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.

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.

Sitting Positions for Less Back Pain

Chiropractic care is typically sought out by people seeking relief from neck or back pain.  At Dr. Kent Carlomagno’s Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, we treat patients and relieve pain, but patient self-care is just as important for their continued health. Simple changes to everyday habits can help you live a pain-free life.  So many of us spend hours each day sitting, between working at computer desks, watching TV, and commuting to work. All of this sitting can cause back pain, making it the most common reason patients visit the chiropractor.  Making a few adjustments to how you sit can ease this stress, help alleviate back pain, and minimize future visits.

Believe it or not, you’ll put less stress on your back when you don’t sit up straight. Leaning back just enough so that your thighs are at a 135-degree angle with your torso is an optimal seated position for preventing back pain. Long periods of sitting are what really increase the risk of muscle pulls, strains, and cramps. So if you don’t have time to walk around and stretch at work, try switching between sitting and standing, and look for opportunities to lean back a little!  

If you suffer from back pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about all the treatments available at the practice, 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.

Shoulder Pain

Chiropractic care is typically sought out by people seeking relief from neck or back pain.  At Dr. Kent Carlomagno’s Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, we are also skilled in treating extremities like the knees, elbows, and the shoulders. The shoulder joint is the body’s most mobile joint. It is surrounded by nerves, tendons, bursa, and other tissues which can all experience irritation and cause pain. This complex structure may require your chiropractor to assess your overall health and condition to target the root of the problem. 

Shoulder pain can have many causes.  Whether pain began after an injury or has increased over time, chiropractic treatment is a safe and effective way to treat damage to both hard and soft tissue.  When shoulder pain is caused by joint irritation, relief can often be achieved through an adjustment.  Pain in the muscles can be addressed by massage or stimulation therapy, and your chiropractor will recommend exercise and stretches if needed.

To learn more about shoulder pain and all the treatments available at the practice, 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.

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.

Cold Laser Therapy

Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center offers cold laser therapy to patients suffering from muscle pain.  Cold laser therapy can be used almost anywhere on the body to relieve pain and promote healing. If you have acute or chronic muscle pain in your neck, back, or shoulders and chiropractic adjustments haven’t helped you, cold laser therapy could be the solution for you.  Patients suffering from sprains, arthritis, and tendonitis are often recommended this treatment because it also helps reduce inflammation.

The laser is a small handheld device placed directly on the skin in the affected area. It uses light to stimulate affected muscle tissue and has the ability to penetrate two to five centimeters below the skin. The laser is applied to the affected area for anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes at a time. Treatments are usually scheduled a few times a week, and the length of a treatment plan can vary. Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free solution with no adverse side effects.  

To learn more about cold laser therapy and all the treatments available at the practice, 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.

 

Biking Comfort

Back pain and injuries are the most common health complaint among cyclists. At Dr. Kent Carlomagno’s Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, our philosophy is to focus on prevention, so we want all our cyclists to know how they can reduce their chances of strains and misalignments.

It is of crucial importance for the bike to be fitted to the rider. The handlebars shouldn’t be too low and they shouldn’t be so far forward that the rider has to stretch out to reach them. However, back pain is common even among professional cyclists who don’t have any problem getting their bikes fitted. This is usually due to lack of core strength. As cyclists become tired, their spinal posture gets worse, putting extra strain on their lower backs and necks.

Regular core strengthening exercises are an important means of reducing back pain. It is also important for the rider to be flexible, particularly in the hamstring area. Other changes will be more specific to the rider’s style; for example, Bigger tires n wheels are better shock absorbers but less desirable for racing. If possible, it is a good idea to change postures frequently while riding and to not sit for too long at work or home, either.

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.

Backpack Safety

Now that children are back in school, most of them are using backpacks on a daily basis. This is a good time for a reminder from Dr. Kent Carlomagno on how to use backpacks safely, in order to avoid unnecessary strains and potential accidents.

A backpack should only weigh about 15% of its wearer’s body weight, at most. Tell your children not to put things they won’t really need it. Most children’s class schedules will have settled down enough by this point for them to plan which items to swap out during passing periods, so ask them if they’re remembering to do so. Backpacks should also be worn at the center of the back. Children should tighten the straps if it is hanging over their lower back, but not so much they cut off circulation to their arms.

It is certainly better to use a backpack than a shoulder bag or large purse that concentrates weight on one side of the body, but the weight in the backpack has to be evenly distributed and both straps should be used. It’s best to use a backpack with a chest strap and to select the smallest one possible. Make sure your kids use proper lifting techniques while putting the backpack on and removing it, and ask them if they have tingling or numbness or nerve pain from vertical weight pressure in their limbs if it looks like they’re struggling under its weight.

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.

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.

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 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.