Improving Spinal Health for Optimal Well-Being
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Clinton, MD 20735
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Category: spine wellness

By Danielle Quarles spine wellness

After an Auto Accident, Timing is Everything

Life can change in an instant. One moment you’re driving down the road and the next thing you know, you’re in an auto accident. If this happens, do you know how soon you should contact a chiropractor?  Timing is everything when it comes to injuries. If not addressed soon enough, a split-second collision can lead to long-term injuries with lasting effects.

The Critical First 72 Hours
Seeing a chiropractor within 72 hours is critical to ensure there’s no damage. Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, proper chiropractic care can assess and identify injuries that may go unnoticed. This critical step helps ensure that there are no permanent consequences from your accident.

Types of Hidden Injuries
Auto accident injuries can be hidden, not revealing pain or limited mobility until months or years later. For example, the symptoms of whiplash – soreness, body aches, headaches, and dizziness – may not show up for several days and can last for weeks. Chiropractors can perform orthopedic and neurological tests to assess signs of injury, such as: soft tissue damage, structural damage, muscle strength, range of motion, joint and nerve function. 

Immediate Chiropractic Care is Key
In addition to diagnosing hidden injuries, there are other reasons why the timing of chiropractic treatment is important after an auto accident. 

  • Avoid additional damage: The longer you wait, the more damage or injury can be caused to the affected area 
  • Faster recovery: Seeing a chiropractor within 72 hours after an accident can greatly improve your chances of having a quick, easy recovery from any injuries
  • Legal documentation: In some auto accidents, victims pursue a personal injury case in court, which requires documentation of all injuries. Your chiropractor can provide the required medical documents in a timely manner
  • Insurance claims: Receiving care immediately after an auto accident can strengthen your insurance claim. If you wait too long to receive treatment, an insurance company may not cover injuries reported after a long delay

Dr. Anane of Spine Wellness Center in Clinton, MD helps assess and treat injuries caused from auto accidents. Visit us for a chiropractic evaluation.

By Danielle Quarles spine wellness

The importance of Chiropractic Care in Sports

Chiropractic care is beneficial to those with an active lifestyle.  Whether you are a professional athlete or weekend warrior, regular visits to a licensed chiropractor can help maximize performance or prevent and treat injuries without reliance on drugs or surgeries.

Injuries are an unfortunate side effect of strenuous activity.  Non-existent warm-up routines, ineffective stretching and poor performance techniques can lead to pain that puts you on the sideline.  It is never a good idea to ignore this pain as it is your body’s way of indicating an injury has occurred.  If not treated properly or in a timely fashion, an injury can evolve into something more significant and even permanent.  Prescription drugs only dull the pain but do not address the injury and can be addictive, while surgery is invasive and has significant recovery times.  In many instances, chiropractic care at the onset of an injury can be effective in addressing the problem and preventing further damage.  The spine can be knocked out of alignment in common injuries, resulting in stress on joints, muscles, nerves and ligaments.  A chiropractor is trained in realigning the spine, which may alleviate this stress and the pain of these injuries with reduced recovery times.  Furthermore, having a properly aligned spine may even prevent injuries from occurring in the first place.  Proper spine alignment has also been linked to improvement in overall performance and can allow athletes to train more effectively.  Because of this, the use of chiropractic care has gained popularity among professional teams and athletic trainers.

Athletes and active individuals of all levels can benefit from chiropractic care.  If you are in the Clinton, MD area, make an appointment with Dr. Hayford Anane to help you stay off the sidelines and at peak performance.

By Danielle Quarles spine wellness

Chiropractic Care for Senior Citizens

By 2030, nearly 20% of the US population will be 65 years or older. As the population ages, chiropractic care has gained popularity for complementary or alternative treatment with minimal side effects. Currently, an estimated 14% of patients being treated by chiropractors are in this age group.  Conditions being treated include pain in the neck, back and/or extremities.   

As we age, our bones and muscles weaken and routine activities such as lifting and carrying can cause pain and stiffness that limits movement and can affect routine tasks and even sleep. Enjoyable activities such as playing with grandchildren or gardening become more of a chore as pain and stiffness increases. Chiropractic care can address these issues and do much more. Common techniques used include spinal manipulation and/or mobilization, physical activity, fall prevention and nutrition counseling with the goal of increasing mobility, activity tolerance and quality of life.  In addition, chiropractic care can also help prevent future injuries.  This type of treatment has been proven safe and effective for elderly patients.

During the initial visit, a licensed chiropractor will take a full medical history including in history of injuries or pain and do a full examination that includes feeling for muscle tightness, tenderness and range of spinal motion of the neck, back and extremities. More extensive tests such as x-rays may also be needed. The chiropractor will then provide a course of treatment to address current issues, maintain overall health and prevention of illness and injury. Routine spinal alignments, massages and stretching, among other techniques, may be included in the treatment plan.  

Whether you are in the 65+ age group, or approaching it, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of maintaining your lifestyle and health. Dr. Hayford Anane is a licensed chiropractor who is experienced in treating elderly patients. If you are in the Clinton, MD area make an appointment with him to start your chiropractic care journey.     

By Danielle Quarles spine wellness

Do Spine Wellness Center Patients Receive Individual Chiropractic Care?

Each patient is an individual and should be treated as such.  That is the expectation people have for their other health care providers and it should be the same for their chiropractors.  Here, at the Spine Wellness Center, Dr. Anane treats each patient based on their unique needs and no two adjustments are the same. The first visit starts with a physical evaluation along with an oral history of potential problem areas. This evaluation may include range of motion, joint movement and posture inspection.  If needed, more extensive tests such as neurological evaluations and even x-rays and MRIs may be included. Based on all observations and test results, Dr. Anane will then develop an individual plan of care. From there, each visit will build on the last with the goal of addressing each particular need. 

Chiropractic adjustments are used to treat a multitude of problems, including back and neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, and other issues involving muscles, joints, and ligaments. Therefore, the type of adjustment is based the location and type of discomfort the patient is experiencing, as well as the unique structure of their spine. Adjustments are also adapted to the patient’s age, height, weight and severity of injury. Chiropractors are trained in different techniques, sometimes using specially designed tables and instruments. Although adjustments may look the same, each patient of Dr. Anane can be confident that the care they receive is specifically tailored to fit them and only them. 

If you are experiencing health concerns that you feel can be addressed with chiropractic care, and you live in the Clinton, MD area, call the Spine Wellness Center to book an evaluation today.  

By Danielle Quarles spine wellness

Herniated Disc Relief with Chiropractic Care

Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your spine that leaves you disoriented, breathing hard and finding it hard to move around? If so, then the possible cause could be a herniated, sometimes called a ruptured or slipped, disc. A herniated disc occurs when a rubbery cushion that sits between the individual bones of your spine, shifts from its initial position. Risk factors for this condition include age, occupation and/or genetics. It usually happens gradually over time and can be caused by a traumatic event such a fall. 

While some people never experience any symptoms from a herniated disc, others report pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness. If these symptoms are felt in the arms or shoulders, the herniated disc may be located in the neck; symptoms felt in the leg and/or foot may indicate a herniated disc in the back.  The most accurate way to diagnose this condition and its exact location is with a MRI scan. 

Having a herniated disc can be painful if the shift in your spine irritates nearby nerves, which can make moving around challenging. There are various ways to treat this pain, from over-the-counter medications, to conservative treatments, to surgery and injections. All of these methods may help ease the pain caused by the herniated disc; however, studies have suggested the benefits of chiropractic care as an alternative treatment.  While many people are skeptical that this form of treatment works, chiropractic care is a proven method to improve spinal health and provide relief for many conditions, including herniated discs. 

Are you or someone you know suffering with pain from a herniated disc? Do you work or live in Clinton, MD? If yes, you should give Dr. Hayford Anane a call. As one of the top chiropractors in Clinton, MD, Dr. Anane is happy to provide the relief and care you seek.

By Danielle Quarles spine wellness , ,

Visiting the Chiropractor While Pregnant

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through countless physical and hormonal changes that are needed to provide a healthy environment for a growing baby. The changes not only cause discomfort, such as pain and nausea, but in some cases, lead to protracted labors and difficult deliveries.  The good news is that regular visits to the chiropractor can bring relief to the discomfort of pregnancy and potential difficulties of the birthing process.   

There is no need to stop seeing a chiropractor once you become pregnant, in fact, if you are not getting regular adjustments from a licensed chiropractor, during pregnancy is a great time to start. A trained practitioner may use tables that adjust to a pregnant woman’s growing belly and techniques that avoid putting unneeded pressure on the abdomen, which will allow you to experience the benefits of spinal adjustments during all three trimesters.   

As your baby progresses and becomes heavier, your center of gravity shifts, leading to changes in your posture. These changes are attributed to the aches and pains commonly felt by expectant mothers. Adjustments by a chiropractor may help manage pain in your back, hips and joints by re-establishing balance and alignment to your pelvis and spine. This will not only help you feel better, but can have benefits for your baby as well. When your pelvis is balanced and aligned, your baby will have less intrauterine constraint and make it easier for him or her to move into the best position for birth, which is rear-facing with head down. This may lead to a faster, easier labor and delivery.

Another benefit a chiropractor can provide is to help alleviate nausea, one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, especially in the first trimester. A spinal alignment can improve nervous system functions, leading to a healthier hormone balance that can lessen or eliminate nausea. If your nausea is being caused by heartburn and indigestion, a chiropractor can use techniques to help improve digestive issues. Not only may your nausea lessen, but improved nervous and digestive systems will lead to an overall healthier pregnancy. 

It is always recommended that you consult with your doctor before receiving chiropractic treatment. If you are experiencing placenta previa or placenta abruption, an ectopic pregnancy, or have moderate to severe toxemia, chiropractic treatment is not typically recommended.  While all chiropractors are trained on how to treat pregnant woman, there are some who specialize in the practice. Ask your practitioner for more details.   

At Spine Wellness Center, we strive to provide the highest level of chiropractic and care for the entire family. If you’re interested in a prenatal or postnatal chiropractic exam or want to learn more about our Clinton, MD practice, now is the perfect time to give us a call and learn more about the pros and cons of chiropractic services while pregnant.

By Danielle Quarles spine wellness

Her Fight Is Our Fight – Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is the perfect month to share my story to promote the value of screening mammography.
 
During my routine screening mammography in May 2015, the radiologist noticed changes in my left breast when compared to my previous images; some calcifications, which were not visible on prior mammograms. I was asked to return to the radiology center for a diagnostic mammogram to get a better view of the changes. The changes were not significant enough to warrant further testing at the time but the radiologist designated me for short term surveillance which meant I should return in 6 months for a diagnostic mammogram instead of waiting 1 year for my next routine screening.
 
When I received a diagnostic mammogram in November 2015, the calcifications were larger and the formation of the cells were more suspicious. I was scheduled for a biopsy to determine the nature of these calcifications, since certain breast cancers begin as calcifications. I had a biopsy in mid-December 2015. Three days before Christmas 2015, I received a call from the radiologist advising that I was diagnosed with DCIS – ductal carcinoma in situ. The calcifications were malignant. It is important to be aware that I did not have a tumor; no lumps were detected during self-breast exam nor physical breast exam by my physician.
 
My cancer was found extremely early because of a routine screening mammogram. Because my cancer was found early, I had time to undergo genetic testing to determine the best course of treatment, just not for now but for the future. I have a strong family history of breast cancer: my mother survived breast cancer twice and both of her sisters (my aunts) survived breast cancer. Fortunately, I did not inherit the breast cancer gene. In consultation with my doctor, I was able to make an informed decision about my treatment, based on science, not fear. My treatment consisted of a lumpectomy in February 2016 to remove the cancerous tissue and accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), a 5 day – 2x per day course of internal radiation targeted to the specific area of where the cancerous cells were removed to destroy any residual cancerous cells that may still be present, but undetectable.
 
Thus far, treatment has been successful. There has not been any indication of malignancy on any of my mammograms since December 2015. Early detection through a routine mammogram saved my life and spared me from having invasive, challenging, life-altering treatments. I strongly encourage women to prioritize preventive care by getting their mammograms as recommended by their personal physician. Don’t just save the ta-tas; save your life. If you face cancer, stay faithful and hopeful.
 
~Lauren Bennett
 
By spinewellnesscenter spine wellness

At Home Ergonomics for Online Students

Sudden changes in how our children have shifted in learning can have impacts on their physical well-being, just as much as their mental or emotional faculties. Kids have transitioned unexpectedly from a classroom with properly sized tables and chairs to sitting at the kitchen table or sofa, without the support they need to develop good habits. Online learning has now taken up the majority of their day, without the recess and lunch breaks that encouraged running and active play with others.

This can wreak havoc, even on smaller bodies. As they are currently growing and developing, proper posture, neck, and back support are crucial to help encourage their health. This can be difficult as they maneuver large keyboards, or may not have a proper set of headphones that can filter the sounds of bells, whistles and chatter appropriately to protect their hearing. A proper space for their learning is crucial, even if you have limited resources. Make sure kids have a dedicated space to focus on their work without distractions, and try to make it as ergonomic as possible. Ensure that they have a space where they can stand and move around freely, as they may need to shake out excessive energy and keep their blood flowing.

If you notice complaints from your child that resemble those of “desk workers”, it may be time to check in with a chiropractor. If after some time, your child expresses discomfort with sitting for long periods of time, or numbness or tingling with their limbs, they may have issues with a pinched nerve. A chiropractor can make an assessment and offer recommendations of solutions that may help ease any pain your child could be having.

At Spine Wellness Center, we strive to provide the highest level of chiropractic and care for the entire family. If you’re interested in a pediatric chiropractic exam or want to learn more about our Clinton, MD practice, now is the perfect time to give us a call and learn more about the pros and cons of pediatric chiropractic services.

Spine Wellness Center Dry Needling
By spinewellnesscenter spine wellness , , , , , ,

Dry Needling – Pinpoint Your Pain

Spine Wellness Center is passionate about providing a wide range of services to take care of our patients, and help them heal, the best way we know how. We are now proud to offer Dry Needling, a safe and effective treatment for musculoskeletal injuries and other intramuscular conditions.

Dry Needling is a form of therapy that involves small, stainless steel filiform needles that are “dry” (without any form of medication), being inserted into the trigger point associated with the area of your body causing you discomfort. Once the trigger point is “deactivated”, the surrounding muscle can relax and start to function more naturally. It can relieve pain and muscle cramping, and can help increase blood flow, thus assisting your body in the path to recovery. Dry Needling can also release toxins that may be built up in the tissue and causing a blockage, which can then allow for oxygen circulation to occur that had previously been limited.  It is the increase in blood flow and oxygen combined that contribute towards healing the injured tissue and muscle.

The needles can reach places that traditional massage or other techniques cannot, and serve as a vehicle in helping to relieve tension contributing to directly and indirectly related ailments.  It can be used to assist with everything from migraines, to sciatica and inflamed tissues, and is a great option for people from all walks of life.  Dry Needling can be appreciated by everyone from athletes that pushed a little too hard, to office workers cramped at their desks, to aging adults with aches and pains. If you have a fear of needles, rest assured that the pain often experienced from needles used in vaccines and bloodwork is not the same here. A tiny tube is used to help guide the needle in quickly, and many people report no pain upon needle entry.

It is often thought that Dry Needling is another form of acupuncture, but the only similarity is the use of the needles. Acupuncture is a traditional form of Eastern Medicine that focuses on Chi, the balance of energy, however, Dry Needling is a form of rehabilitation being sought after by doctors that primarily practice Western Medicine as a way to heal an injury.

The benefits can be seen in a matter of just a few visits, and in some cases, relief is experienced a day or two after the treatment. It also may enhance other treatments or exercises that have provided limited results before. Dry Needling is often recommended as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan established by your trusted Chiropractor, and is usually not considered to stand on its own as a singular solution.

We would love to help you learn more and explore your options to see whether Dry Needling should be a recommended part of your treatment plan. Our team takes the time to assess your well-being before, during, and after treatment, so you always know what to expect.

Don’t sit around suffering in pain – call us today or click to reserve your appointment now!

Spine Wellness Center
By spinewellnesscenter spine wellness , , , ,

The Chiropractor’s Take on Working from Home

During the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent social distancing regulations, many employees have been asked to work from home with little to no advance notice.  Consequently, people are now hunched over kitchen tables or awkwardly seated on living room sofas while spending hours on a computer.  Obviously, these working conditions are not ideal without the ergonomic comforts of a proper desk and office equipment that many lack in their homes, which can lead to a literal pain in the neck.  To combat the discomforts that at-home work environments can bring, here are a few tips:

 

  1. Designate a separate workspace

Your workspace should not be on the couch or in the bed. These places of leisure are not conducive for optimal concentration and work productivity. Instead, set up a separate workstation that will minimize distractions and give you the best possible ergonomic conditions.  You should be able to sit or stand at a table that keeps your computer screen at eye level and your arms parallel to the floor.  If you are sitting, your thighs should also be parallel to the floor and your chair should have lumbar back support, if possible.

  1. Practice good posture

Sitting on soft surfaces promotes bad posture, which will lead to back and neck pain among other issues. However, even more structured seating does not guarantee good posture without being mindful of how your spine is positioned.  Remember to keep both feet on the floor while working and to avoid slouching.  Your head and neck should be in a neutral position while facing the computer screen, with your ears positioned directly above your shoulders.

  1. Take frequent breaks

Frequent breaks relax both your mind and body.  After an hour or two of sitting in the same position with your eyes glued to a computer screen, it is important to have a change of scenery. These breaks are easier in the office as you attend in-person meetings and chat with co-workers in break areas, but are just as important at home.  Schedule them if need be, but make sure they are a part of your daily routine.  During these breaks, try to stretch and get the blood circulating throughout your body.

  1. Get moving

Your daily steps will naturally decrease while working from home due to the close proximity of the bathroom and kitchen, and the ability to participate in virtual meetings from the comfort of your workspace. To compensate for this, incorporate daily walks, runs, or other forms of exercise.  Not only will you see a physical benefit of the extra movement, but exercise has been shown to decrease stress and elevate your mood.  These are great benefits when dealing with the current environment.

  1. Manage stress

More can be done to manage stress than just exercising. You should establish realistic expectations of how productive you will be while working from home and taking care of children or other familial responsibilities.  You can also limit the amount of time spent watching the 24-hour news cycle, and instead, take time to listen to music, read a book or start a new hobby.  The decrease in stress will lessen the tension in your muscles and help to prevent minor aches and pains.

The steps outlined above take little time to implement, but can make a huge difference in how you feel both throughout the day, and longer term.

Spine Wellness Center in Clinton, MD is committed to providing chiropractic tips and care for you and your family. Contact us today if you have any questions and be sure to take advantage of our free consultation.