Sciatica - Chiropractor in Billings Montana

"Sciatica" is a condition caused by compression, irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest and largest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerve roots which extend from the lower portion of the spine near the pelvis and join together to branch out on both sides of the body traveling down each leg. It then divides into smaller nerves which drape into the thighs, knees, legs and toes.

Individuals suffering from sciatica may experience an assortment of symptoms. It generally manifests as a distracting pain originating in the low back or buttocks, and involves symptoms of numbness, tingling, burning, cramping and an achy soreness which can appear anywhere along the sciatic nerve path. Pain may be constant or intermittent. For some, the pain can be an intense "shooting pain," firing down one or both legs. Others may experience only a dull ache or numbness traveling into the back of the thighs.

Since the roots of the sciatic nerve emanate from the low back, any compromised structure in the low back can impose pressure on these nerve roots. While sciatica is often the result of spinal misalignment or bulging discs, other disorders known to cause sciatic nerve pain include inflammation, degeneration, or spinal canal stenosis, a condition in which the canal housing the spinal cord becomes narrowed.

Sciatica can also occur as a result of faulty postural mechanics - spending excessive time in a seated position in front of the computer or driving, insufficient stretching and exercise, heavy lifting, bending, twisting or inappropriate sleeping patterns. Sciatica has also been linked to a variety of non-mechanical conditions such as arthritis, tumors, vitamin deficiencies and even diabetes.

The good news is that most cases of sciatica can be treated successfully. Because of its diverse causes, treatment for sciatica differs from patient to patient, and varies according to the cause and severity. Sciatica can usually be managed effectively with chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, acupuncture or massage therapy, in addition to modifying activities. The main goal in the treatment of sciatica is to decrease pain, increase mobility and restore normal functioning.

Whatever the cause, it is important to seek treatment swiftly to avoid long-term damage. See your healthcare professional when the pain first begins. Our bodies never stop communicating with us. Listen closely, and revitalize your health. Have a comment? Join the conversation and happy reading!

What is Animal Chiropractic? Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana

What is Animal Chiropractic?

Hi all! I thought it was time for a reminder about the benefits of animal chiropractic. Animal Chiropractic is a field of animal health care that focuses on the health of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. Nerves control everything that happens in your animals, and anything affecting the nervous system will resonate throughout the entire body. This can interfere with the performance of the nerves branching off of the spinal cord which transit to the all of the muscles and organs. As this occurs, your animal can lose mobility; resulting in stiffness, tension, pain and even organ dysfunction. Additionally, when normal movement is affected it can impact your animal’s wellbeing and quality of life.

The goal of an animal chiropractor is to restore function and mobility to compromised spinal vertebra in an effort to re-establish neurologic communication. This allows the body to perform at its optimum potential. Animal chiropractors use their hands to identify areas of restriction and apply a precise thrust on the immobile vertebrae in an effort to restore motion and remove nerve interference. When nerves efficiently communicate with all the structures in your animals’ bodies, healing and recovery results.

Animal Chiropractic is not meant to replace traditional veterinary care. It is not an alternative treatment, but rather an integrative method that, when used in conjunction with good traditional veterinary care, will provide years of healthy living. This is the beginning of a contemporary, comprehensive approach to your animal’s healthcare. It is an effective and valuable means of restoring and maintaining strength, vigor and well-being. By exploring and treating the root causes of your animal’s aches, pains and illnesses, you will ensure maximum improvement, top performance and an exceptional quality of life for the animal companions we love. If you have any questions or would like further information on animal chiropractic, contact me anytime! I am a board-certified animal chiropractor in Billings, Montana, and I can be reached at drpholl@gmail.com .

Importance of Water - Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Let’s face it, water is vital to your health. It is the main component of the human body, and every cell requires it. Water assists metabolism, and helps remove toxins, particularly from the digestive tract. It cushions and lubes joints and muscles, and transports nutrients and oxygen into cells. It regulates body temperature, and reduces risk of disease and infection. Researchers at Loma Linda University in California found that people who drank more than 5 glasses of water a day were less likely to die from a heart attach or heart disease. When your body becomes dehydrated, harmful effects can ensue. Chronic cellular dehydration leaves the body in a weakened state, leading to vulnerability and imbalances. These may include fatigue, migraines, muscle cramps, dry skin, exhaustion and poor metabolism. Benefits of drinking water may include weight loss, as drinking water reduces hunger. It is a natural remedy for headache pain, as dehydration is a common headache contributor. It relieves fatigue, as your body works harder when dehydrated to pump out oxygenated blood to cells, Also some studies show that drinking appropriate amounts of water may reduce the risks of bladder and colon cancer by diluting the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine. And how much water should we be drinking? 8 glasses a day? AT LEAST! Try half your body weight in ounces! You can’t have too much water. It is the single most important element for cellular integrity. Oh, and what goes for us, goes for our pets, however they tend to be smarter than us regarding water. Just leave them plenty of clean water, and they’ll be sure to drink it. Have a comment? Send me an email at drpholl@gmail.com and join the conversation. Have a great weekend!

Movement, Degeneration, and the Importance of Chiropractic Care! Horse Chiropractor, Dog Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Hi guys! Sorry I missed you last week, but I was down in Kansas instructing at Options for Animals College of Animal Chiropractic. It was a great week, with a focus on the cervical spine (the neck) and the importance of movement and chiropractic care. Here are some takeaway points that are relevant, not only for us, but for the health of our horses, dogs and cats (and any other 4-legged variety of pet):

Movement is a critical aspect of health, as our bodies rely on movement to function. Daily movement promotes chemical changes in the body and fires up neural pathways, which stimulate the body’s healing capacity and boost immunity to ward off disease.

Subluxations refer to the occurrence of a bone in the spine moving out of position, thus irritating the spinal nerves and stressing ligaments and tendons. This is damaging for the body because the destination tissue for those nerves lose their nutrient supply, leading to degeneration. The first stage of degeneration is dehydration of the tissue. As this occurs, the tissue becomes hypermobile. With further breakdown, the tissue become hypomobile, and begins to mineralize. Any elastic soft tissue under stress can mineralize. Proprioceptive input (the ability of the body to orient itself without visual clues) from the intrinsic muscles of the spine starts to diminish. As a result, core stability becomes vulnerable. Other systems then become involved, affecting everything from immunity to circulation to digestion. And what goes for us goes for our animals. What’s the solution? Take the stress off of the tissues, you take the stress off of the disease process. Chiropractic removes neurologic interference, improves immunity, promotes circulation and enhances overall health. So if you feel that you’re a little sluggish, or you notice your pup’s ‘dragging’ a bit, or maybe your horse is avoiding the bit, it may be time to see your chiropractor. Have a comment? Join in! See you next week!

Dog Agility, Training and Nutrition - Pet Chiropractor, Billings, Montana

Dog Agility competitions have become extremely popular and widely followed throughout the world. Dog agility courses are complex and the challenges increase as the level of competition advances. Agility dogs may be required to run, jump, climb, start and stop, and change direction suddenly. Because of these demands, these canine athletes require strength, endurance, speed and flexibility to ensure maximum performance. Appropriate and comprehensive training is fundamental. Training increases bone mass, red blood cell turnover, maximal oxygen consumption, reduces lactic acid production and reduces risk of injury. It is important to remember that the type of training appropriate and required for your pet will vary by age, breed, condition and type of event. Additionally, most dogs sleep for a good part of the day, and should not be expected to compete and perform on the weekends without appropriate conditioning. As with humans, an appropriate and high-quality nutrition protocol is paramount when considering any canine athletic competition. Protein is an essential part of the diet, and is particularly important for those dogs that are continually active for over 30 minutes. Diets high in protein would be most suitable for endurance training. Fats provide an extraordinary source of energy, and dogs can utilize this form of energy very easily and productively. However the appropriate amount of fat to feed your dog depends on the factors mentioned earlier. Other energy requirements and considerations include carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and, of course, water! Water is critically important for your agility dog. It is essential for thermoregulation, and should always be made available. Dogs maintain their body temperature by panting, and this increases their water requirements. The heat that is generated during agility competitions can limit stamina, affect performance and impact health. These are just some of the reminders to consider when preparing your dog athlete for agility. And don’t forget to see your animal chiropractor. A healthy and vibrant nervous system will resonate everywhere in the body! Have a comment? Join in, and Happy Training!

Pronation and Back Pain - Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Did you know that your back pain may be coming from your feet? That’s right, your FEET. There’s a direct relationship between structural balance and neurological function. Structural stress produces muscle imbalances, and this begins at the foundation…your feet. When you walk, your spine is supported by one leg at a time. Different surfaces affect the forces that are imposed on your leg and body, and every biomechanical imbalance is transmitted to the spine. Let’s look at the foot: There are 26 bones in each foot. There are also three arches; a medial or inner arch, a lateral or outer arch, and an arch that runs transversely under the metatarsals (just below the toes). The function of the arches is to absorb shock, support your weight, and propel the body during movement. When you stand, half of your weight should be distributed over the heel, and the other half over the ball of the foot and the toes. When you walk, the movement patterns you adopt during gait cycle can affect the leg, pelvis, spine and skull! Pronation (inward rolling of the foot) is a normal occurrence during foot ‘flat’ and is necessary for proper foot biomechanics. As we age, the ligaments and tendons supporting the foot weaken, and this causes the inner arch to drift inward. When you start to ‘over-pronate’, this results in internal rotation of your legs, pelvic tilt, postural compensation, shoulder rounding and forward head carriage. Over pronation also results in excessive shock transmission and pelvic unlevelling. This will affect your gait, your posture, and can result in significant back and neck pain! Improper stance and gait can prematurely wear down the knee and hip joints, as well as the spine itself. Some other consequences of over-pronation include leg pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, achilles’ tendonitis and even bunions. So don’t underestimate the power of your feet. If you think your pain may be associated with your feet, don’t delay. See your health care practitioner. Help is available! Have a comment? Join in.

Proper Saddle Fit - Horse/Equine Chiropractor in Billings, Montana

Saddle Fit is one of the most important considerations for any rider, anywhere. The purpose of the saddle is to distribute the weight of the rider evenly, provide a stable base, and to allow the horse to move independently from the rider. If a saddle is the wrong size, positioned incorrectly or defective, it can cause pain and even lameness. Signs of a poor-fitting saddle include head tossing, sores on the back, abnormal head carriage, difficulty changing leads, hair loss or white hairs along the withers under the saddle (indicating blood circulation being cut off), saddle avoidance or striking when saddled, bucking, swelling after removing the saddle and uneven sweat patterns. Over time, the horse’s efforts to compensate in an effort to maintain mobility and balance can result in muscle strain, pain, stumbling, abnormal gait patterns and even lameness! Poor saddle fit can result from improper placement, broken or worn trees, uneven panels and incorrect size of saddle to rider. When saddling your horse, here are some things to consider: First, place the saddle on the horse’s back without padding, put it forward on the withers and then slide it back to where it sits ‘at home’. Saddle should be fit with nothing underneath initially, then rechecked with the padding you’ll be using. There should be a 3-finger clearance between the pommel of the saddle and the withers. Points of the tree should be 2 inches behind the shoulder blade. Run you hand under the panels. Be sure there’s room under the stirrup bars to slide your hand. Check for ‘bridging’ or ‘rocking’, and be sure the saddle is level. Ensure a 3-finger space for gullet clearance. The weightbearing part of the saddle should not extend beyond the last rib. Re-check all systems with the padding on, and remember that good padding is essential. Additionally, know that multiple pads act to functionally narrow the tree, so use one good pad. These are only some of the variables involved in proper saddle fit, but they should get you started. Remember that saddle fit is not stable and not static. You need a rider in motion to accurately and comprehensively assess for proper saddle fit. Have questions? Recommendations? Post a comment, and join the conversation! See you next week!