Adjust your own neck?!

As a Chiropractor, there have been times when I hear a patient or an acquaintance admit to trying to learn how to 'crack' their own neck. I ask them if they think it would be wise for a person with a toothache to skip the dentist and take a drill out of their toolbox and try fixing it by himself. Doesn't sound like a good idea, does it?

The answer is NO, you should not try to adjust your own neck. The cervical spine is a delicate area that houses nerves, ligaments, joints, blood vessels and your spinal cord. This is not an area that you should be messing with because you will most likely just be making the problem worse.

If you need adjusted, please go see a chiropractor and don't risk seriously injuring yourself. A chiropractor will be able to identify if there is a greater problem at the source of your neck pain and work to correct it in a safe way.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree oil is one of the best essential oils, especially when being used as an antiseptic. The antiseptic, germicidal, antifungal, antibacterial immune-boosting qualities of Tea Tree oil make it safe to use for those who suffer from a wide range of health conditions. Plus, the antiseptic benefits of the oil allow us to use it as an All-natural cleaner and disinfectant thats completely safe to use in your own home!

Need to kill something covered in mold or mildew??

Try this: 2 Tsp of Tea Tree Oil in a spray bottle, diluted with 2 cups of water. Spray the area you wish to rid of the mold, then allow 24-48 hours for the mixture to do its work. The musty smell should be completely gone! And without the use of harsh, carcinogenic chemicals.

Try cleaning with less toxic chemicals and more with all natural antibacterial compounds and see how much better you feel!

*also, tea tree oil is also used as an all natural treatment for Acne!

Organic Laundry Detergent

Please read this article on organic Laundry Detergents. Most of us have been guilty of not being happy with our laundry unless it smelled heavily of fabric softneners and detergent. However, these chemicals that make our clothes smell wonderful.... are absolutely terrible for US and for the environment!

Take a few minutes to get educated about the chemicals in laundry detergents and fabric softeners, and see if making a switch to organic is right for you and your family.

The benefits of Organic Laundry Detergent

Also, there are lots of 'recipes' on the web about how to make your own 'organic' laundry detergent with just a few simple ingredients, and at very little cost!

http://www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=392

The above link is an article about how and why Chiropractic is growing so quickly. Why is Chiropractic becoming so widespread? If you dont go to the Chiropractor yourself, then you probably at least know someone who does. Why? Its no surprise, really... it's RESULTS! Its SUCCESS stories. Chiropractic is bettering lives, helping people to feel better and to be healthier. Thats why!

See for yourself what Chiropractic can do for YOU!

Call Dr. Combs today at 217-345-1010

SCIATICA

Sciatica. This is almost like a 'four-letter word' for those that suffer with this problem. The Sciatic Nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body, beginning in the lower back and running down through the buttocks and into the back of each leg.

A common misconsecption is that Sciatica is a condition in itself, which it is NOT. The term Sciatica (Sciatic Neuritis) is acutally a set of symptoms that occur, usually in the form of low-back pain with pain radiating down one leg. Other common symptoms occur, too, depending on what the Scitica is stemming from. (i.e. pins and needles feeling, numbness or weakness in affected side)

Sciatica can be caused by different things, making the symptoms and treatments vary from person to person. "Sciatica is generally caused by the compression of lumbar nerves L4 or L5 or sacral nerves S1, S2 or S3, or by compression of the sciatic nerve itself." (webmd.com)

For most people, Scitatica responds well to Chiropractic Manipulation. Keeping in mind of course, that Sciatica is a symptom, not a condition in itself. The condition underlying the Sciatica will depend on the course of treatment. (acatoday.org)

If you suffer from Sciatica, come in and see Dr. Combs to discuss your best treatment options.

Chiro Kids

Some people would probably be surprised to learn how many people bring their children in with them to get adjusted. Chiropractic is a very family friendly field. There are many children across the United States that recieve chiropractic care. Dr. Combs sees many children, and is very good at putting kids at ease since he has two young children of his own (which, of course, also recieve regular chiropractic adjustments.)

Why on Earth would a kid need adjusted? PLENTY of reasons....

There are obvious cases, when children are brought in by their parents for neck or back pain, even headaches. Kids quite commonly have 'subluxations' which is a word that chiropractors use for the spine being misaligned. Children are constantly partaking in vigorous play time and activity, so its common that they have subluxations. Chiropractic adjustments help return their spine into proper alignment.

There are also some less obvious reasons parents seek out Chiropractic to help their children. There are many studies done that have shown the Chiropractic may effectively help reduce colic, asthma, bed-wetting, scoliosis, sports injuries, ear infections and more. (associatedcontent.com) Lots of parents recognize Chiropractic as an important weekly or monthly routine that helps their child maintain better overall health.

As always, chiropractic is very safe. There is little to no discomfort for children. Our young patients receive excellent, gentle care. Next time you come in for an adjustment, dont forget to bring your child and let them benefit from Chiropractic care, as well.

The Benefits of Tea

Most of us have heard at least something about the healing qualities of tea. Tea has been linked to so many positive health benefits, some call it the 'miracle drug.' Not sure what all the hype is about???

Research shows that people who drink 2-5 cups of tea per day benefit very strongly. One component of tea is Theanine, which helps fight against bacterial and viral infections. Teas have even been linked to delaying the aging process,

fighting off high blood pressure and cholesterol, and helping lower levels of cancer-causing free radicals in your body.

Need more incentive?? Some teas also contain flouride for healthy teeth and Vitamin K, which helps prevent blood from clotting. Tea is also virtually calorie free and although it does contain caffeine, each cup of tea has less than half the caffeine that a cup of coffee contains. (teabenefits.com)

Not Impressed YET? ... There is SO MUCH MORE! There are so many different varieties of tea, and you can select teas that are specially suited for certain health conditions.

Check out teabenefits.com for more on all the benefits of tea, and choosing the best tea for you.

If you are interesting in reaping the health benefits of tea, why not swap out your morning coffee for a couple cups of tea? See for yourself the benefits that tea can bring to your health.

Tips for Shoveling Snow

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow! ... If only we could really feel cheery about all this snow. Most of us aren't singing a jolly tune about snowflakes falling these days. Who likes to shovel driveways and sidewalks, scrape ice of cars, all while treading very carefully so we dont slip and fall?!

The American Chiropractic Association suggests the following tips for when you are shoveling snow:

If you must shovel snow, be careful. Listen to weather forecasts so you can rise early and have time to shovel before work.

Layer clothing to keep your muscles warm and flexible.

Shoveling can strain "de-conditioned" muscles between your shoulders, in your upper back, lower back, buttocks and legs. So, do some warm-up stretching before you grab that shovel.

When you do shovel, push the snow straight ahead. Don't try to throw it. Walk it to the snow bank. Avoid sudden twisting and turning motions.

Bend your knees to lift when shoveling. Let the muscles of your legs and arms do the work, not your back.

Take frequent rest breaks to take the strain off your muscles. A fatigued body asks for injury.

Stop if you feel chest pain, or get really tired or have shortness of breath. You may need immediate professional help.
(taken from the acatoday.org)

Cost of Chiropractic vs Cost of Medical Care

A study done by the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine did a study in 2002 that found that in patients which 'traditional medicine could not help', Chiropractic and other Alternative Medicine helped 60% of those patients achieve a 'great deal' of benefit.

Do any of you have similar stories? We see it all the time here. For many conditions, you will find more relief with Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy than you can within traditional Medicine.

For Example:

Chiropractic costs (on average) around 40% LESS than care with a Medical Doctor. Thats why many insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield benefit from people using Chiropractors... because people get BETTER, and SAVE them money!!

The purpose of this blog is to better inform my patients and would-be patients about some of the benefits of Chiropractic. This perk: Saving money, while receiving MORE benefit than with traditional medicine.

CLICK HERE to read about how Americans are spending 30.5 BILLION Dollars each year on back problems!

Considering Chiropractic

A lot of people still wonder when exactly they should consult a Chiropractor.

There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care. Work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores... and just the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. However, as discussed in previous posts, you do not have to have painful symptoms to benefit from Chiropractic, because chiropractic care can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function.

Here are some of the most common reasons why Americans visit a chiropractor each year:

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Headache

• Whiplash

• Strains and sprains from daily activities

• Repetitive strain injuries

• Work and sports-related injuries

• Arthritis

• Restricted movement in the back,

shoulders, neck or limbs

Call us to schedule your appointment today, whether for injury, pain, or just to optimize your total body wellness! 217-345-1010

A Note on High Blood Pressure

If a patient has high blood pressure, a standard medical approach would be to prescribe a drug that lowers blood pressure.

This very well may lower the blood pressure, but ignores the underlying cause that is making the blood pressure high to begin with. Also, these drugs run the risk of side effects complicating the person’s recovery. Whether it’s a nutritional issue, faulty control by the nerve system or a manifestation of stress, the medication can effectively lower blood pressure, leaving the problem that causes the symptom of high blood pressure unresolved.

Though there are some cases where pharmaceuticals are necessary to fix problems, many times when the body is well maintained and in alignment, the body will begin to help itself. Your body can preform better. Sometimes, its even possible to cut back on the medicine you are on or cease it completely. Click here to watch a short video on how Chiropractic has helped others lower successfully lower their blood pressure.

As a society, we need to ease up on the medicine to take away negative symptoms. We need to shift our focus to making ourselves healthy... so that we may not need to get to the point where medicine is required. Be PROACTIVE in your health.

Schedule an appointment today by calling (217) 345-1010, and get back on the road to better health.

Pregnancy and Low-Back Pain

Dont let Low-Back Pain take all the JOY out of your pregnancy!!

Many times it has been said that pregnant women have a 'glow' about them. Its such a wonderful, exciting time. However, there are many changes going on in the body that can become problemsome, too. Low-back pain is something over 70% of women experience during pregnancy. Low-back pain can make it hard for these soon-to-be-mommies to sleep or even be comfortable during daily routines.

Chiropractic care can be very beneficial to expectant mothers.


If you are pregnant and experiencing low-back pain, Dr. Combs can propose a safe and gentle care plan for you. 345-1010

Hope everyone is enjoying the start of the new year! In 2011, was your resolution to take better care of yourself or your body? Anyone out there suffering with low-back or neck pain.. pain that might be standing in the way of accomplishing your New Year's Resolutions?
Here are some interesting Stats on how Chiropracitc has helped others become pain free:

For Acute and Chronic Pain

“Patients with chronic low-back pain treated by chiropractors showed greater improvement and satisfaction at one month than patients treated by family physicians. Satisfaction scores were higher for chiropractic patients. A higher proportion of chiropractic patients (56 percent vs. 13 percent) reported that their low-back pain was better or much better, whereas nearly one-third of medical patients reported their low-back pain was worse or much worse.”
– Nyiendo et al (2000), Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics


In a Randomized controlled trial, 183 patients with neck pain were randomly allocated to manual therapy (spinal mobilization), physiotherapy (mainly exercise) or general practitioner care (counseling, education and drugs) in a 52-week study. The clinical outcomes measures showed that manual therapy resulted in faster recovery than physiotherapy and general practitioner care. Moreover, total costs of the manual therapy-treated patients were about one-third of the costs of physiotherapy or general practitioner care.
-- Korthals-de Bos et al (2003), British Medical Journal

Call us today @ 345-1010 to set up an appointment with Dr. Combs and make that New Year's resolution a REALITY!

Taken from the American Chiropractic Association