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What is “Lumbago”?

When you first hear the word “lumbago”, it probably sounds more like a dance from your grandparents’ generation than a medical condition.  However, lumbago is actually a musculoskeletal disorder that is more commonly referred to as low back pain.  An estimated 80% of Americans suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives, and it is one of…

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What Are “Posture Aids” and When Should You Consider Them?

Many people spend hours each day sitting at a desk, which has led to large parts of the population developing bad posture and subsequent back and neck pain. Poor posture is actually the most common cause of low back pain, and there’s no doubt that sitting for prolonged periods is a major contributor. However, unless you plan to quit your…

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Phases of Spinal Degeneration

The spine can be thought of as a mechanical device that needs proper care and maintenance. The better you care for your spine, the longer it will operate without problems. However, it will wear out faster if neglected. As we age, we all develop some degree of spinal degeneration – it is unavoidable. However, some people have more or fewer…

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The Benefits of a Cervical Pillow

Can your pillow really make a difference in your health and how you feel during the day? Absolutely. Cervical pillows are specially designed ergonomic supports for your neck. They hold it in the proper position during sleep, while also cradling the head and shoulders. It is important that your neck and head are at proper angles when you are lying…

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Patients’ Satisfaction with Chiropractic Care

When it comes to making important choices about treatment options for back pain, it’s worth looking at the experiences of others who have found something that works. In recent years, the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center has surveyed the magazine’s subscribers to do just that. In April and May 2009, Consumer Reports released some of its findings publicly. A summary…

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The Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, and the enteric nervous system comprise the autonomic nervous system in the body. It operates through a network of neurons throughout the body, which originate inside the vertebral column and extend down to the third lumbar segment of the spine. The autonomic nervous system is continuously active and is responsible for unconscious…

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When to Consider Foot Orthotics

Good spinal health is built from the ground up, starting with the feet. For years medical researchers and healthcare providers have recognized that problems there can cause posture changes that eventually trigger a variety of musculoskeletal issues in other parts of the body (particularly the ankle, knee, hip and back). Studies have also shown that even slight foot problems can…

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The Parasympathetic Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system, and the enteric nervous system comprise the autonomic nervous system in the body. The autonomic nervous system is continuously active and is responsible for unconscious regulation of our glands and organs. The parasympathetic nervous system takes care of “rest and repair” activities, such as salivation, tears, sexual arousal, urination, digestion and defecation….

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Proper Form is the Key to Safe Soccer Headers

The question of whether repeated headers in the game of soccer have a long-term impact on the brain or cognitive function is a raging debate among experts with no clear answer one way or another. An LA Times article on the subject makes this clear in its opening line… “Like a loose ball in a kids’ game, argument over the…

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What is Sciatica

Many people use the term sciatica incorrectly. Sciatica is pain along the path of the sciatic nerve which extends from the lower back down each leg. Sciatica is a symptom (like itching), it is not a diagnosis (like Parkinson’s disease). Sciatica can range from an occasional nuisance to excruciating pain that makes walking near impossible. There can be multiple underlying…

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What is Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is misnomer, because it’s not really a disease. It is a term that refers to the normal changes in the spine as we age. In particular, it refers to the deterioration of our spinal discs, which are the soft, cushiony discs between our bony vertebrae. Spinal discs are like shock absorbers, in that they separate the bones…

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