Sciatica Pain

Sciatica pain can be severe and even debilitating, however, there is treatment. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, we want our patients to be aware of what sciatica is, the different causes, and how it can be treated.

Sciatica pain comes from the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back, through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. Pain often radiates from the lower back all the way down the leg in a shooting pain. In the legs, the pain is most often felt in the back of the thigh and calf. The pain can be mild and achy or sharp and excruciating. Often patients feel a burning sensation. Sciatica pain is usually only felt on one side of the body. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include loss of feeling in the leg, weakness of the leg, and loss of bowel or bladder function.

There are a few likely causes of sciatica pain. Most commonly, it is due to the nerve being pinched by a herniated disc or a bone spur. Occasionally, the pain can be due to nerve damage from another condition.

Sciatica usually resolves within a short amount of time using treatment, like physical therapy. Stretching the area, strengthening the surrounding muscles, and improving posture can relieve pain and keep it from returning. In other cases, steroid injections or surgery is recommended.

If you are experiencing shooting pain from your lower back through your leg, you may be suffering from sciatica pain. To schedule an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Parade of Lights Community Event

Dr. Kent G Carlomagno D.C of Summit Chiropractic did a community outreach event on Nov 27, 2015 entitled Parade of Lights of which he and a current patient performed complimentary spinal screenings, consultations and dissemination of info to potential new patients. This took place in San Rafael on Fourth Street from 12 Noon -8:15 P.M. This was a family event with many children that were in awe at the people in costumes, holiday carolers, snow saucering and vendors selling warm food. It was a frigid 38-40 degrees after the sun went down and everyone was wearing layers and kept moving briskly! “It is always a pleasure and honor to serve the Community in which I was raised and help many regain their health again thru our specialized services”. It is also exciting to rekindle old prior relationships and let others know we genuinely care and are there to serve our Marin County community.

Yours in Health;

Dr. Kent G Carlomagno D.C.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium is a commonly overlooked mineral that many Americans are missing in their life. It is responsible for many of the important functions your body takes on, which is why at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we want to make sure our patients are getting enough of it.

Part of keeping your body running at peak performance is not just how you treat it on the outside, but on the inside, as well. Magnesium is responsible for over 300 chemical reactions within the body. These reactions are what keep our cardiovascular health, keep our energy levels up, our neuromuscular health stabile, and much more. Deficiencies can cause problems with muscles like spasms, weakness, and restless legs. People who do not have enough magnesium are also prone to abnormal heart rhythms, may have increased blood pressure, and increased risk of stroke and heart attack. In addition, depression, anxiety and sleeping problems may arise.

Magnesium is in many of the foods we already eat. Nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts are rich in the mineral. Baked potatoes with the skin, avocados, and yogurt are also good sources. Women should be getting about 310-320 mg of magnesium per day and men should be getting between 400 and 420 mg per day.

Proper nutrition, as well as whole-body care is necessary for a long, healthful life. To schedule an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in our San Rafael, CA office, give us a call at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Proper Stretching

Routine stretching allows your body to be flexible, resistant to injury, and faster at healing. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, we are giving our patients in the San Rafael, CA area tips to make sure they are getting the most out of their stretching.

Stretching benefits the muscles and joints by improving flexibility. Flexibility not only provides a wider range of motion for better performance but it reduces the risk of injury. Stretching also helps blood flow reach your muscles.

To stretch correctly, you should be holding the pose for about thirty seconds. Holding the pose for less than twenty seconds will not yield much of a result, but you also do not want to stretch for too long and injure yourself. You want to stretch four to seven times per week to increase your flexibility. With each stretch, you will notice a wider range of motion. For stretching before an activity, there are different stretches to use. In some cases, a static (non-moving) stretch will be great; dynamic (moving) stretches will be great for others. Make sure you are using the right stretches to increase benefits and avoid injury.

To learn more about Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA give us a call at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.

Longevity Tips

Longevity Tips

We all want to feel good even as we age. While aging is inevitable, there are things you can do to slow down how your body reacts to it. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, our patients receive anti-aging care to keep optimal health as life goes on.

What You Put In is What You Get Out

Good nutrition is vital to keep your body functioning at your peak level. Make sure to include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Depending on who you are, serving quantity changes, but you should be getting up to two cups of fruit in per day and up to three cups of vegetables per day. Antioxidant-rich foods are key for prevention of many health hazards. Also be sure to be getting between nine and thirteen cups of water in per day.

Be Aware

Learning about your body and any health conditions you have will increase your ability to maintain a smooth-running machine. Also be sure to find doctors who will be a partner in your wellness.

Get Moving

Make sure to get your recommended amount of activity in every day. As they say, a body in motion remains in motion.

Be Careful

Take precautions when participating in physical activities. Wear proper protection and allow your body to warm up beforehand and cool down afterward.

To learn more about longevity, schedule an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in our San Rafael, CA office. To schedule, give us a call at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.

The Three Collisions in an Auto Accident

The Three Collisions in an Auto Accident

In the event of an auto collision, there are actually three collisions that take place. In order to understand what happens to the body in a collision, here at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we would like our patients to understand how these collisions happen.

A car crash can bring about some major injuries; while some of them are obvious, there are injuries that remain unseen. Helping you understand what happens will help you understand why it is so important to see a chiropractor soon after an accident.

The first collision happens when the car hits the object that is stopping its motion; whether it is another car, a tree, a pole, etc. This is the obvious collision. The damage is able to be seen on the outside of the car.

The second collision happens inside of the vehicle. This happens when a passenger hits the steering wheel, their seatbelt, the dashboard, the windshield, etc. This damage is able to be seen on the inside of the car and usually on the outside of the person’s body.

The third collision happens inside of a person’s body. When the body comes to a stop, the organs and structures inside of the body still move forward until they crash into something else in the body and stop. This could be the heart crashing into the ribcage, the brain crashing into the skull, or the spine jolting forward or backward in the body. There are many scenarios that could take place within the body. This injury may be unseen at first. A common unseen injury is whiplash. Whiplash causes elastic deformity of the soft tissue in the body and sets the stage for future degenerative changes of the spine that if left untreated become permanent and debilitating.

Seeing a chiropractor as soon as possible after an auto collision will ensure any unseen injuries get attention and care. To schedule an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, call our office at(415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

How Colder Weather Affects the Body

How Colder Weather Affects the Body

It is no surprise that cold weather can make us uncomfortable. However, did you know that cold weather actually has physical effects on the body that make you more than just chilly? Striving to help our patients live a healthy life, here at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, we want our patients to be aware of these body changes.

During the fall and winter, temperatures drop to a chillier climate. This information will also be fitting for anyone taking ski trips or other trips to colder climates during the holidays. The way the cold weather affects our body is usually not positive.

Illnesses

Illnesses like influenza go around more in the winter due to the drier, colder air. Mucus membranes dry out in the cold weather and make it easier for the flu virus to enter the body. In addition, the virus itself survives longer in colder weather. Cold viruses and Flue breed during  colder weather and Immunity governed thru rest nutrition and stress play roles governing immunity and resistance to sickness.

Aches and Pains

The colder temperatures also cause our muscles and joints to stiffen. Our muscles lose elasticity making them harder to stretch out. Cold air also changes the thickness of our joint fluid, which can be painful for some people.

Hazards

There are also other hazards to the body like hypothermia and frostbite. This is why it is important to bundle up. Heath hazards include an increase in exercise-induced asthma symptoms, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems.

The solution to the problems cold weather may create includes taking extra precautions. Bundle up when you are outside, stretch and warm up muscles before doing any physical activity, and wash your hands frequently. For those with asthma or cardiac issues, avoid doing any strenuous activity outside in the cold weather. This, along with talking with us about longevity and wellness will keep you on the right track! To schedule an appointment at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Chiropractic Care for Arthritis

The word “arthritis” means “joint inflammation” and is often used in reference to rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases include more than 100 conditions, including gout, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and many more. Arthritis medications help suppress the immune system and slow the progression of the disease, but Dr. Kent Carlomagno believes in the alternative holistic approach with chiropractic adjustments and exercises.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include painful swelling, inflammation, and stiffness in the fingers, arms, legs, and wrists occurring in the same joints on both sides of the body. Symptoms of osteoarthritis may include joint pain and progressive stiffness that develops gradually. For chronic symptoms or to provide relief from severe episodes of pain from arthritis, manipulation may be recommended. The goal of manipulation is to restore or to enhance joint function. It’s important when receiving chiropractic care to remember that an accurate diagnosis of arthritis is necessary in order to develop a treatment plan.

If you suffer from arthritis, give us a call today. To learn more about the services provided at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, visit www.summitchiro.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kent Carlomagno in San Rafael, CA, call 415-721-7520.

Chiropractic Care for Restless Leg Syndrome

At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity center, we treat issues such as neck and back pain, joint problems and health issues related to restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that causes an urge to move the legs. If you suffer from restless leg syndrome, a visit to Dr. Kent Carlomagno may be able to provide some relief.

When you visit Dr. Carlomagno, he will perform an initial routine exam. The exam will include obtaining a general medical history or medical background pertaining to restless leg syndrome as well as other pertinent medical information. A range of motion exercise test to determine how well your skeletal system functions may also be taken into consideration. When it comes down to treatment, an adjustment or a spinal manipulation may be done to relieve stress placed on the joints and muscles in your legs.

If you have questions regarding chiropractic care for restless leg syndrome give us a call today. To learn more about the services provided at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, visit www.summitchiro.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kent Carlomagno in San Rafael, CA, call 415-721-7520. 

Marin Senior Fair

The Marin Senior Fair is a special event held every year in October where local seniors receive education, resources, and information about various conditions they are experiencing. This year, Dr. C is attending the event on October 23rd. There, he will discuss the benefits of neuropathy treatments and explain the common signs and symptoms of small fiber peripheral neuropathy that seniors should be looking out for. Check out these photos from last year’s event!

Keep Your Spine in Line

Keeping your spine healthy is the key element to living a long, active life. Over time, the spine can become misaligned with daily use, causing dysfunction in the form of acute or chronic pain. One of the most important things about body mechanics and posture is alignment. Alignment refers to how the head, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles relate and line up with each other. To keep proper alignment, Dr. Kent Carlomagno recommends avoiding the following positions or movements:

• Having a slumped, head-forward posture


• Bending forward from the waist


• Twisting of the spine to a point of strain


• Twisting the trunk and bending forward when doing activities such as coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects

If you have questions regarding spinal alignment give us a call today. To learn more about the services provided at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, visit www.summitchiro.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kent Carlomagno in San Rafael, CA, call 415-721-7520. 

Spinal Screening at Summit Chiropractic

At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, Dr. Kent Carlomagno is certified to conduct spinal screenings for scoliosis. The purpose of spinal screenings is to detect the signs of abnormal curves of the spine at their earliest stages so that the need for treatment can be determined. The major objective of the scoliosis screening is to prevent the progression of spinal deviations that may affect overall health.

Scoliosis testing usually begins with a physical exam aka a spinal screening. This includes the forward-bending test, a simple test in which the patient bends forward at the waist, arms hanging loosely and palms touching, while Dr. Kent Carlomagno looks for unevenness in the back or ribs. If the findings of the spinal screening show a significant spinal curve, an X-ray of the spine may be taken to get a more precise measurement of the spinal curve. Screening can lead to early treatment and may prevent curves from getting worse.

If you have questions regarding a spinal screening or scoliosis give us a call today. To learn more about the services provided at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, visit www.summitchiro.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kent Carlomagno in San Rafael, CA, call 415-721-7520. 

Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor

Before any type of physical treatment begins, you should be aware of all aspects of it. When you are seeing a chiropractor, there are a few questions that should be asked to ensure you have a good partnership with your doctor that will facilitate successful results. Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA aims to inform our patients of these key questions.

The first question is to ask what type of technique your chiropractor uses. You want to know exactly the steps that will be taken to treat your condition and how those steps are carried out. You can also ask how exactly the treatment will help your condition.

The second question to ask your chiropractor is what to expect during and after appointments. It is nice to know what to expect going into appointments. This helps you plan your day around the appointment, something that is particularly important for someone who is in pain.

The third key question to ask is what you can do at home to help along your treatment. A large part of your treatment process is following through with it at home. This is why it is called a partnership between you and your doctor. You want to keep up the good work at home to promote healing in the right direction.

For questions about treatments, conditions, or our practice, feel free to contact us. To reach us for questions or scheduling, call Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Neck Stretches to Prevent Injury

Neck pain is something that can easily affect your everyday life. When it is difficult to move your neck, activities that were once simple like driving or picking something up become painful and hard to do. Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA wants to share some exercises to stretch your neck and prevent injury.

Neck Stretch

• Stand facing the corner of a room with your feet together, about two feet back from the walls.


•  Place your hands on each wall with your elbows a bit below shoulder height.


• Lean in as far as possible. Stop if it is painful. Hold for thirty to sixty seconds.

The stretch should be felt in the front of the shoulders and the chest.

Neck Stretch 2

• To the side, raise your elbow above your shoulder, and rest your elbow against a door jamb.


• Turn your head in the opposite direction and bring your chin down. You will feel the stretch in the back of your neck.


• For an extra stretch, place your other hand on top of your head and gently pull your head forward. Hold this for thirty to sixty seconds.

Neck Stretch 3

• Stand with your feet hip distance apart and your arms by your sides.


• Behind you, hold your left wrist with your right hand. Pull your left arm away from your body slightly.


• Lower your right ear towards your right shoulder and hold for thirty seconds. Switch sides.

The stretch should be felt in the sides of your neck.

If you are injured, always check with your doctor before performing these exercises. To schedule an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, call our office at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Chiropractic and Heart Health

Chiropractic care can help the entire body, including the heart. Spinal adjustments have been shown to decrease blood pressure and lower your heart rate. Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA wants our patients to know about the benefits chiropractic may have for the heart.

Adjustments to the spine to create in line vertebrae allow nerves and tissues in the surrounding area to function normally. When a vertebra is misaligned, this causes pressure onto the tissues and nerves which can interrupt messages to and from the brain. When the C1 vertebra is misaligned even slightly, it can disrupt messages that affect the heart.

It is thought that when the C1 vertebra is misaligned, it sends out signals that contract the arteries. Therefore, blood pressure is increased in both the systolic number and the diastolic number. When the C1 vertebra is moved back into place, it decreases the blood pressure again in both systolic and diastolic measurements. It is also thought that when the rest of your cervical spine is adjusted, the eight pairs of nerves in the cervical spine are able to function properly which may reduce the heartrate.

If you have high blood pressure or just want to be sure that your body is functioning optimally, consider trying chiropractic care. To schedule an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, please contact us by calling (415) 721-7520 or by visiting our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Boost Your Immune System this Fall!

The kids are back in school and their germs are being passed around like orange slices at a soccer game. It is time to sharpen your defenses. Here at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, we want to remind patients that chiropractic care along with a few other tips and tricks can boost your immune system.

When the spine is in line, the body is able to function at its peak level. Since the function of the brain and the spinal cord delivering uninterrupted messages to each other depends on the spine’s health, a misaligned spine may interfere with the messages. When there is pressure on nerves and surrounding tissues due to subluxated vertebrae, the organs that control the immune system do not get clear messages and the immune system reacts poorly. Spinal manipulations from your chiropractor can resolve subluxations so there is a clear nerve pathway for the body’s messages.

In addition to seeking chiropractic care, there are some simple ways to boost your immune system at home.

·        Make sure to get enough sleep. This means quality sleep. Just because you are in bed for eight hours, it doesn’t mean you are getting good sleep.

·        Do not smoke.

·        Do not drink excessive alcohol; this impairs the immune system.

·        Eat immune boosting foods like yogurt, oats, sweet potatoes, tea, garlic, and mushrooms!

Turbo-charge that immune system and stay cold-free this season! To schedule an appointment here at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Fall Activities to Lead an Active Life

With the cooler weather coming up and fall in the air, there are so many opportunities for activities! Part of living a healthy life is living an active one. It is for this reason why at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we want to inspire our patients to take advantage of the nice weather and get active!

Here are some awesome activities perfect for the season!

·        Go hiking! Find a local forest preserve or a state park and explore! With the leaves changing colors, this will make for a beautiful day. You can even bring a field guide and search for different types of leaves!

·        Go kayaking! Find the nearest river or lake and rent a kayak or canoe for the day!

·        Navigate a corn maze! It’s the season for corn mazes and pumpkin farms! Grab some apple cider and go!

·        Hunt for treasure! Geocaching is a world-wide treasure hunt that anyone with a GPS can participate in. Participants hide a treasure and post the coordinates for anyone to find! When found, you log your name and date it, then move on to find the next treasure!

·         Plant some bulbs for a spring bloom! There is no more pleasant of a surprise than seeing spring flowers pop up that you forgot you planted in the fall!

Enjoy the crisp air and the outdoor activities around in your area to get moving! To learn more about Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, call our office at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Tips for Safe Yard Work

With fall around the corner, yard work is too! With the falling leaves and preparing the yard for winter, there will be a lot to do. It is important to know how to safely accomplish yard work and prevent injury. This is why Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA is giving tips on how to safely perform yard work for a productive and injury-free experience.

While trying to accomplish yard work with a body that can be agitated, it is best to know your limits. Know how much you can lift, how much force you can put into something, and how much time you can dedicate to a task before you need to give yourself a break.

If you have a full day of yard work ahead, make sure to break the work into sections. Try to set time limitations and plan breaks. It is best to take a break before your body actually starts hurting, as prevention is the best medicine.

Try to make tasks easier on yourself. If you can, prepare work on top of a table or workbench. This way, you cut down on time you are crouched down hunching over. Another great tip is for when working with the ground. If you are using a tool to break ground, consider spraying the area with water first to soften the soil. There is also equipment out there to help, like knee pads for kneeling or straps for holding tools that help relieve stress on the body.

As mentioned above, prevention is the best medicine. Know your limits and prepare ahead of time. For more tips or to schedule an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Allergies and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

One of the great benefits that chiropractic care can provide is allergy relief. The body’s systems are connected to the spine, so when the spine is healthy, the body’s systems can function properly. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center here in San Rafael, CA, we want to help our patients understand how chiropractic care may provide allergy relief.

The spine is surrounded by tissues and nerves. When part of the spine is misaligned, pressure is put on the nerves and tissues in the surrounding area. This pressure blocks messages to and from the brain. How does this tie in with allergies? When the body detects a foreign pathogen, the immune system releases histamines as a response, which creates the allergic reaction. Cortisol, a hormone produced by our body, is an anti-inflammatory, which is necessary to combat the histamines released. When the spine is misaligned, there can be an imbalance in histamines and cortisol; causing more severe allergic reactions. When the spine is in line, this creates an open pathway for the brain to send and receive messages; allowing a balanced release of histamines and cortisol. Therefore, chiropractic adjustments can act as allergy relief. Regular adjustments make sure the spine is continually in line and serving as an open pathway for nerves.

If you are suffering from allergies, whether seasonal or year-round, come see us at our San Rafael, CA practice for a consultation. To schedule, call Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

By now it is no surprise that stress can lead to real physical pain. With the everyday stressors that come with work and personal life, it can be hard not to tense up, even if it goes unnoticed at first. Here at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, our patients’ health and happiness is our top priority. This is why we want to give tips on healthy ways to cope with stress for a happy life and a healthy body.

During stressful moments in life, we all know there are good ways to deal with it and bad ways. Yelling, being destructive, relying on substances like drugs and alcohol, or shutting out life are all poor ways to deal with stress that can lead to even more stress.

Thinking positively, relaxing, and participating in simple pleasures are healthy ways to deal with stress that promote problem solving. An example of positive thinking would be saying, “I can do this” instead of saying, “this is impossible”.  Participating in active relaxation involves shutting off your mind for a short time. Activities like meditation and yoga are great ways to focus on peace and connect with yourself. In addition, during particularly stressful moments, finding ways to diffuse that stress in the moment will help you make healthy decisions. Counting to ten, going for a walk, and taking a few deep breaths are sometimes all that is needed.

Stress can control mind and body if you allow it, but there are many healthy and enjoyable ways to control it. Here at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, we offer chiropractic care as another form of physical stress relief. To schedule an appointment, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Tips for a Healthy Spine

When your spine is in line, the rest of your body is in line. When your body is functioning at its optimal level, that makes you feel great. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, we want to remind our patients about the ways you can make sure your spine is in good health!

A heathy spine starts with good nutrition. Eating a balanced diet will make sure your whole body is getting the nutrients needed. If you have any special dietary restrictions, make sure you are getting the nutrients you are missing out on elsewhere in your diet. Along with healthy eating, a regular exercise program will also make sure your body is performing at its best.

Good posture is important for your spine in everything you do. While sitting, standing, and sleeping, your spine should be in the optimal position. Repeated bad posture can lead to straining your spine. When the body starts healing in a bad position, it is even harder to break that bad posture. Even lifting incorrectly once could cause injury that leads to poor healing.

If you smoke, the time to quit is always now. Tobacco smoke restricts the flow of blood to the tissues and nerves around the spine, so healing takes longer and pain is more present.

Following these tips can help you avoid injury to your spine and help you heal faster in the event of an injury. When your spine is healthy, your body can function as it should. To contact Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Vibration Therapy

Vibration therapy is quickly becoming more and more popular among personal trainers, doctors, and the public. Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA wants our patients to know what vibration therapy is, why it is becoming so popular, and who it can help.

Vibration therapy is a form of muscle strengthening that involves using a platform that vibrates. The specific frequencies the platform vibrates at are set depending on factors that involve each specific person. The person stands on the platform or performs dynamic movements and the vibrating intensifies the activation of the muscle fibers. A person can benefit from staying still or performing almost any type of exercise. The exercise is drastically increased, as some research shows that a twelve minute workout will reap the benefits of a ninety minute workout.

Vibration therapy has been shown to increase muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. It has also shown to increase bone density, provide weight loss, and provide pain relief. Vibration therapy decreases cortisol, increases serotonin, and can prevent injury. These are only some of the benefits vibration therapy can offer. Vibration therapy is great for those who need to cut down the length of their workouts, those with osteoporosis, and those who are unable to lift heavy weights.

To learn more about vibration therapy and how it can help you, contact Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA. To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Scoliosis and Chiropractic

Scoliosis is the curvature of the spine. The curvature is considered scoliosis after the spine is curved more than ten percent. While the cause of most cases of scoliosis is unknown, forces from other conditions have been known to cause it, as well. Scoliosis is treated in a few different ways including bracing, surgery, and electrical stimulation, but many of these treatments are debated. Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA aims to treat the nerve stress that is caused by scoliosis, therefore correcting many of the interruptions scoliosis can cause.

When scoliosis causes pressure on the nerves surrounding the spine, this creates interruptions in the messages going to and from the brain. This can create problems with many of the body’s systems. When nerves cannot get complete messages to and from the brain from different systems in the body, those systems cannot fully function. By using spinal manipulation, we can relieve the pressure the spine is putting on the nerves. Spinal manipulation consists of small, quick movements of the spine. This, in combination with therapeutic exercise can relieve some of the symptoms of scoliosis and return the body’s systems to proper functionality.

Scoliosis is often treated by chiropractors. If you have been diagnosed with scoliosis, schedule a consultation here in San Rafael, CA to see what we can do for you. To contact Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Proper Sleeping Positoins

Sleeping in the proper position for your spine helps you get a more restful night of sleep. It also prevents straining the spine and waking up with pain. Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA wants to let our patients know the most beneficial sleeping positions so every night is a good night of sleep.

The two best positons to sleep in are on the side and on the back. Everyone has a position they prefer. For those who snore or have sleep apnea, sleeping on the side may be the better option. Those who do sleep on the side should alternate sides as to not create an imbalance.

To properly sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to take pressure off of your lower back. For proper sleeping on your side, slightly bend your legs and place a pillow between them. This helps keep your hips in good alignment.

Keep your cervical spine in line with the rest of your spine by using a pillow that supports your neck and head. Use a thicker pillow if you are sleeping on your side.

 For more tips on posture and healthy sleeping positions, contact Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center here in San Rafael, CA. To schedule a consultation with us, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

How to Properly Lift

When lifting heavy objects, or even large but light objects, the proper lifting technique could be vital. Lifting incorrectly could result in injury. Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA wants our patients to know the safe way to lift to prevent injury.

Have you ever helped a friend move and the next day had serious back pain? That was probably due to an improper lifting technique. Hurting yourself while lifting can not only cause pain but it could be the beginning of a chronic pain without you knowing it. Often we do not understand the extent of our injuries and how they affect us down the road.

To properly lift an object, place your feet shoulder-width apart with one foot slightly in front of the other. Then squat down to the level of the object. Only bend at the hips and knees; keep your back straight. Keeping your chest out and shoulders back helps. Also keep your head looking straight forward. Lift the object slowly by straightening your legs. Your back should still be straight. Do not twist your body as you lift. When carrying or holding the object, keep it close to your body at the level of your belly button. To set the object back down, do so by squatting; keeping your spine in line.

For more information about wellness and other tips, contact Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA. To schedule an appointment, call (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

What is a Subluxation?

When first learning about chiropractic, the word ‘subluxation’ may come up a lot. What is subluxation? Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA wants to help their patients understand.

Subluxation is the term for when a vertebra becomes misaligned. Misaligned vertebrae are a problem for many reasons. A subluxated vertebra puts pressure on everything around it. The nerves that are being subjected to this new pressure are carrying messages to and from the brain. When the pathway for the messages is interrupted, the messages do not get through properly. This means that there can be a part of your body not functioning as it should.

How is a subluxation caused? Well, many things can cause the spine to become misaligned. It can be caused by sudden trauma like a car accident or a fall, or by personal habits. An example of the types of habits that can cause this is continuously wearing high heels, carrying a bag on one shoulder, or sleeping in a bad position. Toxins from our environment can also cause a change in muscles which could result in a subluxation, as well as muscle tension from stress.

In order for your whole body to be able to function at its finest, the subluxation must be corrected. That is where chiropractors come in. A chiropractor can perform adjustments using small, quick movements to re-align the spine.

Chiropractors are specifically trained in the recognition and treatment of a subluxation. To schedule your examination with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Core Strengthening Exercises to Improve your Posture

A strong core leads to good posture. Good posture is important for the spine, as it connects to the overall health of your body. Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA takes good posture seriously. Here are some exercises to strengthen your core and help improve your posture.

Leg lifts:

-Lie on your back and point your toes.

-Keep a strong core, with your spine in a neutral position.

-Lift both legs off the ground, and while keeping one near the ground, lift the other until it is perpendicular to the ground.

-As you lower the first leg, raise your other leg.

-Do this ten times for each leg

 

Side Bend:

-Stand with your feet should-width apart.

-Keep your arms flat against your side.

-Bend sideways, sliding your hand down your leg. Reach down as far as you can.

-Return to the start position and repeat twenty times on each side.

 

Mountain Climbers:

-Start in plank position.

-Bring your right knee up to your chest, then return to plank position.

-Bring your left knee up to your chest and then return to plank position.

-Keeping switching your legs, quickening as you go so it is like running in place, on the ground.

- Continue for sixty seconds.

Finding a good core strengthening routine to do a couple times per week will produce results faster than you think. Find which exercises you like best and create a routine all your own.

To schedule an examination with us at our San Rafael, CA practice, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Tips for Good Posture

Keeping good posture is important for keeping our bones and joints aligned and for proper muscle use. Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA wants to offer our patients tips on keeping good posture for good health.

To stand properly:

-Make sure your feet are about shoulder-width apart.

-Keep your knees slightly bent, and your weight on the balls of your feet.

-Stand tall with your shoulders rolled backward.

-Keep your head level. A good way to make sure of this is to keep your earlobes in line with your shoulders.

 

To sit properly:

-Choose a chair with a good backrest, if possible. This would support your low and mid back. Use a back support attachment if there is not one already on the chair.

-Keep your knees at the same level as your hips, or below them.

-Keep both feet on the ground at a right angle. You may need to adjust your chair or buy a footrest, if needed. Do not cross your legs.

-Keep your forearms parallel to the ground.

-Keep your shoulders relaxed.

Good posture takes time. Keep correct posture in your mind and correct yourself whenever you notice you are slipping into your old posture. The more you keep good posture, the easier it will come.

To schedule a consultation at our San Rafael, CA practice, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Tips for Staying Active with a Desk Job

Working at a desk for forty hours or more per week contributes to a lot of sitting down. Those who sit at a desk for their job need to be conscious of avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. This is why Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA wants to offer tips for staying healthy with a desk job.

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, stress, heart disease, and other health problems. Take these tips to help you move around more during the day.

While at work it is important to take breaks not only for your brain, but for your body. Standing up and walking around just for a couple of minutes will get your blood flowing better and allow your body to get out of the same position. Try getting up from your desk once every hour. You could go to get a drink, visit a co-worker’s desk instead of emailing them, or just go for a stroll down the hallway. It’s a quick way to refresh your body and your mind.

Take the elevator to your office? Try replacing the elevator with the stairs. If it is a reasonable climb, you can get your heart rate up several times a day this way. It’s also a surprisingly good workout for your legs once you start doing it all the time!

To schedule a consultation with us at our San Rafael, CA office, call Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

Cryotherapy

For those suffering with spasms and haven’t found the relief they’re looking for, it might be time to look into cryotherapy. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, we have adopted this new technology in order to better treat our patients.

Cryotherapy is a procedure that helps numb painful areas as well as provides a cooling relief to the affected soft tissues. Cold temperatures are applied to the painful area to decrease the flow of this fluid into the tissues and slow the release of chemicals that cause pain. Cold decreases feeling in an area by reducing the ability of the nerve endings to conduct impulses.

Cold compresses are used to reduce bleeding and swelling within the injured tissue and is best used within 48 hours of your injury. Cryotherapy should not be used for patients who have the following:

• Circulation problems


• Are unconscious


• Those who cannot feel cold (numbness)


• Allergies

For those who do qualify, cryotherapy is a great solution for your back spasm and soft tissue injury problems. Cryotherapy is an excellent solution when it comes to reducing swelling and further injury in the early stages of the healing process.

Interested in cryotherapy? Make an appointment with Dr. Kent G. Carlomagno by calling (415) 721-7520. You can also visit www.summitchiro.net to learn more about therapeutic exercises and other services Dr. Carlomagno offers.

Neck Pain Causes and Treatment

Neck pain is a chronic condition that millions of Americans live with on a daily basis. In most cases, neck pain is caused by an injury such as whiplash, but there can be many other causes to this pain. Your neck, also called the cervical spine, begins at the base of your skull and contains seven small vertebrae. While your neck can move in nearly every direction, this flexibility makes your neck very susceptible to pain and injury.

You can sustain whiplash anytime there is a sudden acceleration-deceleration force that causes the rapid forward and backward movement of the head and neck. This can occur during a car accident or even during contact sports. While most people involved in a car accident recover quickly without and chronic pain, some will experience symptoms for years after the injury.

Though whiplash is one of the most common causes of neck pain, there are also other factors that can play into your pain:

• Old age – degenerative disorders like osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease affect the spine as your grow older


• Daily life – having poor posture, being obese or having weak abdominal muscles can disrupt spinal balance causing neck pain


• Injury – when you make a sudden move involving your neck , your muscles react by tightening and contracting, causing muscle fatigue which can result in pain and stiffness

During your procedure, Dr. Carlomagno will perform exams to locate the source of your pain. Once determined, Dr. Carlomagno will either perform neck adjustments in order to improve the mobility of the spine and restore range of motion. Neck adjustments can also increate movement of the adjoining muscles, improving back function altogether. 

First Visit

When you come into our office, we want you to be comfortable. If you’ve never been to a chiropractor, you should know what to expect when you visit our beautiful Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center facility in San Rafael, CA. Our staff has trained extensively in the care of patients and our chiropractor, Dr. Kent G. Carlomagno has over 20 years of chiropractic experience. He specializes in helping people regain their spinal health, including care of difficult, chronic and acute injuries.

Before you even come in for your appointment, make sure to visit our website for information about all the services and technologies we offer at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center. You’ll also find useful information about general chiropractic care and you can even download pre-appointment forms to fill out before you come to our office, this means less time in the waiting room! Dr. Carlomagno is a dedicated doctor who was inspired to become a chiropractor after suffering life-altering injuries that resulted from a car accident. 

We want to make your first appointment as relaxing as possible. While many believe that chiropractic adjustments are painful, you should know that these adjustments are not painful, in fact, they can be quite soothing. Dr. Carlomagno maintains that he’s not healing patients; he’s just making the adjustments that help the body heal itself. With that in mind, remember that you’re coming in to relieve your pain, so any procedure that Dr. Carlomagno performs will go towards alleviating your pain. It doesn’t matter if you have headaches, stress related symptoms or you hurt your back walking down the stairs, Dr. Carlomagno is there to hear your concerns and relieve you of your pain.

If you would like to come in for an appointment, please give us a call or visit www.summitchiro.net for more information. We hope to see you soon!

Stress and Chiropractic Care

The nature by which we live our lives is constantly in flux, often times this can cause a lot of unwanted stress in our day-to-day lives. In most cases, stress causes negative health effects such as high blood pressure, damage to muscle tissues, damaged immune system and many other negative effects if left untreated. Not many people realize that there are non-substance methods to reducing stress. One of the best options available to patients is chiropractic care. We treat stress with a number of chiropractic techniques to revive patients and relieve them of the negative effects stress causes.

Dr. Kent G. Carlomagno is able to provide a drug-free, non-invasive treatment for many types of pain and inflammation caused by stress. When the body is under stress, the brain signals the adrenal glands to produce hormones, including cortisol and epinephrine. These hormones trigger the body's "fight or flight" response. The chiropractic adjustments completed by Dr. Carlomagno should be enough to convince the brain to turn off this response that is triggered by stress.

Chiropractors work primarily with the spine, home of the nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the rest of the body. Through chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Carlomagno is able to release muscle tension and help the body return to a more balanced, relaxed state. Adjustments also reduce spinal nerve irritation, and improve blood circulation. A healthy and balanced spine is one key to effectively managing stress. Though Dr. Carlomagno cannot make a job less stressful or improve patient’s home life, he can provide patient’s with how they handle stress and help the body cope with stress.

Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments

 

Stress and strain have a big impact on our health.  Physical labor, exercise, sports, and even routine activities like housework can strain our bodies and result in injury.  As this stress builds, whether from minor activities or more severe incidents like auto accidents and slip and falls, your risk of injury increases.  Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center provides San Rafael, CA chiropractic patients with adjustments to alleviate this stress and promote the overall function and wellbeing of the body.  Dr. Kent Carlomagno utilizes adjustments and manipulations at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center that focus on the root cause of the pain.  San Rafael, CA patients benefit from chiropractic care that addresses the underlying problem rather than simply covering up or numbing the painful symptoms.

Chiropractic care is based on the understanding that all of the systems throughout the body are connected.  While a patient may experience pain in one area, the source of the pain could be due to misalignment, imbalance, subluxation or blockage in an entirely different location.  Spinal misalignments in particular can cause varied pain throughout the body.  Through chiropractic adjustments and manipulations, you can realign your spine and reduce tension and stress.  Dr. Carlomagno offers chiropractic adjustments that adjust the vertebrae and gently prompt the spine back into alignment.  San Rafael, CA patients are able to find relief and optimize their health through adjustments and manipulations of the spine.

For more information on chiropractic adjustments in San Rafael, CA, visit www.summitchiro.net or call (415) 721-7520 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kent Carlomagno at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center.

Shoulder Injuries

Athletes can suffer a wide range of injuries, from strains and sprains to tendinitis and pulled muscles, and their joints are especially susceptible to problems. One of the most common injuries to occur, especially in athletes who perform frequent overhead motions, is a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder to provide movement and stability. The tendons of these muscles attach to the top of the humerus, which is where most tears occur, although muscles are sometimes involved. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, Dr. Kent Carlomagno treats a variety of pains and ailments, including orthopedic injuries like rotator cuff tears, and he can help you heal with chiropractic care.

Rotator cuff tears can be caused in several different ways: by direct blows to the shoulder, by falling on the arm while it is outstretched and by having your arm yanked. In addition, impingement (tendinitis), where the rotator cuff tendons rub against the shoulder blade, can also cause the rotator cuff to become inflamed, frayed and weakened. People most susceptible to rotator cuff injuries include swimmers, tennis players, baseball players and other participants in activities that involve a lot of arm movement overhead. Your risk for injury is also higher if you are over the age of 40 since muscles and tendons lose elasticity as you age.

If you have torn your rotator cuff, you do not need to rely on steroid injections or surgery to ease the pain. With chiropractic care, you can be treated with holistic therapies, including chiropractic massage, cryotherapy, ultrasound and Microcurrent Therapy. These therapies promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, chiropractic adjustment and targeted exercises can be used to restore mobility and range of movement. In about six to eight weeks, you will notice a significant improvement.

If you are suffering from pain in your shoulder, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA. He can relieve your pain and increase your overall health and wellness. 

Sciatica

If you are suffering from sciatica, you know that the pain can travel from your lower back to your buttocks and hips to your legs and all the way to your feet. For some San Rafael, CA patients the pain can be so intense and constant that it impacts their quality of life. Fortunately, patients can find sciatica pain relief from Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center through spinal decompression therapy, gentle chiropractic adjustments and effective therapies such as microcurrent therapy.

The sciatica nerve is a long nerve that runs from the lower back to the feet. When irritated or inflamed, it can cause shooting pains that run the length of the nerve. The sciatica nerve can become irritated or inflamed for a number of reasons, including a herniated disk or bone spur that is compressing the nerve. Dr. Carlomagno helps reduce or eliminate the pain associated with sciatica in San Rafael, CA primarily through chiropractic manipulations and manipulations.

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic massage is also a treatment that sciatica patients find extremely helpful for short-term and long-term sciatica pain relief. Dr. Carlomagno wants to remind patients that they need not suffer from sciatica pain because chiropractic care can help. Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center is accepting new patients for sciatica relief as a natural pain relief alternative.

To learn more on how you can experience sciatica pain relief, visit www.summitchiro.net or call Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center at (415) 721-7520 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kent Carlomagno in San Rafael, CA.

Microcurrent Therapy

At the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, Chiropractor Dr. Kent Carlomagno offers a number of treatments and technologies in addition to spinal adjustments at his San Rafael, CA office. One such example is Microcurrent Therapy for the treatment of muscle spasms.

Muscle spasms can be an unfortunate and painful side effect of injuries and chronic back and neck pain. If left untreated, muscle spasms can worsen over time. Microcurrent Therapy at Dr. Carlomagno’s San Rafael, CA office aims to relieve immediate symptoms of a muscle spasm while also promoting healing.

Microcurrent Therapy involves applying small, sticker-like pads known as electrodes. The device has a remote that when triggered, will send mild current to the desired muscles. The current is not painful, but does produce some tingling sensations when delivered.

The current causes the muscle is similar to the messages the central nervous system sends to the muscle fibers, causing them to quickly contract. While this may seem counterproductive, the fast contractions help to fatigue the muscle. The added fatigue stops the muscle from further contracting. Additionally, the fast contractions cause the body to release pleasure-inducing endorphins, which can relieve pain due to the contractions. The muscle stimulation also boosts blood circulation to the affected areas, which helps promote healing.

In a short therapy session, patients can experience relief from muscle spasm pain and facilitate healing at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA.

Cold Laser Therapy at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center

Chiropractic care often incorporates many different modes of treatment. By utilizing holistic and non-invasive practices in addition to chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors are able to help patients heal from a myriad of issues, including soft tissue injuries, spasms and illnesses. Cold laser therapy is one common method employed in chiropractic, and at our practice in San Rafael, CA, Dr. Kent Carlomagno can employ this technique to best serve you.

Cold laser therapy is an excellent treatment that is often used to treat a variety of conditions and pains, including injuries from auto accidents or other accidents. It is called a cold laser because the laser operates at a wavelength that will not increase the thermal temperature of the area it is contacting. While patients cannot feel the laser, its effects are incredibly beneficial. The laser interacts with tissue, stimulating biological processes that help in healing, tissue repair, increased blood flow and the reduction of swelling and pain. 

Cold laser therapy is an effective treatment for back and neck pain, as well as inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, tendinitis and sprains. It has also been known to help with shoulder and neck injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle and joint pain and more.

If you are suffering from soft tissue injury or pain, chiropractic methods are non-invasive and do not rely on drugs to reduce your pain. Increase your overall health and wellness with at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center by calling (415) 721-7520. For more information, please visit www.summitchiro.net. 

How Can Chiropractic Help Piriformis Syndrome?

Located deep in the buttock, below the gluteus maximus, the piriformis muscle extends from the sacrum to the outer hip bone and is responsible for stabilizing the hip joint and lifting and rotating the thighs away from the body. When this muscle is in pain, it can often be confused with sciatica because it produces a similar pain in the lower back and into the legs. This pain is called piriformis syndrome and is caused when the piriformis muscle becomes shortened or tightened or when the muscle spasms and becomes inflamed. When inflamed, the muscle can put pressure on the sciatic nerve that runs beneath it. If you are experiencing pain, tingling or numbness in your lower back, buttocks and legs, Dr. Kent Carlomagno can relive your pain and restore you to health.

A common factor that leads to the development of piriformis syndrome is the performance of activities with excessive weight bearing, changing direction and running. This means that many athletes, namely runners and weight lifters, suffer from this condition. Externally rotating the hip for extended periods of time is another factor. This is most often seen in ballet dancers and those who walk with their feet turned outward. Misalignment of the pelvis bones can also be involved.

Chiropractic adjustments, stretching and strengthening exercises can be combined with inferential microcurrent therapy to treat piriformis syndrome to reduce spasms and tightness and help the muscle heal. If caused by the way you walk, foot orthotics may be necessary.

To schedule an appointment at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, call (415) 721-7520. For more information, please visit www.summitchiro.net. 

Dr. Kent Carlomagno Treats Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be an incredibly expensive work-related injury, with the potential to cost an employee who has it over $30,000 in medical bills and work absences during their lifetime. Occurring most often in adults, women especially, that have jobs in the manufacturing, sewing, cleaning or meatpacking industries, carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive strain condition that causes pain and numbness in the fingers and thumb. While painful and debilitating, carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t have to rule your life. Here at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, Dr. Kent Carlomagno alleviates patients’ pain and helps them heal.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem that affects the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand. When this nerve becomes compressed in the carpal tunnel, where the nerves, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels travel through the wrist, it can result in numbness, weakness and pain. Common symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness and itching in the palm, thumb, index and middle fingers. Some people describe their fingers as feeling useless and swollen even if they don’t appear to be. Symptoms can first appear while sleeping since many people sleep with flexed wrists. As symptoms worsen, they may appear during the day and result in weaker grip strength and decreased sensitivity to hot and cold.

To treat carpal tunnel syndrome, you don’t need surgery. Dr. Carlomagno can provide an alternative method of treatment by using chiropractic care in addition to a chiropractic traction/distraction device. This method allows him to reshape the carpal tunnel and remove the pressure from the median nerve, alleviating your pain.

If you’re suffering from wrist, forearm and hand pain related to carpal tunnel syndrome, schedule an appointment with our office in San Rafael, CA by calling (415) 721-7520. For more information, visit www.summitchiro.net. 

Chiropractic and the Immune System

From the food we eat to the air we breathe to the water we drink, viruses and bacteria are everywhere. However, just because we come into contact with these germs doesn’t mean we are going to get sick. If that were true, we would constantly have a cold or flu. We are not sick all the time because the “germ theory” that most people use to explain disease is outdated. A carry-over from the early 1800s, this theory proposes microscopic organisms cause disease, but that isn’t the whole picture.

It is not enough for germs to simply be present to cause disease. To get sick, your body must provide a hospitable environment for the bacteria and viruses to reproduce, and this depends on many factors, including the health of your lungs, the function of your immune system and your overall health. Since the nervous system controls the proper function of your lungs, immune system and all other organs and systems in your body, chiropractic care can effectively help prevent disease.

At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, we strive to help patients maintain the integrity of their nervous systems, which are largely housed in the spinal column. Dr. Kent Carlomagno uses spinal adjustments to align his patients’ spines and remove interference from the nervous system. This has a beneficial effect on the entire body, not just the back and neck.

Whether you suffer from constant illness or are looking to improve your overall wellness, we can help you at our San Raphael, CA office. Call (415) 721-7520 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit www.Summitchiro.net.

Chiropractic and Exercise in San Rafael, CA

Whether you are suffering from a chronic condition or just hoping to maximize your body’s potential, combining chiropractic care with home exercise is a great way to improve your health and increase your overall wellness. And at our office in San Rafael, CA, Dr. Kent Carlomagno can help you develop an exercise plan that will improve your health and overall quality of life.

Exercise is incredibly beneficial to our bodies, especially when combined with chiropractic treatment. Many studies have shown that it is an effective way to manage both acute and chronic lower back pain, as well as other conditions, helping patients keep moving and feel better. In addition to helping with injuries, regular home exercise also keeps the muscles in proper tone, promotes circulation and can help your body function better as a whole.

Strengthening your muscles has direct and indirect benefits on your health, including increasing your ease of movement, improving posture and stabilizing your joints, as well as decreasing your risk of falls and injuries. Including exercise as one of his 12 rules for longevity, Dr. Carlomagno recommends at least 15 minutes of exercise a day.

To see how chiropractic and exercise can improve your life, schedule an appointment at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center. Just call 619-440-4035. For more information, visit www.summitchiro.net.

Treat Lower Back Pain with Dr. Kent Carlomagno

The lumbar vertebrae in the lower back are larger than any others in our spine and are responsible for supporting the weight of the entire upper body. Although these vertebrae are strong enough to withstand powerful forces from the lower back muscles during lifting, bending and twisting, it is still common to experience lower back pain and injuries.

The cause of lower back pain is usually a muscle, nerve, ligament or spinal injury, such as a herniated disc. Poor posture and degenerative diseases can lead to lower back pain as well. This is because poor posture can accelerate wear and tear on the spine during movement, while degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, can cause structures in the spine to break down and put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Nerve pressure in the lumbar spine can then cause pain and symptoms to spread from the back to the buttocks, legs and feet because the nerves that exit the lumbar spine travel to these areas.

If you’re experiencing lower back pain, you don’t have to resort to surgery or rely heavily on pain medication for relief. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, many patients find that their pain can be effectively treated through chiropractic practices, including adjustments, therapeutic exercise, electrical muscle stimulation and spinal decompression. These methods can alleviate tension, relieve pain and help restore proper movement.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kent Carlomagno, call (415) 721-7520. For more information on the chiropractor and his services, please visit www.summitchiro.net.

Disc Herniation is San Rafael, CA

Many of our patients who seek out chiropractic care at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA do so for a herniated disc in their spine. While commonly referred to as a slipped disc, this condition actually occurs when the disc—the soft cushion between each of the vertebrae in your spine—ruptures or splits. This can happen as a part of a natural degeneration over time, if the discs become dehydrated and brittle or due to an auto accident. Whichever the reason, Dr. Kent Carlomagno can use chiropractic methods to treat the condition in a safe and non-invasive manner.

If you are experiencing neck pain, back pain, stiffness, tingling, weakness or other symptoms that a doctor has diagnosed as a symptom of a disc herniation, receiving chiropractic treatment can help alleviate your pain and increase your body’s ability to heal itself. Typically, treatment involves manual manipulation and adjustment of the spine. Dr. Carlomagno does this by using his hands to gently flex the spinal to stimulate the surrounding nerves and tissue that are causing the pain. This will help increase range of motion and decrease pain and other symptoms of a herniated disc. When the spine is aligned properly, it is able to function at its highest level, which benefits the rest of your body.

If you’ve hurt your back in an accident or if you’re suffering from natural disc degeneration, you don’t have to rely on painkillers or resort to surgery to relieve your pain. With the help of chiropractic, you can relieve your pain and heal naturally. Call (415) 721-7520 to schedule an appointment. For more information, please visit www.summitchiro.net.

Treat Your Neck Pain at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center

The muscles that make up our necks are used constantly throughout the day, and when the movement of these muscles is inhibited, it can be incredibly frustrating and painful. Whether the pain is chronic or the result of a recent accident, patients shouldn’t try to tough out their neck pain.  At our practice in San Rafael, CA, Dr. Kent Carlomagno can treat your pain and improve your overall quality of life with chiropractic care.

Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma from an accident or unnecessary stress and strain on the muscles due to poor posture. Whether your neck pain is a result of spinal misalignment from daily activity or from an auto accident, we can help. Using his hands, Dr. Carlomagno will adjust your spine with quick movements that move the vertebrae back in place. This removes interference to your body’s natural healing ability and allows it to start functioning more efficiently. Additionally, chiropractic treatment can remove some of the strain placed on your neck muscles, alleviating any pain.

To find relief from pain, you can schedule an appointment at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center by calling (415) 721-7520. For more information, please visit www.summitchiro.net.

Dr. Kent Carlomagno and Senior Care

Many seniors experience problems related to misalignment in the spine, and these seniors can benefit greatly from chiropractic care, which offers pain relief, increased range of motion, increased balance and coordination, decreased joint degeneration, increased health and wellbeing and decreased incidence of falling.  All these benefits can greatly improve a senior’s quality of life and keep them out of nursing homes, and at our office in San Rafael, CA, Dr. Kent Carlomagno has the skills and experience to increase his patients’ overall health and longevity.

Chiropractic care is one of the safest forms of health care available to seniors looking to increase their health. Pain relievers merely mask the problem; chiropractic care treats it. Because the nervous system communicates between the brain and the rest of the body through passages in the spine, if vertebrae become misaligned, it can have a systemic effect on the entire body, from the muscles to the immune system. Spinal misalignment, nearby soft tissue injuries and other issues can interfere with the nervous system’s ability to properly relay information, inhibiting the body’s ability to function at optimum levels. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, Dr. Carlomagno can identify and treat spinal misalignment with low-force adjustments that will help aging bodies feel increased energy, comfort and health.

To find out how our services can help you, call (415) 721-7520. For more information, please visit www.summitchiro.net.