Butler Chiropractic HealthCenter

Featured Articles

Do you want to learn more about what you can do to improve your own health, as well as that of your loved ones and family? Do you want to have a longer and more enjoyable life?

Browse through our wide range of informative articles and share them with friends and family.

We try to keep you current on the most up to date information as it relates to your Health, Family and Prevention.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN SURGERY

The magnitude of the carpal tunnel syndrome problem is awesome. In 1991, sixty percent of all new reported non-traumatic related work injury claims were for carpal tunnel syndrome and the estimated total cost was $52.2 billion. This is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. It gives rise to symptoms that may be difficult to distinguish from those due to a nerve entrapment in the neck. The cause of the pressure cannot always be determined. Indeed, the nerve, when exposed at surgery, often appears quite normal. However, there is sometimes a pathological condition which diminishes the available space in the rigid carpal tunnel. Such conditions may be associated with tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, dislocation of the semilunar bone and osteoarthritis, to name just a few. The syndrome occurs most often in middle-aged women, but younger and older women, and also men, may be affected. The principal complaint is of burning, tingling, numbness, and "pins and needles" in the fingers, and sometimes that the fingers feel as if they were swollen. Since only the median nerve is involved, the little finger escapes and many patients are aware of this when they are asked. There may be pain in the forearm, and even in the arm above the elbow, but it is seldom severe. The symptoms can be constant or intermittent; they are made worse by energetic use of the hand, and they are nearly always more troublesome at night, often interrupting sleep after a few hours. On awaking in the morning the hand is clumsy and difficult to use for some minutes. Movement and rubbing the fingers often gives partial relief. This syndrome is relatively common, may involve either one or both hands, and is particularly associated with occupations that require repeated forceful wrist flexion such as typing. Conservative, non-surgical, non-drug treatment is often successful along with the appropriate rest and wrist support. Chiropractic management has proven successful in many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and should be the initial treatment of choice before considering surgery or corticosteroid injections.

The Washington Post Express Features ACA's Backpack Tips

     With schools in full swing, many news sources recently focused on backpacks and how children can avoid the back pain often associated with carrying too heavy a load.  In an article written for the Washington Post Express and picked up by newspapers nationwide, ACA member Scott Bautch, DC, CCSP,DABCOH, offers tips such as limiting the amount of weight in a backpack to just 10 percent of the child's weight and using both straps to carry the bag.

     In other news, ACA member and President of the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors Steven Clarke, DC, recently appeared on NY1 in New York City urging parents to keep an eye on the weight of their children's Backpacks.

Watch what Chiropractors say about how to avoid back pain carrying back packs.

Professional Athletes know Chiropractic helps.

See what they say about Chiropractic.

Jerry Rice, NFL Football Great

Maruice Johns Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

Dan O'Brien, Olympic Gold Medalist

Is your Home as healthy and happy as it can be?

Now, more than ever, you home needs to be a clean, healthy source of relaxation and escape from a stressful polluted world.  From the color of your walls, the plants in your home, the air quality and lighting, all of these elements contribute to your overall health and  happiness.  After all your home is usually the place you spend the majority of your life, thus making it one of the  biggest influences of your physical and mental health.

When we walk into our homes at the end of a hectic day we want to find peace, tranquility and comfort. Decorating with earth tones and soothing colors such as light blues, grays and greens can  help lower blood pressure and set the scene for a relaxing evening. If you choose to change your colors, remember to consider using a newer low or no-VOCs paint to eliminate the harmful effects of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that can contribute to eye and respiratory problems.

Temperature can contribute in a big way to the comfort factor as well but this may be contrary to our efforts to reduce energy use.  Sleeping has been shown best at around 66 degrees and slightly higher during the day will increase your energy level as well.

The majority of us that live here in the deep south find that we keep our homes closed up and air-conditioned around the clock for 9-10 months out of the year.  It is important to open up and let your home air out every few days for at least an hour and best on days when the humidity is lowest.  we track in the majority of the contaminants on our feet so using door mats outside of the entrance doors can do a lot to reduce these contaminants.  There are new UV lights that can be installed in your  central air-conditioner returns for total home protection.  http://www.breatheclean.com/  At a relatively low cost initially and very low energy cost these will kill circulating contaminants such as molds, viruses, dust mites bacteria and fungi.  This can eliminate germs ever HEPA filters miss. 

  Those suffering from allergies, sinus and asthma symptoms will see a big difference not to mention helping to stop the spread of colds and the flu between family members.  Sleep better, and wake up refreshed, with less sinus congestion.    Changing the filters of your central unit to a  high quality filter that is rated to 3 microns will also help.  Don't forget to change your filters regularly, averaging once a month.  In areas where additional contaminants are put into the air like the kitchen stand alone quality air filters are a plus. 

Live plant can add alot to both the relaxing atmosphere and the air quality.  Plants add depth and texture to a room. The right live plants can both contribute a visual  Consider using non noxious cleaners to reduce indoor air pollution.  The indoor air of our homes is up to 90% more polluted than what's outside according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Foot Problems

whether you have painful feet or not, can contribute to knee, back and neck pain.  Have you had your feet scanned to actually see how the base of your entire body supports you?  Customized Orthotics can make a major contribution to your structural health and balance.  Dont just settle for off the shelf orthotics, get what you need for best results as an individual.  No two of us are exactly alike.

When a patient needs support, there are two choices to consider: custom-made or off-the-shelf? Numerous companies offer a variety of Off-the-Shelf Inserts to support and relieve the foot.

Unlike generic orthotics, Foot Levelers' custom-made Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers are scientifically designed for the individual's unique postural problems -- not just problems with the feet. We believe that correcting imbalances in your feet, in addition to regular chiropractic adjustments, can properly align your spine and pelvis.

Stabilizers offer more than just short-term symptom relief. They also promote whole-body wellness for a lifetime. Take a look at the facts:

Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers

• 3-arch support balances the feet, balances the body; also provides proper corrections for your specific condition
• Patented Gait Cycle System� offers support through each phase of your gait
• Promotes optimum posture and enhances chiropractic adjustments, resulting in longer-term symptom relief
• Guaranteed to last or your money back
• Custom made using 16 precise measurements based on digital images or impressions of your feet

Over-the-Counter

• Only supports 1 arch, and often overcorrects causing more harm than good
• Does not provide custom support throughout the gait cycle
• Does not aid in correcting posture; really just a cushion designed to treat the symptom rather than the underlying problem
• Durability is questionable so you may spend more money over time replacing them
• Offers generic solutions for a set number of foot conditions, which likely do not address your specific needs

Stabilizers vs. Over-the-Counter

Foot Levelers has been working with healthcare professionals for more than 58 years to provide patients with custom-made Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers to correct imbalances in the feet, and provide a balanced foundation that can improve a patient's quality of life. Your health is our number-one priority, and we support you every step of the way.

 

See what Foot Levelors can do for you and how we can scan your feet and show you, in color.