To
understand the importance of taking care of your back, here is a brief
overview of the spine and spinal cord: The human spine is one of the
most important parts of your body, giving your body structure and
support. Without the spine you could not stand up or keep yourself
upright. The spine allows you to move about freely and bend with
flexibility as well as protecting your spinal cord. The collection of
nerves that connect your brain to the rest of your body is the spinal
cord which allows you to control movements. Having no spinal cord would
result in you not being able to move any part of your body and your
organs could not function properly. Let’s build upon this information
and take it one more step. Your spine is made up of 24 bones with many
ligaments and muscles connecting these bones together to form the spinal
column. The spinal column holds and protects the spinal cord. Muscles
that connect to the spine help support the upright posture of the spine
and move the spine.
With this knowledge, we can draw the following conclusions:
To keep the back healthy, you need proper alignment, proper movement and proper nutrition.
It is critical to strengthen those muscles that support the spine.
Pain is not normal.
Keeping your spine healthy is vital if you want to live an active life.
Sustaining
a healthy back is your responsibility. At Thatcher Chiropractic we can
provide feedback and exercises for you to do to strengthen the muscles.
James
Thatcher, Doctor of Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, Colorado,
believes that part of your ongoing care must include preventative
measures for maintaining a healthy back. The North America Spine
Society suggests the following:
1. Standing: keeping one foot forward of the other, with knees slightly bent, takes the pressure off your low back.
2. Sitting: sitting with your knees slightly higher than your hips provides good low back support.
3. Reaching: stand on a stool to reach things that are above your shoulder level.
4.
Moving Heavy Items: pushing is easier on your back than pulling. Use
your arms and legs to start the push. If you must lift a heavy item, get
someone to help you.
5. Lifting: kneel down on one knee with the
other foot flat on the floor as near as possible to the item you are
lifting. Lift with your legs, not your back, keeping the object close to
your body at all times.
6. Carrying: two small objects (one in
either hand) may be easier to handle than one large one. If you must
carry one large object, keep it close to your body.
7. Sleeping:
sleeping on your back puts 55 lbs. of pressure on your back. Putting a
couple of pillows under your knees cuts the pressure in half. Lying on
your side with a pillow between your knees also reduces the pressure.
8. Weight Control: additional weight puts a strain on your back. Keep within 10 lbs. of your ideal weight for a healthier back.
9.
Quit Smoking: smokers are more prone to back pain than nonsmokers
because nicotine restricts the flow of blood to the discs that cushion
your vertebrae.
10. Minor Back Pain: treat minor back pain with anti-inflammatories and gentle stretching, followed by an ice pack.
At
Thatcher Chiropractic we look forward to helping you gain and maintain a
healthy back!
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
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Friday, July 29, 2016
Is Acupuncture For You?
Thatcher
Chiropractic offers acupuncture to their patients. Acupuncture is an
alternate medicine method which originated in ancient China that treats
patients by manipulating small, thin needles placed in their skin.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating acupuncture
points can correct imbalances in the flow of one’s energy named “qi”
(pronounced “chee”). Acupuncture restores health by removing energy
imbalances and blockages in the body.
Unlike the hollow hypodermic needles used in allopathic medicine to give injections or draw blood, acupuncture needles are thin, solid and can hardly be felt. Because acupuncture is the penetration of the skin by an acupuncture needle, strict needle safety protocols are observed and sterility of the equipment is always maintained. Thatcher Chiropractic uses only sterile, single-use, disposable needles at all times.
Most Western culture’s medical beliefs depend highly on “evidence-based” medication and intervention. Acupuncture has had a difficult time proving its validity and reliability to satisfy some skeptics. What it does have is many accounts of patients who suffered for years with chronic pain and were ultimately able to find relief.
Some of the conditions that can be treated with acupuncture at Thatcher Chiropractic:
Even the World Health Organization has stated that acupuncture can be useful in the treatment of some neurological infirmities and pain. So if you are trying to find a substitute for a safe, drug free medical therapy, acupuncture could be the answer for which you have been searching. Dr Thatcher is happy to answer your acupuncture and chiropractic questions, simply contact us to schedule and appointment.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
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Unlike the hollow hypodermic needles used in allopathic medicine to give injections or draw blood, acupuncture needles are thin, solid and can hardly be felt. Because acupuncture is the penetration of the skin by an acupuncture needle, strict needle safety protocols are observed and sterility of the equipment is always maintained. Thatcher Chiropractic uses only sterile, single-use, disposable needles at all times.
Most Western culture’s medical beliefs depend highly on “evidence-based” medication and intervention. Acupuncture has had a difficult time proving its validity and reliability to satisfy some skeptics. What it does have is many accounts of patients who suffered for years with chronic pain and were ultimately able to find relief.
Some of the conditions that can be treated with acupuncture at Thatcher Chiropractic:
- Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Bursitis
- Degenerative Disease
- Elbow Pain
- Headaches
- Joint Conditions
- Knee Pain
- Neck Pain
- Pain
- Sciatica
- Shoulder Pain
- Sports Injuries
- Tendonitis
- Whiplash Pain
Even the World Health Organization has stated that acupuncture can be useful in the treatment of some neurological infirmities and pain. So if you are trying to find a substitute for a safe, drug free medical therapy, acupuncture could be the answer for which you have been searching. Dr Thatcher is happy to answer your acupuncture and chiropractic questions, simply contact us to schedule and appointment.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
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But It Was Only a "Little Accident!"
The
following scenario is often familiar to Dr. James Thatcher, licensed
chiropractor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, who has dealt with car
accident situations: the victim shrugs off any suggestion that he or
she may have sustained physical injury worth receiving treatment for
because - - “it was just a little accident.” Or, even worse, a
non-health care practitioner or a health care practitioner not
experienced in this area argues “it was only a minor injury”.
The first fact to remember is it is possible to be involved in a car accident without being injured. Unfortunately, many people tend to judge the possibility or extent of physical injury on the amount of damage done to the car. This notion is entirely without scientific basis. The two most important factors that correlate with physical injury are: 1) Did the occupant see that the accident was going to occur? 2) Was the individual’s head or body trunk turned at the time of impact? You may be thinking to yourself: “What about the speed of the car, seat belts, 18-wheel truck vs. passenger car or rear impact vs. side impact? Yes, these are factors that may influence the extent of physical injury.
Imagine yourself talking to a passenger (with head briefly turned) while driving through a parking lot (about 10 mph). Unfortunately, you do not see the wall that brings your vehicle to a sudden stop. In visualizing this scenario, it is understandable how you could have been injured while traveling at a slow speed and ending up with only a “scuffed” bumper.
Many cases have been documented concerning people who present with physical problems that can be traced back to an accident suffered years earlier. Too often, these victims did not receive proper care because, in their minds, “it was just a little accident.”
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us at (719) 574-3700.
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The first fact to remember is it is possible to be involved in a car accident without being injured. Unfortunately, many people tend to judge the possibility or extent of physical injury on the amount of damage done to the car. This notion is entirely without scientific basis. The two most important factors that correlate with physical injury are: 1) Did the occupant see that the accident was going to occur? 2) Was the individual’s head or body trunk turned at the time of impact? You may be thinking to yourself: “What about the speed of the car, seat belts, 18-wheel truck vs. passenger car or rear impact vs. side impact? Yes, these are factors that may influence the extent of physical injury.
Imagine yourself talking to a passenger (with head briefly turned) while driving through a parking lot (about 10 mph). Unfortunately, you do not see the wall that brings your vehicle to a sudden stop. In visualizing this scenario, it is understandable how you could have been injured while traveling at a slow speed and ending up with only a “scuffed” bumper.
Many cases have been documented concerning people who present with physical problems that can be traced back to an accident suffered years earlier. Too often, these victims did not receive proper care because, in their minds, “it was just a little accident.”
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us at (719) 574-3700.
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Effectiveness of Spinal Manipulation
Back
pain usually happens because of injuries to the muscles in your lower
back, neck and spine, typically because of overuse or trauma. It can be
very debilitating, making it difficult to move, sleep, or relax.
Thatcher Chiropractic of Colorado Springs provides many different
services, one of them being spinal manipulation. This type of treatment
is based in traditional medicine that has been in use for thousands of
years. It is believed that even Hippocrates (the father of medicine)
used spinal manipulative techniques. Some of the many benefits of spinal
manipulation techniques are:
Temporary relief of musculoskeletal pain due to trauma caused from car accidents, falls, or sports injuries
Shortened time to recover from acute back pain
Temporary increase in passive range of motion
Natural, drug free intervention
Spinal manipulation is routinely provided by Dr. Thatcher at his office. Dr. Thatcher performs spinal adjustment techniques by using his hands or a device to apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine, moving it beyond its passive range of motion. The amount of force applied depends on the type of spinal manipulation technique used. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and improve physical functioning. Studies suggest that spinal manipulation is as effective for the relief of back pain as other commonly used therapies – such as pain medication, physical therapy or exercises. One study found that chiropractic care involving spinal adjustment techniques is at least as effective as conventional medical care for up to 18 months. Furthermore, an extensive review published in 2010 found that spinal manipulation results in equal or better improvement in pain and function relative to other treatments.
Both the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society recommend that health care practitioners include spinal manipulation as a treatment option for patients who do not improve with self-care options. Clinical evidence also indicates that people suffering from chronic neck pain show clinically important improvements when treated with spinal manipulation techniques or mobilization. Patients receiving manipulation were shown to have significantly better outcomes in the long term compared to those patients receiving medication (Celebrex, Vioxx or Acetominophen).
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
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Temporary relief of musculoskeletal pain due to trauma caused from car accidents, falls, or sports injuries
Shortened time to recover from acute back pain
Temporary increase in passive range of motion
Natural, drug free intervention
Spinal manipulation is routinely provided by Dr. Thatcher at his office. Dr. Thatcher performs spinal adjustment techniques by using his hands or a device to apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine, moving it beyond its passive range of motion. The amount of force applied depends on the type of spinal manipulation technique used. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and improve physical functioning. Studies suggest that spinal manipulation is as effective for the relief of back pain as other commonly used therapies – such as pain medication, physical therapy or exercises. One study found that chiropractic care involving spinal adjustment techniques is at least as effective as conventional medical care for up to 18 months. Furthermore, an extensive review published in 2010 found that spinal manipulation results in equal or better improvement in pain and function relative to other treatments.
Both the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society recommend that health care practitioners include spinal manipulation as a treatment option for patients who do not improve with self-care options. Clinical evidence also indicates that people suffering from chronic neck pain show clinically important improvements when treated with spinal manipulation techniques or mobilization. Patients receiving manipulation were shown to have significantly better outcomes in the long term compared to those patients receiving medication (Celebrex, Vioxx or Acetominophen).
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
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Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Whiplash Advice and Treatment
Have
you ever suffered from whiplash? You are not alone! Of the six
million injuries per year due to motor vehicle crashes, about three
million people suffer from whiplash-type injuries. Of those,
500,000-900,000 will develop chronic pain. Dr. Dan Murphy, a
chiropractor who teaches on the subject of whiplash throughout the world
explains “We have always known that chiropractors are effective with
whiplash, but there were lots of theories as to why. Now it appears
that by the very nature of what chiropractors do, we are most
effectively treating the tissues injured during an accident.”
According to two new studies - one in the journal of Injury and another in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine – people who failed under traditional medical management were referred to chiropractors for the treatment of chronic whiplash pain. “In both studies, the results were phenomenal, and one of the conclusions is that chiropractic is the only proven effective treatment for chronic whiplash,” says Dr. Murphy.
Research published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain show that there are risk factors for acute whiplash injury and chronic pain can occur even after the most minor of accidents. “We are finding that risk factors for acute injury, such as having the head rotated, being out of position in the vehicle, lack of preparation for the crash and being struck from the rear, are present not only for initial injury, but also for chronic injury,” says Dr. Michael Freeman, a chiropractor and PhD clinical assistant professor of epidemiology at Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine.
Dr. James Thatcher, licensed chiropractor in Colorado Springs, Colorado is highly skilled in the diagnosis of whiplash as well as other auto accident injuries. Thatcher Chiropractic urges all accident victims to seek chiropractic treatment immediately. Missing the important two week window of time following injury significantly increases the likelihood of a chronic condition. Please contact us today for a free diagnostic evaluation.
Chiropractic Treatments for Auto Accident Injuries:
Neck Treatment
Lower Back Pain Treatment
Neck therapy
Herniated Disk Treatment
Headache Problems
Whiplash
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
According to two new studies - one in the journal of Injury and another in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine – people who failed under traditional medical management were referred to chiropractors for the treatment of chronic whiplash pain. “In both studies, the results were phenomenal, and one of the conclusions is that chiropractic is the only proven effective treatment for chronic whiplash,” says Dr. Murphy.
Research published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain show that there are risk factors for acute whiplash injury and chronic pain can occur even after the most minor of accidents. “We are finding that risk factors for acute injury, such as having the head rotated, being out of position in the vehicle, lack of preparation for the crash and being struck from the rear, are present not only for initial injury, but also for chronic injury,” says Dr. Michael Freeman, a chiropractor and PhD clinical assistant professor of epidemiology at Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine.
Dr. James Thatcher, licensed chiropractor in Colorado Springs, Colorado is highly skilled in the diagnosis of whiplash as well as other auto accident injuries. Thatcher Chiropractic urges all accident victims to seek chiropractic treatment immediately. Missing the important two week window of time following injury significantly increases the likelihood of a chronic condition. Please contact us today for a free diagnostic evaluation.
Chiropractic Treatments for Auto Accident Injuries:
Neck Treatment
Lower Back Pain Treatment
Neck therapy
Herniated Disk Treatment
Headache Problems
Whiplash
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
Auto Accident Chiropractic Care
The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration
recently revealed that most drivers engage in activities that take
their focus from the road. These activities include: 66% fiddle with
music devices, 31% eat or drink while driving, and over 71% between the
ages of 18 and 49 admit they text or talk on the phone while they drive.
Thatcher Chiropractic of Colorado Springs, Colorado, supports the importance of non-invasive spinal adjustments and supplementary treatments for victims of car accidents. James Thatcher, D.C., expects an increase in the number of patients over the summer months due to heavier traffic and more accidents. Chiropractic treatment offers both an effective form of pain management for whiplash as well as a method to heal accidents caused by a collision impact.
With numerous families and college students on the road during the summer break, there's an annual spike in the number of traffic accidents. The summer months (June, July, August) are all high accident months. Dr. Thatcher believes that after a collision, many victims think they're merely bruised or shaken up, when in fact they've suffered injuries related to their muscles and skeleton that isn’t visible without X-rays or other specialized assessments. Conventional treatment for conditions such as whiplash, headaches, back pain, or other complaints resulting from a car accident usually involve prescription painkillers but do not address the cause of the pain.
Thatcher Chiropractic offers rehabilitation in the form of non-invasive spinal adjustments that can help relieve the pressure on pinched nerves. In addition, a rehabilitation plan can also include specific strengthening and corrective exercises that a patient can do at home, as well as supporting therapies such as heat therapy and massage.
If you are in an accident, please contact Thatcher Chiropractic, but most importantly: be safe!
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have any additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
Thatcher Chiropractic of Colorado Springs, Colorado, supports the importance of non-invasive spinal adjustments and supplementary treatments for victims of car accidents. James Thatcher, D.C., expects an increase in the number of patients over the summer months due to heavier traffic and more accidents. Chiropractic treatment offers both an effective form of pain management for whiplash as well as a method to heal accidents caused by a collision impact.
With numerous families and college students on the road during the summer break, there's an annual spike in the number of traffic accidents. The summer months (June, July, August) are all high accident months. Dr. Thatcher believes that after a collision, many victims think they're merely bruised or shaken up, when in fact they've suffered injuries related to their muscles and skeleton that isn’t visible without X-rays or other specialized assessments. Conventional treatment for conditions such as whiplash, headaches, back pain, or other complaints resulting from a car accident usually involve prescription painkillers but do not address the cause of the pain.
Thatcher Chiropractic offers rehabilitation in the form of non-invasive spinal adjustments that can help relieve the pressure on pinched nerves. In addition, a rehabilitation plan can also include specific strengthening and corrective exercises that a patient can do at home, as well as supporting therapies such as heat therapy and massage.
If you are in an accident, please contact Thatcher Chiropractic, but most importantly: be safe!
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have any additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
Neck Pain and Loss of Range of Motion
There
could be many reasons of why you might have a limited range of motion
in your neck resulting in neck pain and stiffness. A couple of the
reasons could be from a pinched nerve or loss of spine alignment.
Thatcher Chiropractic in Colorado Springs relates a research publication from the journal Spine. A study examined 40 people of which 14 had “neck pain” relative to the other 26 in the “normal” group. It was found that the neck pain group showed a decreased range of motion in moving their neck to the left and stretching at the neck while sitting. Decreased ranges of motion and muscle endurance are early signs of neck pain and spasm. We address two issues in the treatment of most neck issues: neck range of motion by manipulation or adjustment and strength through exercises.
If our office detects a decrease in range of motion and neck strength early, it is likely the key to prevention of neck pain worsening and degenerative changes in the spine later.
Chiropractic Treatments for Auto Accident Injuries:
Neck Treatment
Lower Back Pain Treatment
Neck therapy
Herniated Disk Treatment
Headache Problems
Whiplash
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
Thatcher Chiropractic in Colorado Springs relates a research publication from the journal Spine. A study examined 40 people of which 14 had “neck pain” relative to the other 26 in the “normal” group. It was found that the neck pain group showed a decreased range of motion in moving their neck to the left and stretching at the neck while sitting. Decreased ranges of motion and muscle endurance are early signs of neck pain and spasm. We address two issues in the treatment of most neck issues: neck range of motion by manipulation or adjustment and strength through exercises.
If our office detects a decrease in range of motion and neck strength early, it is likely the key to prevention of neck pain worsening and degenerative changes in the spine later.
Chiropractic Treatments for Auto Accident Injuries:
Neck Treatment
Lower Back Pain Treatment
Neck therapy
Herniated Disk Treatment
Headache Problems
Whiplash
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
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