Chiropractic for Headaches

Different kinds of headaches have different causes. Those headaches which radiate from the back of the head are called cervicogenic because they originate in the top region of the spine. Fortunately for patients seeking headache relief, at the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, Dr. Kent Carlomagno practices adjustments and other treatments for the causes of aches and pains.

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by pinched nerves in the neck vertebrae. The cervical nerves are divided into two sets, one on each side, and are easily stressed by chronic overuse and whiplash. In some people, keeping the neck stiff while staring at a screen all day is enough to cause cervicogenic headaches. A ruptured disc will put pressure on the neck’s soft tissues and inflamed soft tissue will put pressure on the disc.

Chiropractic patients often experience great improvement from cervical headaches after undergoing neck adjustments, as well as cold laser and microcurrent treatments. However, because cervicogenic headaches often present similarly to migraines, as well as other neck and head issues, Dr. Carlomagno will want to take x-ray images and have a complete understanding of the patient’s lifestyle and injuries before determining a diagnosis.

Dr. Kent Carlomagno operates Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center at 710 C Street, Suite #12, San Rafael, California, 94901. To schedule an appointment, call 415-721-7520 or visit SummitChiro.net and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Sleep Positions for Better Rest

Can the way you sleep contribute to subluxations? Most people don’t think about how long they may be holding a strenuous pose every night, but at the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, we often see them suffering from the results.

People commonly have difficulty gaining restful sleep for two reasons: strain on the musculoskeletal system and obstructed airways. A person who sleeps on their back with a pillow under their head is keeping their spinal system in optimal alignment. Their lungs can expand freely and their limbs aren’t under any pressure. However, gravity is working against their throats, which can restrict airflow and is a common cause of snoring.

Sleeping on the front is the worst position for spinal health. The lumber vertebrae are left unsupported and stretched out while the head is pushed backward and sideways. People who sleep this way commonly suffer from back aches and neck aches, but they continue to do so because it feels easiest on their nasal and throat passages. Sleeping on the side is usually the easiest way to balance the musculoskeletal system’s needs with ease of breathing. Many people find that keeping a pillow between their knees prevents them from rolling over and suffering strain to their hips and knees.

Dr. Kent Carlomagno operates Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center at 710 C Street, Suite #12, San Rafael, California, 94901. To schedule an appointment, call 415-721-7520 or visit SummitChiro.net and fill out a contact sheet.

 

What is Neuropathy?

At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, Dr. Kent Carlomagno is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathy.  Neuropathy is typically short for peripheral neuropathy, and is defined as any damage to the nerves that carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to the extremities.  Most often affected are the hands and feet and the condition results in both numbness and pain in the extremities.

Patients describe neuropathic pain as a steady burning or ‘pins and needles’ sensation.  Depending on the specific nerves damaged, patients also experience numbness or a tingling sensation.  Several inherited diseases can cause neuropathy, as well as trauma and infection.  If you experience numbness or pain in your hands and feet and are unsure of the cause, please contact us for an assessment. Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center offers cold laser therapy and vibration therapy to help the symptoms of neuropathy. A chiropractor can tell you which treatment would benefit your condition the best.

To learn more about neuropathy and the treatments available, visit SummitChiro.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kent Carlomagno at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center at 710 C Street, Suite #12, San Rafael, California, 94901 call 415-721-7520.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc can cause more than a sore back. It can create stiffness, numbness and tingling in extremities, and it can result in a change of lifestyle. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we are committed to helping our patients understand their conditions and then helping them to get back to a healthy life.

To understand what disc herniation is, it will first help to know what a spinal disc is. Spinal discs are between all the individual vertebrae in the spine. They are a rubbery, disc-shaped cushion that has a softer center. These cushions absorb shock and allow the spine to be flexible.  A herniated disc is when some of that softer part pushes through a small tear in the tougher, rubbery outer layer. When the herniated material presses up against a nerve, that is when problems begin to arise.

A herniated disc can cause pain to the area where it is and it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness to the area of the body that the nearby nerve is traveling to. For example, a herniated disc in the lower back can cause sciatic nerve pain that shoots down the leg. The symptoms of a herniated disc can range from nothing at all to severe.  It is important to find out the cause of any pain, numbness, or weakness to find out if the condition could be dangerous or not.

If you are experiencing back pain or numbness and tingling to the extremities, be sure to seek medical attention to rule out a life-threatening condition. Then, make an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA so we can help you get back to feeling good. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.