Rhode Island Chiropractic Care

Gonstead Chiropractic: A Comprehensive Approach to Spinal Health

The Gonstead Chiropractor takes spinal assessments to the next level, going beyond the standard evaluation to pinpoint the root cause of back or neck problems. Gonstead-trained chiropractors use a comprehensive approach that includes five specific criteria to detect the presence of vertebral subluxation.

Understanding Vertebral Subluxation

A vertebral subluxation occurs when a vertebra loses its normal position and/or movement relative to its neighboring vertebrae. If left untreated, this misalignment can progress into a vertebral subluxation complex. Gonstead chiropractors are extensively trained to identify and address the five components of a vertebral subluxation, collectively known as the “subluxation complex.”

The Five Components of a Vertebral Subluxation Complex:

  1. Kinesiopathology
    Loss of normal vertebral positioning and movement in relation to neighboring vertebrae.
  2. Myopathology
    Pathological changes in the spinal muscles, including hypertonicity, spasms, fibrosis, weakness, and improper function.
  3. Neuropathology
    Irritation or injury to spinal nerve roots through compression, stretching, or chemical irritation from nearby spinal structures.
  4. Histopathology
    Pathological changes in spinal tissues such as abnormal bony growths, fibrosis, adhesions of spinal muscles and ligaments, and degeneration of spinal discs.
  5. Pathophysiology
    Biochemical changes in the spinal region, including the release of inflammatory chemicals and waste products from injured tissues.

For effective healing and successful rehabilitation, each component of the subluxation must be addressed. While it’s not necessary for patients to fully understand each element, it’s important to recognize the complexity of the subluxation complex. Pain is just a small aspect of most conditions, and relying solely on pain as an indicator for treatment can be misleading since it often subsides before complete tissue healing and mechanical normalization occur.

The 5 Methods a Gonstead Chiropractor Uses to Detect and Correct Subluxations:

  1. Visualization
    Visualization allows the chiropractor to cross-reference other findings. The Gonstead chiropractor is skilled in observing subtle changes in posture and movement, which may indicate problems. They also examine the skin on the back for signs like muscle tightness, spasms, edema, elevations, and discoloration.
  2. Instrumentation
    The Nervoscope is a tool used by Gonstead chiropractors to detect uneven heat distributions along the spine, which can indicate inflammation and nerve pressure. The instrument uses two thermocouples to scan the length of the spine, identifying areas with hot spots caused by inflammation.
  3. Static Palpation
    This technique involves feeling the spine while it is in a stationary position. The chiropractor checks for swelling, tenderness, and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues.
  4. Motion Palpation
    Motion palpation involves examining the spine while it is moving or bending at different angles. This helps the chiropractor assess how each segment of the spine moves and identify any areas with restricted or abnormal motion.
  5. X-Ray Analysis
    X-ray imaging provides a complete view of the spine’s structure. It allows the chiropractor to evaluate posture, joint and disc integrity, vertebral misalignments, and rule out any underlying pathologies or fractures. These weight-bearing, full-spine X-rays substantiate examination findings and guide the chiropractor in determining the precise adjustments needed.

When these five components are utilized, the likelihood of a successful outcome is significantly increased.

The Gonstead Adjustment

Once the chiropractor identifies the areas requiring adjustment and determines the specific direction of the adjustment, a precise chiropractic adjustment is performed. The Gonstead technique focuses on being as specific and accurate as possible, targeting only the subluxated areas.

Great care is taken to ensure the adjustment is biomechanically correct, with a precise thrust designed to provide the most accurate and comfortable adjustment possible. The goal of the Gonstead chiropractor is to restore and maintain optimal health by correcting any interference in the nervous system caused by vertebral subluxations.

About Gonstead Chiropractic at New Hope Family Chiropractic

At New Hope Family Chiropractic, Dr. Lincoln practices exclusively the Gonstead technique at his two locations in East Providence and Pawtucket. For comprehensive spinal care tailored to your needs, reach out to us at 401-433-3600.

Resources for this blog are attributed to The Gonstead Clinical Studies Society, dedicated to continuing the teachings of the legendary Clarence S. Gonstead, D.C.

The Absence of Pain Does Not Mean Full Recovery: Understanding Soft Tissue Injury Treatment

It’s a common misconception that the absence of pain means an injury is fully healed. However, standard spinal healthcare treatment plans often recommend 24 to 36 sessions to fully resolve spinal complaints. Let’s explore some key factors that impact recovery time and why a comprehensive approach is essential for healing soft tissue injuries.

Factors Influencing Recovery Time:

  1. Severity of Injury
    The extent of damage plays a significant role in determining how long recovery will take. Minor strains or sprains involving muscles, ligaments, and tendons may heal within approximately 90 days. In contrast, more severe injuries, such as tears or ruptures in spinal discs, could take anywhere from 120 to 180 days for full recovery.
  2. Location of Injury
    The recovery time may vary depending on the injury’s location. Some areas of the body receive better blood supply, enhancing their healing capabilities, while other areas with less blood flow may require a longer time to heal.
  3. Age
    Younger individuals generally recover faster from injuries due to their bodies’ higher regenerative capacity. As we age, tissue repair mechanisms slow down, and overall health status may decline, which can result in a longer healing process.
  4. Overall Health and Fitness
    Good physical health and fitness levels can greatly aid in recovery. Individuals who maintain good circulation, muscle strength, and flexibility tend to heal faster compared to those with lower fitness levels.
  5. Nutrition
    Proper nutrition is essential for tissue repair and regeneration. A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals supports the body’s healing processes, ensuring it has the necessary resources to rebuild and repair damaged tissues.
  6. Rest and Activity Balance
    Finding the right balance between rest and activity is crucial for optimal recovery. Rest allows the body time to repair, while controlled movement and physical therapy promote circulation and prevent stiffness, aiding in a smoother recovery.
  7. Treatment
    Timely and appropriate treatment plays a key role in recovery. This may involve various approaches like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), chiropractic care, or even surgical intervention, depending on the injury’s severity.
  8. Medical History
    Existing medical conditions or previous injuries can impact the body’s ability to heal. Chronic conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders may impair the healing process, potentially extending recovery time to 24 months or more in severe cases.
  9. Compliance with Rehabilitation
    Following the treatment plan and rehabilitation program prescribed by healthcare professionals is essential for optimal recovery. Consistency with chiropractic sessions and therapies helps restore strength, improve function, and facilitate the remodeling of soft tissues.
  10. Psychological Factors
    A person’s mental and emotional state can significantly influence recovery. Maintaining a positive attitude, managing stress, and seeking psychological support can help individuals navigate the challenges of recovery and promote healing.

Holistic Approach to Recovery

The interplay of these factors shows that recovery from soft tissue injuries is complex and influenced by various elements. Addressing these factors holistically—through proper treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and mental well-being—can optimize the healing process and lead to a more effective and efficient recovery.

Are Your Feet Causing Your Back Problems

Let’s be honest, most people never give their feet a second thought unless they hurt much less associate their back pain or hip pain with their feet.  Unless you are a podiatrist or a chiropractor trained in the proper biomechanics of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and pelvis you may suffer needlessly not knowing that a simple orthotic can correct the cause of foot, ankle, knee, hip, and lower back pain.

Let’s look at the anatomy of the foot and how the foot should work to prevent problems up the kinetic chain.  The foot consists of 26 bones of eight distinct types, the tarsals, metatarsals, phalanges, cuneiforms, talus, navicular, and cuboid bones. These bones are held in place by ligaments and are moved by tendons and muscles.  When looking at the foot from the side you notice that the portion of the foot is arched and that arch is maintained by fascia.  The plantar fascia or plantar aponeurosis is a thick connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. The aponeurosis attaches to the calcaneus and the heads of the metatarsal bones.  When you wear shoes that do not support the arches of the foot the aponeurosis will stretch out and the foot will lose its arches and this will lead to problems with the foot, ankles, knees, hips, and back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is only one company that takes a digital and laser scan of the bottom of your foot and produces a custom fit 3 arch supporting orthotic.  Supporting only one of the three arches will fall short of the support your foot needs.  If you are having foot, ankle knee, hip, or lower back problems you should consider getting your feet checked.   Call my office or click on the link below to schedule an appointment to get your spine and feet checked.  

 

 

 

 

I’ve been Diagnosed with a bulging Disc in My Back. Can Chiropractic help me???

So, you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc in your lower back and you have been told you need to have surgery or you could end up in a wheel chair for the rest of your life if you don’t have surgery.  I have heard this line many times from my patients.   

A bulging disc is a common finding on an MRI exam and most times you are not even aware you have a bulging disc.  A bulging disc is something you do not want to ignore because it can become a very serious problem.  Let’s look at what a disc is, where they are found, what can cause a bulging disc, why it can lead to significant problems and how to avoid surgery.

Disc are found between your vertebra (Spinal bones) at each level of the spine and the disc allow the spine to move.   Disc are very strong, pliable and durable; however, they can wear out and break down with over use.  Activities such as repetitive bending, lifting, twisting, carrying and even prolong sitting can weaken the structures of a disc so that the outer edges of the disc begin to stretch and bulge outward.   A disc does not have a nerve supply, it is like your finger nails or your hair.  You don’t feel pain when you cut your finger nails or your hair.  You only know your disc is bulging when the bulge is pressing on a spinal nerve.

A bulging disc can be pushed back into place allowing the anulus (outer ring) of the disc the opportunity heal.  A well placed and proper chiropractic adjustment can move the disc back into place allowing the disc to properly heal.

If a bulging disc is allowed to persist and is not treated it can cause sciatica and over time will break down, deform and can eventually herniate.  If it herniates chiropractic treatments are a good starting point to help return normal function to your spine.  If the disc is too far-gone surgery may be your only option.   Waiting is not a good option.

If you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc or you are having back pain and would like relief, click on the link below for an appointment or call my office Monday thru Friday 8am to 6pm. 

Can You Help Me With My Shoulder Pain??

I walked into my exam room and sat down to do a consultation with a prospective patient.   He told he had a shoulder problem a long time and the medication wasn’t helping anymore and he heard chiropractic could help with his shoulder.

He began to tell me “I have been getting a lot of pain around the back of my shoulder.  I can not sleep on it at night because it hurts too much.  It hurts to raise my arm above my shoulder and it is tending toward getting worse as I get older.  I am getting pain when I turn my head to the right or look up.”  He wanted to know how it was related to his spine and how chiropractic could help him.

I explained to him that every part of the body is controlled by the nerves that travel from the brain through the spinal column to every organ and muscle of the body.  Any pressure or irritation to the nerve is going to cause dysfunction or pain.  The nerves from the neck and upper back control the shoulder girdle, arms and hands.  If there is pain going on in the neck or upper back there is a good chance the shoulders and arms are going to be affected. 

This is usually a neck or upper back related condition.  I have seen patients with this condition many times and always have good success with these patients.  There is the occasional patient that will have a torn rotator cuff that is caught during orthopedic checks.  These patients I will refer to an orthopedic doctor for further evaluation to determine if the tear is bad enough that surgery is required.   If you are having a shoulder condition and need help or an evaluation, call my office or click on the link to schedule an appointment.

Should my Chiropractor ask me to take my shirt off?

Should my Chiropractor ask me to take my shirt off when being seen for an exam or before being treated?  The simple answer to that question is yes.

A real chiropractor treats a condition known as vertebral subluxation.  A vertebral subluxation occurs when a vertebra has lost its normal position with the neighboring vertebra. Left untreated it will result in a vertebral subluxation complex.  There are 5 factors that determine if you have a vertebral subluxation complex going on.  Three of those five factors should be assessed by visually inspecting the back.

When the shirt is off and the spine/back is exposed, a properly trained chiropractor can see indications of a misaligned vertebra in the spine.   These indicators may include abnormal skin creases, elevations, and curves.  The loss of proper motion or ranges of motion of the vertebrae can be viewed with the shirt off.

Myopathological changes can only be fully assessed by viewing the exposed skin of the spine/back.  Taunt and tender muscles and muscle spasms or cramps will be visible when confirming the presence of a subluxation.  The visual aspect will also help the chiropractor in determining which vertebra is the one that is causing the problem.

Histopathological changes to the spine are changes associated with damage to the soft tissue around the spinal joint.  When the soft tissue is injured, the damaged tissue will weep a lytic enzyme which can be viewable as swelling and edema.  This inspection of the soft tissue can only be done when the patient is exposing the skin.

A Gonstead doctor will use an instrument on you called a Nervoscope the is designed to show areas of inflammation by the use of thermocouples.  The inflammation is produced by the histopathological and myopathology changes to the joint.   These areas of inflammation will usually coincide with subluxations of X-rays of your spine.

A lot of important information can be found when visualizing the exposed tissue of the spine and much can be missed when not viewing the spine.  A true Gonstead Chiropractor is trained to look for clues during the assessment to determine the cause of your problem and for the solution to your problem.  Women patients should be asked to wear gowns and men to remove their shirt or they can wear a gown if they choose too.  This will allow the doctor to perform a better assessment of your spine and provide a better treatment of your condition.

Metabolic Syndrome

Many people are suffering from unexplained pain throughout their bodies that just does not seem to be normal.  These people can range from the very young and healthy-looking to the middle-aged and older population.  Doctors and tests don’t seem to be able to identify exactly why these people are having these complaints and why they persist and never seem to improve with drugs or other forms of treatments.  A new condition that has been emerging over the years is being used to label and lump these patients.   

In the U.S. today, about 25% of the adult population is being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.  This estimate does not include children or teens.  The medical establishment defines metabolic syndrome when three of the following five medical conditions are present: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high serum triglycerides, and low serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL).  Metabolic syndrome left to run its course will result in the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetesAssociated conditions include but are not limited to hyperuricemia, fatty liver progressing to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a polycystic ovarian syndrome in women, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction in men, osteoarthritis, and acanthosis nigricans.

Metabolic syndrome is much more pervasive than what it is getting credit for.  For instance, hyperuricemia (high uric acid in the blood) can result in kidney stones, gout, and arthritis; but eating red meat, and cheese, and drinking wine will get the credit for this condition.  I see patients who are young and look healthy but are loaded with pain and inflammation that improve marginally.  They have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, or Lyme disease but don’t remember getting bitten by a tic or some other off-the-wall condition.  I am seeing patients in their late 30s, forties, and early fifties with arthritic joints of a 70-year-old.   Metabolic syndrome effects the cells of the body and every tissue, organ, joint, and bone of the body.

High levels of sugar in the blood are being blamed for metabolic syndrome when, in actuality, insulin resistance is the cause of metabolic syndrome and many other inflammatory conditions throughout the body.  The reason for sugar or glucose getting the blame is that there are a whole host of drugs on the market to lower glucose and A1C.  Until the cause of insulin resistance is addressed the condition will persist and worsen over time.  

The use of medication will indeed lower the tested numbers but will not stop the devastating effects of hyperinsulinemia.  In fact, the medical practice will focus on sugar, cholesterol, A1C, and fasting glucose which are all markers of sugar in the blood when they should check levels of insulin in the blood.  These medications do not address the high levels of insulin but act as an agent increasing insulin levels to push blood sugar into the cell and making the insulin receptors more efficient.

Hyperinsulinemia happens when you have a higher amount of insulin in your blood than what’s considered normal.  This can be determined by taking a Fasting Insulin Blood Test.  Insulin is a hormone your pancreas makes and releases to drive sugar into the cells for energy.  It is essential for life and for regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels, specifically by lowering glucose levels.

Hyperinsulinemia also results from insulin resistance, which happens when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond as they should to insulin. The development of insulin resistance increases insulin production (hyperinsulinemia) so that your body can maintain healthy blood sugar levels.  Insulin is an anabolic hormone that causes the body to store sugar which is converted to fat and stored in the cell inhibiting lipolysis of fat in the muscle and fat tissue. Lipolysis is the breakdown of stored fat for the usage of energy.  

Abnormal levels of insulin in the blood results in persistent use of insulin which promotes obesity.  Fat cells (adipose cells) produce inflammatory agents.  Clinical research and studies have confirmed that chronic low-grade inflammation from adipose tissue (fat) is linked to metabolic disease and organ tissue complications in overweight and obese organisms.  Adipose tissue inflammation is initiated and sustained over time by dysfunctional adipocytes (fat cells) that secrete inflammatory adipokines and infiltration of bone marrow-derived immune cells that signal via the production of cytokines and chemokines. Adipose tissue inflammation negatively impacts remote organ function, a phenomenon that is considered causative of the complications of obesity, not hyperinsulinemia. 

There is only one way to prevent and fix metabolic syndrome and that requires life style change.  The medical industry and big pharma know that it is so easy to take medications to cover up the problem, rig the numbers to fool you into believing you are better, and slow the progress of the diseases until there is no return to health.  If you are tired of living in pain every day and tired of feeling ill and run down, you must be willing to change your lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is a horrible disease that will rob you of your life and your golden years.

How do you know if you have metabolic syndrome?  People who have metabolic syndrome typically have apple-shaped bodies, meaning they have larger waists and carry a lot of weight around their abdomens.  If you are 20 pounds overweight your body is undergoing metabolic syndrome without noticeable symptoms.  Not all metabolic syndrome sufferers are overweight.  If your diet consists mainly of highly processed foods, drink sugary drinks, and alcoholic beverages you are driving your body into metabolic syndrome. 

Metabolic syndrome and its devastating effects on the body can be reversed.  The benefits of living a long healthy life far outweigh the misery of sickness and expensive medications and their unintended side effects.  

If you want to find out if you have metabolic syndrome and what can be done to change your life, call today at 401-433-3600  New Hope Chiropractic.

My Tailbone Hurts

Are you having pain below the belt line and it hurts when you are sitting or lying down?  Do you sometimes have an aching buttock pain that radiates into the hips or the groin area?  You most likely are experiencing sacral pain, coccyx pain, or S.I. joint pain.  Most people experience lower back pain that is found above or at the belt line but others experience pain below the belt line and lower.  Most doctors are not adept at dealing with that area because it is not associated with the more frequent lumbar disc-related conditions.  There are many causes of sacral pelvic pain, they include slips, falls, pregnancy, delivery, short leg, flat feet, and sitting on uneven surfaces.  Let’s look at the anatomy of the pelvis and how it functions and how the chiropractic profession has successfully treated these conditions with great success over the years.

The pelvis is made up of 4 bones, the two-ilium bones found on either side of the sacrum that we commonly refer to as the hips. The large bone between the ilium called the sacrum and attached to the tailbone is the coccyx that is commonly referred to as the tailbone.  The ilium articulates with the sacrum and the sacrum articulates with the 5th lumbar vertebrae and the 1st coccyx bone.  A bad slip or fall onto your buttock can cause a misalignment of these articulating joints causing chronic pain and inflammation and mimic sciatic pain.  Many times, surgery will be performed on the Lumbar region without any relief of buttock or sciatic symptoms.   

The X-ray below reveals a misaligned right ilium from a traumatic injury.  Also note how the spine is tilting to the right causing a subluxation at L4.  If these misalignments are not corrected the body will fixate and heal into this abnormal position resulting in wear and tear of the misaligned joints and inflammation of the surrounding nerves.  Organs that are supplied by those nerves will suffer and not function at their optimal levels.

No surgery stretching or strengthening of the soft tissue involved in this condition is going to correct the cause of the problem.  I have successfully treated these conditions for years.  If you or someone you know has been suffering from this problem, you can click on this link or call my office to schedule an appointment.   

Should I see a Chiropractor or go to Physical Therapy???

A patient case scenario “My back has been hurting for the past 6 months and getting worse so I decided to see my medical doctor for help.  After telling my doctor about my lower back and how it has been hurting, he gave me a prescription for anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxers, and a prescription for physical therapy.   I asked about going to a chiropractor, and he told me he didn’t know anything about chiropractic and I could try it if I wanted to but to be careful”.

This is a very common scenario because most people and medical doctors don’t know what a chiropractor treats.  Most people think that chiropractors treat back and neck pain which is just a symptom of what it is they treat.  A chiropractor treats a condition called a Subluxation.  A subluxation is a misalignment of a vertebra or combination of vertebrae in the spine that leads to nerve irritation which can cause a whole host of unwanted symptoms like back and neck pain.   Any joint in the body can subluxate and can be treated by a proficient chiropractor.  The sacrum/tailbone or ilium/hipbone are common nonspinal bones that can be subluxated and cause lower back and sciatic pain.  Many back surgeries that have an unsuccessful outcome are because the problem lies in the sacrum or sacral iliac joint and not in the spine.

Physical therapist treats back and neck problems and a host of other physical conditions.  Their goal is to rehabilitate the soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, tendons) of the body that are responsible for moving the joint and supporting the joint.  Physical therapy plays in important part in helping patients recover from soft tissue injuries and surgeries.  All chiropractors are also Doctors of Physiotherapy which provide the same function as physical therapy type work.  Most state insurance regulations do not allow chiropractors to bill for Physiotherapy so they do not practice physiotherapy which is an unfair practice.  If the spine is out of alignment (subluxated) it must be put back into alignment to correct the cause of the condition.  If the subluxation is not corrected the condition will persist.  No stretching, strengthening, medication, or surgery is going to correct a subluxation.

If you are having back pain don’t expect your medical doctor to refer you to a chiropractor.  You don’t need a referral to see a chiropractor.  Start with a chiropractor first and get your spine checked.  If it is not a misalignment problem your chiropractor will refer you to a Physical Therapist.   If you are having persistent back or neck problem click on the link or call my office to get your spine checked.

I have Arthritis in my Spine What Can I do?

A caller, called my office last week stating that he had been diagnosed with arthritis of the spine and was prescribed medication for the pain.  He did not want to take the medications because he was concerned about the damage from long-term use of NSAIDs can have on the stomach, kidneys, and liver.  He wanted to know if chiropractic could help with his condition or if there was something natural he could take for the pain that would not cause side effects.  I have had many patients ask what is arthritis and what causes arthritis and if chiropractic can help with it. 

The word “Arthritis” comes from the Greek and Latin language, “artho” meaning joint and “itis” meaning inflammation of the ______.  Combine the two words and it means joint inflammation. A joint is where two bones meet together.  The joint is usually separated by cartilage (disc) and held together by ligaments and fibers.  The cartilage between the joints is very tough and durable and does not break down because of age.  It breaks down because of trauma, overuse, or abuse of the joint.  If you are over the age of 40 and you come into the doctor’s office complaining of lower back or neck pain, stiffness, loss of flexibility in the spine, or inability to straighten your back or turn your neck, you will be diagnosed with arthritis.  Arthritis of the spine will be accompanied by swelling and tenderness over the affected vertebrae, a feeling of grinding when moving the spine, and pain or numbness in your arms or legs if the nerves are affected.  Headaches are typical with arthritis in the neck.  

 

As the cartilage (disc) between the joints slowly breaks down, it leads to inflammation and pain. Because the pain is from mechanical damage, it will be more noticeable when bending or twisting your back. Past back injuries also contribute to degenerative arthritis of the spine. Degeneration of the disc contributes to spinal facet joint arthritis. As discs between the vertebrae become thinner, more mechanical pressure is transferred to the facet joints. This leads to more friction and more damage to the cartilage.

Degenerative changes that occur in the neck are referred to as cervical spondylosis.

Loss of range of motion in the joints accelerates the progression of arthritis and pain in the spine.  The first goal of chiropractic treatments in this case is to begin to increase range of motion and increase function of the effected joints.   This will increase blood flow to the effect areas promoting healing and reducing inflammation.   Regular and persistent chiropractic treatments can be very effective in helping restore normal function and health back to the spine.  If you have been diagnosed with arthritis of the spine or spinal stenosis and would like to know if chiropractic can help you, click on the link below or call my office.

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