Q. What is the truth about chiropractic?
A. Chiropractic doctors are well educated. After the required pre-med undergraduate studies, I, Dr. Strawniak, have an undergraduate degree in Human Biology. I also completed an additional four-year program at Palmer College of Chiropractic, with additional studies in Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic.-knee chest (Kale) technique.
B. Like other types of doctors, chiropractic doctors meet stringent licensing requirements,follow a strict code of ethics, and are approved by governmental agencies.
C.. Chiropractic is scientific. A consistent scientific protocol is used to locate malfunctioning areas of the spine.
D. Chiropractic adjustments make sense. When the bones of the spine return to a more normal position and motion, nervous system function can be restored; symptoms relieved and the natural healing process can proceed.
E. Chiropractic is safe. This year thousands of people will die from medically prescribed drugs and medicine. Of the millions of patients benefiting from chiropractic this year, only a handful will have a negative newsworthy experience.
F. Continue as long as you want. Like regular dental checkups, once patients experience the value of chiropractic, many choose to continue. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. The truth is, chiropractic is a conservative, drug-free approach to better health that has helped millions of people since 1895.
Q. How does STRESS weaken our bodies, our productivity, our mobility and the ability to heal?
A. Since the beginning of time, stress has been with us. Every era has faced its share of threatening situations. Today, more than ever, the stress of finances, careers, deadlines, conflicts, and the demands on our time and money, take a huge toll on our health. Just as a chain tends to break at its weakest link, we seem to exhibit stress and strain in the weakest area of our bodies. For some, it's an upset stomach. For others, recurring headaches, twitches, allergic reactions, or sensitivities to chemicals. Regardless of your particular response, the function of your nervous system is involved. That's why Upper Cervical Chiropractic can be so helpful. Our special technique and approach to stress is to help normalize the function of your nervous system by removing interferences caused by the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Finding the 'weak links' in your spine, (the major communication pathway of your nervous system) and helping to restore better function, can make a profound difference in your response to stress. It may not be possible to remove the stress from a busy life. However, with the help that we offer at our office, you can respond better to the unique challengers you face. Call today for an evaluation.
Q. My medical professional has said that I have to learn to "live with my pain". Is there any hope that my pain can be allieviated? A. There are certain conditions that when faced, the medical community will come to a point and say that there is no longer anything they can do for you. That does not mean that there isn't a way to go through life through a route that inspires results. In my experience, there are certain conditions happening where the patient is only offered medications and if you are still functioning with meds, it is often declared that they are your only choice. WE HELP to get to the cause of your problems. Symptoms often are the only part of the illness that is treated and we run out of remedies for those symptoms. If we move toward finding the cause, there are often other avenues that will help to allieviate the symptoms. It depends on what you are looking for - Do you want to be pain-free, more mobile, healthier over-all, more active mentally and; to live a quality of life that is much better than you anticipated, than you thought was possible? Anything that I can do to help you find that truth with hope and treatment, will make your life so much better. My goal is to make that happen. Call today!
Q. What kind of mattress is best to sleep on? A. The type of mattress for good sleep depends on the type of person resting. What I always tell my patients is to buy your mattress at a place where you can return it within 30 days. That way you can test it for a while and see if you are actually able to sleep. The most important issue here is the quality of your rest. Soft or firm, it doesn't matter as long as it feels right to you and you can get a proper nights sleep.
Q. When should I get a new mattress? A. There are several factors involved such as quality, use, your weight, kids jumping in the bed, etc in determining when to buy. some may be replaced in five years, others in twenty. When you feel you are not getting quality of sleep that you are used to, it's time to look for another mattress.
Q. Why do children need chiropractic care? A. Birth is one of the most wonderful experiences for parents. However, it is one of the most traumatizing to newborns. There are many stresses that babies go through both physical and emotional. The stresses may have an effect on a child's development and learning skills throughout life. Physical, emotional and toxic stresses are the main reasons for misalighmnets of the spine. All three of these stresses are present at birth. Some babies/children may not need to be adjusted after being checked. But as a precaution to prevent developmental delays, it is wise to have your children checked for subluxations - misalighments of the spine causing nervous system interference- at least six times during their 1st year of life. 1st After the birth process - 2nd When the baby starts to hold his/her head up - 3rd When the baby sits up- 4th When the baby begins to crawl - 5th When the baby starts to stand - 6th When the baby starts to walk Thought: You have wellness checked where eyes, heart and ears are concerned; why not your child's spine?
Q. Once I've had an evaluation and adjustment, will I have to return for more visits? A. In our office, the Upper Cervical Procedure is designed to assist your body's natural healing advantages. How long do you want optimal healing and vitality? Do you put a time limit on health and vitality? Optimal healing and vitality are a lifetime goal. When chiropractors want you to come back, they are probably more of a corrective care or wellness type of practice. What this means is that they have long term goals for getting your problems corrected in the best possible way. Often, we don't realize that many physical issues we face with our body, expecially as we get older, have been there for many years. Knowing this, how can we expect that they go away overnight or even in a short period of time? As Americans, we have become accustomed to the fast pace of life and want everything done now and as quickly as possible. What we must understand is that the 'quick fixes' are not permanent and actually cause more harm later. To be healthy takes work and time. "There is no process that does not require time". If we plant a seed today we do not expect an ear of corn tomorrow. So, why do we expect our health to be different?
Q. In relation to Upper Cervical Specific care how can this procedure help low back or hip problems? A. Our body works on a concept of balance. Our brain controls this balance. When the head is shifted off the center of the top of the neck, the rest of the body will compensate for the shift of weight. The spine and pelvis will twist causing one choulder to drop down, one hip to be pulled up, bringing the leg with it to create body imbalance. The stress and tension on the muscles can cause pain anywhere in the body. When head/neck misalighnment is corrected and body balance is restored so brain healing messages can get through to the affected area, immediately muscles begin to relax, blood and oxygen circulation is increased and the healing process begins. YOU WILL be amazed at how readily your body can heal to its maximum capabilites. If brain health and healing messages can get through to all parts of the body without interference, you can expect good health.
Q. What can I do to prevent my spine from wearing out? How does my spine affect my organs and nervous system? A. We all go through stress on a regular basis. As long as we have continual overwhelming amounts of stress, physically through work, family and home demands; emotionally through deaths, relationships, work, family or through toxicity of our bodies through chemicals in our food, air and products. Individually they won't harm us but when compounded the stress becomes overwhelming for your body to handle. When those life stresses put much strain on our muscles they affect our core, such as heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, spine and spinal cord. We can't necessarily handle the stress issues but we think we are managing them. When stress brings us down eventually, the damage is already done and we suffer consequences.
For example, when bending down pulls your back and causes pain, a twisted neck happens too often, or a hip contains inflammation and is painful, the stress of the body is out of hand. We could have stopped it prior to having a more serious matter develop if we had maintained the care of our spine. Preventing injuries from occurring is often due to the health and strength of our bodies and our structural care. The places where our nerves run from the spine to our muscles, also house the nerves that run from our spine to our organs. All areas of your body are connected and affect your spinal health. Have a spinal screening, at the very least, to know if degeneration is occurring that could possibly be leading to a series of potential health issues.
Q. Why should I come to your chiropractic office if I have not had a recent accident? A. The major stresses in life are first affected by the trauma of birth. We are already cursed at birth as we enter the world that is automatically filled with stress to our mind and body, through physical reactions, emotional demans and chemical toxins. It is normal for the body to have symmetrical wear and tear. However, when it's happening without being uniform and is destructive, this is not a natural occurrence. We do not realize i'ts happening until the point of debilitation of the entire body. Pain receptors are not the same in our organs as they are in our muscles.
Often we feel muscle discomfort but do not realize that our organs are affected. A destruction process, called spinal degeneration, is often not noticeable during the beginning years of your life. If you don't get checked or know that it is happening, by the time you've discovered it, degeneration is already in an advanced stage.
Emotional and toxic traumas are major factors of degeneration and we often let those go without searching for issues. Due to the slow and gradual process, we think it is minor because we don't feel the effects yet. Spinal screening should be done so that you have facts. Wellness, maintenance and prevention of illness and damage to your health are essential. It's not about being a patient, because most people don't want to be a patient all their lives. Do you wait for your car engine to blow up before you do something? If you have been in an accident at any time in your life, you may not feel the results until degeneration and damage have already occurred. Take action now so that you do not have to deal with it for the rest of your life.
Q. How quickly can I feel relief from my neck pain in your care?
A. In a recent study that considered all possible neck area complaints, about 70 percent of patients reported immediate favorable responses. Ninety-five percent of patients with specific neck-related complaints such as headaches, shoulder or arm pain reported immediate improvement. (Dept of Complementary Medicine)
In our direct experience, we have seen amazing results from just a few adjustments. Keep in mind that the longer the nerve has been damaged, the longer it takes to heal. Your neck can feel 'just ok' for now but at times you have REAL pain in the neck that becomes quite annoying. Where did it come from? We will help answer that question for you. As upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic, we represent a "top down" strategy, which is a bit different from the 'bottom up' approach to balance training more commonly utilized in rehabilitation. Anything causing tightness in the neck joints also might cause muscle pain in any part of your body. Since manipulation and manual therapy are primary treatments for neck problems, we should be among the first providers consulted for this type of pain. The spinal cord is a switchboard for messages delivered to the nervous system at the spine. From the joints of the spine, ther nervous system nourishes the entire body, the muscles, breathing and blood flow. Communication between the nervous system and spinal column is essential to exceptional good health. This creates 'life in the body' to all areas for maximum healing, renewal and regeneration.
Q. Am I really sick or am I inhibiting my own good health potential by my habits and actions? A. Many times through life we are stepping toward better health and it is mistaken for illness. In your body you have an inborn intelligence known as innate intelligence. This intelligence will not burn the house it lives in (your body). Any process that does not cause destruction is usually a healthy process. For example, vomiting and diarrhea are not causing destruction. If we have food poisioning, don't we want the body to get rid of it? If we have ingested toxins, don't we want the body to get rid of them or would we rather take something to stop the diarrhea and keep the toxins in our body only to manifest later in another form? The bottom line is ,would we rather just feel good for the time being or move forward with good health?
Processes that promote health often require effort and sometimes we are not feeling our best during those times. When you work out or get a massage, sometimes your body hurts and is trying to adjust to change in activity or removal of toxins. Do you just kill the pain with medications and toxify your body more or do you accept that this may be part of the healing process and something that your body needs to achieve health? We, at Town and Country respect the natural healing and the innate intelligence of your body. As we work together toward optimal health and lifetime wellness, you can see proof in the way your body responds to being balanced. If you truly want to correct your problems, we will give you every opportunity and work with you toward that goal. We prove how great you can feel and how healthy you can really be, every day!
Q. Can Upper Cervical Care help with my lower back pain?
A. We have tremendous success in alleviating lower back pain. While some pain sufferers recall specific injuries that caused their lower back pain, but most state that one day they just woke up in pain. some say they felt the onset of back pain when they coughed or sneezed, while others recall they were involved in an everyday activity like putting on shoes or taking a shower when they experienced terrible back pain. Movements like these should not injure a healthy back. When they do, it can be the first indication of a chronic, underlying weakness due to spinal imbalance.
The spine works and moves as one, continuous unit. The top two vertebrae, called the atlas and axis, are the most mobile segments in the spine. These two bones move in six different directions. Secondly, the upper cervical spine (neck) has thousands of "sensors" responsible for maintainin both the proper posture and alignment of the spine, as well as the balance and stability of the head. When the spine is aligned it is extremely strong and stable but when it is not balanced, the spine attempts to adapt to protect the vital nervous system it houses.
This triggers a chain reaction through-out the entire spine. When the head is thrown off balance, the looser spine is compromised causing internal weakness. The spinal muscles, bones and discs are then more vulnerable to injury-an accident waiting to happen. If neglected, cervical misalignment can lead to premature arthritis and irreversible spinal degeneration. With chiropractic care, we have witnessed some regeneration and also a slowing of spinal degeneration. We have many in house testimonials of patients who have had lower back problems and surgery.
Q. What are some key improvements I can most likely expect from your chiropractic specialty?
A. Far too many people still believe that chiropractic care isn't necessary unless they're suffering excruciating headache or low back pain. The many who do receive regular adjustments and have a natural, healthy lifestyle know the numerous benefits of chiropractic. Let me name a few:
~Managing Stress ~Improvement in nervous system function
~Fight off disease naturally with better immune system function
~More energy and productivity ~ Increased flexibility and delivery of oxygen and nutrients ot the body ~ Reduced soreness & pain, chance of injury and recovery time when injured
~Better athletic & everyday performance -
How well are you? How much better can your body feel? This is MORE than JUST pain relief. We prove it every day. What more can we ask for? Call us today. I'd like to meet you.
Q. So many young people and adults are experiencing sports injuries. How can I make sure my family is strong going into sports?
A. Sports, especially after a winter of inactivity, are a favorite pastime everywhere. From bicycle riding, jogging, swimming, football, soccer, baseball and volleyball, after a more low-key winter can put a great deal of strain on your spine. Call us for a spinal exam before becoming active in a new sport, especially after a slower winter of activity. You will then be able to move freely forward knowing your body is free of roadblocks so that you have less chance of injury. I can help identify and correct any weaknesses or imbalances that can make you more susceptible to injuries. I will provide you with suggestions and possible exercises to help improve your athletic performance and protect and strengthen your body at the same time.
Q. Why do you call the shifting of the neck due to an accident, injuries or life activities - body imbalance rather than a neck imbalance?
A. Because it affects the entire spine and body. I am an Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractor focusing on the axis and atlas for optimal care and correction. Wherever your atlas moves, your head moves with it. If this top bone in your neck has shifted out of position ever so slightly, no more than the thickness of a fingernail, it can move your head off center of your body. In an effort to keep the head over the center of the neck, the entire spine and pelvis will twist, pulling one hip up and one leg with it. You are now walking around on one leg that is shorter than the other. This places more weight on one side of your body than another. The wear and tear on your entire body is exactly like driving a car that is out of alignment. The result can be muscle and joint pain anywhere in the body. Without correcting the problem, which originated with a single bone (Atlas) at the top of your neck moving out of position, your entire body is now imbalanced. When this continues over time, something else starts to happen. Because nerve flow i disrupted or distorted, degeneration of cells in organs can occur, causing internal physical problems that may not show up for years. Let us help you become healthier, be more mobile, maintain alignment and become pain free!
Q. Take time to heal? What does that mean?
A. The body is ready to heal when it is holding adjustments for longer periods of time. If we begin a project and work on it in short spurts, it takes much longer to finish. If we begin the project and work on it continually for a while, it is finished in less time, without long interruptions.
External maintenance is usually our priority. We often don't take the best care of our health until something goes wrong. When your oil is leaking from your car, you don't just add more oil. Finding the cause is imperative to maintaining the vehicle. The body works in the same manner. Even before issues become serious, so many small -leaks-, inadequacies and problems begin and if there is no maintenance, your health will suffer. If we could prove wheat we have prevented by taking good care of ourselves, we would be amazed daily. Corrective Chiropractic care is exactly that: corrective care. We, at Town and Country, can assist in correcting your problems. We also help you to maintain a healing cycle to promote less pain and maximize mobility.
Holding your adjustments longer and using them to heal, takes place in a continual way. This process allows repair, healing, recuperation and regeneration through the nervous system and the entire body. Our bodies will always need maintenance of the spine as it is the 'backbone' to connect and protect our entire system. Give your body 'time to heal' and you'll experience enormous benefit.
We'd like to turn to something more positive. You can have better health, you can enjoy more mobility, feel freedom from massive stress, you can recover and manage stress in your life, and we can help keep the connecton from your brain stem to all parts of your body working smoothly and efficiently to nourish every area of your system. With superior Upper Cervical Chiropractic, and the technique practiced in this office, knee/chest (Kale), an adjustment will be a new experience for you. To begin an exceptional and exciting 2009, you have already made the all important decision to be more health-wise, Life CAN be better - Your health CAN improve- We prove it every day.
Q. Will you mention some advantages to Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic care for me even if I don't usually experience pain or any identified spine or nervous system issues? A. Many positive changes are reoprted by our clients that include feeling more energy, a better outlook on life, more productivity on the job, more satisfaction in their fitness routines; they are more relaxed and less tense, and sleep much more soundly. Our patients have an ease in their bodies that they haven't experienced in years. Fewer sick days are reported for them and their families. In orhter words, they know firsthand an overall more excellent health experience and a feeling of well-being that is profound! Call today for a new patient visit and realize how good you can really feel. Be stronger today and in the future. After all, don't we all want to live a long, rich-in-health life without more struggles and hindrances? We will help you move toward that goal.
Q. Can Upper Cervical Care help with my lower back pain?
A. We have tremendous success in alleviating lower back pain. While some pain sufferers recall specific injuries that caused their lower back pain, but most state that one day they just woke up in pain. some say they felt the onset of back pain when they coughed or sneezed, while others recall they were involved in an everyday activity like putting on shoes or taking a shower when they experienced terrible back pain. Movements like these should not injure a healthy back. When they do, it can be the first indication of a chronic, underlying weakness due to spinal imbalance.
The spine works and moves as one, continuous unit. The top two vertebrae, called the atlas and axis, are the most mobile segments in the spine. These two bones move in six different directions. Secondly, the upper cervical spine (neck) has thousands of "sensors" responsible for maintainin both the proper posture and alignment of the spine, as well as the balance and stability of the head. When the spine is aligned it is extremely strong and stable but when it is not balanced, the spine attempts to adapt to protect the vital nervous system it houses.
This triggers a chain reaction through-out the entire spine. When the head is thrown off balance, the looser spine is compromised causing internal weakness. The spinal muscles, bones and discs are then more vulnerable to injury-an accident waiting to happen. If neglected, cervical misalignment can lead to premature arthritis and irreversible spinal degeneration. With chiropractic care, we have witnessed some regeneration and also a slowing of spinal degeneration. We have many in house testimonials of patients who have had lower back problems and surgery.
Q. What are some key improvements I can most likely expect from your chiropractic specialty?
A. Far too many people still believe that chiropractic care isn't necessary unless they're suffering excruciating headache or low back pain. The many who do receive regular adjustments and have a natural, healthy lifestyle know the numerous benefits of chiropractic. Let me name a few:
~Managing Stress ~Improvement in nervous system function
~Fight off disease naturally with better immune system function
~More energy and productivity ~ Increased flexibility and delivery of oxygen and nutrients ot the body ~ Reduced soreness & pain, chance of injury and recovery time when injured
~Better athletic & everyday performance -
How well are you? How much better can your body feel? This is MORE than JUST pain relief. We prove it every day. What more can we ask for? Call us today. I'd like to meet you.
Q. So many young people and adults are experiencing sports injuries. How can I make sure my family is strong going into sports?
A. Sports, especially after a winter of inactivity, are a favorite pastime everywhere. From bicycle riding, jogging, swimming, football, soccer, baseball and volleyball, after a more low-key winter can put a great deal of strain on your spine. Call us for a spinal exam before becoming active in a new sport, especially after a slower winter of activity. You will then be able to move freely forward knowing your body is free of roadblocks so that you have less chance of injury. I can help identify and correct any weaknesses or imbalances that can make you more susceptible to injuries. I will provide you with suggestions and possible exercises to help improve your athletic performance and protect and strengthen your body at the same time.
Q. Why do you call the shifting of the neck due to an accident, injuries or life activities - body imbalance rather than a neck imbalance?
A. Because it affects the entire spine and body. I am an Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractor focusing on the axis and atlas for optimal care and correction. Wherever your atlas moves, your head moves with it. If this top bone in your neck has shifted out of position ever so slightly, no more than the thickness of a fingernail, it can move your head off center of your body. In an effort to keep the head over the center of the neck, the entire spine and pelvis will twist, pulling one hip up and one leg with it. You are now walking around on one leg that is shorter than the other. This places more weight on one side of your body than another. The wear and tear on your entire body is exactly like driving a car that is out of alignment. The result can be muscle and joint pain anywhere in the body. Without correcting the problem, which originated with a single bone (Atlas) at the top of your neck moving out of position, your entire body is now imbalanced. When this continues over time, something else starts to happen. Because nerve flow i disrupted or distorted, degeneration of cells in organs can occur, causing internal physical problems that may not show up for years. Let us help you become healthier, be more mobile, maintain alignment and become pain free!
Q. Take time to heal? What does that mean?
A. The body is ready to heal when it is holding adjustments for longer periods of time. If we begin a project and work on it in short spurts, it takes much longer to finish. If we begin the project and work on it continually for a while, it is finished in less time, without long interruptions.
External maintenance is usually our priority. We often don't take the best care of our health until something goes wrong. When your oil is leaking from your car, you don't just add more oil. Finding the cause is imperative to maintaining the vehicle. The body works in the same manner. Even before issues become serious, so many small -leaks-, inadequacies and problems begin and if there is no maintenance, your health will suffer. If we could prove wheat we have prevented by taking good care of ourselves, we would be amazed daily. Corrective Chiropractic care is exactly that: corrective care. We, at Town and Country, can assist in correcting your problems. We also help you to maintain a healing cycle to promote less pain and maximize mobility.
Holding your adjustments longer and using them to heal, takes place in a continual way. This process allows repair, healing, recuperation and regeneration through the nervous system and the entire body. Our bodies will always need maintenance of the spine as it is the 'backbone' to connect and protect our entire system. Give your body 'time to heal' and you'll experience enormous benefit.
Keywords in the U.S. lately, have included:
Bail-out, Stress, Financial Disaster, Fear, War Political Competition, Negative Advertising, Health Concerns.. and.. More. Where do we go from here in our personal lives? All of these issues can increasingly threaten your health.
We'd like to turn to something more positive. You can have better health, you can enjoy more mobility, feel freedom from massive stress, you can recover and manage stress in your life, and we can help keep the connecton from your brain stem to all parts of your body working smoothly and efficiently to nourish every area of your system. With superior Upper Cervical Chiropractic, and the technique practiced in this office, knee/chest (Kale), an adjustment will be a new experience for you. To begin an exceptional and exciting 2009, you have already made the all important decision to be more health-wise, Life CAN be better - Your health CAN improve- We prove it every day.
Q. Will you mention some advantages to Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic care for me even if I don't usually experience pain or any identified spine or nervous system issues? A. Many positive changes are reoprted by our clients that include feeling more energy, a better outlook on life, more productivity on the job, more satisfaction in their fitness routines; they are more relaxed and less tense, and sleep much more soundly. Our patients have an ease in their bodies that they haven't experienced in years. Fewer sick days are reported for them and their families. In orhter words, they know firsthand an overall more excellent health experience and a feeling of well-being that is profound! Call today for a new patient visit and realize how good you can really feel. Be stronger today and in the future. After all, don't we all want to live a long, rich-in-health life without more struggles and hindrances? We will help you move toward that goal.
If you are inactive, expect to experience problems with your spine, high pain levels and increased musculoskeletal discomfort. This non-active life affects the muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. People with chronic conditions such as back pain, arthritis, or neck pain suffer daily through pain, fatigue and possibly depression. In our office, we see more people every day falling into this tap of preferred inactivity.
Do you walk, do you run after your children, or do you find the closest chair and sit? Do you find the closest parking space?
Do you claim the handicap spots, even though you know you should walk? Do you make an effort to keep your body physically strong? We must be accountable for how we take care of ourselves. Let us help you!
Do you try to get your circulation going? Do you eat properly? Well, the good news is that we can help you open up the communication between your brain and all parts of your body. With proper Upper Cervical adjustments, you will feel more like moving, walking, taking the stairs and enjoy energy that will affect your systemand you will become healthier. Just try it!
We prove every day how our patients can feel the best ever! Just ask them.
Q. How will a deep tissue or stretching massage at your office enhance my overall health?
A. There are many advantages to your body in experiencing these types of massages. The therapists here will know what your issues are so that they can assist you more effectively.
*Scar tissue build-up needs to be released in order that your body functions properly. This will facilitate healing; over-worked
muscles often cause scar tissue
*Muscle splintering and guarding (favoring specific muscles) occurs from injured areas
*Muscles are sometimes shorter in length and should be elongated to better hold my chiropractic adjustment for longer periods of time and to release muscle tension, through deep working massages.
*Stretching and lengthening in a very educated way promotes healing and re-healing.