bookmark_borderHypnosis For Pain Management

What are some pain management techniques?

Pain comes in two basic forms chronic and acute. In most cases acute pain is a result of a sudden event like surgery, bone fractures, infections, cuts and lacerations, falls, and burns. Acute pain is normally treated by a physician immediately following the event that caused the pain. Usually the pain does not last very long, six months at the longest and it dissipates as the injury or condition heals. Chronic pain is long lasting and is the result of a disease or condition. Some chronic pain may be the result of trauma which caused a longer term issue. In many cases the pain starts to affect the patient in unexpected ways like a loss of appetite, depression, and a decrease in energy. When a patient begins to experience chronic pain it is time to see a pain management doctor.

Common Chronic Pain Symptoms

Some common chronic pain symptoms and complaints include:

  • Spine and back pain
  • Headaches
  • Arthritis and osteoarthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Damage to nerves
  • Cancer and cancer treatments
  • Joint damage and inflammation
  • Psychological

 

Causes of Chronic Pain

While some chronic pain is the result of disease, injury, or other medical conditions, some are caused by less troublesome issues. Some issues that may be more easily treated through lifestyle changes include:

  • An uncomfortable or bad mattress
  • Bad posture
  • Repetitive motion conditions
  • Improper shoes
  • Excessive weight
  • Poor lifting techniques
  • Diet & Nutrition

 

Non-invasive pain relief techniques that really work

Sometimes pain has a purpose — it can alert us that we’ve sprained an ankle, for example. But for many people, pain can linger for weeks or even months, causing needless suffering and interfering with quality of life.

If your pain has overstayed its welcome, you should know that you have more treatment options today than ever before. Here, we’ve listed eight techniques to control and reduce your pain that don’t require an invasive procedure — or even taking a pill.

Cold and heat.

These two tried-and-true methods are still the cornerstone of relieving pain for certain kinds of injuries. If a homemade hot or cold pack doesn’t do the trick, try asking a physical therapist or chiropractor for their versions of these treatments, which can penetrate deeper into the muscle and tissue.

Exercise.

Physical activity plays a crucial role in interrupting the “vicious cycle” of pain and reduced mobility found in some chronic conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Try gentle aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy.

These two specialties can be among your staunchest allies in the fight against pain. Physical therapists guide you through a series of exercises designed to preserve or improve your strength and mobility. Occupational therapists help you learn to perform a range of daily activities in a way that doesn’t aggravate your pain.

Mind-body techniques.

These techniques, which include meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises (among many others), help you restore a sense of control over your body and turn down the “fight or flight” response, which can worsen chronic muscle tension and pain.

Yoga and tai chi.

These two exercise practices incorporate breath control, meditation, and gentle movements to stretch and strengthen muscles. Many studies have shown that they can help people manage pain caused by a host of conditions, from headaches to arthritis to lingering injuries.

 

Manual techniques

Manipulation of affected areas by applying force to the joints, muscles, and ligaments. Some evidence for the effectiveness of certain techniques is available.

Behavioral modification

Use of behavioral methods to optimize patient responses to back pain and painful stimuli. Cognitive therapy involves teaching the patient to alleviate back pain by means of relaxation techniques, coping techniques and other methods. Biofeedback involves learning to control muscle tension, blood pressure, and heart rate for symptomatic improvement.

 

Biofeedback.

This technique involves learning relaxation and breathing exercises with the help of a biofeedback machine, which turns data on physiological functions (such as heart rate and blood pressure) into visual cues such as a graph, a blinking light, or even an animation. Watching and modifying the visualizations gives you a degree of control over your body’s response to pain.

Music therapy.

Studies have shown that music can help relieve pain during and after surgery and childbirth. Classical music has proven to work especially well, but there’s no harm in trying your favorite genre — listening to any kind of music can distract you from pain or discomfort.

bookmark_borderSteps To Finding The Best Chiropractic Doctor

FALL FLINGS AND CHIROPRACTIC THINGS – CHIROPRACTOR IN LITTLE ROCK AND BENTON

Great news: the Arkansas weather we love is back! Cooler temperatures are here and we’re looking forward to the festive fun that the holiday months bring. Your Little Rock and Benton Chiropractors

With the start of the fall season, you may be getting your checklist ready with things to do around the house, outdoor projects you’ve been wanting to save for cooler weather and active outings with the family. But before you jump in, it’s smart to take a minute to remember your health as you prepare for the twisting

turning and bending you’ll be doing as your fall activities ensue:

Remember your feet. Supportive shoes can prevent back pain later on. If you’re going on evening walks with the family or working in the yard, shoes with strong arch support should be your go-to.

Remember to take breaks. If you’re working in the garden, raking leaves or mowing the lawn, it’s a good idea to stand straight and assess yourself throughout the day. If you notice irritation or pain early, you could save yourself from potentially injuring yourself.

Remember your knees. If you’re lifting or heaving, bend at your knees rather than your waist or using your back. This protects your spine and muscles from unnecessary strain.

Remember to stretch. It may seem silly at the time, but stretching before an after any kind of lengthy strenuous work will help your muscles avoid injury.

Remember to switch sides. So that you can balance the use of your muscles, switch sides every fifteen or thirty minutes.

Last but certainly not least, remember your chiropractor. Chiropractors offer natural approaches to keep you injury-free. Routine chiropractic care can help prevent injury or alleviate any pain you might be experiencing.

As you enjoy the cooler Arkansas weather and the many fun flings that come with the fall season, remember yourself and take care of your health. To talk with your local chiropractor or schedule an appointment for care

 

Did a chiropractor really break a baby’s back? things parents must know

Do babies and chiropractors mix?

paediatrician Chris Pappas told the newspapers he cared for a four-month-old baby last year after one of her vertebrae was fractured during a chiropractic treatment for torticollis – a wry neck – which is usually harmless in babies. He said the infant, who was rushed to Monash Medical Centre for treatment, was lucky to make a full recovery.

Do babies ever need to see a chiropractor?

“No alternative therapies have scientifically sound benefits, but many have potential risks and major costs to the benefit of the purveyor,” says “Most delay the child’s access to legitimate medicine.”

What a spine surgeon says about chiropracters

“There are those who tend to be younger, who are struggling to define their art form in terms of evidence and reproducibility.  They tend to encourage sensible evidence based principles, concentrate on strengthening the spine, and treat spine-related symptoms.  They are to be encouraged, because it is through them that chiropractors may gain some credibility in the medical community.

“Now let’s talk about the others – the ‘straights’; the vitalistic, intuitive, metaphysical practitioners who remain separate from the mainstream community, and who are determined to remain that way.”

things parents should know if they seek non-medical treatment

That’s not to say that alternative therapies don’t have a place, but it’s crucial to seek medical advice before embarking on any alternative or complementary treatment, particularly when involving babies or children.

 

Things You Didn’t Know Your Chiropractor Can Help With

Chiropractors are very talented and we sometimes forget all the things they can do to help our body, mind and lifestyle. When we think of paying a visit to the chiropractor, we might believe that there must be a problem with one of our joints and it’s causing unwanted pain. Although joint pain is a great reason to see a chiropractor, you should really be going on a regular basis to prevent lots of different things from happening to your body. Continue reading to learn the 5 things you may not have known that your chiropractor can help with.

Not just for joint pain

You can use your continual chiropractor visits to prevent pain from happening and correct your bad posture. They can also help prevent certain medical conditions such as; allergies, asthma and headaches. Your chiropractor can actually also prevent or help you through different behavioural disorders such as ADHD. Although your body and mind feel great, visiting your chiropractor annually is still a good idea and you shouldn’t wait until something is wrong. Chiropractors can adjust your central nervous system which could help with the negative symptoms of anxiety and depression. Chiropractors can actually give you fitness and nutrition tips to help you live both a happier and healthier life. If you’re unsure of all the benefits that your chiropractor can provide for you, ask us today!

Chiropractic care is ageless

Adults are not the only ones who can benefit from chiropractic care, children actually can too. Did you know that newborn babies are actually able to seek relief from a chiropractor? Many newborn babies have unwanted pressure felt on their necks which can be treated by a chiropractor. There are so many other ways babies can get relief from a chiropractor

It’s not scary

Chiropractors are very gentle and they don’t push you past your comfort zone. At Taylor Wellness, we use an activator instrument adjusting tool which is an alternative to manual adjusting and cracking of joints. It is a light force spring loaded adjusting instrument which feels very relieving to your joints. Although, for some, alignments may be scary, then again, so are scary movies but nothing will ever harm you

Did you get into an accident?

Unfortunately, accidents do happen and car accidents are more common than we would like to admit. These accidents are life-threatening most times and if you’re lucky, they just take a hard toll on your body while you leave the vehicle scratch free. One of the first people you should see is your trusty chiropractor.

 

CHIROPRACTOR

Do you have chronic back pain? Are parts of your body producing so much discomfort that you feel unable to function normally? Perhaps you even feel as if your immune system is not working as it should be. You might have seen various medical doctors for this, that, and the other only to be prescribed strong painkillers or recommended treatment or surgeries that you’re not comfortable with. If you can relate to a similar situation, please consider speaking with a chiropractor, residents know and trust.

Chiropractor Who Treats A Broad Range of Conditions

Chiropractors treat men and women of all ages, and some also treat children and adolescents.Contrary to what you may think that a chiropractor only handles back pain, these medical doctors can actually address various conditions including back pain, joint pain, ear infections, allergies, and more. Chiropractors understand how the body operates and the way it is supposed to move.

What a Chiropractor

has to offer, such as one from Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, treats various patients from all backgrounds and ages who are in pain and not ready to turn to temporary fixes; such as painkillers. A chiropractor will try to uncover the reason for your pain through conducting different tests. Some of these tests may involve you lifting your leg in a certain way, bending your back, or walking. Once the reason for your pain is known, an adjustment may be recommended. Depending on the diagnosis, you may need 1-6, or more, adjustments

Chiropractors have successfully treated people who were suffering from:

Back pain

Hip pain

SI joint pain

Pelvic pain

Neck pain

Shoulder pain

Headaches

Migraines

Joint pain

Whiplash

Joint popping

Pain after pregnancy

Sports injuries

Allergies

Ear infections

Some immune disorders that are related to the nervous system functioning

Along with chiropractic treatment, your chiropractor, residents turn to for relief might recommend complementary therapies; such as, herbal tinctures, exercise, heat, ice, massage, acupuncture, and more.

 

How to Become a Chiropractic Assistant

If you are interested in becoming a Chiropractic Assistant and possess strong communication and administrative skills, then find out all you need to know about how to pursue this career choice here where you will learn all about the training, job duties and other requirements.

What Does a Chiropractic Assistant Do?

The main job of a Chiropractic Assistants is to help chiropractors with their daily duties. Some of their duties include checking patients in and out, doing medical billing and coding, and answering phone calls. They need skills in organization and technology, together with a basic understanding of healthcare and medical terminology.

Seeing that most chiropractic offices only have one licensed chiropractor, a Chiropractic Assistant must be ready to take on a number of roles. Chiropractic Assistants mainly help Chiropractors in two ways: that is patient management and office management.

An effective Chiropractic Assistant needs to have a good understanding of computer programs, filing techniques, knowledge of medical paperwork, and great customer service skills. They may be asked to greet patients, manage patient files, juggle scheduling, manage claims, instruct patients and monitor equipment and supplies. Some other duties may involve collecting money, billing insurance companies and answering phones.

Patient care duties that a Chiropractic Assistant may be responsible for would be to conduct patient interviews, educate of the patients, recording vital signs, performing certain exams, taking x-rays, etc.  There are some practices that require the Chiropractic Assistant to administer physical therapy techniques.

bookmark_borderChoose The Best Dentist

How to Choose a Dentist

Pick a Partner

Above all, you want to choose a dentist who can be a part of your total health care team. “So much of your dental health can impact your overall health,” Dr. Taylor-Osborne says. “Look for someone who can be a coach to motivate you, a trusted advisor to turn to when health issues arise and a partner to make dental care decisions with.”

Meet and Greet

To find the right dentist, don’t be shy about calling or visiting the dentists on your list before deciding. “Schedule consultation time with the dentist to meet with the dentist and staff before making an appointment,” Dr. Taylor-Osborne says. “Make a list of questions and bring your records so the dentist can take a look at your dental history if you want to ask something more specific.” You’ll also be able to see if the office is welcoming, comfortable and neat.

Launch the Search

Now that you’re looking for a dentist, you’re probably noticing advertisements online, in the newspaper and even in your mailbox. Social media sites may also have patient reviews of dentists near you, but remember that every person’s dental health needs and experiences are their own.

Start with the Basics

Regular visits are key to a healthy smile, so start with the details that work best with your lifestyle and dental care needs. Some things to consider include

 

How to Find a Good Dentist

Ask People You Trust

Ask people you know and trust, like family, close friends, and co-workers. Do they have a happy, bright smile? Find out who keeps it that way! As soon as one of them begins to acclaim their dentist, get that name and number for the next step towards your most beautiful smile.

Get a Referral from a Physician or Pharmacist

Ask your family doctor or your local pharmacist. It’s a safe bet that these medical professionals have vetted out the dentists they use. Doctors and pharmacists often get feedback on dentists near them, so many times, you’ll get a great idea of the best dentists in your area using this method.

Search the Database of Your Chosen Dental Society

Compare practices from different associations such as the AADSM, ADA, AGD, etc. Here are links to dentist searches at the major associations listed above

Review Your Dental Insurance Network

Although dental insurance doesn’t necessarily need to play a part in this decision like medical insurance might, this is still one good way to find a good dentist.

Google It (Or Use a Dental Provider Review Site)

It sounds almost too simple, but reading patient recommendations will answer many questions you have, and help add to or eliminate some offices from your list. You can even start by searching “dentist near me” and sorting by the top-rated reviews.

 

HOW TO FIND THE BEST DENTIST

Check Up On Them

Do a background check on them. Get in touch with your State Dental Board to check the credentials of your chosen dentist.

Research the Costs

The best dentist isn’t always the cheapest one. Studying to become a dentist and the costs of running a dental practice are high. If one of your shortlisted candidates is way cheaper than the others, they could be cutting corners to save costs.

Arrange an Interview

Choosing the best dentist is an important decision, so why not interview the candidates? Even if you have to pay for a consultation, face-to-face encounters with your shortlist of dental professionals can help you to choose the best dentist for you.

Go to Google

Use technology to your advantage while searching for the best dentist near you. You can use local search on Google to pinpoint nearby practitioners. Visit their websites to check out their credentials and find out more about them. Is their website professional and up-to-date?

Ask the Right Questions

While you have the practice on the line, ask as many questions as you can about the services offered.

 

Finding a Dentist

You and your dentist will be long-term oral health care partners; therefore, you should find someone you can be comfortable with. To find a suitable dentist to meet your needs, consider asking the following questions as a starting point:

  • What are the office hours? Are they convenient for your schedule?
  • Is the office easy to get to from work or home?
  • Where was the dentist educated and trained?
  • What’s the dentist’s approach to preventive dentistry?
  • How often does the dentist attend conferences and continuing education workshops?
  • What type of anesthesia is the dentist certified to administer to help you relax and feel more comfortable during any necessary dental treatment?
  • What arrangements are made for handling emergencies outside of office hours? (Most dentists make arrangements with a colleague or emergency referral service if they are unable to tend to emergencies.)
  • Is information provided about all fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled? If you are comparison shopping, ask for estimates on some common procedures such as full-mouth X-rays, an oral exam and cleaning, and filling a cavity.
  • Does the dentist participate in your dental health plan?
  • What is the dentist’s office policy on missed appointments?

 

How to Find a Good Dentist

The first incident occurred several years ago. At the time, Vasso was a single mother and her health insurance wasn’t terribly robust, so her options of which dentist she could see were limited. “I went to this quiet, dark office in the basement of a building” in a nearby town. The office was mostly empty, save for the dentist himself, and Vasso recalls thinking, “this is scary.” Undeterred by her gut intuition, she went through with the appointment. “He cleaned my teeth and at the end he said, ‘you have a cavity. I’m going to need you to come back for a filling.’ I know my teeth. I have extensive knowledge about nutrition and how that affects dental health,” and she says she suspected she didn’t actually have a cavity.

Before she was even able to get clarification on where and how severe these cavities were, she’d been herded to the front desk to settle her bill and make several more appointments for additional dental work. Vasso decided she didn’t trust that dentist and made an appointment elsewhere for a second opinion. As suspected, that subsequent dentist confirmed she had no cavities at all, let alone six of them. “Can you imagine them drilling into my teeth for no reason? It blows my mind,” she says.