Integrative Chiropractic Care - Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Integrative chiropractic care combines conventional chiropractic treatment with alternative disciplines to provide comprehensive, quality care. Chiropractic medicine focuses on the preservation and restoration of health by maintaining a vibrant nervous system. The aim of integrative chiropractic care is to take into account all aspects of individual lifestyle, including physical being, diet, activities of living, exercise, stressors, emotional and mental components. It extends beyond a single-model approach to healthcare, by combining new and old healing modalities. Central to the practice of integrative care is co-management.

By working in conjunction with professionals from other disciplines such as naturopathy, homeopathy, botanical medicine, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture and conventional allopathic care, a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan can be administered. The benefits of this care serve to increase self awareness and enhance well-being as well as prevent injury and disease.

A multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare provides the utmost therapeutic benefit in a complete program for health. By combining disciplines, the patient benefits from the expertise of a diversity of domains.

Integrative chiropractic care seeks to treat the whole person. This approach respects the body’s inherent ability to heal itself, and provides access to a variety of therapies assuring the highest standards of practice for health and wellness.

Shoulder Pain and Natural Treatment Options - Chiropractor Billings Montana

The shoulder is made up of bones, joints and an intricate arrangement of muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is the most flexible joint in your body and its function is to position your hand in space. It’s considered a ‘ball and socket’ joint, however unlike the hip, also a ball and socket joint, the shoulder has far less stability. This is due to the fact that the ball of the hip is surrounded by the acetabulum, or socket of the pelvis. Conversely, the head of the humerus, or upper arm bone, sits in a very shallow socket, much like a golf ball on a tee. While this anatomy allows for a great deal of movement, it also predisposes the shoulder to inherent vulnerability and injury. The shoulder is susceptible to many consequences, including impingement, instability, tearing, dislocation and even fracture. Perhaps one of the most familiar pathologies involves injury to the rotator cuff muscles. Rotator cuff injury is the most common source of shoulder pain in the aging population and results in decreased ability of tissue to heal in response to everyday use and microtrauma. Depending on the phase of injury, most rotator cuff pathology can be managed nonoperatively with the use of modalities including ice, interferential current, ultrasound, transverse friction massage and gentle range of motion exercises. If the injury is chronic, injection therapies including Regenerative Injection Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy or even Steroid Injections may be helpful. If surgical intervention is required, today’s procedures can generally manage complete repair. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, suffer no more. Help is available! For a more in-depth read on natural treatment options, follow the link to this week's article in the Billings Gazette!

http://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/naturopathic-medicine-severity-of-shoulder-injury-can-vary-significantly/article_f0fc1402-0a95-5e94-bfdd-144f1cfcafb7.html

Headaches are a real Pain in the Neck! Chiropractor Billings Montana

Mention the word ‘headache’ to just about anyone and it’s likely they’ll know what you’re talking about. Headaches have become a painful way of life for too many of us. Billions of dollars a year are spent on treatment, including doctors’ visits, prescriptions and over-the counter medications. Moreover, the cost of loss of work and productivity becomes difficult to measure. The International Headache Society has identified and classified nearly 130 types of headaches, including tension, cluster, sinus, and of course, migraine.

An often overlooked and misdiagnosed type of headache is a cervicogenic headache. Though the pain from this type is perceived in the head, the source comes from the structures of the neck, namely the muscles, tendons, bones and connective tissue. When these structures become irritated or inflamed, they can refer pain to the cranium. An indication that you may be experiencing a cervicogenic headache is pain that seems to originate along the base of the skull and extends into the head. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland found a correlation between headache pain and muscle tension at the base of the neck. Their conclusions revealed that soft tissue tension and spasm in the neck contribute to head pain. Additionally, this soft tissue compromise can interfere with nerve fibers that lead to the brain and spinal cord.

Natural, drug-free treatment options are available, including chiropractic, acupuncture, craniosacral, regenerative injection therapy, and of course, nutritional management.

Headaches can diminish quality of life, so treatment is fundamental. If you are experiencing headache pain, use your head. Talk to your health care provider today and free yourself from the iron grip of pain.

Hunter's Bump in Your Horse - Animal Chiropractor Billings Montana

Named after the sport which instigates the condition, “hunter’s bump”, also know as ‘jumper’s bump’ is a painful pelvic condition in your horse that may cause gait abnormalities and can affect performance. It most often occurs in jumping horses, hunters, and steeplechasers. A ‘Hunter’s Bump’ is a protrusion of the tuber sacrale. This is the area of the hip that will appear elevated along the lower part of your horse’s back, just above the croup. Technically, this is a subluxation of the sacroiliac joint, which may involve injury to the ligaments securing the pelvis and the spine. Once this happens, the ilium (one side of the pelvis) can shift out of place, resulting in the distinguishing ‘bump’. This uneven hip is sometimes referred to as a ‘dropped’ hip

This injury is commonly the result of previous and repetitive trauma to the sacroiliac joint, rather than a single precipitating incident, though it is usually one event that pushes it over the edge. Best viewed from behind during gait, your horse will tend to be very stiff in the hindquarters, ‘unload’ weight on the affected side, display a shortened stride on the affected hind limb, and may resist movement in general. Symptoms may also manifest in areas far from the affected area. Your horse may display altered neck movements, and oppose turning in one direction or another. There may be evidence of pain at the poll, as well as resistance to take the bit, or even wear a halter.

When diagnosed early, treatment for a ‘hunter’s bump’ can be highly effective. Stall-rest for several weeks is indicated to allow time for the ligaments to heal and scarring to occur to provide stability. Anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants are often prescribed by your vet to reduce spasm and manage inflammatory processes.  Chiropractic management can help re-align the pelvis and relieve neurologic interference. Additionally, integrative treatments including acupuncture and massage can be highly effective in controlling pain and supporting the healing process.

Recovery will depend on accurate diagnosis, degree of injury and speed and quality of treatment. Remember the importance of proper conditioning, weight management and stable footing. Above all, become familiar with your horse. Learn their behaviors, and observe when they’re communicating that something’s wrong. If you suspect something is amiss, don’t delay. Help is available. Have a comment? Join the conversation!

Why Choose Organic - Chiropractor Billings Montana

I know, I know, you’ve heard it a thousand times…Buy Organic! Most of us know that organic food is better food because it’s free from exposure to harmful herbicides and pesticides. But here are a few more reasons: Organic farming is better for our soil. “Studies show that organic fields have deeper vegetation, more weed cover, and contain 88% more ‘epigeal arthropods’ (squiggly soil creatures).” Organic farming is better for wildlife. “A report by Britain’s Soil Association shows that wildlife is substantially richer and more varied on organic than on conventional farms.” Organic food contains more nutrients. “In April 2001, ..a US study examined 41 comparisons of the nutrient levels in organic and regular food. In every case, the organic crops had higher nutrient levels-27% more vitamin C, 29% more iron, 14% more phosphorus.” And of course, there are many more reasons, including safety, taste, and even climate protection. Soooo, the next time you’re food shopping, give this some thought. ORGANIC IS BETTER! Have a comment? Join the conversation. P.s. anyone wanting references to these quotes, feel free to comment below and I’ll be more than happy to provide resources!