Your Lawrenceville GA Chiropractor

Children & Chiropractic Care: Your Questions Answered!

2010-03-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

When it comes to providing the best medical care for your child, you already know the importance of seeing a good pediatrician or family doctor. But did you know that an experienced chiropractor can be an important part of your little one’s wellness?

Why might my child need a chiropractor?

Has your little ninja jumped off the couch one too many times? Does your daughter’s back feel the strain of competitive gymnastics? There are dozens of reasons a child might need chiropractic care, including fender benders, slouching over a video game console, and even the trauma of a tough labor. Sports can take their toll, too. Experts estimate that about 3.5 million children each year receive treatment for sports-related injuries.

When your child appears healthy, chiropractic care can alleviate unseen problems. For example, even if your child is properly restrained in a car seat, a minor car accident can throw your child’s neck and spine out of balance, creating pain and muscle tension.

If your child lives with back or neck pain, it’s important to seek treatment now. Studies suggest that kids with back pain are more likely to have back aches later in life. One study found that teenagers who reported lower back pain were more likely to report back pain as many as 8 years later.

What does a chiropractor do?

Although chiropractors use the latest research and technology to adjust the spine, this isn’t a fly-by-night field of medicine. The techniques go back to nearly 2700 BCE. In fact, the Greek physician Hippocrates—immortalized in the Hippocratic Oath taken by every doctor—wrote about the importance of spinal adjustments.

Your child’s chiropractor will use gentle manipulations to adjust the spine. The manipulations correct damage, restoring movement and decreasing pain. The chiropractor will make the adjustments using his or her hands or using handheld tools. These doctors can also provide exercises and stretching tips so your little one can avoid future injuries.

Will the adjustments hurt my child?

In most circumstances, children won’t feel any pain. Adjustments for children are extremely gentle and often times a low force adjusting instrument is used. For older children or teenagers who have an acute painful injury, some light soreness may occur after the adjustment, but this is in rare cases.

How do I find a chiropractor?

First, look for a qualified chiropractor with experience working with children. In addition, the Doctor of Chiropractic, or DC, should be licensed with the state where they practice. And, as with any medical professional, be sure to look for a caregiver who pursues continuing education to stay up to date on the latest knowledge in their field.

Don’t let your little one live with back or neck pain for one more minute. An experienced chiropractor can help get your child back on the path to a lifestyle that allows him or her to be a kid—without pain.

Dr. James Roman
Your Lawrenceville Chiropractor

http://www.drjamesroman.com/
http://www.drteresajackson.com/

March Is Pediatric Month!! Your Lawrenceville Chiropractor Talks About Kids & Chiropractic Care!

2010-03-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

Chiropractic care for kids - 3 surprising conditions a chiropractor can help

Think chiropractic care is just for stressed out, latte-drinking adults? Think again. These medical techniques, which have been around since Athens was battling Sparta, are an increasingly popular way to help kids lead a healthy life. In fact, while many of us might consider chiropractic care for children after a car accident or for kids living with scoliosis, you might be surprised to learn that a chiropractor can also help kids with these conditions:

Birth trauma

A number of studies have shown that traumatic births, including those that require use of vacuum extractions or forceps, can damage the nerves on a baby’s delicate spinal system. It’s not just limited to instrument births, either. Some experts theorize that epidural use during labor, which can force a woman to push before her body is ready, also damages the newborn’s nervous system. A study published in the Journal of Manual Medicine found that about 12% of newborns have spinal imbalances.

When it comes to infants, these spinal misalignments are more than a simple crick in the neck. Experts suspect they cause fussiness, sleeping problems, excessive spit-up, and poor feeding. Misalignments may also be the reason some newborns only nurse on one side.

A chiropractor will provide the gentle adjustments needed to put your baby’s spine into proper alignment, allowing your child to be well and healthy.

Colic

Endless crying. Sleepless nights. Any parent who’s lived with a colicky baby knows the frustration of living with this chronic condition. Often the solutions don’t offer much relief. From homemade concoctions to useless medications, parents are often forced to wait until their little one “outgrows” colic.

There’s increasing evidence, however, that chiropractic care can give colic relief to parents and their baby. For instance, one study of colicky infants found that 94% of those who received chiropractic care improved within two weeks. In another study, 91% of babies showed less inconsolable fussiness within just two chiropractic visits. Furthermore, a 1999 Danish study discovered that chiropractic care was more effective than drug treatments in calming colicky babies.

Ear infections

This infection of the middle ear is one of the leading causes of pediatric visits in the United States. What makes these infections worse is that they reoccur—sometimes for years. Chronic, serious ear infections can lead to permanent hearing damage and speech problems.

Common wisdom dictates either a course of antibiotics, a wait-and-see attitude or, at worse, the insertion of ear tubes. Chiropractic care is different, though. Its goal is to actively stop the source of the infection without invasive procedures or medications. Chiropractic adjustments alleviate ear infections by allowing the ear canal to drain properly. The result? No fluid buildup, no infection.

You want the best for your child. So, if your little one suffers from any of these conditions, it’s important to look at safe, effective, and drug-free alternatives. Your Lawrenceville, GA chiropractor can help you find relief for your child—and for you.

For a FREE consultation for yourself or your child, call 770-817-0833 today!!

Dr. James Roman

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

http://www.drteresajackson.com/

Dr. James Roman Discusses Natural Headache Relief!!

2010-02-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

Your Lawrenceville Chiropractor Talks About Headache treatments – which one is right for you?

From screaming-child-induced tension headaches to blinding, blurry-eyed migraines, nearly 45 million Americans suffer chronic headaches. If you need headache-busing relief, what are your options? Here are two common ways to find relief for that pounding noggin:

Medications

There’s a smorgasbord of drug treatments that may relieve headaches. Some treat the symptoms, like pain or, in the case of migraines, nausea. Others might stop or prevent the headache. Migraine sufferers might be prescribed antidepressants to relieve pain, but these are particularly potent drugs than can trigger everything from weight gain and constipation to dizziness and drowsiness. They don’t just affect your body; they can affect your mind, too. Powerful migraine medicines have been known to cause unpleasant side effects like restlessness, agitation, and insomnia.

Chiropractic relief

You don’t have to subject yourself heavy-duty prescription meds to find relief from debilitating headaches. Chiropractic medicine, which has its roots in ancient Greece and China, is a safe and effective alternative. Part of the modern medical community since the late 1800s, Doctors of Chiropractic, or DCs, restore the body to a natural state of wellness through non-invasive, non-drug methods.

Got tension? Headaches caused by stress are the most common cause of headaches. Tense muscles can strain muscles in the neck creating aches that radiate through the head, shoulders, and upper back. A 2001 review of clinical trials suggests that chiropractic care had the same tension headache reducing power of commonly-prescribed medications.

A good chiropractor won’t simply adjust your spine and send you on your happy way. A top-notch practice will also show you simple exercises that will allow you relieve the tension between visits. So, the next time a co-worker pilfers your lunch, you’ll have the exercise tools you need to stop that headache before it starts.

Migraine sufferers will find relief in chiropractic care, too. A migraine happens when the blood vessels to the brain are restricted. The restricted blood flow causes the pounding pain as well as the visual side effects, such as blurry vision or auras. A chiropractor will make adjustments in the upper back to keep blood flowing properly. Numerous studies have shown that spinal adjustments are successful in reducing the average time of each episode as well as reducing the overall number of migraines experienced.

There is help for you headaches. Your chiropractor will adjust your spine to relieve the cause of your symptoms as well as give you easy, at-home techniques to relieve headaches when they hit.

For a FREE CONSULTATION, Call our office Today at 770-817-0833!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

http://www.drteresajackson.com/

Hands For Haiti A BIG SUCCESS!!

2010-02-19T14:16:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a HUGE SUCCESS! I want to personally thank all the patients that stopped by and gave to the American Red Cross's Haiti Fund and wished me a happy birthday. We had a wonderful time yesterday in the office. We raised $700.00!! That money will make a difference in a country that truly needs it. Thanks again,

Dr. Roman

Your Lawrenceville GA Chiropractor

Lawrenceville Chiropractor Talks About Hands For Haiti!!

2010-02-17T12:18:00.000-08:00

Special Message From Dr. Roman!!

Pictures From The 3 Year Anniversary Party!!

2010-02-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

I just want to thank everyone for making the 3 year anniversary party so special. The staff at Advanced Health & Spine Center feels extremely lucky to be able to work with the patients that are part of our office and we look forward to carrying that one over the next year. Thank you all for an incredible year!!

Dr. Roman & Staff

Lawrenceville Chiropractor : Natural Relief For Sciatic Pain!

2010-02-14T08:12:00.000-08:00

3 reasons you need a chiropractor for Sciatic Pain Relief!!

Stinging and tingling and numbness, oh my! Living with sciatica can be hard. The pain can be debilitating, especially if it becomes a chronic condition. You know there are lots of options to treat your sciatic pain, but which one is right for you? Here are three reasons why you should seek relief from your chiropractor:

It’s drug-free.

Anti-inflammatory medications are a common conventional treatment for sciatic pain. While they are effective at relieving pain for some patients, they’re not always the most effective—or the safest—solution. Some doctors may even prescribe anti-depressants, which are supposed to block the pain messages sent to the brain.

In severe cases of sciatic pain, conventional doctors may recommend steroid injections. The problem with these injections is that they can spur unpleasant side effects, including infection, pain, and deterioration of the tissue around the injection site.

For drug-free relief, look for an experienced chiropractor. Applying spinal adjustments with their hands or with handheld tools, chiropractors can relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve—without drugs and the associated side effects. In fact, studies suggest that spinal adjustments may be more effective at pain relief than medication. For example, one study of more than 3,100 sciatica sufferers who had not gotten relief from drug treatments found that 50% reported excellent pain relief when given chiropractic care.

It’s non-invasive.

For the most debilitating cases of sciatica, conventional medicine sometimes turns to the scalpel. The surgeon relieves compression on the irritated nerve by opening up bone around the nerve or, if necessary, removing a ruptured disk. Sounds good, right? Unfortunately, evidence presented in The Journal of the American Medical Association, surgery was no better than other treatments at treating sciatic pain. Like any surgery, this treatment carries risk, such as infection, and it requires a recovery time. Surgical treatments can also be costly.

Chiropractic medicine treats sciatica without needles or scalpels. Rather a chiropractic professional will use his or her hands as well as handheld tools to adjust the spine and relieve pain. There’s also no recovery time, which means you can continue to work, play, and enjoy your life while receiving treatment.

It gets to the root.

Pain medication is fine for relieving the discomfort of sciatica, but it may not do a thing to cure the cause of the problem. Instead of putting the proverbial bandage on the ache, the goal of chiropractic care is to stop sciatic pain where it starts. Your chiropractor will use spinal adjustments, tissue massage, and special stretches to relieve the pressure that triggers your pain.

If sciatica is limiting the things you love to do, it’s important to seek help now. Find a chiropractor to give you drug-free, non-invasive treatments that don’t just relieve the pain but get to the source of your problem as well.

For a FREE CONSULTATION, Call 770-817-0833 Today!!

Dr. James Roman

Your Lawrenceville Chiropractor

www.drjamesroman.com

www.drteresajackson.com

Your lawrenceville, GA Chiropractor Talks About Chiropractic & Pregnancy

2010-02-01T04:16:00.000-08:00

Chiropractors - 5 reasons every mom-to-be needs one

The pregnant waddle—the hallmark of a woman nearing the end of pregnancy. Although this decidedly ungraceful gait is bound to produce a few chuckles—usually from those who aren’t pregnant—it’s a sure sign that a woman’s spine and pelvis are out of balance. As a result, expecting moms frequently suffer from problems like lower back pain and sciatica. But there’s more to a waddling walk than aches and pains. Here are five reasons why pregnant women should visit a Lawrenceville, GA chiropractor:

1. Give junior room to grow – When the spinal cord is adjusted properly, the pelvis remains in the correct position, which allows the maximum room for your little one to grow. It might also make you feel more comfy because when baby has room, you may be less likely to get an elbow jammed into your ribs on a regular basis.

2. Avoid a breech birth – Mounting evidence suggests that a specific type of manipulation can actually turn breech babies in the weeks leading up to labor. According to an article in The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 82% of breech babies turned into the correct birthing position using a chiropractic method called the Webster Technique.

3. Set the stage for a healthy delivery – The same spinal adjustments that give your baby room to grow also keep the pelvis in the proper position for a safe delivery. When the baby has space to navigate in the womb, it can rotate into the proper birthing position, potentially reducing the amount of time you spend in labor.

4. Relieve your aches – From sciatica to back aches, chiropractic medicine has long been used to alleviate everyday aches and pains. Now, an increasing number of pregnant women are turning to this alternative form of medicine to relieve discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments counteract the changes brought on by weight gain, hormone changes, and postural adaptations.

5. Reduce use of pain meds – With aches and pains just a memory, you’ll rely less on the drugs you used to take for relief. Drug-free treatments are not only better for you, they’re better for the baby nestled inside your body.

The American Pregnancy Association considers chiropractic care to be a safe treatment during pregnancy. Experienced prenatal chiropractors can make effective adjustments as well as suggest exercises and stretches that help you maintain a healthy spine between visits.

So, what about the waddle? It occurs when the pelvic joints move too much and the bottom of the spine locks into one position. An experienced chiropractor will make adjustments that return your walk to a less duck-like state. You’ll also feel more comfortable after your chiropractic adjustments, too.

Say goodbye to the waddle and embrace the other benefits of prenatal spinal care—consult a Lawrenceville, GA chiropractor today.

Dr. James Roman Talks About Saturday's 3 Year Anniversary Party!!

2010-01-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

www.drjamesroman.com/

Lawrenceville Chiropractor Talks About Adding More Hours!

2010-01-19T13:58:00.000-08:00

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

lawrenceville, ga chiropractor

Chiropractor in Lawrenceville Talks About Fibromyalgia!

2010-01-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

Fibromyalgia – Coping Strategies, “What Can I Do?”

Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the most common conditions associated with chronic pain affecting up to 5% of the population. It is characterized by pain in the muscles and joints and is associated with generalized, whole body muscle stiffness, body aches, sleep disruption, and headache. Stress is often a component of FM. Women are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from FM.

So the question is raised, “what can I do to reduce the pain and suffering that I feel from FM?” The answer is multifactorial as there are many treatment approaches reported to be helpful. Perhaps the most prevalent is exercise. This seems logical as often, the presence of pain is misinterpreted as a reason to rest or reduce activity. This inappropriate thought leads to de-conditioning or weakening of muscles, stiffness in joints, lowered aerobic capacity and a host of negative physical and mental effects that can have negative effects on quality of life. Because many patients with FM are “out of shape,” the worst approach with exercise is jumping into it too quickly. The post-exercise soreness when people first engage in a new activity can be profound if the introduction into exercise is too vigorous, and again, the pain intensity may be misinterpreted as a reason to discontinue any and all future exercise programs.

Therefore, the key to success is realizing pain thresholds are reached faster in the FM patient and hence, a slow but steady introduction into exercising is needed.

For example, start out with a walking program of 5 minutes, 1-3 times a day, and gradually increase it to 10, 15, 20 and eventually, 30 or more minutes per session. Stretching exercises of the overly tight postural muscles like the hamstrings, calf muscles, hip flexors, lower, middle, and upper back muscles are very helpful. Applying light resistance during the stretch using a “slow motion” approach improves results.

In general, low-impact activities like water exercise, swimming, bicycling, and elliptical (low setting) are great options. Using light dumbbells/hand weights emphasizing high rep/low weight is also very effective.

Another highly successful type of exercise are balance stimulating exercises. That is, using a rocker board, wobble board, gym ball, and/or foam pad to incorporate balance challenges into the exercise process is very effective. Consistent exercise is a key to success.

Also, don’t set your goals too high as you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. Rather, make realistic goals and “grow” with the exercise process, changing and modifying goals on a monthly or quarterly basis.

We realize that there are many healthcare options available. If you, a friend or family member require care for fibromyalgia, we would be honored to offer our services.

If you have any health problems that concern you, Please give our office a call at 770-817-0833 for a FREE Consultation!!

chiropractor lawrenceville ga

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Lawrenceville Chiropractor Talks About Headaches!

2010-01-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Chiropractic Manipulation: A New Study Regarding Headaches

Headaches are a common complaint in patients presenting for professional care, including chiropractic management. Patients with headaches seek chiropractic care because they find manipulation or adjustments applied to the cervical spine and upper back region are highly effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of the headache pain. This is because the cervical spine / neck, is often the origin of the headache as the three nerves in the upper neck (C1, 2 and 3) pass through the thick, overly taught neck muscles in route to the scalp / head. When the muscles of the neck are in spasm, the nerves get “pinched” or squeezed by the overly tight muscles resulting in headache pain. Each nerve runs to a different part of the head and therefore, pain may be described as “…radiating over the top of head (sometimes into the forehead and eyes),” or, into the head and over the ear, sometimes reaching the temple. Also, an area located in the back and side of the head is the area where the C1 nerve innervates, so pain may also be reported in that location. When more than one of the C1-3 nerves is pinched, the whole side to the top of the head may be involved.

In the October 2009 issue of The Spine Journal, Western States Chiropractic College, Center for Outcomes Studies, reported benefits are obtained with the utilization of spinal manipulation in the treatment of chronic cervicogenic headaches. The word “chronic” means at least 3 months of headache pain has been present. This new study compared 2 different doses of therapy using several outcome measures including the pain grade, the number of headaches in the last 4 weeks and the amount of medication utilized. Data was collected every 4 weeks for a 24 week period and patients were treated 1-2 times/week and separated into either an 8 or a 16 treatment session with half the group receiving either spinal manipulative therapy or a minimal light massage (LM) control group.

The results of the study revealed the spinal manipulation group obtained better results than the control group at all time intervals. There was a small benefit in the group that received the greater number of treatments with the mean number of cervicogenic headaches reduced by 50% in both pain intensity and headache frequency.

The importance of this study is significant as there are many side effects to medications frequently utilized in the treatment of headaches. Many patients prefer not taking medications for this reason and spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) offers a perfect remedy for these patients. Couple SMT with dietary management, lifestyle modifications, stress management, and a natural, vitamin/herbal anti-inflammatory (such as ginger, turmeric, boswellia) when needed, a natural, holistic approach to the management of chronic headaches is accomplished.

We are proud that chiropractic care has consistently scored the highest level of satisfaction when compared to other forms of health care provision and look forward in serving you and your family presently and in the future.

If you have any health problems that concern you, Please give our office a call at 770-817-0833 for a FREE Consultation!!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Chiropractor in Lawrenceville Talks About Low Back Pain!

2009-12-28T12:50:00.000-08:00

What Do Consumers Say Works Best?

We know that many people, in fact about 80%, hurt their back at some point in life. In a recent survey by Consumer Reports (CR) (see the May 2009 issue), over 14,000 subscribers had low back pain (LBP) but no surgery to treat it in 2008. More than half reported severe daily activity limitations for at least one week and 88% reported their LBP recurred throughout the year.

Many indicated their sleep, sex life, and weight management all suffered as a result of LBP. What is important about these findings is that once you have LBP, you’re probably going to have repeat episodes. It’s the chronic, recurrent nature of LBP that makes it one of the most costly conditions to the injured employee, the employers, fellow workers, insurance companies, and the health care system in general. Of interest, most of the 14,000 LBP sufferers indicated they had tried 5 or 6 different treatment approaches. When rating the degree of helpfulness of each type of care and, their overall satisfaction with the various health-care professionals, the hands-on therapies were the top rated, with chiropractic leading the list at 59%. Physical therapists (PT) were next at 55% though later in the article a “very helpful” rating for PT was reported at 46% vs. massage therapy at 48%. Acupuncture was listed at third with 53%, specialty physicians at 44% and primary care physicians were rated the lowest at 34%. Medications by prescription “helped a lot” in 44% and about 22% were helped by over the counter medication. It is ironic that other reports have indicated that only about 15% of people with LBP go to chiropractors when research, consumer satisfaction as indicated here, and all of the international guidelines have recommended that chiropractic be considered as one of the first approaches in the management of non-surgical LBP. What is the hesitation?

Other interesting points in the article include that most of the LBP sufferers that elected not to seek treatment (about 35%) did so because of cost concerns or the belief that professional care would not help. Both research and the majority of the 14,000 who tried chiropractic said it helped and a LBP case was reviewed emphasizing this point. The case example emphasized the value of periodic chiropractic treatment for a worker in a heavy physically demanding job and the benefits he received from a treatment every few weeks, indicating this approach, “…is able to keep his back pain to a minimum.” Another important point was that 44% of the 14,000 consumers reported exercise was helpful, and this represented the top placed self-help measure. Moreover, 58% indicated they wished they had included more exercises to strengthen their back in the past year. Chiropractic management of back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions includes exercise training during the care rendered for LBP.

The article concludes with caution about back surgery, and references a separate CR survey completed in 2006. They reported 60% satisfaction in about 1000 LBP consumers that had surgery in the prior 5 years compared to hip or knee replacement satisfaction at 82%. Additionally, more than 50% reported at least one problem during recovery, 16% had no improvement at all, while 8% were worse. The recommendation of obtaining at least 2 opinions was suggested prior to under going surgery, preferably one from a non-surgeon.

Therefore, if you, a loved one, or a friend have not yet utilized chiropractic for LBP management, the time is now as all the evidence points to chiropractic as yielding the highest level of satisfaction and activity restoration for LBP sufferers. This recommendation may be one of the most important acts of kindness that one can give to another person.

If you suffer with Low Back Pain, please give our office a call at 770-817-0833 for a FREE Consultation!!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Your Lawrenceville Chiropractor - Special Message!

2009-12-23T11:12:00.000-08:00

lawrenceville Ga Chiropractor - Whiplash _ Neck Pain!

2009-12-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

Whiplash – What is the Best Type of Treatment?

Whiplash usually occurs when the head is suddenly whipped or snapped due to a sudden jolt, usually involving a motor vehicle collision. However, it can also occur from a slip and fall injury. So the question on deck is, which of the health care services best addresses the injured whiplash patient?

This question was investigated in a published study titled, A symptomatic classification of whiplash injury and the implications for treatment (Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine 1999;21(1):22-25). The authors state conventional [medical] treatment utilized in whiplash care, "is disappointing." The authors’ reference a study that demonstrated chiropractic treatment benefited 26 of 28 patients with chronic whiplash syndrome. The objective of their study was to determine which type of chronic whiplash patient would benefit the most from chiropractic treatment. They separated patients into one of 3 groups: Group 1: patients with "neck pain radiating in a 'coat hanger' distribution, associated with restricted range of neck movement but with no neurological deficit"; Group 2: patients with "neurological symptoms, signs or both in association with neck pain and a restricted range of neck movement"; Group 3: patients who described "severe neck pain but all of whom had a full range of motion and no neurological symptoms or signs distributed over specific myotomes or dermatomes." These patients also "described an unusual complex of symptoms," including "blackouts, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting and chest pain, along with a nondermatomal distribution of pain."

The patients underwent an average of 19.3 adjustments over the course of 4.1 months (mean). The patients were then surveyed and their improvement was reported:

group 1
24% Asymptomatic
43% Improved by Two Symptom Grades
13% Improved by One Symptom Grade
6% No Improvement
group 2
38% Asymptomatic
43% Improved by Two Symptom Grades
13% Improved by One Symptom Grade
6% No Improvement
group 3
0% Asymptomatic
9% Improved by Two Symptom Grades
18% Improved by One Symptom Grade
64% No Improvement
9% Got Worse

These findings show the best chiropractic treatment results occur in patients with mechanical neck pain (group 1) and / or those with neurological losses (group 2). The exaggerated group (group 3) was the most challenging and, the only group where a small percentage worsened. The good news is, the number of cases that responded well to chiropractic treatment (groups 1 & 2) far out number those that don’t (group 3). Hence, most patients with whiplash injuries should consider chiropractic as their first choice of health care provision.

If you, a loved one, or a friend is struggling with whiplash residuals from a motor vehicle collision, you can depend on receiving a multi-dimensional chiropractic assessment and therapeutic approach at this office. We sincerely appreciate your confidence in choosing our office for your health care needs!

If you suffer with chronic or acute pain, Please give our office a call at 770-817-0833 for a FREE Consultation!!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Lawrenceville Ga Chiropractor - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!

2009-12-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
– What Does Research Show?

So often we hear, “…well if it’s so good, show me the proof!” Chiropractic case management of CTS has been well established for many years. And yet, we still hear skepticism from patients, MD’s, insurers, employers, and others about the benefits of chiropractic management of CTS. If we can, “show them the data” regarding the effectiveness of chiropractic for CTS patients, we will finally be able to help more people with this potentially disabling condition.

So, let’s take a look at the evidence that supports the benefits of chiropractic for CTS:

1) Davis PT, Hulbert JR, Kassak KM, et al. “Comparative efficacy of conservative medical and chiropractic treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial”
J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 21.5 (June 1997): 317-326.

The most important finding reported in this 91 patient study was that chiropractic treatment was equally effective in reducing CTS symptoms as medical treatment. The chiropractic care included ultrasound, nighttime wrist supports and manipulation of the wrist, arm and spine. Medical care included ibuprofen (800 mg, 3x/day for 1 wk, 800 mg, 2x’day for 1 wk, & 800 mg as needed for 7 wks) plus a night wrist splint. Both groups did equally well but given the side-effect potential of ibuprofen on the stomach, liver, and kidneys, a strong argument for the non-drug, chiropractic approach can be made.

2) Bonebrake AR, Fernandez JE, Marley RJ et al. “A treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome: evaluation of objective and subjective measures” J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 13.9 (Nov-Dec 1990): 507-520

CTS sufferers (n=38) received chiropractic spinal manipulation and extremity adjusting. Also, soft tissue therapy, dietary modifications or supplements (B6) and daily exercises were prescribed. After treatment, results showed improvement in all strength and range of motion measures. Also, a significant reduction in pain and distress ratings was reported.

3) Mariano KA, McDougle MA, Tanksley GW “Double crush syndrome: chiropractic care of an entrapment neuropathy” J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 14.4 (May 1991):262-5

In 1973, Upton and McComas first proposed the presence of the "double crush syndrome." Their hypothesis was that when a nerve is pinched anywhere along its route, it makes the rest of the nerve more sensitive to otherwise “normal” stimulation. A case report of a man with both cervical radiculopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome, i.e., "double crush syndrome" was presented. Chiropractic management consisted of chiropractic manipulative therapy as well as ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation, traction and a wrist splint. The experimental basis, clinical evidence, etiology, symptomatology and findings of this condition are discussed. The Double Crush Syndrome helps explain why cervical/neck manipulation helps many CTS patients.

There are many additional articles that support the benefits of chiropractic for CTS. If you, a friend or family member requires care for CTS, we would be honored to offer our services.

If you suffer with chronic or acute wrist pain, please give our office a call at, 770-817-0833 for a
FREE Consultation!!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Lawrenceville, Ga Chiropractor - Back Pain!

2009-12-17T13:49:00.000-08:00

Spondylolisthesis - What Is That?

Abigail was competing in a gymnastics tournament last year and during one of her floor routines, noticed a sharp pain in her low back after performing a series of back hand springs. She said she landed crooked on the last of four back hand springs which resulted in immediate pain in the middle of the low back at the beltline. She has had pain in the low back before and initially, didn’t think this was any different from past episodes but when the pain didn’t improve after a week, she asked her parents if she could see their chiropractor for an adjustment. Her chiropractor took her history and was alerted by the mechanism of injury – the rapid onset of pain after bending backwards and landing crooked during her routine. The low back was carefully examined and during the range of motion testing, Abby’s backward bending test was very painful and limited in motion. When bending backwards at an angle with pressure applied in the low back, sharp pain stopped the test immediately. Her neurological tests were normal and she could bend over and touch her toes – in fact, that felt good. Her chiropractor had a strong suspicion of what had happened and ordered an x-ray to see if the preliminary diagnosis was accurate. The x-rays looked normal but with the history of extreme backward bending and immediate pain onset, a bone scan was ordered which was positive for a stress fracture in the back part of the vertebra. Unfortunately, this meant no gymnastics for 3 months and the use of a low back brace was recommended. The good news is that the back pain was gone within a month and follow-up x-rays 3 months later did not reveal a visible fracture line in the vertebra. Abby was able to resume gymnastics and competed with success and no low back pain.

So, what is spondylolistesis? It occurs in about 7% of the western population and up to 30-50% in cultures that carry their young on their back (like a back pack). It is reported that most people who develop spondylolisthesis acquire this between ages 6 and 16 due to a developmental weakness in that part of the spine, though the cause can be traumatic, like in Abby’s case where rapid, uncontrolled backward bending occurs. It can also gradually occur over time (called “degenerative”), usually not found before age 50-60, where no single event can be recalled by the patient. There is also a congenital type that can be hereditary where one is born with it, though most authorities feel it is acquired at an early age. The good news is that it is often stable and does not require surgery. In the more severe case, the nerves and/or spinal cord can get pinched in which case surgery is necessary. The symptoms would then include leg pain, weakness, and/or numbness with or without significant low back pain. Most cases however, can be successfully managed without surgery and do not compromise the nerves or cord.

Chiropractic has been found to be very successful in managing patients with spondylolisthesis as the pain generator is often above or below the slipped vertebra. In fact, in one report, chiropractic was found to be more beneficial than medical care for this condition (Mierau D, et.al., J Manip Physiol Therap 1987;10:49-55). If you, a family member or a friend require care, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

If you suffer with Chronic Back Pain, Please give our office a call at 770-817-0833 for a FREE Consultation!!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Chiropractor Lawrenceville GA - Christmas Pictures!

2009-12-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

ctor

THE WINNER OF THE CHRISTMAS PARTY RAFFLE IS DEBRA WADE... CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Debra will recieve the 1 hour massage that Santa Claus offered to pay for!

P.S. Don't Forget December 19th is the Last day for you to bring in a gift for the Toys For Tots Foundation! This is your chance to make a kid happy for the holidays and also help a friend or family member get out of pain. If you bring in a gift we will give you a $200 check for you to give to a friend or family member for there consultation and exam on the first day!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Lawrenceville Ga 30043 Chiropractor - Fibromyalgia!

2009-12-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

Fibromyalgia – Can Chiropractic Help… Who Says?

Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the most commonly diagnosed soft tissue conditions in most branches of health care, including chiropractic. A paper was recently published with the primary purpose to review the existing literature / published research to determine what aspects of chiropractic treatment are the most commonly used and, to determine the quality of those treatment approaches. The emphasis of the study was to look at non-drug, conservative forms of therapy, rather than medication based approaches.

Commonly utilized chiropractic treatment options found to be beneficial include massage, muscle strengthening exercises, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, movement/body awareness, vitamins, herbs, and dietary modification. Cognitive behavioral therapy, not typically a chiropractic specific form of care, was also reported to be of significant benefit, as well as aerobic exercise. This study places chiropractic in a very favorable position in the management of FM.

Chiropractic is unique in that it encompasses many non-drug, non-surgical forms of treatment, making it appealing to many who do not want to risk the chances of drug related side effects and post-surgical complications. Patients with FM require a multi-dimensional treatment approach and a health care provider versed in whole-body, holistic concepts is in the best position to help this population.

Fibromyalgia can be primary where the specific cause is not well understood or secondary to an underlying injury or condition. Sometimes, it is difficult to determine the exact cause as other conditions can be present and/or arise simultaneously with FM making it difficult to differentiate between primary and secondary. When other conditions are present, sometimes attending those specific conditions will improve the status of FM and focus on treatments that address all of the patient’s physical and emotional health issues yields the most patient satisfying results.

In past newsletters, we’ve discussed a gluten-free diet aimed at reducing inflammation, the core of all disease processes. We’ve also discussed the importance of sleep quality, exercise, and other effective treatment approaches.

We take pride in providing quality, evidence-based care and appreciate the opportunity to do so when patients choose our clinic for their chiropractic care. We realize that there are many healthcare options available. If you, a friend or family member require care for fibromyalgia, we would be honored to offer our services.

If you have any health problems that concern you, Please give our office a call at 770-817-0833 for a FREE Consultation!!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Chiropractor Lawrenceville GA - Pain Specialist!

2009-12-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS PARTY & TOYS FOR TOTS!

A reminder to all.... On Saturday, December 12th our office is throwing a Christmas Party for our patients and friends. There will be plenty of food and refreshments so come in get adjusted and just for showing up on saturday we will automatically register you in a raffle for the chance to win a FREE 1 hour massage.

BUT WAIT, THATS NOT ALL.........

We are doing an annual Toy drive for Toy For Tots in our office

From Now to December 19th for all patients that donate a toy for the Toy For Tots Foundation we will personally hand you a $200 check for you to give to a friend for family member for a Consultation and Exam on the first day!

this is the time to help underpriviledged kids have a great christmas and also help a friend and/or family member get out of pain for the holidays!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Chirorpactor, Lawrenceville Ga Christmas Party!

2009-12-03T12:13:00.001-08:00

CHRISTMAS PARTY!!

In our office we are throwing a christmas party for our patients and friends! It will be held on Saturday, December 12th from 9am-1pm. There will be Food and refreshments for everyone! Also Santa Claus is making his way over to the office to say hello to everyone and to get his adjustment before his long night of delivering gifts! Hope to see you there!!!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Chiropractor Lawrenceville Ga - Neck Pain!

2009-12-01T11:30:00.001-08:00

Neck Pain and Chiropractic Treatment

A 42 year old, female patient presented with neck pain that had been present for 2 months. The pain came on gradually and without a specific cause. Her vocation is answering the phone for a busy mail order shoe store. She works 40 hours a week, 5 days per week and never weekends. Pain worsens with work, especially by the end of the 8 hour shift. Other pain producers include driving more than 30 minutes, reading more than 30 minutes, and washing hair with the head back. Pain improves with resting the head on a chair or pillow, moving the head in circles, 600 mg of Ibuprofen (repeated 3x/day), and a hot shower. She describes the pain as an ache with intermittent sharp pain that is becoming more frequent, “…when I move the wrong way.” There is no shooting pain into the arms or hands.

Sound familiar? This is a “typical” neck pain patient that presents to chiropractic offices around the world. What is different is that every person is unique and each case must be individually managed. For example, some patients “hate doctors” or are extremely anxious about going to any doctor. This might stem back to a prior “bad experience” with a health care provider at a very young age or perhaps even a more recent event. None-the-less, the approach used in this type of presentation may be best if it is very methodical, reassuring, and fully explained. A “low-force” type of manipulation may be best suited for this type of person as “cracking” of the neck may be too frightening for this patient. On the other hand, a different patient may not be happy unless there is a “good crack” and will not be satisfied until a chiropractic adjustment is performed.

It is equally important in both cases that a complete explanation of, 1) What is the condition causing the symptoms? 2) What can be done to treat it (that is, “what are my treatment options”)? 3) Will the proposed treatment “fit” into my busy schedule, financial situation, and my philosophy about health care? Providing answers to these questions will usually end with the best results, as the patient will understand the issues most important to them and will have confidence that those issues are understood and appreciated by the doctor. In both cases, management may include 1) modifying the work station by switching to a head set rather than pinching a phone between the neck and shoulder; 2) evaluating the patient at their work station to check for proper posture at the desk, proper computer monitor positioning, etc. and making modifications as needed; 3) teaching the patient cervical range of motion exercises and other stretches that can be done at the work station, multiple times a day, that only take a minute or two; 4) cervical traction (if this “feels good” when tested during the exam); 5) use of a cervical or contoured pillow; 6) neck / upper body strengthening exercises; 7) the use of ice as needed; 8) an anti-inflammatory diet (for example, a gluten-free diet); 9) nutritional supplementation, as indicated. Of course, most of the time, all of these approaches do not have to be included, but are options.

Neck pain, headaches, and upper back pain are conditions are commonly treated by chiropractors. If you, a family member or a friend require care, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our service. We are proud that chiropractic care has consistently scored the highest level of satisfaction when compared to other forms of health care provision and we look forward in serving you and your family presently and in the future.

If you suffer with Neck Pain, Please give our office a call at 770-817-0833 for a FREE Consultation!!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Lawrenceville, Ga Chiropractor - Wrist Pain/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!

2009-11-29T15:59:00.000-08:00

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) – A “Typical” Case Example

“I’ve been working on the line for 13 years and started noticing periodic tingling in my fingers. It didn’t last long and I didn’t think about it much. It gradually became more frequent and wouldn’t go away when I changed my activity or shook my hand or fingers. It started to really grab my attention when I started to drop things out of my hand and couldn’t open jars as easily. That’s when I decided to see what was wrong. I didn’t know who to go to so I went to my family doctor and he diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome. He gave me a splint to wear at night and some anti-inflammatory drugs that irritated my stomach, so I quit the drugs. The splint helped me sleep and I didn’t wake up as often. The doctor was talking about surgery to un-pinch the nerve at my wrist if it didn’t get better soon, but I overheard some co-workers talk about seeing a chiropractor for their carpal tunnel problems and how much better they felt so I decided to try it.

“The chiropractor was very thorough and examined my neck, shoulder, elbow as well as my wrist and hand. He indicated that several areas were putting pressure on the nerve that goes into the hand and the pinch was not just at the wrist but higher up in my neck, shoulder and forearm. He said if I wasn’t at least 50% better in 4 weeks, we would talk about other tests and treatment options and investigate it further. He worked on my neck, shoulder, elbow, forearm and hand, using manipulations and other methods to loosen it up. He said the nerve was getting pinched by the muscles working too fast and not getting enough rest. He gave me exercises to do several times a day at work to stretch the forearm muscles and had me continue the use of the brace at night. He also taught me how to ice massage the wrist for 5 minutes until it got numb, several times a day and he recommended I use vitamin B6, 50mg, three times a day. After the 3rd week, I started to notice a decrease in the intensity, frequency and duration of numbness and weakness. He had me fill out a Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and my score improved a lot after the first 4 weeks. He said he may have to evaluate my workstation and make some modifications, if possible. He asked me a lot about the position of my wrist and hand when I work and didn’t seem to like the type of screw driver I was using. He called my boss and asked if a different type of screw driver with a power source and a pistol shaped handle could be tried and it was arranged. That seemed to really make a difference.”

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS, is a common problem that is usually cumulative, slow and gradual in its onset, and can progress to a point where functions like buttoning shirts, threading a needle, and holding a newspaper are greatly affected. People usually don’t run to the doctor at the first signs of CTS as the initial symptoms are vague and initially not too impairing. Over time, CTS can become quite severe and often prompts a surgical recommendation, without trying a non-surgical approach first.

There are a number of studies published regarding the chiropractic management of CTS that show these non-surgical methods can be quite successful. One compared medical care consisting of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and nocturnal wrist splinting to chiropractic care consisting of spine and extremity manipulation, nocturnal wrist splinting, and ultrasound over the wrist. Both treatment approaches were helpful, suggesting the importance of trying either or even both of these non-surgical treatments prior to proceeding to surgery.

We take pride in providing quality, evidence-based care and appreciate the opportunity to do so when patients choose our clinic for their care. We realize there are many health care options available and truly appreciate the confidence shown by our patients when choosing our clinic for their health care needs. If you, a friend or family member requires care for CTS, we would be honored to offer our services.

If you suffer with Chronic Wrist Pain, Please give our office a call at 770-817-0833 for a FREE Consultation!!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Lawrenceville Chiropractor, Headaches - Migraines!

2009-11-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

Chiropractic Care and Headaches

“I can’t believe how much my head hurts!” I’ve been laid off from work for the last 3 weeks and worried about making my mortgage payment this month – I think the stress is getting out of control! Pain starts in my neck and radiates into my head eventually making my whole head hurt, especially behind my eyes. There are times I feel like my head might explode! I can’t stand loud noises or even normal noise. Over the counter medications aren’t touching it and I can’t drive if I take some of the medications my doctor prescribed. I don’t know what to do next.”

This history is classic for the diagnosis of a tension-type of headache (TTH). As unemployment rates reach new highs and stress levels climb, it is no wonder more and more people are presenting with this condition. Even prior to the recession, TTH was the most common type of headache experienced by adults affecting 10-65% of the population. The impact on daily living by TTH is significant as it disrupts daily activities, quality of life, and work. These types of headaches, according to the International Headache Society (HIS), can last from 30 minutes to 7 days, do not include nausea/vomiting but may include increased sensitivity to light or noise (rarely both at the same time). The most common frequency is less than 15 TTH’s/month.

Medication has been the primary medical form of treatment and some patients require the regular use of certain medications, even when headaches are not present - - as in some cases, it’s too late to start meds once the headache starts. In these cases, Amitriptyline has been the most frequently prescribed medication and it’s considered the drug of choice for TTH. Chiropractic spinal manipulation (CSM) has been reported to be helpful in a number of prior studies. One reported equal benefit as Amitriptyline with 6 weeks of treatment.

A recent publication conducted a study using a new design where TTH sufferers with more than 10 headaches per month were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1) cervical spinal manipulation (CSM) + amitriptyline, 2) CSM + placebo (fake) amitriptyline; 3) sham CSM + real amitriptyline; or 4) sham CSM + placebo amitriptyline. That way, one can determine which of the two or, the combination of both is most beneficial. An initial period of 4 weeks was followed by a 14 week treatment period. A headache diary was used to track headache frequency in the last 28 days of the treatment period. Nineteen completed the study and the combined effect carried the most statistically significant result with a close second with CSM alone. A larger sample size was recommended for a more statistically powerful evaluation.

This study is important as CSM by itself was found to be at least as (if not more) effective than Amitriptyline alone, which is the medication of choice for TTH. Hence, if CSM or Amitriptyline alone are not found to be satisfying, the combination of the two is strongly supported by this study.

If you, a family member or a friend require care, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our service. We are proud that chiropractic care has consistently scored the highest level of satisfaction when compared to other forms of health care provision and look forward in serving you and your family presently and in the future.

If you suffer from Chronic headaches, Please give our office a call at 770-817-0833 for a FREE Consultation!!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/

Chiropractor Lawrenceville, Ga - Back Pain!

2009-11-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

Chiropractic Care For Low Back Pain –
What Does the Research Say?

There has been a debate for years regarding the use of spinal manipulation and its benefits in the treatment of low back pain. Since the founding of chiropractic in 1895, the initial reaction against the early pioneer chiropractors resulted in doctors of chiropractic (DC’s) being incarcerated for “…practicing medicine without a license.” But chiropractors kept forging ahead and because of obtaining good results and helping millions of people, by 1971, Medicare adopted coverage for chiropractic – a first in chiropractic’s history. In 1975, the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare invited an international group of health care provider types (MD’s, DC’s, DO’s, etc.), to share with each other at the National Institute of Health, and determine what the “current” research status of spinal manipulative therapy was at that time. Recommendations for future needed research resulted and the proceedings were published in: The DHEW Publication No. (NIH) 76-998 “The Research Status of Spinal Manipulative Therapy.” That landmark gathering stimulated a plethora of research that was to follow over the course of the next 30+ years and continues today. Due to the overwhelming positive benefits of chiropractic published in many research studies, by the late 1980’s, most insurance companies included coverage for chiropractic care. Today, many chiropractors practice in multidiscipline health care centers that include DC’s, MD’s, and PT’s others. The following list of research studies has had a significant impact in vaulting chiropractic to its current accepted status in the health care system (the URL is included for further study):

1) Meade TW, Dyer S, Browne W, Townsend J, Frank AO. British Medical Journal 1990 (Jun 2); 300 (6737):1431-1437. http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/ABSTRACTS/LBP_of_Mechanical_Origin.shtml

2) Manga P, Angus DE, Papadopoulos C, Swan WR. A Study to Examine the Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Chiropractic Management of Low-Back Pain. 8/1993; Ontario, Canada. http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/GUIDELINES/Manga_93.shtml

3) Bigos S, et. al., 1994, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=hstat6.chapter.25870

4) Meade TW, Dyer S, Browne W, Frank AO. Randomised Comparison of Chiropractic and Hospital Outpatient Management for Low Back Pain: Results from Extended Follow up. British Medical Journal 1995 (Aug 5); 311 (7001): 349–351 http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/ABSTRACTS/Chiropractic_and_Hospital_Outpatient.shtml

5) Luo X, Pietrobon R, Sun SX, Liu GG, Hey L. Estimates and Patterns of Direct Health Care Expenditures Among Individuals With Back Pain in the United States. Spine 2004 (Jan 1); 29 (1): 79–86. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14699281

At this clinic, we are most appreciative to have the opportunity to provide care to our patients and strive to make the experience highly satisfying. If you, a family member or a friend requires care, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services. We are proud that chiropractic care has consistently scored the highest level of satisfaction when compared to other forms of health care provision and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

If you have any health problems that concern you, please give our office a call at 770-817-0833 for a FREE Consultation!!

http://www.drjamesroman.com/