Why is this?   

I think it’s because we were never taught to take care of our back on regular basis…like how we take care of our teeth.  The simple fact is most people neglect their spinal health.  They take a “reactive approach” which means they do nothing until a problem is already there. 

The better approach would be to take care of not only your spine but your health on a regular and consistent basis.  Aging and stress break down our bodies and unless we are doing something positive to keep our bodies healthy, then we are on a crash course with back and body problems. 

If you’ve had really bad back pain, you know what a life changer it can be.  It’s miserable.  It negatively affects everything.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are some simple things you can take to reduce or eliminate your back pain: 

* First, it starts with “how you think.”  The bottom line is you can’t ignore your spinal health.  There is a price to pay for neglect.  The best approach to health is “attention” instead of neglect.  You will want to take care of not only your spine but the rest of your body on a regular basis…even when you are feeling good.  After all, you brush your teeth everyday and your teeth don’t have pain.  After all, who says you need to be in pain to take care of yourself? 

* Next, use services that work great for back pain.  Chiropractic care has been PROVEN countless times to be the BEST choice for back pain.  So when you have back pain, make sure you get adjusted. If you are suffering with back pain due to a herniated or bulging disc then you need to come in and get evaluated and see if non-surgical spinal decompression is your answer to not taking toxic medications or having surgery.  And when you are feeling good, get an adjustment once a month to MAINTAIN your good health.  A monthly adjustment will not only prevent major back “flair ups” but will also keep your spine healthy.  Massage therapy and acupuncture can also help with back pain and stiffness. 

* Exercise regularly.  Your body was meant to “move.”  Your joints like motion, so if you aren’t moving and exercising regularly, your joints will stiffen up.  This includes your back.  So make sure you are active and exercising.  Even something simple like taking a walk every day is better than doing nothing. 

* Stretch regularly.  It’s important that you keep the muscles in your back and legs limber and flexible.  The tighter these muscles get, the bigger chance you have of developing back pain.  Make sure you stretch after you exercise.

* Pay attention to how you lift things.  Make sure you bend with your legs and not at the waist.   Keep the object you are lifting as close to you as possible.  And try not to bend and twist.  Instead, turn your entire body. 

* Check your mattress.  It’s important that you have a quality mattress that gives you BOTH comfort and support.  A bad mattress can be a cause of developing back pain. 

* Watch your posture.  A bad posture doesn’t just look bad; it’s bad for your back too.  Pay attention to how you stand and sit.  If you work at a desk all day, or on a computer, make sure you maintain good posture. 

I promise that if you incorporate these strategies into your daily routine, your back will feel great! 

If you have any questions or comments, just email me.  I’d love to hear from you! 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Steven Alff, D.C.

The low back is only so flexible and in reality, most of our ability to touch our toes comes from our hip joints.  In fact, after scoliosis surgery where metal rods are placed on both sides of the spine, these patients will often make up for the loss of low back movement by increasing hip motion and still be able to touch their toes!  This, however, can only be accomplished if the hamstrings are stretched to a point of allowing the hips and pelvis to rotate forwards when bending with the knees straight.

So, what happens if the hamstrings are too tight?  Think of a young sapling tree branch versus an old oak branch. When bending the two branches, the young sapling can easily bend, while the old oak branch breaks early into the process.  Similarly, as we bend over to lift a box, when the back and leg muscles, ligaments, and tendons are tight, something has to give or “break,” similar to the old oak branch. The “weak link” in the injured person bending over may be a disc that ruptures, ligaments and/or muscle tendons that overstretch and tear.  By keeping the hamstrings loose (like the young sapling branch), much less force is placed on the spine because the pelvis can rock forwards during the bending process, thus unloading the spine.  Another way to look at it is that when the hamstrings are too tight, something else has to be correspondingly loose to make up for the tight hamstrings or else the task of bending forwards and performing daily tasks will be limited. 

Tissues in our back are injured when forces exceed their capacity to withstand the load.  By keeping our hamstrings stretched, we reduce the need for our spine to have to make up for the tightness; thus both preventing a new injury, as well as perpetuating a current problem. 

 The best way stretch the hamstrings is to lay on our back in an open doorway with one leg placed on the door jamb (edge of the doorway) and the other leg is kept flat on the floor (knee straight) through the door opening. Scoot as close as you can so that the hamstring muscles are stretched tightly to the point of a “good hurt.”  Maintain that position for at least 2 minutes and then switch legs. 

Because the hamstrings tighten up during sleep, it’s usually best to perform the stretch in the morning.  Repeating this multiple times a day may be required to obtain proper hamstring muscle length.  Exercise training is a routine part of chiropractic care!

If you, your family, or a friend is struggling with low back pain, sharing this information may be one of the greatest acts of kindness you can give to that person. At this clinic, we strive to provide the highest quality care and follow evidence and “best practice” approaches.  We greatly appreciate the trust that our patients place in us and our services as we help them recover as well as teach ways to prevent future Low back pain episodes.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR LOW BACK PAIN TREATMENT! 

FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL

805-648-7987

Enjoying la pura vida (the pure life) in Costa Rica.  The locals (Ticos) live life without “artificial ingredients”.  This is similar to the Chiropractic philosophy which also teaches a pure life without adding toxic drugs and prescription medications into the body. 

“Do you think a back brace will help my condition?”  This is a question that is frequently asked me because I specialize in treating low back pain.  The answers typically vary, as there is support for and against the use of a brace when low back pain is present.  In a Feb. 2009 study, the use of an elastic lumbar belt was studied in a group of subacute low back pain patients for its effect on functional capacity (lift and carry types of activities), pain intensity, and the effects on health care service costs.  This study was unique in that it was carried out in several different locations and, the patients were randomized and received either a lumbar belt or nothing (“control group”). 197 patients were included in the study, which is a good sample size for research purposes. 

The results of the study, at the end of 90 days, revealed a higher score for the back brace treated group than the non-braced control group.  The pain scale improved greater in the brace treated group as an improvement of 42 points vs. 32 points was reported.  Similarly, 61% in the brace treated group used no medication compared to 40% in the non-braced group.  It was concluded that patients with subacute low back pain improved significantly in functional status, pain reduction and medication utilization.

The use of back braces has been considered a “standard” in the treatment of patients with LBP for many years. One argument against using back braces centers around becoming “dependant” either physically or mentally on its use and this has long been a concern amongst health care providers.  For most patients, this is not a concern as most do not “enjoy” the use of a brace and they look forward to discontinuing their use of it.  Braces are particularly helpful when the patient cannot stop performing needed activities, such as work.  This is especially true for farmers who have to tend to the animals and crops during planting, cultivating and harvest times of the year.  In addition, single moms or dads who have to go to work in order to provide for their children are driven to stay on the job.  In these cases, the use of a back brace can be of utmost importance. 

There are many types of back braces.  Some are narrow and are particularly favored when frequent bending and/or twisting movements are required by a job, sport, or other daily activity. Other braces are taller in the back and taper in the front, which give better support but still allow some bending / twisting movements.  Some braces are more rigid and can actually stop movement in certain directions.  These types include a hard, rigid surface that is placed in the area of the back where movement is not desired.  These are used at times when there are fractures of the spine, after spinal surgery and in scoliosis bracing. Some braces are to be worn low on the pelvis to support that area, while most are placed in the center of the low back region.  There are also rib belts sometimes used when ribs fracture, soft and rigid neck braces sometimes used after car accidents, and braces for the arms or legs.  The decision to use a brace rests on the degree of injury and the patient’s ability to avoid certain activities or positions.  When the injury is significant and/or the patient cannot control his/her activities (such as work), then the use of a brace may be one of the most important treatment approaches for that patient.  It’s similar to having stitches when a deep or wide cut occurs.  Ask us about the use of supports, braces, or belts if you or your family or friends are suffering with low back pain.

YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR CARE…     FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 805-648-7987

A new Associated Press-AOL Health Poll confirmed that millions of Americans are suffering from stress-related pain and headaches as they find themselves struggling with tough economic times.

In light of these alarming new survey results, patients may wish to consider the benefits of chiropractic care for the treatment and prevention of stress-related headaches and muscle pain, says the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

“In today’s economy, financial problems and pressures can certainly escalate stress, which in turn can contribute to common muscle pain and headaches. It’s important not to ignore the symptoms associated with stress and anxiety,” notes ACA President Glenn Manceaux, DC.

“Taking care of your health during times of personal difficulty can not only help to alleviate related aches and pains, but it also can help you feel more positive about your situation.

“If your stress-related pain is not resolving on its own, visit your doctor of chiropractic. Working in partnership with your other health care providers, your doctor of chiropractic can offer a whole-person approach to health and wellness,” Dr. Manceaux suggests.

Doctors of chiropractic provide drug-free, non-invasive treatment options for many types of pain and inflammation. For example, chronic back pain, neck pain, joint pain and headaches can often be reduced with the appropriate combination of chiropractic
adjustments, rehabilitative exercises and lifestyle counseling – all of which are offered by doctors of chiropractic in a patient’s personalized treatment plan.

A significant amount of evidence has shown that the use of chiropractic care for certain conditions can be more effective than traditional medical care, or prescription medications, with many patients feeling improvement shortly after their first couple chiropractic visits.

So if you or a family member is experiencing additional stress right now, hold off on the pills and come in and de-stress your body with a chiropractic adjustment. You’ll not only feel better, but it’s also a much healthier approach to your health.

Have a great day and I’ll talk to you soon!

Sincerely,

Dr. Steven Alff, D.C.

This definitely is an unfortuate circumstance that is shared by many, many people in this country. I don’t know how we will solve the insurance/health care crisis, especially when the United States consumes 75% of all prescription drugs manufactured on the planet.

My purpose is to help you AVOID toxic medications and unnecessary surgical procedures. Doesn’t it make sense to do everything you can NOW to prevent health problems from occuring later on in life? Don’t you think the lady in the article wishes now she had taken better care of herself so she wasn’t in this position of needing 20 different medications now to live….and what kind of life is she really living? I don’t think she is really enjoying her days too much now as works to restore her health now. (And those pills aren’t helping her restore her health, they are treating the symptoms of ill health).

One of the things you should be doing now is to safeguard your health with regular spinal adjustments to remove the pressure from nerve structures in the body. Your nervous system controls EVERY FUNCTION! in your body. If you have a hard bone (vertebra) from your spine resting on a soft nerve that goes to your heart, your lungs, your liver, your kidneys, etc., etc., those organs cannot function optimally and, therefore, your body does not function optimally! Lack of symptoms does not mean you have no nerve interference! Do not ignore this vitally important health practice and expect to be “bailed out” in the future by the drug companies.

True health is never achieved from a drug injection or surgical procedure. If you are having any type of back pain, don’t simply hide it with drugs or try to fix it with a risky surgery. Don’t put off paying for your health now as it will cost you more in the future if you don’t take care of it now. Call now and let’s work on the cause of your pain not the symptoms.See you soon?

Yours for health, naturally, Dr. Steven Alff, D.C.
Ventura Spinal Care Center
1675 E. Main Street

Over a 4-year time frame, 2780 patients were followed (initial, 2-week, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 month intervals) with questionnaires. Both acute (symptoms <7weeks) and chronic (symptoms >7weeks) low back pain (LBP) patients were treated using conventional approaches by both the MDs and the DCs.

Treatments from the chiropractors included spinal manipulation, physical therapy, an exercise plan, and self-care education. Some, like me, incorporate non-surgical spinal decompression. Chiropractors look to correct the CAUSE of the low back problem, without the use of toxic medications or risky surgeries.

Medical therapies included prescription drugs, an exercise plan, self-care advice and about 25% of the patients received physical therapy.

The study focused on present pain severity and functional disability (activity interference) measured by questionnaires that were mailed to the patients.

It was reported that chiropractic was favored over medical treatment in the following areas:

? Pain relief in the first 12 months (more evident in the chronic patients)
? When LBP pain radiated below the knee (more evident in the chronic patients)
? Chronic LBP patients with no leg pain (during the first 3 months)

Similar trends favoring chiropractic were seen for disability but were of smaller magnitude. All patient groups saw significant improvement in both pain and disability over the four year study period.

Acute patients saw the greatest degree of improvement with many achieving symptom relief after 3 months of care. Noteworthy, at the 3 year point, ½ to ¾ of all the patients reported at least 30 days of pain during the prior year including those that responded well after early treatment. Also, 19 to 27% of chronic LBP patients noted daily pain during the prior year. This suggests that LBP is more likely to return at times in the future, which many have similarly reported to be true.

However, this study also found that early intervention reduced chronic pain and, at year 3, those acute LBP patients that received early intervention reported fewer days of LBP that those that waited longer for treatment. While both MDs and DCs treatment approaches helped, it’s quite clear from the information reported that chiropractic treatment approaches should be utilized first.

These findings support the importance of early intervention by chiropractic physicians makes the most sense for those of you struggling with the question of who to see for your LBP.

YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 805-648-7987. Dr. Alff at the Ventura Spinal Care Center, Ventura, CA

To understand this better, a short “anatomy lesson” is appropriate. The spine can be divided into two halves, front and back. The structures in the front half include the larger, heavier bones called vertebral bodies and the shock absorbing custions that lie between the vertebral bodies called the intervertebral discs. The disc is like a jelly donut where the center is liquid-like and the outer portion is a tough, criss-cross pattern cartilage arranged like the rings on a tree stump. There are also ligaments that hold the vertebrae and discs tightly together. The back half of the spine includes the spinal cord, nerve roots, as well as the small joints of the back called facet joints. Every movable joint has a joint capsult that helps lubricate the joint and limits the amount of movement, along with surrounding ligaments. The larger, heavier vertebral bodies and shock absorbing discs carry the majority of the weight (approximately 80%) while the smaller facet joints carry much less weight (only 20%) but are more responsible for guiding the movements of our back.

When leg pain is prent, it can be caused by either a pinched nerve, or an inflamed facet joint.

When a nerve is pinched, the cause is usually from the intervertebral disc where the jelly-like center leaks out and presses on the nerve that goes down the leg, commonly referred to as a “herniated disk with sciatica”. This type of pain is quite specific, easy to describe and often extends below the knee to the ankle or foot. It can include muscle weakness, numbness in certain areas of the leg, and bending forward increases low back and leg pain while bending backwards reduces the leg pain (and sometimes the low back pain).

When a facet joint capsule tears (technically, called a “sprain”), the pain is “referred” down the leg in a generalized, non-specific manner, usually described as a “deep ache”, often hard to describe and usually does not go below the level of the knee. Here, it feels better to bend forward and worse to bend backwards, of which neither movement changes or affects the leg in a specific way. Disk related leg pain carries a potential for surgery if all non-surgical approaches fail, while facet joint referred leg pain rarely requires invasive treatments or surgery.

The good news is that both these sources of low back and leg pain are very treatable and are my speciality at the Ventura Spinal Care Center. Our purpose is to remove the pain and transform all patron’s health without the use of toxic medication or shots, or risky possibly unnecessary surgery.

The important point to remember is that obtaining prompt treatment, when symptoms first appear is best, as waiting and hoping it will suvside on its own often results in a longer treatment course and is less stisfying for all concerned. You may be a candidate for drug free relief! For a free, no-obligation consultation, call 805-648-7987. Yours for health, naturally, Dr. Steven Alff, D.C.

By Dr. Steven Alff, D.C.

Do you, or someone you know suffer with back pain? If so, this may be the most important thing you have ever read.

After 27 years of helping thousands restore their health through chiropractic, I noticed that I was seeing some patients that were not responding to chiropractic care because they were suffering with degenerated or herniated discs in their lumbar spine. Knowing there had to be a way to help them without sending them to their M.D. to take toxic medications, or have drastic surgery, I researched and brought into my clinic the amazing DRX9000, non-surgical spinal decompression.

Until recently you only had 3 main choices when it came to treating back pain caused by herniated or degenerative discs:

1. Live with the pain, which let your problem get worse.
2. Take prescription pain medication, which just covered up your symptoms and didn’t correct the cause of your problem.
3. Undergo dangerous surgery, which can cause Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

Now there is a non-invasive procedure for lumbar back pain that doesn’t use medications or surgery. It’s called Spinal Decompression Therapy and is performed using a specialized table called the DRX-9000 and we’ve seen amazing results for over 3 years now.

“I never thought I would feel this good. I never imagined my life would be normal again. I can do things now and I’m not living my life in a constant state of pain. I feel so much better!”
Nicole Pastorius, Oxnard

“Now that I’ve completed my treatment on the DRX-9000, I feel thirty years “young.” I now have the energy to play sports with my son, go camping, and dirt bike riding with my family. Thanks to Dr. Alff and the DRX-9000 I can now be the father I’ve always wanted to be and I will always be grateful for that!” Tim Neathery, Oak View

This procedure is safe, painless and doesn’t use any medications or require surgery. It’s so gentle that most patients fall asleep during the procedure!

Call the Ventura Spinal Care Center now at 648-7987 to see if you may be a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression, with the amazing DRX 9000. What do you have to lose except your pain?