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Sinus Headaches Are No Fun
The sinuses are located throughout the head: in the forehead, in the cheeks and the nose. It is believed that these air-filled cavities help our body to circulate air and drain mucous from the nasal passageways. Blockages in the sinus are responsible for the build-up of mucus, creating a productive environment for the production of bacteria, viruses and fungi that can cause infection. Infections lead to sinusitis, characterized by symptoms of inflammation that causes swelling. With a lessened chance of drainage, we experience congestion that often leads to dull, throbbing headaches.
Symptoms of sinus headaches include:
Pressure in the cheeks and forehead
Feelings of stuffiness and fatigue
Achy feelings in the jaw
Full ears or ears that feel likely to pop
Sinus headaches usually feel the worse in the morning, making you feel groggy and inhibiting a proper start to the day. At Family Chiropractic & Spinal Health Care Center, our treatment aims to seek out any structural causes for blockage and encourage drainage. Subluxations, especially in the cervical region, can interfere with the nerve supply to the sinuses. By removing interference and employing other methods, such as tapping around the sinuses, we encourage the sinuses to drain properly.
We also would like people who have been suffering from regular sinus headaches to get moving to get their sinuses moving: exercise can help improve circulation and make breathing easier. Maintaining proper hydration and instituting an anti-inflammatory diet can also help. Call our offices, in Ramsey at (201) 995-9900, and in Passaic at (973) 471-9585, if you are looking for natural relief from your sinus trouble.
Dr. Moe Abtahi, D.C.
Postpartum Depression and Chiropractic
Chiropractic is effective at managing and reducing symptoms of postpartum depression. When the upheaval of hormones and structural changes of pregnancy are catalyzed by the stress of delivery, a mother can be left exhausted, and this state of low energy is often linked to postpartum depression. Despite the physical maelstrom of pregnancy, there are also lifestyle adjustments to account for with a new child. While tending to the baby’s every need, sleep can be hard to come by, which is a great harm to the mother’s emotional and mental stability. Stress hormones are elevated and depression symptoms ensue:
Symptoms of postpartum depression include:
- Sleep difficulty
- Loss of appetite
- Experiencing little interest or emotional connection to the new child
- Low sex drive
- Weight fluctuation
Chiropractic is a practical, holistic approach to combatting these symptoms. A build up of anxiety manifests itself in tense muscles-a feeling of stiffness and tightness. Hands-on massage therapy treatment can increase relaxation, while helping the body to grow stronger. The hormone relaxin, which is crucial for loosening ligaments in preparation for birth, lingers in the body for 6 months to a year after pregnancy, leaving your pelvic and sacral regions vulnerable to misalignment and injury. Regular chiropractic adjustment helps maintain stability in the region, helping you to recover quicker and more effectively.
Keeping your body in a state of balance and health is an important component to the endeavor of balancing hormones and returning to normalcy postpartum. We would like to help you enjoy new motherhood without pain; in Ramsey we can be reached at (201) 995-9900 and in Passaic at (973) 471-9585.
Dr. Moe Abtahi, D.C.
Chiropractic for Postpartum Health
Postpartum chiropractic is vital. With the buildup to labor, elation at delivery and upheaval that comes with transitioning to life with a new baby, it is easy to forget that your body needs support. The hormone relaxin, which is produced in greater quantities to loosen ligaments in preparation for birth, remains elevated for six months after delivery. This leaves your lower back, pelvis and sacrum weakened and vulnerable to misalignment and damage. Instability in the base of the spine is exacerbated by baby holding and breast feeding which puts undue pressure on the neck, upper back and shoulders. It is a formula for pain which chiropractic is excellent at nullifying.
The positive side of raised relaxin levels is that in this pliable state, the body responds well to chiropractic adjustment. As ligaments begin to tighten and return to pre-pregnancy standards, back and pelvic pains ensue. “Mommy aches,” are common but avoidable. Maintaining the body’s alignment during this period of change is a great way to prevent pain.
Mothers who have been prescribed extensive bed rest in the wake of a C-section birth can experience aches due to poor posture. We make recommendations for creating an environment conducive to healing and introduce stretches that will relieve this discomfort.
At Family Chiropractic & Spinal Health Care Center, we want you to enjoy and explore the wonders of being a mother without the anxiety of dealing with aches and pains. If you are a new mother in New Jersey, schedule an appointment today: in Ramsey at (201) 995-9900 and in Passaic at (973) 471-9585.
Dr. Moe Abtahi, D.C.
The Webster Technique Works!
As a prospective mother enters into the later phases of pregnancy, a properly aligned pelvis and sacrum is a key to keeping her immune system operating efficiently while allowing plenty of room for the baby to develop healthily; it is also beneficial in preventing dystocia, as discussed in my previous blog. At Family Chiropractic & Spinal Health Care Center, we want to give you every advantage in having a short, easy labor, free of complications or surgical intervention.
Correcting the position of a baby in breech is the first step in paving the runway for a smooth delivery. To correct the breech positioning, we use the Webster Technique, a method that is focused on reducing stress to uterus-supporting ligaments, maximizing the space available to the baby to maneuver into the proper, maneuver into the proper, head-first position. The uterus is held within the abdomen in a state of balance, supported by ligaments that become stretched tight during the growth of the stomach during pregnancy. Not only does this cause the mother pain, but it also restricts the potential for maneuverability of the baby: overly tight ligaments can cause the baby to stay in breech position as labor approaches. Manual adjustments are focused on realigning the pelvis and sacrum, and reducing the tension and tightness of the ligaments supporting the uterus. This creates optimal space for the baby to move itself into the correct position for delivery.
We are experts in chiropractic for pregnancy in the New Jersey area. We will be dedicated to the health of mother and child from day one. Our office in Ramsey can be reached at (201) 995-9900 and in Passaic at (973) 471-9585. Call us today to find out how we can maximize your potential for an easy birth.
Pelvic Imbalance During Pregnancy
At Family Chiropractic & Spinal Health Care Center, we are dedicated to the success of your pregnancy. This includes the health of your little one as it develops into a healthy baby. We offer a range of chiropractic and massage services that are gentle and safe, with the goal of keeping the mother’s body healthy so that the baby can develop unhindered. By supporting the mother’s immune system, we will help you have an easier pregnancy and promote the chances of a safer birth.
Misalignment of the pelvis is responsible for many pregnancy related complications. When the pelvis is aligned incorrectly, the amount of room available for the baby to develop is reduced. This condition is known as intrauterine restraint. Furthermore, a misaligned pelvis can make it difficult for the baby to get into a proper birthing position. Through careful, considered chiropractic adjustment, we keep the spine aligned through the pelvic region, achieving a balance that positions the baby correctly and reduces the likelihood of complications during labor.
Establishing pelvic balance is a great reason to consider chiropractic care during your pregnancy. Our treatment is effective at reducing stress to the uterus and treating the supportive tissues that can be strained during pregnancy. If you are looking to develop and maintain the perfect nurturing environment for your baby-to-be, consider how we can help you. Call our office in Ramsey at (201) 995-9900 and in Passaic at (973) 471-9585.
Dr. Moe Abtahi, D.C.
Massage for Pregnancy
Massage is an excellent choice for complimenting your prenatal wellness. At Family Chiropractic & Spinal Health Care Center, we believe that regular massage therapy effectively treats the stress that comes with the hormonal upheaval of pregnancy and supports the woman’s body in its creation of a nurturing environment for the development of a child.
The extra weight that comes with pregnancy moves your center of gravity forward, forcing your back muscles to work harder if they want to maintain balance. Your pelvis tilts forward and the lumbar curve is accentuated. Furthermore, stomach muscles that were once able to support your spine are stretched and cannot do their job. These changes combine to create muscle tension and excess stress especially on the tissues that support the lower back.
Massage counters these structural changes by improving blood flow: bringing oxygen and nutrients to areas that need the extra support. Massage also increases lymph circulation, which is used to clean out toxins and remove interstitial fluid from the tissues, an excess of which can cause edema or swelling. Massage therapy will stretch and relax tense muscles while correcting the muscle imbalance brought on by pregnancy, allowing you to feel optimally healthy.
Getting a good night’s sleep is paramount to a healthy pregnancy. Unfortunately, the aches and anxiety of pregnancy can work against your body’s attempt to achieve deep, restorative sleep. Massage can also help in this endeavor because the brain releases chemicals like serotonin, endorphins and dopamine as a natural response to massage. After massage, you will enter bed with relaxed muscles and a relaxed mind, both of which are conducive to a restful night of sleep. Come see how our expert hands can lead you to relaxation and peace of mind during pregnancy. Call our office in Ramsey at (201) 995-9900 and in Passaic at (973) 471-9585.
Dr. Moe Abtahi, D.C.
Prenatal Chiropractic
Congratulations! You are on your way to having a baby. This will be a life-defining moment and we want to make it as comfortable as possible. At Family Chiropractic Spinal Health Care Center, we specialize in chiropractic technique for pregnancy. Our primary concern is providing you with safe, non-invasive support for your body during this time of great physical change. We keep the mother-to-be feeling healthy and help maintain the nurturing environment of the womb.
Chiropractic treatment during pregnancy has a wealth of benefits:
- Maintain pelvic balance
- Maintain proper curvature of the spine
- Reduce aches and pains
- Decrease stress
- Decrease tension on the womb
- Increase immune function
During pregnancy, a woman’s body releases reproductive hormones that weaken the pelvic region by relaxing ligaments to make way for the passage of the baby. The added weight of the baby lowers her center of gravity and puts pressure on the pelvic region. These factors can put excess pressure on the spine, damage tissues and contribute to back pain and sciatica. Furthermore, if the pelvic region is allowed to fall out of alignment, it can reduce the room available for your baby to grow and make the birthing process more difficult.
Chiropractic adjustment keeps the spine, particularly the pelvic region, in alignment. We also offer massage services that help reduce physical and mental stress and ease discomfort associated with pregnancy. If you are interested in finding out how chiropractic can benefit you and your baby, we would love to help. Call our New Jersey offices at (201) 995-9900.
Dr. Moe Abtahi, D.C.
Diagnosing Sciatica
Make no mistake: The most important thing you can do to end your sciatic nerve pain is to get a proper diagnosis. This is made difficult by the sheer number of conditions that can cause sciatica, ranging from structural to non-structural, the obscure to the obfuscated. At Family Chiropractic & Spinal Health Care Center, we seek to make the picture clear. We are concerned with providing you the most accurate diagnosis possible, based on a personal examination, medical history and all factors pertaining to your pain. We can determine if the root cause of your sciatic nerve pain is related to one or multiple of the following conditions:
- Herniated discs
- Vertebral subluxation
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Spondylolisthesis
These are primarily structural conditions that often occur through no fault of the afflicted person. We can also determine if the pain is non-spinal, created by unhealthy habits or ignorance of the condition. Poor posture, lack of exercise and obesity can all create pain in the sciatic nerve. Sciatic pain in pregnancy is common, due to the added weight of the baby creating undue strain on the spine.
The most basic service we offer is knowledge of the condition and extensive experience in treating its causes. Once we successfully verify the root cause of your sciatic pain, we can move forward with a program that involves manual therapy, massage and exercise. We want to make you comfortable with the treatment we offer and encourage your participation in the rehabilitation of your spine. If you are suffering from sciatica in in the Ramsey or Passaic areas, give our offices a call. Our Passaic office can be reached at (973) 471-9585 and our Ramsey office at (201) 995-9900.
Dr. Moe Abtahi, D.C.
What makes a herniated disc worse?
Here are some every day things that can be avoided, but will aggravate your injury. If you are in the midst of a herniated disc injury or are on the road to recovery, it is important to be aware of your posture.
Avoid soft furniture that you will sink into, or furniture that sits low to the ground. It may look ultimately comfortable and inviting, but it is not offering any support for you spine and is actually encouraging an unnatural positioning of the body that will harm you in the long run.
Sleeping on your stomach is very hard on the spine and its associated muscles. If you must do it, use an extremely soft pillow or no pillow at all to avoid raising the neck at an angle.
Addressing inactivity
If possible, when standing in the same position for long periods of time, alternate putting each foot up on a stool or box every few minutes.
If sitting for a long period of time, use a footrest or stool to keep the knees above a little above the hips.
Exercise
For avid gym-goers, avoid the following exercises while in the healing process for a herniated disc:
- Weightlifting
- Leg presses
- Twisting exercises
All of these can aggravate the problem. Instead, focus on these exercises:
- Core-strengthening
- Aerobic exercise
- Stretching and flexibility exercises that help to relieve pressure on nerves.
These are exercises that offer benefit to everyone suffering from back-related conditions, and those who are looking to strengthen the back muscles. At Family Chiropractic & Spinal Health Care Center in New Jersey, we can show you exactly how these exercises treat the herniated disc injury. Let’s talk today: Call our Passaic office at (973) 471-9585 or our Ramsey office at (201) 995-9900.
Dr. Moe Abtahi, D.C.
Nutrition and Herniated Discs
Good spinal health begins with good nutrition. No matter the degree of pain you are experiencing, providing your body with good nutrients is a simple and overlooked way that you can make a positive difference in your spinal health. At Family Chiropractic & Spinal Health Care Center, we can help you maximize the efficiency of your daily diet to help in the prevention and healing of spine-related conditions. Today I will go more in depth on the anatomy of herniated discs and how proper nutrition can help you on the road to healing.
Spinal discs are composed of 2 layers: the outer layer called annulus fibrosus, is made up of several layers of strong collagen fibers, designed for durability. The inner layer, called the nucleus pulposus is composed of loose fibers that allow for movement; this is responsible for the shock absorption that allows your spine its range of movement. When herniation occurs, the annulus fibrosus cracks or splits, allowing the nucleus pulposus to leak out and push against the weakened area. If this bulge is significant enough, it will put pressure on the nearby spinal nerve. This is what causes discomfort and pain to those who are suffering from herniated discs.
If disc herniation begins with the cracking of the annulus fibrosus, a structure composed of cartilaginous material, we want to focus on nutrients that support healthy cartilage. Here are some nutrients you can incorporate into your diet to support the natural healing of a herniated disc.
Foods and supplements to consider:
- Vitamin C: forms collagen, which binds and supports tissue
- Glucosamine sulfate: helps the body to form chemicals that repair cartilage
- Omega-3 fatty acids: a natural anti-inflammatory
- Sulphur-rich foods: support collagen production
A diet rich in fruit and vegetables and lean proteins, such as fish and chicken, can help to heal and prevent herniated discs! Getting these nutrients in the proper proportions will benefit you enormously. Contact us at (201) 995-9900 and set up an appointment today. With your help, we can create a multi-faceted plan for addressing your herniated disc pain and instill healthy habits that will benefit your whole life.
Dr. Moe Abtahi, D.C.