East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C.

Graston

What Is Text Neck and How to Treat It

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The modern age brings us many things, both positive and negative. Among them are a plethora of screens—laptops, desktops, and especially smartphones. Have you ever had a pain in your neck from looking down at a phone screen to text or surf the internet? You may have a very modern ailment called “text neck“.

What Is Text Neck?

A comparatively new term, like the technology that spawned it, text neck refers to pain or physical damage caused by tilting one’s head to look down at the screen of an electronic device for long periods of time.

The repetitive stress to the upper spine and neck is what causes the pain. The average human head weighs between ten and twelve pounds, but when the neck is tilted down, the effective weight increases to approximately thirty pounds, causing stress and strain to the spine and surrounding musculature. This stress is not limited to your neck. It also transmits through your cervical spine, shoulder muscles, and associated supporting ligaments.

What Are the Symptoms of Text Neck?

Pain and stiffness are the primary symptoms, but not the only ones. These are some of the symptoms to look out for if you suspect that text neck is your issue: 

  • Eye pain.
  • Fatigue.
  • Consistent or constant headaches.
  • Deterioration of posture.
  • Nausea.
  • Muscle soreness.
  • Reduced range of motion.
  • Sharp pain in that area of your neck.
  • Stiffness or tightness in your neck and shoulders.
  • Upper back pain.

As the use of mobile devices has exploded, so have incidents of text neck. Teenagers watching TikTok videos on their phones, office workers bent over desktop computer screens, and people of all ages playing video games all contribute to text neck becoming more common.

Can a Chiropractor Fix Text Neck?

The National Library of Medicine notes chiropractic care as non-invasive treatment modalities used to treat persistent neck pain issues such as text neck. Unfortunately, there has been limited research on neck pain, especially when compared to studies on lower back pain.

Can Graston® Treatments Alleviate Text Neck?

Graston Technique® is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization therapy used to alleviate chronic pain and improve mobility. This type of manipulation, which is gaining more research support, aligns well with the National Library of Medicine study linked above.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness – A Holistic Approach

Since 1986, Dr Marmorale has stayed at the cutting edge of chiropractic care, being certified in the Graston Technique® since 2008. Dr Marmorale and our expert team at East Bay Chiropractic create a treatment plan for each patient, custom-tailored to their particular needs and circumstances. Contact us at East Bay Chiropractic today. You deserve a life free from pain!

Does Graston Work on Plantar Fasciitis?

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Many of us will experience some form of chronic pain or discomfort as we age. This can vary in intensity, with some cases being an inconvenience we can work through by adjusting our day-to-day life, including regular exercise, proper diet, and a better sleeping schedule. That said, there are forms of chronic pain that are more difficult to tackle. One such common ailment is plantar fasciitis.

This common cause of heel pain is related to inflammation in our plantar fascia, the soft tissue running across the bottom of our feet that connects our heels to our toes. This connective tissue is very important in allowing us to walk properly. Unfortunately, repeated stress on the plantar fascia, whether from long-distance running, standing for hours at work, obesity, or aging, can lead to tears, inflammation, and sharp heel pain.

Traditionally, conventional physical therapy has been used to treat the symptoms related to plantar fasciitis, but could the Graston Technique® be more effective?

Should Plantar Fasciitis Be Massaged?

Some people still associate chiropractic care primarily with spinal manipulation and assume that it’s primarily used to treat issues directly related to the spine and look to conventional physical therapy to handle other issues. While it’s true that spinal manipulation helps many, a chiropractor has many tools at their disposal, including massage therapy. Similar to spinal manipulation, massage therapy is the manipulation of our soft tissue, including the fascia. This form of therapy increases blood flow to the affected region and relaxes the targeted tissue to help reduce inflammation.

Is Muscle Scraping Good for Plantar Fasciitis?

Massage therapy isn’t the only tool chiropractors have for treating plantar fasciitis. Chiropractors who are properly trained and certified in the Graston Technique® can further treat this form of inflammation. Studies have shown that the Graston Technique® provided significant improvement compared to treating plantar fasciitis through physical therapy alone. The specialized tools used for Graston®  allow the practitioner to target the microtears and other similar injuries to the fascia that result in stiffness and hardening around the damage to be broken up and massaged to allow proper healing.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Help Treat Your Plantar Fasciitis

Chiropractic care augmented with the Graston Technique® has helped many people overcome inflammation-related pain caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis. At East Bay Chiropractic, we specialize in the Graston Technique®. This pain management approach targets the knots and adhesions in your soft tissue to help combat inflammation to reduce and manage your chronic 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 alleviate your chronic pain so you can find comfort and peace of mind.

Can Subluxations Clear Up on Their Own?

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The term “subluxation” has several meanings across different disciplines, but in the study of chiropractic care, a vertebral subluxation is a misalignment of the vertebrae in the spine. When a vertebra is misaligned, it can put pressure on a spinal nerve, potentially disrupting nerve communication, causing injuries, or even contributing to disease development. A vertebral subluxation may or may not be visible on an x-ray.

Will a Subluxation Go Away on Its Own?

It is possible for some subluxations to resolve spontaneously. In those cases where the misalignment is minor and not causing excessive discomfort, the body may correct the issue over time. This depends on several factors, including individual health and lifestyle. It may not be sufficient to rely on the body’s ability to heal, especially if the pain persists or worsens.

How Long Does a Subluxation Take to Heal?

Minor subluxations may heal within a few days or weeks with proper rest, gentle stretching, and maintaining good posture. The healing process varies significantly based on the severity of the subluxation and an individual’s overall health. More severe misalignments may require chiropractic adjustments or specialized treatments such as the Graston Technique® to promote effective healing. Promptly establishing a care plan can help prevent long-term injuries, chronic pain, and restricted mobility.

The Graston Technique® uses specialized instruments to assist in soft-tissue manipulation. The technique is used to induce inflammation to boost blood flow and promote healing in affected soft tissues. Patients experiencing back pain may also receive treatment targeting hip flexors, shoulders, and other areas connected through the fascial network. However, the Graston Technique® should not be used in cases such as spinal compression fractures or any condition contraindicated for soft-tissue mobilization.

Can a Misaligned Back Heal on Its Own?

The body has mechanisms to correct minor injuries and misalignments, but a consistently misaligned back may not heal completely without targeted intervention. Chronic subluxations can contribute to continuing discomfort, muscle tension, and nerve irritation. Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and exercises designed to strengthen the supportive muscles can help realign the spine and prevent recurring issues.

What Happens If You Don’t Treat a Subluxation?

If left untreated, a subluxation can cause persistent discomfort or stiffness that may worsen over time. Untreated subluxations can contribute to degenerative spinal changes, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis or herniated discs. They can also affect the nerves and cause radiating pain, tingling, or numbness in the extremities. Declining spinal health can negatively affect daily activities, posture, and overall quality of life.

Early intervention leads to a faster recovery and reduces the risk of long-term complications associated with untreated spinal misalignments. It’s important to seek a professional evaluation and treatment for persistent or recurrent issues.

Explore The Benefits of Chiropractic Care at East Bay Chiropractic Wellness

In addition to conventional chiropractic care, East Bay Chiropractic specializes in the use of the Graston Technique®. In fact, we are the first on Long Island to be certified in the use of the technique. Book an appointment with East Bay Chiropractic today!

Does Cold Weather Cause Joint and Muscle Aches?

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Here on Long Island, we’re most of the way through winter, and while the warmer weather will be here soon, we still have to navigate the cold through the near future. The older we get, the less likely many of us are to enjoy the colder weather. For example, we’re more prone to serious injury from slipping and falling on ice, which can result in pulled muscles, spinal misalignment, and more. 

Unfortunately, you don’t need to experience an injury to feel pain and discomfort in the colder weather. Many people experience joint and muscle aches in colder weather. Below, we’ll discuss the possible causes.

Why Does My Back Hurt When It’s Cold Out?

There are a few reasons as to why your back, as well as other areas of your body, can hurt more when it’s cold out. One cause of winter back pain is something you can control: lack of exercise. We often find ourselves being less active in the winter months. It’s important to resist that urge and to continue being active, doing stretches, and other activities to promote physical health.

One of the more unavoidable reasons for pain and discomfort in the colder weather is how it affects our circulation. Our blood vessels may constrict in the colder weather, meaning less blood flow to our extremities as our body focuses on keeping our vital organs warm. Colder weather may also cause the liquid around our joints to thicken, causing stiffness and discomfort. Many traditional chiropractic treatments such as spinal manipulation can help reduce the pain, but other options may provide better results.

How Does Scraping Help Your Muscle Aches?

Part of why you may be experiencing pain and discomfort in the colder weather is from damaged tissue beneath your skin affecting your soft tissue, like your joints, ligaments, and muscles. This could be from a previous injury, or wear and tear on our bodies. The cold weather could be further impeding your flexibility.

The Graston Technique® uses specially designed stainless steel tools that require separate training and certification beyond traditional chiropractic care. These tools comb over your body to pinpoint the affected areas, the hardened tissue, and fascial adhesions causing the pain and discomfort, which gets reabsorbed into the body.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Help You Recover Faster

Aches and pains related to the cold weather can add stress and discomfort to your day-to-day life, putting you at higher risk of sustaining an injury. It’s time for you to experience the relief that only professionals with a long track record of satisfied clients can provide.

For more than 35 years, East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C. has been providing a wide range of chiropractic services to locate the stressors within your body and target those areas to alleviate your pain so you can focus more on enjoying your life. We can work with you on pain management and restoring the range of motion through massage, stretching exercises, spinal adjustments, the Graston Technique®, and much more. Schedule your appointment today and start your journey to a more comfortable tomorrow.

Treating Winter Weather Car Accidents

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Long Island’s roads can be treacherous in the winter, with snow, sleet, and ice creating dangerous driving conditions. Even if you follow winter weather-related driving tips like keeping your vehicle maintained, leaving longer distances between vehicles, and understanding how to handle a skid, accidents still happen.

[Read more…] about Treating Winter Weather Car Accidents

Do Chiropractic Adjustments Help Sleep?

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A good night’s sleep is essential for people’s overall well-being, but many struggle due to discomfort, pain, and sometimes, improper spinal alignment. The key to a good night’s sleep is keeping the spine naturally aligned by using a combination of sleep position, mattress style, and pillow type. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments focusing on improving spinal health can help promote better sleep.

What Sort of Bed Do Chiropractors Recommend?

The old advice doctors used to recommend was for people struggling with back pain to sleep on very firm mattresses, but one survey of nearly 300 people found that people who sleep on extra hard mattresses actually have the poorest sleep quality. A soft mattress can conform to your body’s natural curves, which is great if your joints align comfortably but you may sink and twist yourself into a painful night’s sleep. Replace your mattress every 7-10 years, as it softens over time and may no longer support proper spinal alignment while you sleep.

What Mattresses Do Chiropractors Suggest?

Chiropractors recommend mattresses that offer balanced support and comfort. Memory foam and latex mattresses are popular choices, as they contour to the body while maintaining proper spinal alignment. These materials help reduce pressure points and provide support to the natural curvature of the spine, ensuring that the sleeper’s body is properly aligned throughout the night. Hybrid mattresses that use both memory foam and latex with innerspring coils are also recommended for those who prefer a bit more bounce while still benefiting from the contouring properties of foam.

A mattress that is too soft can cause the spine to sag, while one that is too firm may lead to discomfort, so chiropractors often advise choosing a medium-firm mattress that supports the body’s natural alignment. There is no singular choice for “the right mattress” as it is a highly individual choice based on one’s body and its needs.

Do Chiropractors Recommend Pillows?

The right pillow can help with neck strain, headaches, and shoulder pain. Chiropractors recommend using them, but finding the one right for your needs is generally up to you. The pillow should support proper neck and spine alignment while you sleep.

In addition to finding the right equipment for a good night’s rest, chiropractic adjustments can also help people find a more restful sleep by easing muscle tension, relaxing the body, and relieving pain and discomfort. The Graston Technique®, as a form of soft tissue mobilization, uses specialized instruments to break down adhesions and improve blood flow. The technique can help treat discomfort and promote relaxation.

What Is the Best Pillow for Spine Alignment?

The best kind of pillow depends on your sleep position. Back sleepers should use a medium-firm pillow to support the neck’s natural curve, while side sleepers need a thicker, firmer pillow to fill the gap between the neck and mattress. People who sleep on their stomachs tend to prefer a thinner pillow or none at all to avoid straining their necks.

What Is the Best Bed for Spine Alignment?

A medium-firm mattress tends to offer more advantages to people with non-specific back pain. Studies have shown these mattresses can improve sleep quality and have a lower risk of developing new back pain problems. Beds that have active control help with the orthopedic column alignment and sleep quality.

Explore the Benefits of Chiropractic Care at East Bay Chiropractic Wellness

East Bay Chiropractic specializes in the use of the Graston Technique® for treatment and pain management caused by soft tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation. As the first on Long Island to be certified in the use of the technique and with more than 30 years of experience, you know you’ll be in good hands. Contact East Bay Chiropractic today to learn more about how we can help you.