Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

We favor a preventive approach at the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, which is why we are concerned about hip pain in children. Besides being a problem in itself, hip dysfunction can affect the biomechanics of the whole body. In cases of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, it is especially important to provide treatment for a lifetime of pain to be prevented.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a condition, usually seen in slender boys under eight years old, in which blood is unable to reach the part of the femur bone which fits into the hip socket. As a result, the ball-shaped top of the bone breaks apart, resulting in pain and stiffness. In children under six, conservative treatments may be sufficient to ensure that the bone heals in the right shape. However, the children will still experience stiffness in their soft tissues while the leg is immobilized. In order to prevent muscle and ligament shortening, we provide several therapies, including the use of microcurrents and cold lasers. We can also oversee stretching exercises which will strengthen the surrounding muscles, removing some of the pressure from the broken bone, and provide an alternative to high-impact exercises which are painful and complicate healing.

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 Summit Chiro and fill out a contact sheet.

Stiff Neck

At the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, we want our patients to know we can use chiropractic to provide them with safe, fast pain relief from a stiff neck. But we also want them to know more about this condition so that they can avoid its most common causes.

Neck stiffness is often related to the levator scapulae muscle. It is what connects the cervical vertebrae to the shoulders and can become strained through repetitive motions such as the way swimmers turn their heads with each stroke or extended overhead lifting. It can also be impacted through repetitive straining thus causing misalignments of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae and suffer overuse as a result of people looking downward at a screen too much or thrusting their heads into an unnatural position. Some examples of the latter include sleeping on the front, which pushes the head back and resting the chin on the palm.

We can treat a stiff neck with adjustments, microcurrents, cryo/halotherapy and cold laser treatment. But first, the patient will need to undergo a thorough examination so we may be sure of the cause of their discomfort. In rare cases usually accompanied by fever symptoms, neck pain can also be due to bacterial infection.

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 Summit Chiro and fill out a contact sheet.

Chiropractic Care for Diabetics

People who suffer from diabetes are at risk for long-term problems that can affect the heart, brain, feet, and peripheral nerves.  Diabetes effects normal insulin function. When glucose levels are higher than normal, this can cause inflammation in blood vessels and nerves.  Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center suggests chiropractic care as an alternative treatment method for stabilizing healthy blood sugar levels.

Chiropractors are experienced in treating disorders of the nervous system as well as the musculoskeletal system. This is because chiropractic care and helps protect the delicate central nervous system that controls and coordinates every muscle, tissue, and organ of the body.  The upper neck and mid back both responsible for supplying nerve signals to the brain and the vital organs. When those signals and responses are interrupted by misalignment, the pancreas, blood sugar, and digestion are all affected.  Along with assisting in the optimal function of our organs, a spinal realignment can boost the immune system and balance hormones.

If you have questions or concerns regarding diabetic chiropractic care, 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.

Osteoporosis in Older Men

We at the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael are committed to battling osteoporosis, one of the leading causes of back pain and declining quality of life among seniors. This disease is most common among older women, but a new study found that stress fractures are often undiagnosed in older men, resulting in them not getting proper treatment.

Osteoporosis occurs when bone degenerates more quickly than it can rebuild. This leaves it brittle and vulnerable to developing tiny splits, called stress fractures. According to the study, out of 197 men who developed stress fractures, only 28 were properly diagnosed by their physician, but 70% of them experienced pain. While osteoporosis is more common in older women due to hormonal changes, the disease also occurs frequently in men, and the new study demonstrates the importance of checking for it at regular examinations.

Our office provides many safe, non-addictive treatments pain relief treatments, including cold laser therapy. Some of the biggest risk factors for osteoporosis are lack of vitamin D and calcium, so if you are experiencing early symptoms, be sure to ask about our neutraceutical products and counseling.

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 Summit Chiro and fill out a contact sheet.

Introduction to Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of back pain and stiffness we see at the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, but many patients have questions about the condition. To help them understand it, we put together this introduction.

Osteoarthritis is distinct from rheumatoid arthritis. While rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects many kinds of tissues, osteoarthritis is caused by wearing down of cartilage between joints. In the spine, it is the cartilage between facet joints that gets worn down, resulting in inflammation as the joints press into each other. This causes pain and muscle spasms, most commonly after long periods of inactivity, such as sleeping. Drops in atmospheric pressure also trigger swelling, resulting in back pain, numbness, or tingling.

People with degenerative disc disease are at particular risk of developing osteoarthritis. As the discs get worn out, they are less able to absorb shocks, causing the force to be transferred to the cartilage. Our anti-aging treatments can help prevent osteoarthritis and chiropractic treatments can reduce discomfort. Diagnosing osteoarthritis will require examinations, imaging tests, and a medical history so we can eliminate other possible causes of pain. Ask about our x-ray special for new patients.

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 Summit Chiro and fill out a contact sheet.

How to Avoid “Text Neck”

In this day in age, it’s almost impossible for adults to put the phones down, let alone out of sight. When we spend minutes, even hours at a time, reading the news or responding to texts and emails, this can wreak havoc on our neck and spine. There are many ways to avoid straining the neck while spending time on your phone, and Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center is here to give you a few tips.  

Our mobile devices can have our heads leaning forward, down, and sometimes sideways. As the neck bends, this puts muscle strain on the shoulders and surrounding extremities. A simple solution to avoiding text neck is to look down with your eyes and not your neck. Try elevating the phone to your eye level and do your best to prevent fatigue. Additionally, it helps to take frequent breaks from your phone, and change positions when uncomfortable.

Repeated use of the phone up to the ear more than 5 hours per day has shown to have created an increase in the incidence of brain cancer due to emf wave disruption of brain cell DNA tissue.

If you have questions or concerns about chiropractic care, 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.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care

At Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center we treat all types of patients, including expectant mothers. Back pain and joint discomfort is common and to be expected during pregnancy. You may need to get through the morning sickness on your own, but Dr. Kent Carlomagno is here to help manage the back pain experienced during pregnancy.

Back pain can occur during any stage of pregnancy, but as the baby grows bigger it puts more pressure on the spine and lower extremities. Increased oxytosin hormone levels contribute to hypermobility of hip joints, increasing the possibility of nerve irritation. Excessive weight gain may also be detrimental to posture, causing pain in the lower back. Fortunately, chiropractic adjustments are safe for most pregnant women.  Adjustments help keep posture problems in check as the stress on the back increases.  Regular adjustments throughout pregnancy also help mother and baby prepare for a healthy birth.  Prenatal chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to keep a mother's spine and hips in alignment, and the baby in a good position for delivery.

If you have questions or concerns about pregnancy and chiropractic care, 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.

Tailbone Injuries

At Dr. Kent Carlomagno’s Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, we use non-invasive chiropractic techniques to treat a variety of back and nerve problems. A problem in the spine can have repercussions elsewhere in the body, and that’s especially true of problems in the lower back. Today, we’ll look at the lowest part of the back of all: the coccyx.

The coccyx is also known as the tailbone, but it’s actually a fusion of several vertebrae. It’s relatively rare for it to get bruised or broken, but it can be as the result of biking or horseback riding accidents or problems during pregnancy. When the coccyx is in pain, we call that coccydynia. A pinched nerve in this location can cause symptoms of sciatica, including incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and pain or tingling in one or both legs.

It will take some time for a coccyx injury to heal naturally, during which the patient will be in discomfort. We aim to reduce their pain through means such as adjustments and therapeutic pelvic floor exercises. We can also recommend specialty cushions or wedges that are easier to sit on for a person who is avoiding putting pressure on their tailbone.

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.

Tips for Raking

Falling leaves mean more yard work, and at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Raphael, we want to make sure our patients know how to stay safe. Underestimating the amount of effort that goes into raking could leave you with a strained back.

When doing yard work, it is advised that people wear slip-resistant close-toed shoes, long pants, and long sleeves made from a material that is warm, but breathable. Clothes should be form-fitting, but not restrict movement, and people should not wear dangling jewelry when using equipment.

Warm up by doing dynamic stretches and remember proper lifting techniques (head up, push with your legs, test an object’s balance, etc.). When raking, the American Chiropractic Association recommends standing with the rake to your side, with one foot forward and one back, and alternating every few minutes. Also alternate which hand is higher (meaning you’ll have to switch which side of the pile you’re standing on). Keep your back and neck straight, and remember not to overstuff the bag. Try lifting the bag before moving it; if it’s too difficult, transfer some leaves to a different bag.

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.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression may sound painful, but it’s actually quite the opposite. The goal of spinal decompression therapy is to relieve pain and promote optimal healing for bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs. Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center uses this nonsurgical method to help patient’s return to their daily activities, pain-free.

Spinal decompression therapy uses a traction device placed on a table and involves stretching the spine, with the goal of relieving back and leg pain. At Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, Dr. Kent Carlomagno utilizes Posture Pro spinal decompression therapy, a state-of-the-art treatment for neck pain relief, sciatica relief, and much more. PP therapy uses gentle forces, to improve blood flow and nutrient exchange to an injured area. Therapy sessions typically last less than 20 minutes and Dr. Carlomagno will create an individualized treatment plan that is attentive to your needs.

If you have questions or concerns about spinal decompression, 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.

Microcurrent Therapy

Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center provides microcurrent therapy to relieve pain and heal patients.  Microcurrent therapy is administered by placing electrodes directly onto the skin in an affected area and sending microcurrents through the skin into the soft tissue that is in pain or injured.

This therapy is especially recommended for patients with soft tissue injuries because it will reduce pain and inflammation while expediting the healing process.  The microcurrents mimic electrical signals that occur naturally in a healthy body, and restoring electrical currents allows cells to communicate so they can heal more quickly.  The electrical currents are so small that patients usually feel nothing at all or only a slight sensation.  Individual treatment sessions are short and typically scheduled over a series of weeks.  Patients with acute or chronic pain can receive benefits from microcurrent therapy.

To learn more about microcurrent therapy and all the services we provide at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, visit www.summitchiro.netfor more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kent Carlomagno in San Rafael, CA, call 415-721-7520.

Thank You For Your Testimonials!

At Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, we appreciate feedback from our customers because it teaches us how to improve. We’d like to not only thank our patient, a retired attorney, for his excellent review, but we’d like to encourage the rest of our patients to do the same.  

“I came to see Dr. Carlomagno after going through traditional medical treatment. I was given lots of meds, had surgery for an inguinal hernia, and I was becoming more discouraged with loss motion in the joints of my body. I was also diagnosed with adult onset diabetes and had heart arrhythmias, tachycardias to boot.

With his specialized nutraceutical program, my diabetes has now stabilized and my heart arrhythmias have diminished considerably. With the adjustments I have received my freedom of movement is returning and my walks are becoming longer and more brisk! Thank you for bringing my life back Dr. Carlomagno!”

Your opinion is important to us, so please let us know about your visit. 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.

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.

Facet Joint Problems

The facet joints are the connections between the bones of the spine. The nerve roots pass through these joints to go from the spinal cord to the arms, legs and other parts of the body. To prevent excessive motion, over-twisting, or simply toppling over, these joints allow us to bend and twist, and additionally, keep the back from repetitive strain or an unguarded sprain. When these joints begin to feel inflamed, Dr. Kent Carlomagno at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center can discuss non-surgical treatment options with you.

Facet joint disorders can be quite crippling if left untreated and can even cause disabling low back pain and neck problems. When the acute lumbar or cervical facet joint inflammation is at its peak, the symptoms may resemble those of a herniated disc, a deep infection, a fracture, or a torn muscle of the spine. Low back pain from the facet joints often radiates down into the buttocks and down the back of the upper leg. Non-invasive treatment options may include therapeutic exercises and/or physical therapy or removing nerve inflammation via a chiropractic adjustment. 

If you are experiencing pain in this area, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Set Realistic Fitness Goals

Committing to a fitness goal is something that we all struggle with. Whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle or increase your endurance, Dr. Kent Carlomagno at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, wants you to know that you always have a support system in us. To assist, we suggest setting your fit goals at a realistic pace, based on your personality, lifestyle and current level of fitness. Primarily, be adaptable and use moderation in your training to avoid burnout and injury. 

Repeatedly failing to stick to your fitness goals means that either your goal is out of reach or that you haven’t quite figured out how to reach it. Whether you are trying to lose 100lbs or 10lbs, lower your body fat percentage, or gain weight because you are too thin, your main focus should always be on whatever you are working toward.

A goal that is too easy is not very motivating. To get started, your goal should be attainable, for instance, “I will lose 7% of my body weight.” To reach this goal, examine it first. If you are not concerned about weight loss or this is not a good time in your life to focus on that, choose something that is motivating to you. Additionally, include an end-point. Knowing that you have a deadline motivates you to get started.

If you have questions about getting your fitness goals back on track, 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.

Thank You for Your Testimonials!

Here at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, we appreciate feedback from our customers because it teaches us how to improve. Dr. Kent Carlomagno not only treats everyday aches and pains, he assists patients who participate in active sports as well, including black belts! We’d like to not only thank H.M., a martial arts instructor for reviewing us, but we’d like to encourage the rest of our patients to do the same.  

“I decided to write this letter as a testimonial of the effectiveness of Chiropractic care in the treatment of conditions outside the main scope of pain and muscular problems. I came to see Dr. Carlomagno for problems with breathing and defecation. I had heard from a few of my friends about the power of the nervous system of controlling and healing all parts of the body when allowed to. Dr. Carlomagno did his very complete physical exam and took X-Rays to determine if and where I had nerve flow impingement. He carefully explained the importance of a 100% functioning nervous system and pointed out the various areas of subluxation that would possibly be related to my problem. I was surprised to learn that the electrical system in the body was a lot like a fuse box in your house although much more complicated. There were in fact pinched nerves in my spine that related to the symptoms that I presented to his office. He began a treatment program to see if he could help ameliorate my problems.

Within 2 weeks I noticed that I could once again begin to breathe easier and I began to hear bowel sounds that I thought had permanently gone away. Two days after this I had the most complete bowel movement that I could remember in six months. I believe my conditions improvement was a direct result of a restoration of proper nerve innervation to these organs. I always had a pretty good diet before, drank adequate amounts of water, got average exercise and watched my stress level so this treatment must have been the key to bringing my life around. I now understand the dramatic effect the master control system had in the body and want to encourage everyone who reads my testimonial to "Get your nervous system checked" so you too will have the ability to obtain maximum health! Kudos to Dr. Carlomagno for giving me my chi back!” - Angela Lopez (written 6 months ago) 

Your opinion is important to us, so please let us know about your visit. 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.

Self-Care for Back and Neck Pain

Almost everybody who experiences tight shoulders and neck accompanied with tension headaches knows how unpleasant the pain can be. Here at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, we offer a variety of treatments to treat your back and neck pain. However, when you can’t make it to the office, here are some self-care tips to keep your discomfort under control.

1. Take it easy – contrary to popular belief, studies on acute back pain actually show that a few days of restricting your activity, and taking the appropriate over-the-counter medication, is all that many people need to allow the strained muscles to relax and unwind.


2. Ice, then heat – Ice and heat can alleviate local pain that comes from muscle and ligament strain. Ice slows swelling and inflammation and using heat afterward increases blood flow to the deep tissues and relaxes muscle spasms.


3. Massage -- if you have a willing companion, gentle massage may provide some relief by stretching tight muscles and ligaments.


4. Get into see your Chiropractor ASAP and or make an appointment with Dr. Carlomagno to get your nervous system checked to remove nerve irritation/impingement and hasten the healing response by a Chiropractic adjustment!

If you are suffering from back and neck pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.