Spinal Stenosis

Patients at the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Raphael know how highly we prioritize combating neuropathy. Spinal stenosis is one of the most significant causes of pinched nerves and can result in neuropathy throughout the body.

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the channel through which the spinal cord runs. This narrowing is usually the result of bony growths associated with degeneration as the patient ages. It usually happens slowly and results in pain that comes and goes and is worse when the patient stands. Typically, stenosis affects the spine in either the lower, lumbar region, which is a cause of sciatica or in the neck (or cervical) region. Lumbar stenosis can cause leg pain; cervical stenosis can cause pain and weakness in any peripheral nerves.

Our anti-aging treatments help to prevent spinal stenosis by maintaining patients’ strength thru nutrition and proper exercise. When it does occur, we have several chiropractic means of relieving pressure on the spinal cord, including DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy. But because spinal stenosis has several symptoms in common with herniated discs, we’ll need the patient to undergo a complete diagnostic so we can confirm whether stenosis is the cause of their pain and locate exactly where the pinch is.

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.

Why People Stoop as They Age

New patients at the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center commonly wonder why it is that people tend to bend forward as they age. While there are a few different causes, osteoporosis is the most common reason.

Osteoporosis is the weakening of bone tissue, which makes it more vulnerable to small fractures. As vertebrae crack, they collapse, causing the patient to lose height. Usually, the cracks are small enough that the patient will not feel as though they have broken a bone, although they may experience some discomfort. A few stress fractures won’t cause the patient to stoop much, but people who experience one fracture are at a high risk for others.

People who stoop over commonly develop difficulty breathing and walking. Practicing good posture is an important compensatory measure, but getting proper nutrition is essential for preventing osteoporosis. As part of our anti-aging regimen of treatments, we offer vitamin supplements and nutritional counseling. We also use chiropractic to provide patients with several means of relieving pain from stress fractures.

Weight bearing, impact exercise is a key ingredient throughout life to maintain healthy bone matrix.

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.

Strengthen Your Back Muscles

Your back muscles are the largest muscle group in the body and it’s important to keep them strong. Having strong back muscles reduces your risk of self-injury and can improve posture over time. Having a strong back will also make daily activities less strenuous. If you suffer from back pain, this is usually a sign of muscular imbalances. Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center would like to suggest tips on how to strengthen your back muscles.

Stand with your back against a wall – shoulder blades pressed against it. Can you hold this position for the length of the “Happy Birthday” song? If not, this is a sign that your back muscles need some strengthening. Low impact exercises are most beneficial for strengthening the back and core. Whether you are at home or at the gym, try holding a plank for 10 seconds at a time, or hold it for as long as you can. Plank holds are an excellent way to strengthen your lower back muscles. You may also try back extensions, or cobra lifts as they also improve muscular balance.  

If you have questions or concerns about back pain, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at Summit Chiropractic Health 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.

Importance of Stretching

Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center wants you to reflect for a second. How often do you stretch? If you only stretch before or after a workout we are sorry to say that this is not enough. Most of us need to stretch in order to protect mobility and maintain flexibility. In fact, stretching daily, or a few times a week as its own activity –instead of associating it with just exercise – can decrease the risk of day-to-day injury.

The idea of stretching on a daily basis may seem overwhelming. After all, there are so many muscles that need to be stretched. Dr. Carlomagno suggests focusing on one key area at a time. The areas that are critical for mobility are your lower extremities – calves, hamstrings, and hip flexors. Additionally, it is beneficial to stretch your neck and shoulders. Without stretching, the muscles become weak and put a person at risk for injury. To make stretching a habit, Dr. Carlomagno suggests reserving at least 10-15 minutes a day for it. Stretching will not only benefit your physical health but your mental health as well.

If you have questions or concerns about the importance of stretching, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at Summit Chiropractic Health 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.