Issue 7.10

Sixty-seven year old Jan Hudson of St. George recently started walking with a group of friends to incorporate exercise into her daily routine.  She began walking 20 minutes in the mornings, but after her second trip, she noticed some slight tightness in her low back and right hip.  As the day went on, the tightness turned into pain.  Jan was surprised when sitting aggravated the pain and standing did not.  She took some aspirin, but later that afternoon the discomfort started coming back.  Now she could feel pain traveling down the back of her thigh.  Jan decided to put a heating pad on it.  It felt good while the pad was on, but the pain returned afterward and seemed even worse.  The next morning she cancelled her walking group appointment.  After five days of not being able to walk with her friends, she was really frustrated.  One of Jan’s friends recommended she see her doctor at Advanced Spine and Rehabilitation.  Jan gave them a call, and they were able to get her in the same day.  Upon arriving, she was given a thorough 45-minute consultation. Jan was relieved when the doctor told her there was a solution.  He diagnosed her condition as Piriformis Syndrome.  She was treated with a light massage and some simple stretches, as well as some other therapies to help with the spasms and pain.  After a few follow-up visits, she was completely pain free.  Jan quickly returned to her walking group and now walks 45 minutes a day.

Piriformis syndrome is a common condition that affects seniors.  It occurs when a small muscle in the hip area, called the piriformis, is irritated.  The deep muscle goes into spasm which can then irritate the sciatic nerve resulting in pain down the leg.  This condition often occurs insidiously with no known cause.  Conservative therapy is shown to be the best option.  Your doctor can recommend stretches, perform light therapies, and help mobilize the area to eliminate pain and inflammation.  Most people are back to their normal active lifestyles in just a few short visits.

Advanced Spine & Rehab is an integrated chiropractic clinic in town specializing in treating senior patients with conservative therapy. These doctors practice in a professional, gentle, and pressure-free atmosphere. A large portion of their base includes satisfied Medicare patients. Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit our website for more info - www. StGeorgePainRelief.com.

Issue 52.09

I remember when I was playing tennis over twelve years ago.  Somehow I injured my midback while serving.  Each time I went to serve, the intense pain immediately reminded me of what I had done.  That injury really limited my performance on the court and was very frustrating for the next several months while I slowly recovered.  I wish I would have sought treatment immediately instead of just hoping it would go away.

The sports of tennis and pickleball can bring not only a unique exercise experience, but also tremendous health benefits, such as reducing your risk of a heart attack, toning the muscles of your upper and lower body, burning calories, and improving your balance, hand-eye coordination, and agility.  If you are already involved in the sports or looking to learn more, here are a few tips to help you avoid any potential injuries.

The grip of your racket should be thick enough for your hand to fit around it without having your thumb and fingers overlap one another.  The racket should be comfortably cushioned to absorb the shock that comes from hitting a tennis ball.  Don’t try to pick out a bigger racket just to give you a better chance at hitting the ball and with more power.  With an oversized racket, catching the ball on the extreme edges of the racket causes a greater force that can twist your hands and wrists beyond their normal range of motion.  If you have chronic wrist and elbow pain look for a normal-sized racket, with a hitting area of 105 square inches or smaller.

If you are a beginning player, take lessons.  They teach good habits and proper form, which will help take pressure off your wrists, spine and hips.  Certain strokes if done incorrectly (like a one-handed backhand) can cause elbow and wrist pain in a very short amount of time.

Even with the best preventive measures, pain and injury can be a fact of life with any sport.  If you experience pain or injury beyond simple muscle soreness, visit your doctor of chiropractic.  Doctors of chiropractic are uniquely trained to treat common tennis and pickleball injuries, such as tennis elbow, shoulder injuries, low-back injuries, sprained ankles, and knees.  They can also help you choose proper rehabilitation exercises and prevention techniques to get you back on the court and reduce the likelihood of future injuries.

Advanced Spine & Rehab is an integrated chiropractic clinic specializing in treating senior patients with conservative therapy. These doctors not only treat tennis injuries but are avid tennis players and understand the effect the game has on your body. Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit our website for more info – www.StGeorgePainRelief.com.

Issue 47.09

After knee surgery and multiple rounds of physical therapy, one patient once said she felt like the Bionic Woman that had been left in the rain to rust.  Doctors told her progress had plateaued and that her knee would likely not gain any more range of motion.  She opted for a treatment called the Graston Technique, a form of soft-tissue mobilization which detects and breaks up scar tissue that impedes normal function of muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments.  After just four weeks of treatment, her knee range of motion improved drastically.  She was amazed at how much she improved in such a short time.  If you feel stiff and robotic, the Graston Technique may be just what you need.

A lot of soft-tissue problems occur within the fascia, the web of connective tissue that supports our muscles.  If you suffer an injury, the fascia tends to attempt to stabilize the area by binding to the muscles like poorly applied wallpaper, complete with air bubbles and clumsy adhesions.  This scar tissue is a problem because it limits range of motion, and in many instances causes pain, which prevents the patient from functioning as he or she did before the injury.

The Graston Technique is a type of cross-fiber massage — a noninvasive, drug-free procedure that uses ultra precise stainless-steel instruments to break up restrictive scar tissue.  These instruments can be far more effective than a clinician’s hands alone because they are able to concentrate force while giving excellent feedback to both the clinician and the patient.  By guiding healing with stretching and strengthening, the practitioner rebuilds the soft tissue into healthy, linear tissue that can function the way it is supposed to.

The Graston technique has been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions: neck pain, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, knee pain, fibromyalgia, post surgical scarring, and shin splints.  If you are suffering from chronic soft-tissue issues and would like to improve the way you move, this treatment could be just for you.

Advanced Spine & Rehab is an integrated chiropractic clinic specializing in treating senior patients with conservative therapy. These doctors practice in a professional, gentle, and pressure-free atmosphere. Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit our website for more info – www.StGeorgePainRelief.com. You can also visit www.GrastonTechnique.com for more information.

Issue 32.09

Every year in St. George there are approximately 2,500 auto accidents.  Physical injuries and whiplash occur in about 66% of these cases.  Whiplash is a term applied to injuries of the neck caused when the neck is suddenly and/or violently jolted in one direction and then another.  This results in torn muscles, torn ligaments, instability, and pain.  Studies have shown that persons over the age of 40 are more likely to be injured than younger victims.

The most common symptoms of whiplash are headaches and pain and stiffness in the neck, back, and shoulders.  In addition, tingling and numbness may extend down into the arms and legs.

Research studies suggest that as many as 86% of whiplash victims may continue to experience pain for years after the injury.  Another study reports that up to 45% of the American population with chronic neck pain attributes it to a car crash.  For this reason, it is very important to seek care even for minor injuries.  Studies show that immediate active treatment for whiplash conditions is superior to delayed treatment or wait-and-see intervention. 

One study shows that chiropractic care can be effective in up to 93% of cases for treating those with a history of chronic pain from whiplash.  Chiropractic care will include therapies like ice, heat, muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and massage that are often used to help control pain and reduce muscle spasms.  When the acute pain is subsiding, an active-care program that aims to increase range of motion, decrease scar tissue build-up, and restore muscle strength is initiated.  This consists of exercises, stretches, and spinal manipulation and/or mobilization.  Another study has found chiropractic care to be more effective in treating chronic whiplash pain when compared to traditional medical treatment. 

Sadly, many people don’t get care for these injuries because they believe they have to pay for the treatment out of pocket.  It is important to understand that no matter who is at fault for the accident, nor how small the accident, auto insurance is responsible for 100% of the injured person’s medical bills in most cases. 

Advanced Spine & Rehab is a team of health care professionals consisting of board certified massage therapists, chiropractors, physical therapists, a spine surgeon and pain management specialists.  This allows for complete care for all car accident patients. A large portion of their base includes satisfied Medicare patients. Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit www.StGeorgePainRelief.com for more info.

Issue 27.09

If you have a headache, you’re not alone.  Nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches.  Some are occasional and some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain and nausea.  Medical research has shown that 70% of all headaches are related to the joints and muscles in your neck.  These problems can arise from direct injury to the head and neck or, more commonly, just the overuse of the muscles and joints from everyday postures (e.g. sitting all day at a desk). 

What do you do when you suffer from a pounding headache?  Do you grit your teeth and carry on?  Lie down?  Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away?  There are better alternatives.

Research has shown chiropractic to be very successful in the treatment of most headache types, including: cervicogenic, tension, migraine, sinus, TMD (jaw), trauma (e.g whiplash) and chronic headaches.  This research has shown chiropractic treatment to be just as effective as standard headache medication with results that last longer.  Treatment by your Doctor of Chiropractic usually consists of a combination of spinal manipulation, specific massage for the neck muscles, exercises, advice on posture, and dietary recommendations.  This treatment will help to relieve the recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

If you spend a large amount of time in one fixed position, such as in front of a computer, on a sewing machine, typing, or reading, take a break and stretch every 30 minutes to one hour.  Low-impact exercise may help relieve the pain associated with primary headaches.  Avoid teeth clenching; the upper teeth should never touch the lowers, except when swallowing.  Clenching results in stress in your jaw joints which can cause a form of tension headaches.  Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to help avoid dehydration, which can lead to headaches.

Fortunately, only about 5% of all headaches are caused by a serious medical condition.  Your Doctor of Chiropractic is trained to recognize signs of serious medical conditions and to make referrals when necessary.

Advanced Spine & Rehab is an integrated clinic specializing in treating senior patients with conservative therapies like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and physiotherapy. These doctors practice in a professional, gentle, and pressure-free atmosphere. A large portion of their base includes satisfied Medicare patients. Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit www.StGeorgePainRelief.com for more info.

Issue 24.09

Do you have chronic back pain that just won’t go away?  Have you tried various treatment options that only helped temporarily?  Do you get severe back pain that seems to hit you every year after doing something as simple as bending over?  If so, your low back and core may be weak.  Advanced Spine & Rehab is excited to announce new technology for just this problem.

Most people don’t realize that they have actually lost strength in their low back due to previous back injuries, car accidents, surgeries, and years of wear and tear.  Losing strength in the back and core leads to many problems such as intense pain, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and herniated discs.  A new machine called the MedX Lumbar Rehab enables patients to strengthen and stabilize the low back in a quick and effective manner.

Over 100 published medical journal articles show the MedX Lumbar machine is the best way to rehab the back.  One study found that 92% of people who were scheduled for back surgery cancelled their surgery after treatment with the MedX Lumbar machine.  On average about 80% of people will be relieved of chronic back pain after doing MedX rehab exercises and restoring strength to their spinal muscles.

Many people feel better after one or two treatments because of the isolated spinal motion that occurs while doing the rehab.  When your back muscles are in spasm, your spine can not flex correctly.  This forces all movement into your hip joints.  When performing treatment on the MedX, your spinal joints have to move, and this gentle movement feels good.  This therapy brings blood flow to the muscles, reduces muscle spasms, and breaks the cycle of pain.

Advanced Spine and Rehabilitation is the first and only clinic in St. George to have this innovative technology.  Individuals suitable for this therapy include those with previous low back injuries and/or chronic low back pain.  No referral is necessary, and no extra out-of-pocket expense is required above Medicare and insurance coverage.  Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266, or visit our website www.StGeorgePainRelief.com for more info and videos about how the MedX Lumbar rehab can help you.

Jim, a 65 year-old business owner, was painting a room in his house when he started to notice a tight cramping feeling in his neck and shoulder.  At first he wasn’t too concerned, but later on in the week, he continued to feel the pain which now started moving down into his right arm.  Occasionally, he even noticed some tingling.  He took some Aleve which seemed to help.  He tried stretching his neck and shoulder; it felt good at the time, but the tight aching feeling soon returned.  When the pain still didn’t subside, he grew concerned that he may have pinched a nerve.  He decided to visit a local chiropractor to have it checked out.

After a thorough orthopedic and neurological exam, his doctor told him he didn’t have a pinched nerve.  When the doctor pushed on certain muscles in his neck and shoulder, the pain and tingling in his arm got worse.  The pain was actually being caused by trigger points in a condition called myofascial pain syndrome.  Jim was then treated with light stretching, heat therapy, massage, and joint mobilizations to help the muscles relax and the trigger points to subside.  After a few painless treatments and some specific at-home stretches, Jim’s pain and tingling had completely disappeared.  He was then released from care.

Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition that affects the muscle and the connective tissue that surrounds it.  In some cases, the area where a person experiences the pain may not be where the pain generator is located.  The actual site of the injury prompts the development of a trigger point that, in turn, causes pain in other areas.  This situation is known as referred pain.  Hence, Jim’s arm pain was actually caused by a neck and shoulder injury.

Many conditions in the neck can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to have your doctor examine you to rule out other serious conditions.

Advanced Spine & Rehab is an integrated clinic specializing in treating senior patients with conservative therapies like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and physiotherapy.  These doctors practice in a professional, gentle, and pressure-free atmosphere. A large portion of their base includes satisfied Medicare patients.  Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit www.StGeorgePainRelief.com for more info.

Amy, an active 65 year-old, started getting pain one day in her low back.  She soon started noticing pain into her right buttock and thigh area.  The pain was especially worse while walking around.  If she lay down and rested, it seemed to feel better.  Everyone she talked to told her she probably had sciatica.  This concerned her because she knew sciatica was some sort of nerve problem.  With the advice of a friend, she decided to visit her doctor.  After a thorough history and exam, her doctor told her she did not have sciatica.  In fact, the pain had nothing to do with her nerves.  She was diagnosed with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction.

This painful condition is similar to sciatica in its usual symptoms.  There is often pain in the legs and buttocks, as well as general lower back pain.  The difference is that the pain originates from the dysfunctional joint, which can then refer pain down the leg.  This is sometimes called false sciatica.  The joint is not actually irritating the sciatic nerve which does occur in true sciatica.

The sacroiliac joints support the entire weight of the upper body when we are erect, which places a large amount of stress across them.  This can lead to wearing of the cartilage of these joints, resulting in inflammation.  Sacroiliac Joint Pain may be the result of many injuries or disease processes.  Arthritis, postural problems, trauma to the hip, improper lifting, or chronic dynamic bending and twisting (such as those involved in sports activities) are all possible causes of pain in this joint.

Amy received painless treatment consisting of mobilization and stretching exercises and hot/cold therapy, as well as another therapy called therapeutic ultrasound which uses sound waves to help increase healing and decrease pain.  After a few visits, her pain had subsided, and she was able to return to her normal activities.

Advanced Spine & Rehab is an integrated chiropractic clinic specializing in treating senior patients with conservative therapy. These doctors practice in a professional, gentle, and pressure-free atmosphere. A large portion of their base includes satisfied Medicare patients. Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit our website for more info - www.StGeorgePainRelief.com.

Sixty-seven year old Jan Hudson of St. George recently started walking with a group of friends to incorporate exercise into her daily routine.  She began walking 20 minutes in the mornings, but after her second trip, she noticed some slight tightness in her low back and right hip.  As the day went on, the tightness turned into pain.  Jan was surprised when sitting aggravated the pain and standing did not.  She took some aspirin, but later that afternoon the discomfort started coming back.  Now she could feel pain traveling down the back of her thigh.  Jan decided to put a heating pad on it.  It felt good while the pad was on, but the pain returned afterward and seemed even worse.  The next morning she cancelled her walking group appointment.  After five days of not being able to walk with her friends, she was really frustrated.  One of Jan’s friends recommended she see her doctor at Advanced Spine and Rehabilitation.  Jan gave them a call, and they were able to get her in the same day.  Upon arriving, she was given a thorough 45-minute consultation. Jan was relieved when the doctor told her there was a solution.  He diagnosed her condition as Piriformis Syndrome.  She was treated with a light massage and some simple stretches, as well as some other therapies to help with the spasms and pain.  After a few follow-up visits, she was completely pain free.  Jan quickly returned to her walking group and now walks 45 minutes a day.

Piriformis syndrome is a common condition that affects seniors.  It occurs when a small muscle in the hip area, called the piriformis, is irritated.  The deep muscle goes into spasm which can then irritate the sciatic nerve resulting in pain down the leg.  This condition often occurs insidiously with no known cause.  Conservative therapy is shown to be the best option.  Your doctor can recommend stretches, perform light therapies, and help mobilize the area to eliminate pain and inflammation.  Most people are back to their normal active lifestyles in just a few short visits.

Advanced Spine & Rehab is an integrated chiropractic clinic in town specializing in treating senior patients with conservative therapy. These doctors practice in a professional, gentle, and pressure-free atmosphere. A large portion of their base includes satisfied Medicare patients. Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit our website for more info - www. StGeorgePainRelief.com.