East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C.

General Chiropractic

Treatment Alternatives Before Back Surgery

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Our backs are crucial to our overall health and comfort. Unfortunately, because of the demands of everyday life, many of us experience back pain. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 Americans have experienced varying levels of back pain, along with 8% of adults experiencing chronic back pain specifically.

If you’re experiencing chronic back pain that’s getting in the way of your day-to-day life, you should get a professional opinion from an expert on how to best manage that pain. Many doctors are likely to suggest back surgery, which can be risky. So, what are the alternative treatments you can consider before back surgery?

Should I See a Chiropractor Before Deciding on Back Surgery?

While back surgery is sometimes necessary, you should never resign yourself to the risk without examining your alternatives and making a well-informed choice for your health. If you are experiencing back pain as a result of an accident or injury, it’s important that you see a doctor and get a diagnosis. That said, if you continue having lingering pain after an accident or injury, or if you’re developing chronic back pain, seeing a chiropractor is encouraged before deciding on back surgery. Chiropractors not only provide care, but they also provide lifestyle advice that can help improve your overall health.

What Back Problems Can a Chiropractor Help With?

Chiropractors can help with a number of back problems, which can also help bring you relief from other ailments tied to your spine. Lower back pain, upper back pain, stiffness, and limits in your range of motion can all be addressed with various chiropractic treatments, including spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and acupuncture.

It may be possible that your chronic back pain is caused in part or in full by damaged muscle and soft tissue in the area. Not only can that cause pain and discomfort, but it can also cause you to overcompensate with your unaffected back muscles, which can lead to spinal misalignment.

For these instances, the Graston Technique® can be utilized; a technique that the administering chiropractor must be specially trained in. The Graston Technique® involves tools designed to break up the damaged scar tissue, to relieve the pain it causes while also restoring your range of motion.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Provide an Alternative to Back Surgery and Improve Your Quality of Life

For millions of Americans, chronic back pain is a part of life. There are many healthcare professionals that suggest potentially risky surgical procedures that don’t always guarantee pain relief, but there are other forms of care to try beforehand. At East Bay Chiropractic, we specialize in the use of the Graston Technique® in pain management and relief caused by soft tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation that could lead to constant discomfort or pain. And with more than 30 years of experience, you know you’ll be in good hands. Contact East Bay Chiropractic today, and learn more about how we can help you manage your chronic pain.

What is the Popping Sound During a Chiropractic Adjustment?

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Chiropractic adjustments offer many benefits, including pain relief, increased mobility, and improved posture. During a spinal adjustment, you may hear a popping or cracking sound and wonder what it is (and whether or not it’s a good thing). For some, that pop can be alarming, while for others, it may be quite satisfying. So, what causes the popping sound during an adjustment, and should you be concerned about it?

What Causes the Popping Sound at a Chiropractor?

The popping sound you hear during an adjustment results from a release of pressure in a spinal joint. There are a couple of theories as to what exactly is being released.

The Synovial Fluid Theory

Subluxations inhibit the free movement of synovial fluid, the lubricant that keeps your joints flexible. This causes an uncomfortable buildup of pressure in the joint. During an adjustment, the capsules that contain synovial fluid are stretched out, allowing for a release of built-up pressure. This may result in a popping sound.

The Gas Theory

The production of synovial fluid creates gaseous byproducts: oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. When there are subluxations in your spinal joints, these gases become trapped. During an adjustment, these gases are released, a process referred to as cavitation. This release may lead to an adjustment’s signature popping sound.

Is the Popping Sound a Good Thing?

The popping during an adjustment not only indicates a release of pressure in your back, it also signals that endorphins are being released into your body. Endorphins are hormones that can reduce pain and stress, as well as improve your overall mood and sense of well-being.

This is why cracking your knuckles or popping another joint can feel so incredibly satisfying. Even though it can be enjoyable, we don’t recommend frequent joint popping. When done incorrectly or excessively, this action can pinch nerves, strain muscles, stretch out ligaments, and damage blood vessels.

Do I Need to Hear a Pop or Crack During Chiropractic Adjustment?

Hearing a pop during your adjustment may feel rewarding, but it doesn’t happen every time or for everyone. The absence of a pop doesn’t mean the procedure wasn’t done correctly or that it was ineffective. Some individuals may have subluxations without the pressure buildup that causes popping sounds during adjustments.

Can The Graston Technique® Help with Chiropractic Care?

If you have experienced soft tissue injuries in addition to subluxations, Graston Technique® therapy is an effective treatment to restore function, reduce pain, and improve range of motion. The Graston Technique® uses specialized tools to perform cross-fiber massage on scar tissue and fascial restrictions.

Chiropractic Care Can Relieve Pain and Restore Range of Motion

If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or loss of motion, we can help you feel better with spinal adjustments, Graston Technique® therapy, massage, and more. For more than 35 years, East Bay Chiropractic Wellness has provided a broad range of chiropractic services to Long Island residents. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Tips for Better Posture

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We’ve always been told about the importance of good posture. Despite this, many of us struggle with poor posture, which negatively affects both our appearance and overall health.

Poor posture results from bad habits in how we sit, stand, and lie down. These habits cause our spines to bend and misalign, leading to back pain and discomfort throughout the body. It can take a long time to develop these kinds of problems from poor posture. This often means it will take significant time and effort to correct. So, what steps can we take to improve our posture?

How Can I Improve My Posture?

There are many ways to help improve your posture that may sound small but make a huge impact. Being mindful of your posture while walking and sitting is key. Additionally, wearing supportive footwear is crucial, especially during summer months when prolonged walks in flip-flops can negatively impact your posture.

Another important step to improving posture is to make sure you are seated properly when working at a desk or when using a phone or tablet device. At a desk, adjust your chair to maintain a good posture at the correct height. If your current chair doesn’t support this, consider finding a replacement. Also, be mindful of your posture when using a phone or tablet, whether sitting on a chair or a couch. Slouching, a common habit, can cause long-term damage.

Can You Correct Years of Bad Posture?

Correcting years of bad posture is a gradual process, and it will not happen overnight. It’s important to follow the guidelines above in order to maintain a good posture, but a poor posture over the years will have a significant impact on your overall health. In these cases, it is advised to seek professional help and guidance. 

Can A Chiropractor Help Improve My Posture?

A chiropractor is uniquely qualified to realign the spinal column and offer expertise in a wide range of other treatments that can improve posture and overall health. This includes lifestyle advice, exercise, massage therapy, and the Graston Technique®, which is designed to break up fascial/muscular adhesion (knots) buildup in your soft tissue that could be causing your back muscles to keep you in an improper posture.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Help Correct Years of Bad Posture

Unfortunately, bad posture is common and affects millions of Americans daily. At East Bay Chiropractic, we specialize in the Graston Technique®, a pain management approach that targets scar tissue caused by poor posture. This technique helps combat inflammation and reduce or eliminate pain, allowing you to enjoy your daily life comfortably. With nearly three decades of experience, you can trust that you’re in good hands. Contact East Bay Chiropractic today to learn how we can help you manage your chronic pain.

Golf Swings and Back Health

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Your golf swing is where physics and your physique meet. If something is misaligned in your body, chances are, it will have a negative impact on your swing.

Golf engages multiple muscle groups, and when your spine isn’t properly aligned, it can throw off the coordinated actions required for an effective swing. When one area of your body isn’t performing well, others will overcompensate, causing subluxations and pain that may further impact your ability to play well.

Can Golfers Benefit from Chiropractic Adjustment?

Pro golfers like Tiger Woods are vocal about the benefits of chiropractic care for their swing, their game, and their overall well-being. Chiropractic care can alleviate back pain, elbow pain, and other issues faced by all kinds of golfers, from pros to casual weekend players.

Regular chiropractic adjustments help improve range of motion, alleviate existing pain, and prevent future pain. If you’re a golfer, chiropractic adjustments can boost your game and prevent injury by aligning your spine, improving your posture, and boosting your performance.

Can Chiropractors Fix Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is a form of tendonitis resulting in pain, inflammation, and a buildup of scar tissue in the elbow. It doesn’t just affect golfers; anyone who overuses their elbow can suffer from golfer’s elbow. It also impacts musicians, construction workers, and those who play other sports. Even those who text, play video games, or type on keyboards for long periods can experience golfer’s elbow.

Chiropractic care can alleviate the pain of golfer’s elbow and help reduce inflammation. At East Bay, we specialize in the Graston Technique®, using specialized tools to locate and break up areas of scar tissue in and around affected areas. This allows your elbow to move more freely, helping reduce pain and improve range of motion.

How Do I Loosen My Body for Golf?

Tight, inflexible joints and muscles are detrimental to your game. To have a smooth, powerful swing, maintaining flexibility is important. When used in conjunction with chiropractic care, daily and warm-up stretching can keep your body strong and loose enough to swing fluidly, comfortably, and precisely.

Can Chiropractic Care Make You a Better Golfer?

Only you can put in the time, work, and dedication to become a better golfer, but we can prepare you to play your best. Chiropractic care can help your body perform optimally, improving your posture, coordination, flexibility, and range of motion. And when those improve, your swing improves as well, becoming smoother, more powerful, and more accurate.

Optimize Your Game with Chiropractic Care

For more than 35 years, East Bay Chiropractic Wellness has provided a broad range of chiropractic services to golfers and other athletes. We can help you prepare for and recover from the effects of sporting activities on your spine, joints, and muscles, with adjustments, massage, and more. Get started and get relief by scheduling an appointment.

Can a Car Accident Cause Spinal Misalignment?

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Here on Long Island, like most of the country, we need a car to get around. Even if we’re taking the LIRR to work, we’re driving to the station. And while we find ourselves in cars frequently without incident, it only takes one accident to upend your day-to-day life with chronic pain and discomfort. And the odds of that happening may be higher than you expect, with more than 2 million Americans suffering injuries from car accidents every year.

The source of that pain could very likely be related to a misaligned spine. So, what are the symptoms of spinal misalignment?

What Are the Symptoms of a Misaligned Spine?

Our spine is more than just the bones in our back, it’s a major part of our nervous system. As a result, a misaligned spine can have a wide range of symptoms that may seem unrelated. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Knee pain
  • Hip pain
  • Headaches
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Numbness or tingling of the extremities.

If a misaligned spine isn’t eventually treated, depending on the severity, it could result in chronic pain and decreased mobility.

How Do You Treat a Misaligned Spine?

To best treat a misaligned spine, you’ll want to make sure you’ve consulted with a professional before anything else. If you’ve been in a car accident, it is important that you go to the hospital and get evaluated as soon as possible to ensure there aren’t any hairline fractures, internal injuries, etc. Several exercises and stretches could be recommended to you. However, it’s important to know the severity of your injuries before potentially causing further injury by performing exercises that worsen your injury. A chiropractor would be able to give you a full evaluation and determine an exercise regime that would fit your very particular needs based on your injury.

A chiropractor can also perform spinal manipulation to help put your spine back into its proper alignment. This is what most people imagine when they think of what a chiropractor does, but that is only one of the many services that can be provided.

Additionally, depending on the nature of the injury and how long ago it occurred, the Graston Technique® might be a useful addition to one’s treatment plan. The Graston Technique® is used to break up myofascial adhesions, which can limit mobility. It can also improve blood flow to the soft tissue in the injured area, which can aid the healing process.

How Long Does It Take to Treat a Misaligned Spine?

This will vary based on the extent of the misalignment in the spine. A chiropractor can give you a full evaluation and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This will involve more frequent visits in the first few weeks or so, then determining the extent to which chiropractic care is helping to reduce pain and improve mobility. From there, the schedule and care plan can be reevaluated.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Provides a Non-invasive, Drug-Free Way to Recover from Your Injuries

As careful as we may be on the road, accidents can prove to be unavoidable. Whether it be a minor fender bender or an experience that’s far more harrowing; you may find yourself experiencing an equal amount of pain and discomfort resulting from the aftermath of whiplash. For more than 35 years, East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C. has provided a wide range of chiropractic services to fit your needs. We can work with you on pain management and restoring the range of motion in your neck and back through massage, the Graston Technique®, stretching exercises, spinal adjustments, and more, while avoiding risky surgeries and addictive pain medications. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a more comfortable life.

Stadium Seating and Your Back: Correct Posture Month

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Nothing says summer in America like attending a baseball game. Watching a game while sitting in the sunshine, drinking beer, and eating hot dogs is a quintessential summertime experience. One aspect that may be lacking is comfortable seating, especially at minor league or children’s games, where you may find yourself sitting in bleachers.

Bleachers are designed to accommodate a large number of people in a relatively small space. Unfortunately, they aren’t designed for comfort or optimal ergonomics.

Can bleachers cause back pain? Yes, absolutely, but whether it’s a baseball game, swim meet, wrestling match, marching band exhibition, or other events, there are steps you can take to protect your back.

Why Does My Back Hurt When I Sit on Bleachers?

Bleacher seating is flat, hard, and in back support. Bleachers aren’t only uncomfortable; they encourage poor posture, which leads to back, hip, and leg pain.

Most of us know that prolonged sitting is bad for the back; it compresses the lumbar discs and misaligns the spine. Sitting on hard, backless bleachers makes the problem even worse. It also leads to “bleacher butt,” where pressure from sitting on a hard surface irritates the bones and ligaments in the backside.

How Do You Sit on Bleachers Without Hurting Your Back?

The best way to avoid a bleacher backache is to maintain correct posture, preserving the natural curve of your spine. Sit up straight, using your abdominal muscles, with your shoulders back. Hold your knees at a 90-degree angle, aligned with your hips. Keep your weight distributed evenly on both hips.

Change your position approximately every half hour to prevent prolonged stress. Take regular breaks from sitting; get up and move around from time to time.

Avoid putting your feet up on the seat in front of you. It may feel more comfortable in the short term, but it causes you to hunch forward, creating an unnatural arch in the spine. This puts excessive pressure on your lower back, which can damage your discs. Instead, keep your feet flat on the floor.

Be sure to stay well-hydrated, which promotes flexible, healthy discs. Remember that alcohol and caffeine dehydrate the body. When you leave the event, stretch thoroughly before you get in the car and again when you get out of it. See your chiropractor regularly to get adjustments.

How Can I Make a Stadium Seat More Comfortable?

Bleacher sitting is rarely comfortable, but some supports and cushions can make the experience less painful. Stadium seats or foam stadium chairs with back supports and thick cushioning are optimal, but an ergonomic gel cushion or even a folded blanket is better than hard, bare bleachers.

These items are sold at sporting goods stores and other retailers. Some sports venues offer rental seats with cushions and back support. If you plan to bring your own seat, check venue regulations to be sure it is on their list of approved items.

Make Chiropractic Care Part of Your Sports Spectating Routine

Being proactive can reduce bleacher back and butt pain. If you experience discomfort, we can help manage pain and restore a normal range of motion with spinal adjustments, massage, and more. For more than 35 years, East Bay Chiropractic Wellness has provided a broad range of chiropractic services to Long Island residents. We specialize in the Graston Technique® to break up fascial restrictions and promote soft tissue healing. Contact us online to schedule an appointment.