blankets covering them at night.

The symptoms are brought on with rest (sitting or lying down). The more comfortable the patient becomes, the more likely the symptoms will occur. However, the reverse is also true – the less comfortable the patient is, the less likely he or she will experience symptoms. Thus, some patients may find it easier to sleep on a hard floor than in a comfortable bed.  Since rest often brings on manifestations of Restless Leg Syndrome, activities that require prolonged sitting, such as traveling long distances or going to movies, are often avoided.

Restless Legs Syndrome should not be confused with leg cramps. A Restless Legs Syndrome patient may describe feeling “cramps,” yet, with cramps, there is definite knotting of the muscle. On the other hand, restless leg syndrome can also include severe local muscle pain. This is considered an underdiagnosed condition, and its symptoms are frequently ascribed to stress and anxiety

  Chiropractic Care and Restless Leg Syndrome

Since restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder, it makes sense to check and see if a dysfunction of the nervous system may be causing the problem.  Whenever nerves are not functioning well, the areas that the nerves go to will not function well either.  Many of the nerves that exit out of the lower spine travel down and control the muscles of the legs.  Irritation to nerves going to these muscles can cause them to become restless.  By ensuring the proper nerve flow, through chiropractic care, many cases of restless leg syndrome improve.

In addition, since for many individuals tight muscles in the legs cause them to twitch and not be able to rest properly, a properly trained chiropractor can help the muscles to relax and rest when they should be resting.

  Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome in Augusta GA

As experienced chiropractors in Augusta GA, we have successfully treated patients for restless leg syndrome.  Through our customized treatments, we are able to personalize your care specifically for your condition.  By focusing on the core issues that create the symptoms in the first place, we have been able to relieve restless leg syndrome sufferers with symptoms associated with the disorder.  You can contact us for a complimentary consultation to find out if our personalized treatments may be beneficial in correcting your restless leg syndrome.

    The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

 Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized care. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA and a chiropractor in Evans GA that provides customized treatments.

You can schedule your appointment by calling our friendly staff at [phone] or use our online form.

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Treatment for Short Leg Syndrome in Augusta GA on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/01/treatment-short-leg-syndrome-augusta-ga/

Treatment for Short Leg Syndrome in Augusta GA

Some patients may be unaware that one of their legs is shorter, which is medically referred to as Limb Length Discrepancy or Short Leg Syndrome. This usually causes problems in their knees, pelvis, back and neck.

There are a number of reasons for this. Some of the leg length differences are permanent or “anatomical” and some of them are reversible or “functional”.  Both types of short leg can cause increased stresses to the pelvis and lumbar spine, often resulting in low back, buttock, hip and leg pain.

Many medical researchers have concluded that even a few millimeters of leg length inequality (a quarter of an inch or less) may be a primary or contributing cause for low back or hip problems, and an obvious stress factor in the legs.

 Functional Short leg

This is where both legs are structurally the same length, but there is still an apparent short leg. The leg length is commonly measured from a bony protruberance on the front of the pelvis (ASIS) to the top of the inside ankle bone (medial malleolus) and will be equal both sides.

Despite symmetrical measurements, a functional short leg is due to rotation of the pelvis on one or both sides of the sacroiliac joints. It can arise from repeatedly sleeping on one side, carrying items on one side, running clockwise on a track, using the phone on one side, lifting suitcases or carrying children on one side over a period of years.

This causes increased stresses on the muscles, nerves and joints involved, leading to an imbalance in the muscles on one side of your body. Runners are commonly affected by this and will notice they impact the pavement harder with one foot than the other, and will often wear down one heel faster than the other.

  Anatomical Short leg

This is where one leg is structurally shorter than the other. This can be due to growth problems, usually when one leg grows too much/not enough, malformed hip joint sockets (hip dysplasia), problems with the femoral head (slipped or crumbling epiphysis), or a flat foot on one side. A clubfoot or incorrectly formed muscles and ligaments of the lower leg can also give rise to a leg length discrepancy, although this is rare.

Other causes of a structural leg length difference can arise from fractures or infections of the long bones in the leg which interrupt normal growth. A difference in leg length will cause a change in the way you walk, placing uneven stresses on the pelvic joints making them more susceptible to irritation and injury. When standing, it can cause a tilt of the pelvis and, if severe enough, can alter the way you hold yourself causing a lateral curvature to your spine (scoliosis) as you try to compensate and stay straight and upright. This in turn can cause neck and upper back/shoulder problems.

    Treatment for Short Leg Syndrome in Augusta GA

As experienced chiropractors in Augusta GA, we have successfully provided patients with treatments without the use of pharmaceutical drugs or invasive procedures. If a patient’s short leg syndrome is caused by a functional difference, we can provide customized treatments to address the underlying biomechanical cause and areas of imbalance.

If a patient’s short leg syndrome is caused by an anatomical difference, then we can correct the difference with with special insoles (orthotics) to correct leg length as much as possible. If not corrected, it causes muscle tension, joint wear and tear, back and leg pain and other symptoms.

Before prescribing a heel-lift or orthotics, we will correct the pelvis to encourage the body to use its natural compensation abilities. The human frame achieves this through the pelvis, which, by distorting slightly, can change the level of the middle triangular bone of the pelvis, called the sacrum. Up to one inch can be compensated in this manner.

When leg length is corrected, we can then proceed with customized treatments, which will restore the mobility and alignment of the joints and the correct type of exercise will even out and strengthen the muscles around your joints, including the spine and the neck.  Our customized treatments will address your spine and pelvis as your joints adjust to the corrections made by the orthotics.

If your problem cannot be helped with our customized treatments, then other measures such as surgery will be discussed and you will be referred.

You can contact us for a complimentary consultation to find out if our customized treatments may be beneficial in correcting your short leg syndrome.

The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

 Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized care. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for chiropractors in Augusta GA and chiropractors in Evans GA that provide customized treatments..

You can schedule your appointment by calling our friendly staff at [phone] or use our online form.

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The Flu Season and Chiropractic Care on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/01/the-flu-season-and-chiropractic-care/

The Flu Season and Chiropractic Care

The startling statistic for this year’s flu season

A steady stream of news media just announced the bad news that this season’s flu shot has not been effective.

USA Today called the ineffectiveness “bad news in a particularly harsh year for the virus“, while the Associated Press said it more candidly with: “This year’s flu vaccine is doing a pretty crummy job. It’s only 23 percent effective, which is one of the worst performances in the last decade, according to a government study released Thursday.“

What is the reason for such low numbers of effectiveness?  The decision to match a strain to a vaccine is usually made in February, months before the flu season, to give companies that make flu shots and nasal spray vaccine enough time to make enough doses.

This explains Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‘s statement, claiming that “this year’s influenza vaccines are less effective than usual, however, because the viruses used to make them aren’t a good match for the viruses now spreading across the country”.

Even in a year with a “good match” between virus and vaccine, flu shots tend to be less effective against H3N2, preventing only about 40% of infections, said Arnold Monto, an influenza expert and professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

  What else can be done to help guard against the flu

The best way to guard yourself from getting the flu is to actually boost your immunity.  Ronald Pero, Ph.D., a professor in Environmental Health at New York University, recently explored the relationship between chiropractic and the immune system.

Dr. Pero and his team undertook the painstaking process of measuring 107 individuals who had received long-term Chiropractic care.  The chiropractic patients were shown to have a 200% greater immune competence than people who had not received chiropractic care, and a 400% greater immune competence than people with cancer or serious diseases. Interestingly, Dr. Pero found no decline with the various age groups in the study demonstrating that the DNA repairing enzymes were just as present in long-term chiropractic senior groups as they were in the younger groups.

Dr. Pero concluded, ‘Chiropractic may optimize whatever genetic abilities you have so that you can fully resist serious disease…I have never seen a group other than this show a 200% increase over normal patients.’

The chiropractic immunology connection was strengthened when Patricia Brennan, Ph.D. and other researchers conducted a study that found improved immune response following chiropractic treatment. Specifically, the study demonstrated the “phagocytic respiratory burst of polymorphnuclear neutrophils (PMN) and monocytes were enhanced in adults that had been adjusted by chiropractors.” In other words, the cells that act like “Pac-Man” eating and destroying bad cells are enhanced through chiropractic care.

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If you would like to find out how a chiropractor in Augusta GA that specializes in customized treatments may be beneficial for you, you can schedule a complimentary consultation at Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

 Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized care. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractors in Augusta GA and a chiropractors in Evans GA that provides customized treatments..

You can schedule your appointment by calling our friendly staff at [phone] or use our online form.

[augustageorgiachiropractors]

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Specialist in Augusta GA on Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog - Augusta GA

New Post has been published on http://www.georgia-clinic.com/blog/2015/01/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-specialist-in-augusta-ga/

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Specialist in Augusta GA

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), sometimes called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), is a condition that makes you feel so tired that you can’t do all of your normal, daily activities. There are other symptoms too, but being very tired is the main one. Some people have severe fatigue and other symptoms for many years.  The symptoms may actually worsen with physical or mental activity, and usually affects two to four times more females than males.

  Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

photophobia (eye sensitivity to light)

headache

tender lymph nodes

fatigue and weakness

muscle and joint pain

inability to concentrate

insomnia

ability to remember exact onset of illness

forgetfulness

mood swings

confusion

low-grade fever

depression

To make it even more complicated, different patients with chronic fatigue syndrome can have different symptoms. And the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome often mimic those of other health conditions, like mono, Lyme disease, or depression. As if that’s not hard enough, symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can vary over time, even in the same individual.

Generally though, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome experience all-day exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.

In order to have an official diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, medical doctors want someone to have symptoms for at least six months.  Unfortunately, the longer someone waits, oftentimes the worse the symptoms become and the syndrome can take a stronghold. Someone doesn’t have to wait six months just to receive help.

  Treatment with a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Specialist in Augusta GA

An individual with chronic fatigue syndrome certainly lacks energy.  The nervous system is responsible for providing energy in the body.  It does so by sending messages from the brain, down the spinal cord and to all parts of the body.  If the vertebra surrounding the spinal cord becomes misaligned, it can pinch or irritate the nerves.  When this happens, the individual will most likely experience fatigue and exhaustion, both physically and mentally.  As chiropractors in Augusta GA experienced with creating customized treatments specifically for chronic fatigue syndrome, we have successfully helped patients with their fatigue and lack of energy.

As experienced chiropractors, we are specialists of the spine and nervous system.  Dysfunction in the nervous system typically begins in the spine.  By making sure the spine and nervous system are functioning properly, chiropractors can oftentimes correct the underlying cause of chronic fatigue syndrome by making sure the nervous system is functioning optimally and nerves are transmitting their proper energy.

In addition, our completely customized treatments allows for the spine to be more aligned.  In doing so, the body conserves energy as it lessens the load that joints have to carry.  This can improve fatigue.  Also, through chiropractic care, the immune system is boosted.  A weakened immune system can lead to fatigue.

Chronic fatigue syndrome can be discouraging to deal with, but it is certainly treatable with our specialized treatments.  As one of the few Augusta GA Chiropractors that are able to provide treatments tailored for chronic fatigue syndrome, we welcome you to schedule a complimentary consultation to find out if your condition would be a candidate for our customized treatments.

  The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

 Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized care. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractors in Augusta GA and a chiropractors in Evans GA that provides customized treatments..

You can schedule your appointment by calling our friendly staff at [phone] or use our online form.