Early Warning Signs of Spinal Degeneration
by Dr. Mark Keresztesy of Keresztesy Chiropractic
It used to be that a doorknob and string were used to pull a rotting tooth in order to relieve a toothache. Dentistry has changed this by enabling cavities to be filled, root canals to save severely rotted teeth, and implants and dentures to replace teeth that are beyond repair. Having a periodic dental exam and a cleaning became common. Education about good oral hygiene has allowed even more teeth to be saved. Thanks to dentistry, we enjoy more beautiful smiles.
The spine has many similarities to the teeth. Both are made of bone and have nerves and a blood supply running through them. Both are vital to good health and can suffer from degeneration. Both have health care providers that are trained in the examination, detection and correction of their degenerative related problems.
In the days prior to regular dental exams, teeth were neglected until the pain was felt. At that point, more invasive treatments were necessary. A similar situation occurs with the spine. Often it is severe pain that leads to an examination, and it is not uncommon to find an arthritic spinal joint and degenerative disc disease. Chiropractors are trained in the examination, detection and correction of many degenerative spinal conditions. A visit to the Chiropractor can be a significant factor in preventing the need for more invasive, and sometimes, more costly procedures such as surgery or medicine.
There are early warning signs that indicate a degenerative condition in the spine may be occurring. Head, neck and back pain are often associated with a spinal degenerative condition. In addition, numbness in the hands or legs, cracking and grinding noises in the neck, migraine headaches, tightness in the shoulder muscles, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, facial pains, problems with balance, ringing in the ears, visual disturbances and even twitches of the eyelid may also be an early warning sign that spinal problems exist.
Rush University Hypertension Center in Chicago found a relationship between having the upper neck properly aligned and lowering blood pressure. Most body functions have a direct relationship to the nervous system and almost every nerve that travels from your brain to your body travels through the spine.
The spine is vital to your health. It is the highway of information between the brain and body. The ability to move a muscle in your hand or foot cannot occur without the brain having the ability to communicate with the muscle. Any sensation we feel is also communicated to the brain through our nerves and spine. Any interference with the communication of this signal impairs a body’s natural reaction to some degree. Your body functions at the command of your brain and the information travels through the nerves, mostly through the spine.
Remember, teeth can be replaced with implants and dentures when they are beyond repair. Your spine was made to last a lifetime and is not replaceable, so taking care of it now will lead to more mobility and less pain in your later years. Your golden years should be in dancing shoes instead of behind a walker, in a wheelchair or lying in a hospital bed.
As with good oral hygiene, good “spinal hygiene” is vital for your health. Take care of your spine and it will smile for the rest of your life.
For more information or health-related questions regarding neck, back or shoulder pain, contact Dr. Mark Keresztesy at 224/805-2054 or www.DrMarkK.com. Keresztesy Chiropractic is located at 55 W. Golf Road, in Arlington Heights.
by Dr. Mark Keresztesy of Keresztesy Chiropractic
It used to be that a doorknob and string were used to pull a rotting tooth in order to relieve a toothache. Dentistry has changed this by enabling cavities to be filled, root canals to save severely rotted teeth, and implants and dentures to replace teeth that are beyond repair. Having a periodic dental exam and a cleaning became common. Education about good oral hygiene has allowed even more teeth to be saved. Thanks to dentistry, we enjoy more beautiful smiles.
The spine has many similarities to the teeth. Both are made of bone and have nerves and a blood supply running through them. Both are vital to good health and can suffer from degeneration. Both have health care providers that are trained in the examination, detection and correction of their degenerative related problems.
In the days prior to regular dental exams, teeth were neglected until the pain was felt. At that point, more invasive treatments were necessary. A similar situation occurs with the spine. Often it is severe pain that leads to an examination, and it is not uncommon to find an arthritic spinal joint and degenerative disc disease. Chiropractors are trained in the examination, detection and correction of many degenerative spinal conditions. A visit to the Chiropractor can be a significant factor in preventing the need for more invasive, and sometimes, more costly procedures such as surgery or medicine.
There are early warning signs that indicate a degenerative condition in the spine may be occurring. Head, neck and back pain are often associated with a spinal degenerative condition. In addition, numbness in the hands or legs, cracking and grinding noises in the neck, migraine headaches, tightness in the shoulder muscles, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, facial pains, problems with balance, ringing in the ears, visual disturbances and even twitches of the eyelid may also be an early warning sign that spinal problems exist.
Rush University Hypertension Center in Chicago found a relationship between having the upper neck properly aligned and lowering blood pressure. Most body functions have a direct relationship to the nervous system and almost every nerve that travels from your brain to your body travels through the spine.
The spine is vital to your health. It is the highway of information between the brain and body. The ability to move a muscle in your hand or foot cannot occur without the brain having the ability to communicate with the muscle. Any sensation we feel is also communicated to the brain through our nerves and spine. Any interference with the communication of this signal impairs a body’s natural reaction to some degree. Your body functions at the command of your brain and the information travels through the nerves, mostly through the spine.
Remember, teeth can be replaced with implants and dentures when they are beyond repair. Your spine was made to last a lifetime and is not replaceable, so taking care of it now will lead to more mobility and less pain in your later years. Your golden years should be in dancing shoes instead of behind a walker, in a wheelchair or lying in a hospital bed.
As with good oral hygiene, good “spinal hygiene” is vital for your health. Take care of your spine and it will smile for the rest of your life.
For more information or health-related questions regarding neck, back or shoulder pain, contact Dr. Mark Keresztesy at 224/805-2054 or www.DrMarkK.com. Keresztesy Chiropractic is located at 55 W. Golf Road, in Arlington Heights.
Previous Articles by Dr. Mark Keresztesy...
Migraines — Indicators and Unique Approach for Relief
by Dr. Mark Keresztesy of Keresztesy Chiropractic
Almost everyone gets headaches at some point and can’t wait to get rid of them. There are many causes of headaches such as dehydration, low blood sugar, missing your morning cup of coffee, not getting enough sleep or drinking a cold beverage too quickly. Other causes of headaches can be a change in hormones, emotional tension, depression or an unexpected visit from your mother-in-law. Even changes in the weather, eye fatigue and sinus congestion are known to cause headaches. The pain is usually due to a vascular problem or a nerve irritation. The end result is a headache that is looking for some relief.
The unkind cousin of a typical headache is a migraine headache. A migraine can cause nausea, vomiting; inability to think straight; sensitivity to sound, light and temperature; along with a throbbing or piercing pain. In many situations, an aura (visual disturbance) precedes the migraine.
The cause of migraine headaches is not always apparent. Many sufferers recall an injury that occurred just prior to getting their first migraine that resulted from a fall, an automobile accident, a sports related injury or a blow to the head. A chiropractic examination can help determine if a patient’s headaches can be treated with chiropractic care or by another health care professional.
Another headache to be mindful of is a stroke headache. The symptoms consist of severe pain, double vision, inability to speak words, or a lack of balance and coordination. A stroke can also result in numbness or weakness on one side of the body, usually affecting the face, arms or legs. If you feel you may be experiencing a stroke headache, time is of the essence … immediately call 911. Emergency medical attention can determine if you are having a stroke and will increase your chances of recovery.
A non-invasive method that has achieved excellent results without the need for surgery or medication in many migraine sufferers is the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique. It is an effective and proven chiropractic technique that does not use physical manipulation. It is so gentle that many patients are in disbelief that an adjustment has been made until they notice their function has improved and discomfort has been alleviated.
For more information or health-related questions regarding neck, back or shoulder pain, contact Dr. Mark Keresztesy at 224/805-2054 or www.DrMarkK.com. Keresztesy Chiropractic is located at 55 W. Golf Road, in Arlington Heights.
by Dr. Mark Keresztesy of Keresztesy Chiropractic
Almost everyone gets headaches at some point and can’t wait to get rid of them. There are many causes of headaches such as dehydration, low blood sugar, missing your morning cup of coffee, not getting enough sleep or drinking a cold beverage too quickly. Other causes of headaches can be a change in hormones, emotional tension, depression or an unexpected visit from your mother-in-law. Even changes in the weather, eye fatigue and sinus congestion are known to cause headaches. The pain is usually due to a vascular problem or a nerve irritation. The end result is a headache that is looking for some relief.
The unkind cousin of a typical headache is a migraine headache. A migraine can cause nausea, vomiting; inability to think straight; sensitivity to sound, light and temperature; along with a throbbing or piercing pain. In many situations, an aura (visual disturbance) precedes the migraine.
The cause of migraine headaches is not always apparent. Many sufferers recall an injury that occurred just prior to getting their first migraine that resulted from a fall, an automobile accident, a sports related injury or a blow to the head. A chiropractic examination can help determine if a patient’s headaches can be treated with chiropractic care or by another health care professional.
Another headache to be mindful of is a stroke headache. The symptoms consist of severe pain, double vision, inability to speak words, or a lack of balance and coordination. A stroke can also result in numbness or weakness on one side of the body, usually affecting the face, arms or legs. If you feel you may be experiencing a stroke headache, time is of the essence … immediately call 911. Emergency medical attention can determine if you are having a stroke and will increase your chances of recovery.
A non-invasive method that has achieved excellent results without the need for surgery or medication in many migraine sufferers is the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique. It is an effective and proven chiropractic technique that does not use physical manipulation. It is so gentle that many patients are in disbelief that an adjustment has been made until they notice their function has improved and discomfort has been alleviated.
For more information or health-related questions regarding neck, back or shoulder pain, contact Dr. Mark Keresztesy at 224/805-2054 or www.DrMarkK.com. Keresztesy Chiropractic is located at 55 W. Golf Road, in Arlington Heights.
Pain-Free Spring Gardening and Landscaping
by Dr. Mark Keresztesy of Keresztesy Chiropractic
Spring is here! OK Arlington, it’s time to come out of hibernation and get outdoors. It’s also time to prepare your garden and get to work on your landscaping. But before you start, remember these tasks can strain the muscles of your back and neck. Here are a few suggestions to make your efforts safer and pain-free.
When digging in the garden, it’s best to use a sharp shovel. Loosen the soil first with the shovel or by adding a little water if the soil is dry and hard-packed. It is best to stand close to the load and lift the shovel by placing one hand mid-shaft, keeping the load close to the body. Digging several small loads are easier on the back than heavy loads.
Avoid bending over when pulling weeds or planting flowers. Moving closer to the area you’re working on and sitting on a portable garden seat or sturdy milk crate will reduce the need to bend and strain. If you need to get closer to your work area, a knee cushion will help provide support. “Face” every task with your whole body. Avoid twisting and flexing your neck as this will cause stress on the ligaments and discs in your back and neck. Avoid sitting with your back rounded and your head hanging forward. Periodically stand up and stretch a little to keep limber.
Landscaping is a great form of exercise. Like any workout, warm up the muscles and limber up your joints with a little movement and light stretching before beginning. Proper safety attire should include protective eye wear and a good pair of work gloves to greatly reduce risk of injury.
Yard debris can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from heavy branches to discarded trash. Surprisingly, both present a great opportunity for lower-back injury. When picking up items, posture is important. Stand close to the item and bend at the knees. Avoid bending at the waist and reaching for items. This prevents the back from being used as a lever, which places strain on the joints and discs of the back. Avoid twisting while reaching down or lifting. This is not a natural movement and can lead to injury. If an item is heavy, it is time for team work. Having several people lift a heavy object can greatly reduce the effort of each individual and offer better control. Using a wheelbarrow can be a very handy tool to cart heavy objects long distances.
And finally, after all your work is done, it is time to step back and let Mother Nature take over. Enjoy a beautiful spring in Arlington!
For more information or health-related questions regarding neck, back or shoulder pain, contact Dr. Mark Keresztesy at 224/805-2054 or www.DrMarkK.com. Keresztesy Chiropractic is located at 55 W. Golf Road, in Arlington Heights.
by Dr. Mark Keresztesy of Keresztesy Chiropractic
Spring is here! OK Arlington, it’s time to come out of hibernation and get outdoors. It’s also time to prepare your garden and get to work on your landscaping. But before you start, remember these tasks can strain the muscles of your back and neck. Here are a few suggestions to make your efforts safer and pain-free.
When digging in the garden, it’s best to use a sharp shovel. Loosen the soil first with the shovel or by adding a little water if the soil is dry and hard-packed. It is best to stand close to the load and lift the shovel by placing one hand mid-shaft, keeping the load close to the body. Digging several small loads are easier on the back than heavy loads.
Avoid bending over when pulling weeds or planting flowers. Moving closer to the area you’re working on and sitting on a portable garden seat or sturdy milk crate will reduce the need to bend and strain. If you need to get closer to your work area, a knee cushion will help provide support. “Face” every task with your whole body. Avoid twisting and flexing your neck as this will cause stress on the ligaments and discs in your back and neck. Avoid sitting with your back rounded and your head hanging forward. Periodically stand up and stretch a little to keep limber.
Landscaping is a great form of exercise. Like any workout, warm up the muscles and limber up your joints with a little movement and light stretching before beginning. Proper safety attire should include protective eye wear and a good pair of work gloves to greatly reduce risk of injury.
Yard debris can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from heavy branches to discarded trash. Surprisingly, both present a great opportunity for lower-back injury. When picking up items, posture is important. Stand close to the item and bend at the knees. Avoid bending at the waist and reaching for items. This prevents the back from being used as a lever, which places strain on the joints and discs of the back. Avoid twisting while reaching down or lifting. This is not a natural movement and can lead to injury. If an item is heavy, it is time for team work. Having several people lift a heavy object can greatly reduce the effort of each individual and offer better control. Using a wheelbarrow can be a very handy tool to cart heavy objects long distances.
And finally, after all your work is done, it is time to step back and let Mother Nature take over. Enjoy a beautiful spring in Arlington!
For more information or health-related questions regarding neck, back or shoulder pain, contact Dr. Mark Keresztesy at 224/805-2054 or www.DrMarkK.com. Keresztesy Chiropractic is located at 55 W. Golf Road, in Arlington Heights.
Snow-Shoveling Safety
Dr. Mark Keresztesy of Keresztesy Chiropractic
Dust off the snow shovels Chicago. Winter snow is on the way, if not here already. Shoveling snow can place a great deal of strain on the back and neck muscles. Here are a few suggestions to make the winter safer and pain-free.
Shovel snow when there is only a small amount on the ground, no more than 4-inches deep. It will be looser and lighter. Never shovel hard-packed, partially frozen snow, which will be too heavy, resulting in strained muscles. This means shoveling more often during a snowstorm, but will be easier on the neck and back.
Use proper snow shoveling techniques. Move closer to the area being shoveled, keeping the loaded shovel as close to the body as possible. Bend at the knees and hips when lifting. Do not twist the neck or back while lifting the contents of the shovel. Only throw the snow a short distance. The further it is thrown, the more strain on your muscles.
There are several appliances making snow removal easier: a push-blade with wheels, a snow scoop, or a push-shovel to push the snow to the side of walkway or driveway. Shoveling strains the neck muscles, but pushing does not. An ergonomically correct shovel with a curved handle on it will reduce the amount of bending while shoveling. Place one hand mid-shaft for easier shoveling.
If the snow is too deep, use a snow blower instead of shoveling. When using a snow blower, never reach in to unclog the auger or chute while the motor is running. This can be extremely dangerous.
Avoid making high snow piles. This requires a great deal of strain lifting the snow. It also obstructs the view for drivers, creating hazardous conditions.
Snow and ice on your driveway can be very dangerous. Slipping on the ice creates a risk of falling and hitting your head or breaking bones. When the snow and ice is cleared as much as possible, scatter salt around to finish melting any slick spots.
Bundle up in layered clothing to stay warm. A scarf over the mouth will provide warmer moist air to breathe.
If shoveling snow alone, ask someone to check up on you periodically to make sure you are all right.
Take frequent breaks to rest the muscles. If you notice numbness in the hands or feet, go inside to warm up until the feeling comes back. If your clothes are wet, change into dry clothes and drink a glass of water to rehydrate.
Know your limits. If unable to handle all of the shoveling— like during the blizzard of February 2011, when over 20 inches of snow fell in less than two days— ask for help from a neighbor or call a professional snow removal service.
If you suffer from any condition that may require attention, such as approaching pregnancy or other serious health problems, call your doctor and ask if it would be better to seek shelter at a health center or hospital until blizzard conditions have passed and roads are cleared.
For more information or health-related questions regarding neck, back or shoulder pain, contact Dr. Mark Keresztesy at 224/805-2054 or www.DrMarkK.com. Keresztesy Chiropractic is located at 55 W. Golf Road, in Arl. Hts.
Dr. Mark Keresztesy of Keresztesy Chiropractic
Dust off the snow shovels Chicago. Winter snow is on the way, if not here already. Shoveling snow can place a great deal of strain on the back and neck muscles. Here are a few suggestions to make the winter safer and pain-free.
Shovel snow when there is only a small amount on the ground, no more than 4-inches deep. It will be looser and lighter. Never shovel hard-packed, partially frozen snow, which will be too heavy, resulting in strained muscles. This means shoveling more often during a snowstorm, but will be easier on the neck and back.
Use proper snow shoveling techniques. Move closer to the area being shoveled, keeping the loaded shovel as close to the body as possible. Bend at the knees and hips when lifting. Do not twist the neck or back while lifting the contents of the shovel. Only throw the snow a short distance. The further it is thrown, the more strain on your muscles.
There are several appliances making snow removal easier: a push-blade with wheels, a snow scoop, or a push-shovel to push the snow to the side of walkway or driveway. Shoveling strains the neck muscles, but pushing does not. An ergonomically correct shovel with a curved handle on it will reduce the amount of bending while shoveling. Place one hand mid-shaft for easier shoveling.
If the snow is too deep, use a snow blower instead of shoveling. When using a snow blower, never reach in to unclog the auger or chute while the motor is running. This can be extremely dangerous.
Avoid making high snow piles. This requires a great deal of strain lifting the snow. It also obstructs the view for drivers, creating hazardous conditions.
Snow and ice on your driveway can be very dangerous. Slipping on the ice creates a risk of falling and hitting your head or breaking bones. When the snow and ice is cleared as much as possible, scatter salt around to finish melting any slick spots.
Bundle up in layered clothing to stay warm. A scarf over the mouth will provide warmer moist air to breathe.
If shoveling snow alone, ask someone to check up on you periodically to make sure you are all right.
Take frequent breaks to rest the muscles. If you notice numbness in the hands or feet, go inside to warm up until the feeling comes back. If your clothes are wet, change into dry clothes and drink a glass of water to rehydrate.
Know your limits. If unable to handle all of the shoveling— like during the blizzard of February 2011, when over 20 inches of snow fell in less than two days— ask for help from a neighbor or call a professional snow removal service.
If you suffer from any condition that may require attention, such as approaching pregnancy or other serious health problems, call your doctor and ask if it would be better to seek shelter at a health center or hospital until blizzard conditions have passed and roads are cleared.
For more information or health-related questions regarding neck, back or shoulder pain, contact Dr. Mark Keresztesy at 224/805-2054 or www.DrMarkK.com. Keresztesy Chiropractic is located at 55 W. Golf Road, in Arl. Hts.
