Spinal Decompression

As individuals age, arthritis ensues and weight bearing mobile joints may experience significant pain. There are sacroiliac joints on both sides of the body. They are joints with cartilage and some movement does occur in the joints. It is not nearly as much movement as a ball and socket joint like the hip, but enough to cause daily pain for individuals. Radiofrequency ablation may help for an extended duration in the SI joints and be an excellent nonoperative treatment.

The unfortunate things about sacroiliac joint pain are that

1) it is a very common problem to have

2) It can be tough to diagnose the SI joint as a pain generator

3) It is a tough problem to treat either non-operatively or operatively

Similar to the facet joints in the lumbar spine, it can be difficult for a pain doctor to accurately place a needle into the joint. A significant angle may be necessary to achieve placement, and it should always be performed under x-ray guidance. Having a sacroiliac joint injection performed without it entails a high miss rate, upwards of 50%.

The objective with a radiofrequency ablation, also called a radiofrequency neurotomy, is to heat up and "deaden" the small nerve endings supplying the sacroiliac joint causing a patient's pain. These are not nerves that supply vital motor or sensory functions, but tiny little nerve endings that bring sensation to the joint itself. If those can be negated, pain can be decreased.

Prior to it being performed, the pain doctor will perform a diagnostic injection containing numbing medicine around these nerve endings to make sure the patient will obtain pain relief and the joint is the source of the pain.

If it works, then the radiofrequency procedure is indicated and the patient's insurance company usually approves the procedure. The procedure has been shown on average to alleviate pain from six to 18 months, which is more than double the average of a standard cortisone injection.

A radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure. Patients who are on blood thinning medications like Coumadin will need to stop this for at least 5 days or so prior - the physician can give specific time frames.

The procedure usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes and the patient will be sore for days afterwards. In fact, the patient may get worse for a few weeks as the initial trauma from the procedure wears off and the benefits "kick in".

At a certain point after the procedure, the nerve endings will grow back and regenerate. This may bring back the pain from before, it may not. If this happens, the procedure may be repeated.

Potential complications of a radiofrequency neurotomy include pain around the injection site, numbness of the skin over the injection site, initially worsened pain due to muscle spasms, infections (rare), or in a small amount of cases worsened pain from the procedure (unusual).

The first step in dealing with herniated disc recovery is to treat the situation with the utmost respect and seriousness. Your doctor will have specific instructions for you, but there are certain steps you can take at home to help your recovery go more smoothly. Recovery time varies from one person to another, so do not push yourself if your body is not ready for certain activities. Once your doctor clears you, you will be able to learn exercises to strengthen your back.

Immediately following your herniated disc, rest is your best friend. You do not have to lie flat during herniated disc recovery, but do not lie on your stomach because that will aggravate your pain. When you lie on your side, putting a pillow between your knees will take pressure off of your back. Be careful when you get out of bed so that you do not jar your back. If possible, get up slowly and in stages.

Especially important during herniated disc recovery is to avoid constipation. Lying down for long periods of time interrupts the natural action of your bowels and after a herniated disc is the wrong time to be straining your back muscles. Your doctor may prescribe a laxative or a stool softener for you to take regularly while you are on bed rest.

Take any medications that your doctor prescribes as instructed. Some of these medications may include muscle relaxers or prescription pain killers. If your pain is manageable enough to take aspirin or ibuprofen, you will fare better in the long run. Gentle massage or a heating pad can help manage pain during your recovery.

As you regain movement, be careful not to move too quickly or to move in ways that your body is not ready to move. Listen to your body, because it will tell you what it needs and when it needs different strategies. Do not lift anything heavier than a single item of clothing, even when you start feeling better. Your doctor will advise you when you can begin more stringent activities. The most important aspect of herniated disc recovery is to allow your body the time it needs to recover properly.

When you are young and flexible, you usually don't think twice about back pain. But after a few years, it's very likely that you will feel a twinge once in a while. There is a lot of gravity pulling the spine down over the years, and the discs tend to collapse leaving the vertebrae rubbing against one another. After a while, the twinge may turn into real pain, sometimes in the back but sometimes down the leg. When there's a bulging disc, it can press on a nerve and cause sciatic pain that can be excruciating. A bulging disc occurs when one of the discs between your vertebrae develops a weak spot and pops out.

This article will give you the information you need to help you decide how to take care of your spinal problems. Sometimes you need surgery, but that is generally a last resort. It is also possible that you just need a bit of physical therapy or chiropractic care to realign the vertebrae so that the discs do not bulge anymore. That will take the pressure off the nerve so that your pain gets better. Doctors and therapists will teach you how to exercise and carry yourself so that you stay in good health over time.

Depending on the location of your protruding disc, it can cause significantly more than just pain. In the lower back it may cause leg and hip pain as well as urinary and bowel incontinence. Many people who have a bulging disc may not even know it as long as the bulging area does not press on any surrounding tissue. About ninety percent of bulging discs are in the lower back which is the lumbar area of the spine.

If it is in the upper back, the pain will radiate from the neck down the arms and into the fingers. It's important that you go and see a doctor if you experience symptoms so that you can be properly diagnosed.

Are you having pain in your back? Has the pain been there for some time or has it gotten worse? Does it show no signs of getting better? If this sounds like you, you might have a bulging or herniated spinal disc in your back. Or the injury may be related to muscle strain or tearing. This kind of condition is not usually a huge problem unless it is left untreated. If you don't address the cause of the problem it is going to recur and get worse over time.

If you do not go through the processes necessary to allow the bulge to heal the result may be your only option is surgery.

Once an injured spinal disc has been resolved there are numerous factors to remember and practice. Good posture while sitting, standing or walking is critical. It is important to avoid high heels whenever there is a chance you may be standing for extended periods of time. Bending to lift something requires thought, squatting, and lifting with your back straight. Finally, carry any heavy object close to your body.

A patient undergoing Spinal Decompression for chronic back pain or neck pain can boost their healing when they take proper nutritional supplements in conjunction with decompression. There are supplements that specifically enhance healing at the cellular level - that is, healing from within.

You may wonder: can't a person get proper nutrition through a healthy, well-balanced diet? The answer is: even if you eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet, you may still be lacking in some key nutrients. Here's why.

The human body has an innate ability to heal and recover. Our livers can regenerate. A broken bone heals back together. A cut clots, scabs over and heals. This rebuilding and repair occurs when the body is in its "state of nature." And this natural state is maintained when the body is receiving and processing the proper nutrients.

Unfortunately, it is a real challenge to obtain from nature alone what our bodies need to perform at the optimum best. Long ago people were able to obtain the nutrition needed simply by consuming natural locally grown produce and animal foods. Today natural resources have been altered dramatically. Soils are depleted of minerals. Waters are chemically polluted. Vegetation is grown with pesticides, and it's more common for produce to be genetically modified. Animal foods are found to contain hormones and antibiotics. Walk into any market, and you can find produce and animal foods that have been imported from halfway around the world.

So if you suffer from chronic back pain or neck pain, and are undergoing Spinal Decompression care, it is wise to include alternative sources of nutrition that provide some of the nutrients needed to heal and rebuilt damaged tissues, muscles, organs, etc. These include Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Collagen supplements, and Glucosamine Sulfate and MSM tablets. These supplements aid in faster, more robust recovery. They specifically and effectively assist disc healing at the cellular level.

· Omega-3 Fatty Acids capsules: Our Omega-3 Fatty Acids supplements are naturally sourced from fish oil and assist in the reduction of inflammation associated with damage to discs and lining of facet joints, and their supporting soft tissue structures. This enhances disc repair and reduces pathology caused by inflammation. Omega-3 Fatty Acids not only can dramatically reduce inflammation but have also been shown to be beneficial for cardiovascular health, memory, skin, overall soft tissue and connective tissue healing and growth/development.

· Collagen Supplements capsules: Our Collagen supplements supply significant amounts of Vitamin C and amino acids (L-Lysine, and L-Proline) in capsule form to help support healthy collagen growth and disc repair

· Glucosamine Sulfate + MSM tablets: The main ingredients are Glucosamine Sulfate, MSM, Bromelain, Proanthocyanids and Vitamin C. Glucosamine Sulfate assists in the remodelling and repair of cartilage and soft tissues including ligaments and tendons. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring compound and functions to help maintain normal immune response, lung function, connective tissue metabolism, and muscle contraction. Bromelain, derived from the pineapple plant, has a powerful anti-inflammatory action that may assist in the reduction of damaged disc and soft tissue pain. Proanthocyanids, another ingredient in these tablets, are highly regarded for their strong antioxidant properties as well as their functions in supporting the body's connective tissues. They have been shown to bind with collagen fibers, thereby protecting from premature degradation. This helps maintain the natural elasticity of collagen in skin, joints, arteries, capillaries and other connective tissues. Finally, Vitamin C is included as it is essential for the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycan which are the building materials of all connective tissues, including discs, joint cartilage, tendons, blood vessels, skin and bone.

If you've been living with chronic back pain or neck pain, you're ready for true pain relief. It just makes sense to do everything possible to enable real healing of your damaged disc, at the source. When you combine a highly effective treatment like Spinal Decompression with the right nutritional supplements that heal at the cellular level, you're going to boost your body's ability to heal naturally, from the inside.

Joint pain may well be a fact of life. At some point in life, nearly everyone will experience pain in the area where two or more bones meet.

Joint pain often brings discomfort, stiffness, inflammation, and soreness to one or more joints of the body. It may accompany diseases and conditions such as infections, traumas, and immune system issues. Whether the pain results from injuries, age-related ailments or disease, joint pain presents a range of cumbersome problems. Movement, after all, depends on the proper functioning of joints.

In the case of injuries, it can present itself suddenly and severely. Injuries can include tennis elbow, swimmer's shoulder, a torn cartilage, ligaments, and a sprained ankle. Bruising or swelling usually follows dislocations, muscle strains, fractures, and injuries to the ligaments and joints.

Tennis elbow (also known as epicondylitis) is a very common muscle and soft tissue condition. It is caused by inflammation of the soft tissues, often resulting from repetitive activities (such as lifting, swimming, carpentry, and playing tennis). Common forearm and elbow pain are usually worsened by extending and flexing the wrist.

In some cases, joint pain may stem from a moderate condition or disease, such as a mild dislocation, bursitis, or ankylosing spondylitis. It can also be caused by more serious conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or bone cancer. It can appear suddenly and disappear just as swiftly, showing up after prolonged periods of rest and going away when the patient moves around a bit.

Regardless of the condition or disease, joint pain often accompanies other symptoms. These symptoms can come in the form of swelling, edemas, inflammation, and fevers. A pinched nerve may also induce swelling, elbow pain, and the like.

No matter what type of joint pain afflicts you, there are some ways to alleviate the pain. Here are some tips that will offer relief:

Seek the expertise of a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractic treatment will address your joint pain with gently effective methods. Chiropractic care has proved effective in a variety of joint pain cases, and research findings have corroborated its rightful place as a solid treatment option. For example, a study by the National Institute of Health objectively supported the use of chiropractic manipulative therapy in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.

Look into massage. It can provide instant relief.

Use forms of heat therapy. Heating pads, hot baths, and saunas can ease the pain. Heat therapy increases circulation and accelerates healing.

Conversely, you should make use of ice therapy to reduce swelling, as swelling is known to cause joint pain. A doctor of chiropractic may also suggest the employment of electro-stimulation to aid the healing process between hot and cold treatments. Electrical stimulation is linked with releasing endorphins that counteract pain receptors.

Exercise. An effective exercise routine can help keep joint pain at bay while strengthening your whole body, including your joints. However, make sure to discontinue strenuous activities if the pain persists. Exercises, such as dance, stretching, and Tai Chi, help maintain regular joint movement and stimulates overall joint flexibility. They can be done on a daily basis, or at least three or four times a week. In any case, seek the guidance of your chiropractor to design an appropriate exercise routine for your condition.

Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight can lay stress on your knees and feet, adding considerable pressure to your joints.

If you smoke, quit. Smoking negatively affects your whole body, weakening muscles and tendons. It also prevents you from getting an adequate supply of oxygen running through your blood.

Take supplements of fatty acid in the form of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Tuna, salmon, halibut, and herring offer natural sources of and DHA and EPA. Studies show that these fatty acid supplements lessen joint swelling and pain, reducing the need to take corticosteroids. However, speak with you primary care doctor or chiropractor before taking supplements. Some supplements may aversely interact with medications.

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, holistic way to promote overall health and manage a wide range of conditions. Physical manipulation and alignment of the joints can reduce pain and stiffness. In addition, chiropractic care can tailor the right exercise program for your needs, and offer comprehensive nutrition and supplement advice.

Golfers elbow is a tendonitis condition that develops on the inside part of the elbow in the bony area where the flexor tendons attach. It is the counterpart to tennis elbow which is the same type of tendonitis condition that develops on the outer part of the elbow. Although it is termed golfers elbow, it is not just playing golf that can lead to the condition.

Activities such as weightlifting, cleaning, or any activity that involves flexion of the elbow and usage of those muscles where they attach can lead to the problem.

Who is most likely to get the condition? Of course those people participating in activities that involve sports are most at risk. But that is not all, people who have no clue as to what activity they had been doing to lead to the condition often develop symptoms of medial epicondylitis. It may be something as simple as carrying a heavy briefcase, or performing some sort of cleaning activities over a weekend.

Most commonly, golfer's elbow occurs in middle-aged individuals. Chalk it up to another excellent occurrence of getting older! Surgery is not usually necessary for this condition. This is secondary to a couple of reasons. The first is that usually it is a self limiting conditions and gets better with no treatment or can get better faster with sufficient treatments. Also the second reason is that surgery does not really work that well for medial epicondylitis so should truly only be considered as a last resort.

The treatments that have been shown to be effective for medial epicondylitis include such things as rest where the inciting activity is avoided for a while along with taking over-the-counter medications or just Tylenol and anti-inflammatories. This may include ibuprofen or naproxen.

Physical therapy exercises to help substantially in alleviating the pain from golfers elbow. Along with the therapy, ultrasound and laser treatments to help decrease the inflammation as well can help get one out of pain faster.

One of the mainstays of treatment for epicondylitis is a steroid injection into the area of pain. Numbing spray and cream can be put over the skin to make the injection much more tolerable as it is much more sensitive in that skin region than the outer part of the elbow. The part of the injection that helps the most is for doctors to poke the bone where the tendon attaches to incite healing factors to come into the area and help the tendonitis improve.One of the main problems is a lack of blood supply for healing - poking the bone stimulates that blood flow.

On the whole, golfer's elbow patients are able to avoid surgery. It may just take a very long time to go away.

When people think of back pain, they often dread having to deal with incurable discomfort for the rest of their lives, having trouble getting up from a chair and forcing their bodies into strange positions in order to get into and out of their car. A life of back pain may be a life spent lying down and sleeping most of the day, trying to escape from having to perform any of the numerous movements that can cause a twinge in the back or a pinching of the nerve that can lead to not being able to walk at all for hours or days.

And surgery to fix back pain issues is usually ineffective or, even worse, counterproductive. Modern science can fix a lot of issues on the front of the body, from taking out an appendix to removing entire sections of the intestines and stitching them back together. But when it comes to the back and the spinal column, many doctors and hospitals are ill-equipped to handle chronic spine pain issues. Thankfully, new methods and technology have been developed outside of the traditional medical care industry to address such problems.

One relatively new method that is being used effectively in the treatment of back pain and pinched nerves in the spinal column is called spinal decompression therapy. The treatment is designed to relieve pressure on the joints of the spine and the nerves, while releasing any pinching of the nerves throughout the spinal column. The method that this type of therapy uses is traction, and it can be used to address such issues as degenerative, bulging, and herniated discs. Even sciatica or leg pain can be treated with spinal decompression.

The main draw of the procedure for many back pain sufferers is that spinal decompression does not involve invasive surgery, injections, or large amounts of drugs. Instead, it uses decompression and relaxation cycles over a period of about a half hour to promote healing of the nerves and joints of the spine. Typically, there are fifteen cycles that alternate, which is how the procedure gets to about thirty total minutes of treatment time. Several sessions are done over time to further the healing processes of the body.

The point of the procedure is to reduce the pressure on the discs while allowing the body to deliver nutrients and water to the area. A suctioning or vacuum-like effect is observed during spinal decompression, and it is theorized that this is what allows nutrients to enter into the area being worked on, and which also promotes healing of the disc and nerve. This can be especially important for people suffering low back pain, as the spinal discs usually receive poor circulation to begin with.

Thus far, there is relatively little research discussing the effectiveness of spinal decompression for treating back pain. Although some studies have been done indicating that the treatment can reduce chronic back pain, more research will need to be done to discover just how effective it is. However, testimonials and the great demand of the therapy indicate that the general public, at least, is quickly becoming convinced of the effectiveness of spinal decompression in treating lower back pain and pinched nerves in the spine.

If you regularly suffer from neck and back pain, or have numbness and weakness in your arms or legs, you may benefit from the chiropractic procedure known as spinal decompression. Your pain and numbness may be caused by damaged discs in your back, or from a pinched nerve in the spinal area. If so, this procedure may be your best bet to not only alleviate the pain, but also keep you from having painful surgery later on to correct the problem.

What Causes Disc Problems?

The discs in the spine are very durable for the purpose they were intended for, which is cushioning the spine, and absorbing the physical shock of walking and running through our daily lives. Accidents and injuries to the back or neck can damage the outer protective sheath of the discs, and they will also deteriorate over time through aging. Once that sheath begins to break down, the disc will begin to protrude, or even get caught between the vertebrae in the spine.

This event is what causes medical conditions like a herniated disc or bulging discs, which cause chronic back pain. The pressure these discs go through can also cause them to shift, and press upon sensitive nerves that reside along the spinal column. This is the root cause of a condition known as a pinched nerve, which can cause pain to radiate down through your lower back and into your legs. If you begin to lose feeling in your posterior and legs, or experience weakness, a pinched nerve is most likely the cause.

The good news is that all of these conditions can be improved through spinal decompression.

What to Expect From the Procedure

Unlike the roller table kind of traction commonly used in chiropractic therapy, this kind of vertebral decompression elongates the spine by gently pulling each section apart, through the aid of a computerized traction system. It charts the spine as an axis, and will systematically apply continuous, gentle pressure to encourage each section to separate naturally.

While the traction is working, it is also creating negative pressure within each disc, allowing any that are bulging or shifted to be gently pulled back into its natural alignment. If the discs were crowding nerves or slipping out of their protective sheaths, the negative pressure will help them to go back to their original position, as well as slide them back into the sheaths, if possible. This will result in a reduction of pain and numbness, and will encourage the discs to heal themselves naturally, without having to resort to surgery.

Cautions and Advice

As always, you must consult with your doctor before undergoing any kind of spinal decompression. The final decision is yours, of course, but your doctor will know best if what is causing your chronic back pain or numbness can be helped by this procedure. You should also keep in mind that just one session may not fix everything. Some patients may require several sessions, depending upon the severity of your condition.

One of the most common causes behind complaints of neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain; a pinched nerve can cause excruciating pain until it is properly treated. After enduring intense massages, the next place that most patients turn to is a chiropractor.

The term pinched nerve means that a nerve has been compressed or forcibly stretched in some fashion. If the nerve originates in the neck or back, the condition can have symptoms of tingling, burning or numbness in either the back of the neck or behind the shoulder. This will also cause the muscles of the back to tighten in response, putting even more pressure on the nerves.

Realignment and Decompression

When you visit the chiropractor for a pinched nerve, you have two options available for you right away. The first, realignment, involves the manipulation of the bones surrounding the spinal column and those found within the affected area. The chiropractor will pop and stretch out those bones and muscles slowly and carefully, so that the pressure on the nerve will be eased.

Decompression is a non-surgical solution offered in some chiropractic offices as pinched nerve treatments. This involves a sophisticated multileveled table with proprietary biofeedback that manipulates the spine to form its own natural vacuum within it. This vacuum will ease the pressure from a pinched nerve, lower back pain and even a herniated disc.

Subluxation

A pinched nerve can also be the result of subluxation, a condition that occurs when a bone is partially pushed or pulled out of its usual position within a joint, like kneecaps, hips, fingers, elbows and shoulders. This is almost always caused by some trauma, like a direct blow to the joint affected, a fall, or by making a sudden twisting movement. This can happen to everyone, even during everyday activities.

The chiropractic treatment for a subluxation usually involves adjusting the joints and bones by twisting, pulling or pushing movements. Heat, electrical stimulation and ultrasound treatments are often used in conjunction with the manipulations to ease the threat to the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage that surround the joint. Care must also be taken so that no nerves or blood vessels are permanently injured during the treatment.

Herniated Disc

Pain that is thought to be the result of a pinched nerve might also be from a herniated disc. The bones that form the spine in a person's back are actually cushioned by small discs that literally act as shock absorbers. As we age, these spongy discs get drier and more brittle. Sudden trauma to the spine causes these discs to bulge or break open. When this happens it is herniated, and the bulging can cause nerves in the spine to become compressed.

A sure sign of a possible herniated disc is weakness or numbness in both legs or loss of bladder control in severe cases. Treatments include anti-inflammatory medication, heat and rest, depending upon the severity. A decompression table can also help restore the disc to its proper position.

Spinal Stenosis

This condition is caused by the narrowing of the spaces along the spine. When the space is reduced, the spine becomes compressed in a very painful way. The spaces are narrowed through arthritis or through the growth of bone spurs within the spinal column.

Spinal stenosis causes chronic lower back pain and can sometimes pinch the nerves that control muscle power and sensation in the legs. This is best treated through medication, manipulation or flexing of the spinal column and rest can restore some comfort. In extreme cases, surgery may be used to remove the spurs from the spinal column.

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Don't let a pinched nerve hamper your movements any more. If you suffer from severe neck, back or shoulder pain brought on by a pinched nerve, a visit to a qualified chiropractor is set you right in no time at all. Visit Chiropractic Center of Lakeland today to stay pain free!

Back pain and pregnancy go hand in hand. Lower pain in the back and pelvic region are almost impossible to avoid and as a doctor of chiropractic I find that spinal adjustment therapy is one of the best treatment procedures for my pregnant patients who are expecting.

Yes, gentle adjustments are safe and effective and with the various techniques I implore, I can accommodate any expecting mom no matter the stage of her pregnancy.

Having a child changes a woman's posture, her center of gravity, and alters the body mechanics especially as it applies to mobility. With so much additional weight being added to the front of the body above the pelvic region, it's a guarantee there will be added stress and strain to the back which can result in vertebral subluxations and ongoing muscle spasms.

In layman's terms a subluxation results from a bone in the spine being misaligned along with muscles surrounding these joints, which when restricted or stretched, create soreness and decrease overall movement in the upper torso. This causes discomfort in both the mid to lower back, possible headaches, soreness in the legs, hips, and buttocks.

Now, instead of having patients going through several months of physical pain, more and more Doctors of Obstetrics are advising their patients to seek the care of a qualified chiropractor to receive adjustments through out the pregnancy. They have come to realize that it's truly safe and a better solution than prescribing pain reducing medication.

Various Chiropractic Treatments

To successfully treat the uncomfortable symptoms my patients experience, I focus on using several highly specialized procedures and techniques. Here are (4) of the most popular procedures I use.

• Spinal Decompression procedures - specifically focused for use with expecting mothers


• Therapeutic Exercises and Stretching - safe for use during pregnancy


• Soft Tissue Therapy - massage, trigger point work, soft tissue mobilization, etc.


• Nutritional Counseling - unique to the pregnant mother

The Benefits

Decompression therapy along with other treatments deliver proven results in an easier pregnancy, significantly decreasing the time in labor, and assists new mothers back to pre-partum health. In recent studies, women receiving spinal adjustments during their first pregnancy had shortened labor times of more than 24% over that of a group not receiving the benefits of chiropractic. In addition, more than 75% of women treated report significant relief of back pain during pregnancy. Beyond the reduction of back discomfort, the following benefits were also reported:

• Less leg and hip pain


• Increased circulation - reduced instances of tingling in the back and lower extremities


• Feeling more relaxed than they did before chiropractic treatment began


• Fewer headaches and nausea


• Better digestion


• Increased exercise and healthy eating

These are only a few of the most reported benefits from seeing a chiropractor, but let's not forget that a large part of our practice is preventative in nature to make sure problems don't arise. So you can think of my services as being proactive to prevent a reactive action from a new mother that wished they would have sought proper care to avoid physical pain and a possible hard birth.

The treatments are not a 100% cure for all the aches and soreness every woman feels when they go through child birth, but a majority of my patients tell me that they experience a lot more positives than negative.

As doctors we want to stress that our services in no way are to replace those of the OB, but simply to complement the overall wellness of mother and child.

So when I'm asked by patients going through pregnancy for the first time, as to the best time they should start seeing me I usually recommend they consider seeking care at the start of the second trimester if not sooner. Your body is going through a lot of changes, chemically, physically, and emotionally, and the quicker you start to prepare for these changes, the better you and your baby will be by the time you're ready to deliver.