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. 

Exercising with Sciatica

Though sciatica could be caused by several things, there are some commonalities among the exercise treatments for it. At Dr. Kent Carlomagno’s Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, we commonly treat, via Chiropractic, the condition of sciatica by adjusting the spine to remove nerve pressure on surrounding hard and soft tissue impingement. We want our patients to be able to distinguish between which physiotherapy regimens will help and which will likely hurt them.

Therapy for sciatica is usually based on removing the nerve pressure to break the pain cycle, then strengthening the core and increasing flexibility. While it may be helpful to stretch, as we’ve discussed before, stretching before or as a warm-up will only put further strain on the muscles and ligaments. In general, it is better not to stretch in a way which compresses the spine forward or to do so only to a limited degree.

Core exercises are meant to strengthen both back and abdominal muscles. This is especially recommended when a herniated disc is confirmed as the cause of sciatica. Because crunches may not be recommended or only done in a modified form, these exercises will often include some form of planking. Aquatic aerobics are also a favorite of people recovering from sciatica.

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.

How to Lift Things Safely

People whose jobs regularly require them to lift heavy objects are at risk of wearing their backs out over time. On the positive side, they are usually familiar with safety protocol and can avoid the sudden, dramatic injuries people are thinking of when they talk about “throwing out their backs.” For those who do not regularly pick up heavy things, we want to provide some reminders of how to minimize their chance of hurting themselves.

The simplest part is to make inquiries about using a dolly. But if carrying an object is truly required, you would do well to get a feel for the object’s weight distribution before applying force to it. Stand as close to the object as possible, squat down in front of it, and propel yourself upward with your legs. This should be a steady movement, as should all movements made while carrying the object. The object should be kept at rib-level, and you should rotate your entire body while going around corners. It is inadvisable to twist the torso independently of the legs.

When lowering the object, try to place it somewhere it can be picked up again easily. Keep your head vertical when squatting back down, and get back up slowly after letting go.

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.

Custom Foot Orthotics

Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center offers patients custom foot orthotics that can help improve posture, balance, and alignment. If you experience discomfort or feel unbalanced while walking, custom orthotics could help you.  Custom foot orthotics fit into a pair of shoes like inserts you can find in a pharmacy, but are prescribed and custom-made by a chiropractor to target a patient’s specific needs. 

When a chiropractor prescribes custom orthotics, a foot impression is taken from the patient. This impression allows the doctor to create a custom product for the patient’s particular needs. Orthotics are made to be worn on a daily basis during almost any activity, and we provide various types of orthotics to adapt to different lifestyles or sports. When worn consistently, custom orthotics help realign bones in the foot and ankle. This can take pressure off of other problem areas like the back, neck, shoulders, and hips.  Custom foot orthotics are just one way to care for your chiropractic health. If you think you could benefit from custom foot orthotics, please give us a call.

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.

Auto Accidents

Car accidents that aren’t major collisions are often overlooked by those involved.  More worried about a car repair or being late for work, we don’t always stop to assess what damage may have been done to our bodies. Because of the sudden and unnatural movement of a body during a car accident, anyone involved should visit a chiropractor for evaluation. At Summit Chiropractic, we know some passengers feel the effects of whiplash injuries immediately following an accident, while others may walk away not feeling injured and experience pain later. This is why a chiropractor should always be consulted.

Most often, passengers involved in an accident experience either pain or stiffness in the neck and back. A chiropractor can evaluate these injuries, as well as treat damage to both hard and soft tissue. Depending on a patient’s evaluation the chiropractor may perform an adjustment, recommend a massage, or assign exercises to help heal a particular injury.

If you have been involved in a car accident of any severity, always take the time to see a chiropractor. 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.

Exercise to Reduce Stress

Chiropractic is all about using the link between the neural system and the rest of the body to improve overall health. This not only means adjustments, it means keeping the body in good shape to maintain a healthy mind. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, but it wasn’t always clear what the benefit of this is. Now, scientists are finding evidence that it improves memory and focus.

As people exercise, they stimulate the growth of new neural connections, combatting the effects of dementia and increasing the size of the hippocampus. (This is a crucial difference between increased blood flow due to exercise as opposed to the hormone-driven blood flow caused by chronic stress.) Exercise also boosts the chemicals associated with happiness and contentment while flushing out the ones associated with anxiety. Aerobic exercise has so far been found to be the most promising for improving health and prolonging life. People who practice mindfulness often use walking as a form of meditation.

Exercising on a regular basis is more beneficial than occasionally working out to the point of exhaustion. People who work in offices should use their breaks as a chance to loosen up their muscles (and take the strain off their backs). Ideally, people should exercise for at least one hundred and fifty minutes a week. That may sound like a lot, but it’s really only a little over twenty minutes every day.

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.

Effects of Stress

Stress is the result of your brain’s attempt to save your body from a perilous situation. A flood of adrenaline helps you think faster and boosts your body’s performance. However, chronic stress will wear your body’s systems out and is a major contributing factor to much of what we treat at the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center.

In an attempt to supply oxygen to your body, a stressed heart will pump faster, increasing your blood pressure. But this also raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, as arteries harden and thicken in response to the demands put on them. High blood pressure can contribute to a stroke, but it can also contribute to mood changes or memory loss. Your muscles will also tighten up, which is painful and reduces their performance.

Another way in which stress actually hurts by causing the very things which adrenaline normally helps is by compromising the endocrine system.  Stress stimulates the creation of cortisol, which causes the liver to produce more glucose. People who are unable to absorb a large amount of excess sugar are at risk of developing diabetes.

This discussion of stress is not meant to make patients feel even more stressed. Rather, it is meant to demonstrate the importance of seeking treatment and caring for one’s own needs.
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.

Bulging Discs

In between your vertebrae are gel-filled discs that act as shock absorbers and assist in spinal movement. When a disc becomes damaged, it may bulge, pushing backward into the spinal canal. Bulging discs occur due to the weakening of the outer fibrous containment ring of the disc. Though they won’t disappear without surgery, they are treatable, and Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center can discuss non-invasive treatment options with you once your bulging disc is diagnosed.

Approximately 90% of bulging discs occur in the lower back. Bulging discs usually occur as a result of degenerative disc disease, but they can also arise from injury. There is usually no pain associated with bulging discs, but they can cause discomfort in various parts of the body. For example, if a bulging disc occurs in the lumbar spine, it can press against the sciatic nerve, radiating pain through the buttocks and down the leg. Following the diagnosis of a bulging disc, Dr. Kent Carlomagno will recommend treatments designed to relieve symptoms. Most of the time, symptoms that arise from a bulging disc will subside with conservative treatment such as therapeutic exercises or electrical muscle stimulation.

If you are experiencing pain as a result of a bulging disc, 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.

Workers Compensation Injuries

Whether you’re on the road, playing a sport, or at work, accidents happen. Fortunately, at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, Dr. Kent Carlomagno is trained to handle underlying issues that potentially could be missed by medical doctors. In addition to uncovering underlying issues, he also handles the healing process without the need for addictive pain pills and potentially risky surgery. If you aren’t sure what type of injury is a work-related injury, allow us to inform you.

A work-related injury is an injury that occurs while doing something on behalf of your employer or otherwise in the course of employment. Most injuries that can be classified as work-related are those that occur at the workplace, but also may occur in company-owned trucks and other locations as long as the employee was doing something related to his or her job. Chiropractic is an excellent way of dealing with workers compensation issues. Locating the source of your injury could be the difference between fixing an issue and living with something for a long period of time.

If you’ve recently been injured at work, 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.

What is a Pinched Nerve?

Pinched nerves are one of the most common causes of pain we treat at the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center. Though any nerve could theoretically become compressed, it is most common among nerves which lack insulation tissue to cushion them or which pass through the spinal column. The latter of these are often compressed by herniated discs, resulting in pain or numbness in both the location of the compression and the limbs which the compressed nerve travels to.

The nerves in the spinal column are not the only ones which can become compressed, but the symptoms in other parts of the body are similar. The joint are also high-risk areas, as are parts of the body which experience swelling or have internal scar tissue. Besides scar tissue or leaking spinal fluid, disc compression may be caused by normal bone tissue bearing down on nerves which have lost their protective coverings.

Most patients will require pain relief through chiropractic spinal adjustments and education about how to avoid a repeat episode. Dr. Kent Carlomagno is skilled in a number of chiropractic techniques and technologies which reduce irritating feelings associated with nerve compression and can advise patients on making changes to their posture through lifestyle modification.

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.

Neck Pain from Everyday Activities

Generally, neck pain is defined as discomfort in any of the structures in the neck. These include the muscles, bones (vertebrae), and the disks between the bones. Usually, everyday activities are to blame for the cause. Such activities include bending over a desk for hours, poor posture while watching TV or reading, having your computer monitor positioned too high or too low, and sleeping in an uncomfortable position. If you are bothered by neck pain, please give Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center a call to discuss your treatment options.

At Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, Dr. Kent Carlomagno will perform a physical exam and ask about your neck pain, including how often it occurs and how much it hurts. When your neck is sore, you may have difficulty moving it, especially turning to one side. Many people describe this as having a stiff neck. If neck pain involves nerves, you may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm, hand, or elsewhere.

If you are suffering from neck pain, 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.

Spondylosis

As we age, spinal degeneration is almost inevitable, but when pain from spondylosis occurs it can make the degeneration unbearable. With age, the bones and ligaments in the spine wear, leading to bone spurs also known as osteoarthritis. Also, the intervertebral discs (such as those in the lower back) weaken, which can lead to disc herniation. Acute low back pain is manageable, but when it becomes chronic, other treatment methods need to be explored. This is why it’s important to visit Dr. Kent Carlomagno so he can properly diagnose you and develop a proper treatment plan.

Spondylosis is a degenerative spinal disorder that can label itself, “arthritis of the spine.” It can affect all regions of the spine but is common in the lower back and neck region near the sacroiliac joint. This disorder may develop as years of overusing the joints, ligaments and intervertebral discs go by. In some people, spondylosis causes back and neck pain due to nerve compression of the disc that has moved out of place. This pain can become chronic and cause muscle spasms, and trigger points. Dr. Kent Carlomagno may diagnose this condition with X-rays and explore non-invasive treatment options.

If you have chronic lower back pain, stop suffering and 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.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Although the body can repair most pinched nerve damage on its own, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the instances in which Summit Chiropractic & Longevity Center most strongly urges sufferers to seek help in. Carpal tunnel syndrome, the system of ligaments, tendons, and bones through which most of the nerves of the hand pass, are incredibly complex and subject to constant pressure. Often, carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of repetitive work activities which patients avoid giving up until they have done irreversible damage.

Like other pinched nerves injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include pain, tingling, weakness, and feelings of shock which radiate away from the wrist and up the arm. The nerves in the thumb and first three fingers all pass through the carpal tunnel, join together, and then divide again in the neck, resulting in a number of different areas which can be affected. If any of the numerous tissues in or surrounding the tissue swell, the nerve will be pinched.

Dr. Carlomagno has a number of diagnostic tools, ranging from physical exams to x-rays, which we can use to evaluate carpal tunnel syndrome and identify where specifically which tissue is pressing which part of the nerve. Nerve gliding exercises are among the most widely recommended treatments, but patients will need a thorough examination to establish the best possible care plan.

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.

Sports Injuries and Chiropractic Care

Whether you’re a weekend athlete or a professional, there are two things you have in common with your fellow sportsman. All athletes want to have the best performance in their chosen sport, and all athletes can get injured. Many professional athletes are utilizing chiropractic care these days because they realize that it helps them maximize their athletic performance. Here at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, Dr. Kent Carlomagno can help you do just that.

Chiropractic offers a balanced approach to the treatment and the healing of sports injuries. In addition, chiropractic care offers great value in preventing injuries as well. It has been said that chiropractic care closely relates to the needs of the athlete because special attention is given to the spine, joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves. This is because chiropractors such as Dr. Carlomagno have a longstanding history of treating musculoskeletal sports injuries.

If you think you’ve been injured and are considering chiropractic treatment, 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.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica most commonly occurs when a disc is herniated, bone spur’s on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis). It refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. The type of chiropractic therapy that Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center will provide depends on the cause of the patient’s sciatica.

Although the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, most cases may resolve with chiropractic treatments over a course of a few weeks. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. Symptoms associated with this condition include burning, numbness, and even tingling sensations. When it comes to treatment, Dr. Carlomagno may recommend ice/cold therapies, ultrasound, and/or spinal, cold laser and the primary treatment adjustments to remove nerve pressure. 

If you are experiencing pain in your legs or lower back, 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.

How to Warm-Up

At Dr. Kent Carlomagno’s Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Clinic, one of our guiding principles is that patients should be educated on how they can prevent problems before they require treatment. A great many of the issues we see with our patients’ soft tissues is due to their incorrect understanding of how to warm-up prior to working out. Often, this is due to an outdated education, so we thought we’d provide the current understanding.

Not every stretch is a warm-up. Static stretches, in which the patient holds a pose for several seconds, do not increase blood flow. Stretching muscles and tendons when they are cold actually causes them to stiffen and contract. These kinds of stretches should only be done after the patient has increased their heart rate through aerobic exercise. There are, however, dynamic stretches, which raise the heart rate and loosen up soft tissues at the same time. These include lunges, arm circles, and the way in which yoga is commonly practiced as a therapeutic exercise.

Other ways to increase blood flow are running in place and using a stationary bike. It will take several minutes of exercise for the body to warm-up, and more trying exercise should not be attempted until then. Patients need to understand that not every hurt is a good hurt; the strain following cold, static stretches is most definitely not good.

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.

Chiropractic Approach to Scoliosis

At Dr. Carlomagno’s Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, scoliosis is one of the most common concerns parents have for their children. While nobody knows how to cure scoliosis, a chiropractic center is the best place to bring a patient. Our treatment approaches are minimally invasive and focus on actually improving the patient’s life, instead of enforcing superficial conformity.

Scoliosis is an unusual curve in the spine which most commonly occurs in adolescents without any apparent cause, though it is more common in girls. While checking for it, a doctor will want a patient to bend over (Adams Test) so that unevenness in the shoulders will be visible, or so that it will be obvious if the patient’s torso bends right or left. X-rays can be done for confirmation if there is visual evidence of scoliosis. However, even if a patient has an unusual spinal curvature, intervention may not be necessary. While scoliosis is more responsive to treatment if caught early, corrective braces have often caused more distress to patients than the condition itself, and in many cases, the braces’ result is not sustained after removal.

Besides causing a deformity which can make patients self-conscious, the biggest risks of scoliosis are that it will inhibit breathing or heart function. This is due to compromise of organ function due to the curvatures compression of the area involved and torsion and impingement to the nervous system. Therefore, a chiropractic approach to keeping the nerves functioning despite abnormalities in the spine is likely to be most helpful to a patient.

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.

Sciatica Stretches

Sciatic nerve pain, referred to as sciatica, is pain that runs from the lower back, down each side of the buttocks, and down each leg. It is often felt with a shooting pain. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we can treat sciatica with adjustments. There are also some at-home stretches you can do to relieve pain. As always, stop these stretches if it makes the pain worse. It is a good idea to first talk about these stretches with your chiropractor if you are receiving treatment for sciatica.
Reclining Pigeon Pose

• Lie on your back and bring your right leg up to a right angle. Grasp it behind your knee with both hands.
• Bring up your left leg and place your right ankle on the knee of your left leg.
• Hold for twenty seconds and then switch legs and repeat.

Knee to Opposite Shoulder

• Lie on your back with your legs out in front of you.
• Bring your right knee to your chest toward your left shoulder and hold for thirty seconds.
• Push your knee back to the starting position. Repeat for a total of three reps.
• Switch legs and repeat stretch.

Spinal Twist

• Sit on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you.
• Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the outside of your left knee.
• Place your left elbow on the outside of your right knee as you turn your body toward the right.
• Hold for thirty seconds, repeat three times.
• Switch positons so your left leg is bent and you are twisting to the left, repeat three times.

Performing these stretches should take pressure off of your sciatic nerve and relieve pain. To schedule your next appointment at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, call our San Rafael, CA office at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.

Adjustments

Probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about chiropractic is an adjustment also known as a manipulation. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, we perform adjustments for patients with misalignments, trauma, or just for keeping good spine health.
Adjustments are minor movements to the spine and the joints. When the spine or a joint is out of line, this is referred to as a subluxation. A subluxation can cause pain in itself and the surrounding nerves can also be painful as they are pinched or otherwise hindered. This not only causes pain; the disruption in the nerves then disrupts messages to and from the brain. Each vertebra has nerves that connect the brain to a different part of the body. Depending on where the subluxation is, the disrupted nerves can cause the corresponding body system to function improperly.

Chiropractors use their hands or a chiropractic instrument to move the spine or joint back into place, what we call an adjustment or manipulation. The movement is small and quick, rarely causing any discomfort. A cracking or popping sound may happen during the movement, which is nothing to be alarmed about. The noise is caused when gas leaves the joint. Many patients experience relief right away or soon afterward. Depending on your condition, the frequency of your adjustments will vary.

If you have been thinking of visiting a chiropractor, remember you can never see one too early. To schedule your appointment at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, call our office at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.

How Seasonal Mood Disorders Physically Affect You

It seems like just yesterday that our days were staying lighter longer, but due to daylight savings time, our early mornings are dark, once again. Although we gain one hour of sleep, this shift may not be such a welcome change for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a seasonal depression that occurs in the fall and winter and is caused, at least in part, by the lack of daylight during these seasons. Seasonal affective disorder can take a toll on your physical well-being and Dr. Kent Carlomagno is here to help before it reaches that point.

Although there is no specific diagnostic test for the illness, it is understood that symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include tiredness, fatigue, depression, irritability, body aches, poor sleep, and overeating as well as an overall decreased activity level. Because we lose an hour of sunlight, the wall clock may tell you it’s time to get out of bed, but your body’s internal clock says you should be resting. Excessive resting, however, leads to muscle aches and your physical functions can be greatly disrupted. When your body is in pain, Dr. Kent Carlomagno can treat your symptoms using non-surgical techniques.

If you are suffering from mood changes accompanied by physical 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.

Scoliosis Diagnosis

Scoliosis is a lateral (toward the side) curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. Scoliosis is usually mild and needs no treatment; however, for more severe cases treatments include a back brace or sometimes surgery to straighten the spine.  At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, treatment of scoliosis is based on the severity of the curve and the chances of the curve getting worse.
Without an X-ray of the spine, there are several common physical symptoms that may indicate scoliosis. One of the most common tests for detecting scoliosis is called the Adam’s Forward Bend Test, in which the individual bends from the waist as if touching the toes. Dr. Kent Carlomagno will then observe for one or more of the following signs of scoliosis:

• One shoulder is higher than the other
• One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other
• One side of the rib cage appears higher than the other
• One hip appears higher or more prominent than the other
• The waist appears uneven
• The body tilts to one side
• One leg may appear shorter than the other

If you have questions about scoliosis, 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.

What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Acute and chronic conditions can both be treated by cold laser therapy. Here at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we utilize cold laser therapy to help our patients get back to what is most important- life.

There are many different types of conditions that can benefit from cold laser therapy including arthritis, tendonitis, neck pain, and back pain. In addition, soft tissue injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia are also a few conditions that benefit from cold laser therapy.
Cold laser therapy can relieve pain, promote faster healing of injuries, reduce swelling and spasms, and increase functionality. This procedure involves emitting non-thermal light through the skin and into the tissue that is affected. The cold laser can react with all types of cells. The light reacts with elements in the cells and creates a photosynthesis-like reaction. The reaction creates energy and events in the cells that lead to faster healing, reduced pain, and reduced inflammation.

If pain is slowing you down, be sure to find out if cold laser therapy could help you. To schedule an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, call our San Rafael, CA office at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.

Why Core Strength is Important

A strong core is very important for your overall health. Here at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we want to give our patients tips for living a long and healthy life. Keep reading to learn why core strength is so important. Then, take a couple of our exercises to start building your core strength!

Why It’s Important
Your core is a very important part of your entire body structure. Balancing it with back strength helps keep good posture and helps keep away back pain. In addition, a strong core helps protect your organs and your spinal cord. One more vital reason for having a strong core is preventing injury. Core stability comes with strength, so while working out or just living everyday life, you will be safer with a strong core.

Sit-Ups
- For this classic ab exercise, start lying down with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Keep your hands behind your head.
- Rise up using your abdominal muscles. Do not use your hands to pull on your neck or head.
- Once you reach the top, lie back down.
-Do 15 sit-ups and repeat for 3 rounds.

Circle Plank
- Start in plank position. This is like push-up position, hands under your shoulders, feet out. Support yourself with your core.
- Pull your right knee up to your chest and move it in a circle clockwise, then counterclockwise.
- Place your right leg back down.
- Do this 5 times with your right leg.
- Do this 5 times with your left leg.

 Do these exercises two or three times per week to start building a strong core! To learn more about Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, call our office at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.

Acute Pain Characteristics

We’ve all experienced different levels of pain. Acute pain, however, is a type of pain that typically lasts three weeks - three months, or pain that is directly related to soft tissue damage, such as a sprained ankle or even a paper cut. Acute pain is normal and it warns you that you’ve been injured. It has the ability to start suddenly but usually doesn’t last long. If you are experiencing acute pain in your back or your neck, you may have nerve inflammation requiring a chiropractic adjustment from Dr. Kent Carlomagno at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center.

The main characteristic to remember about acute pain is that it doesn’t last long. For example, if you burn yourself on the stove, the pain usually lasts up to a few days, if not a few hours. When the injury heals and you continue having pain beyond the time of expected recovery, that is when pain becomes chronic and that is what you want to avoid. Chronic pain can last for weeks, months, even years. This is why it’s important to let us know if your pain is lasting longer than expected- chronic pain is ongoing due to the inflammation being constantly re-aggravated.

If you are experiencing acute pain in your neck or back, 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.

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.

The Benefits of Unplugging

Unplugging is a word being thrown around a lot lately meaning disconnecting from technology. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we want patients to know the benefits of stepping away from the computer and putting the phone down.

As it turns out, there are many benefits to putting down technology. When you “unplug” it could be for the night after work, for a whole day, or even a week or longer. People can set their own limits on how long they want to stay unplugged.

Sleep The light emitted from the screens we look at all day can actually disrupt your sleeping patterns. Unplugging may help you get a more restful sleep.

Improved Mood The constant connection to the world through technology can leave people feeling jaded, jealous, and lonely. These aren’t very good feelings coming from something that is supposed to make us feel connected. Unplugging can help you connect with the world around you and improve your mood.

Improved Memory Unplugging lets your brain rest and reset, helping you with your memory. Plus, you will have much more time to focus on tasks, hobbies, and new experiences if you choose.

Uninterrupted Tasks When you do not have your phone at hand buzzing and beeping, distracting you from what you are doing, you can complete tasks much quicker with much more focus.

Less Stress People that bring their work home with them by answering emails and phone calls never let their brain take a break from work. Unplugging and leaving work at work will let you relax, unwind, and de-stress.

Next time you notice you are glued to your smartphone, keep these benefits in mind and choose to unplug! To learn more about Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net. 

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.

Chiropractic and Chronic Pain

Joints form the connections between bones. They provide support and help you move. Unfortunately, due to all of the strenuous activities we humans endure on a daily basis, our joints can sometimes become strained and inflamed. At Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, Dr. Kent Carlomagno may recommend therapeutic exercise to strengthen the muscles around the problematic joint, stabilize the joint, and improve your range of motion. 

Many different conditions can lead to painful joints, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, gout, strains, sprains, and other injuries. In fact, knee pain is typically the most common complaint from patients in addition to shoulder and hip pain. However, joint pain can affect any part of your body, from your ankles and feet to your shoulders and hands. Therapeutic Exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness, as well as help, manipulate damaged joints to make them more mobile – and therefore help you become more active.

If you are suffering from joint 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.

Therapeutic Exercise for Joint Pain

Joints form the connections between bones. They provide support and help you move. Unfortunately, due to all of the strenuous activities we humans endure on a daily basis, our joints can sometimes become strained and inflamed. At Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, Dr. Kent Carlomagno may recommend therapeutic exercise to strengthen the muscles around the problematic joint, stabilize the joint, and improve your range of motion. 

Many different conditions can lead to painful joints, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, gout, strains, sprains, and other injuries. In fact, knee pain is typically the most common complaint from patients in addition to shoulder and hip pain. However, joint pain can affect any part of your body, from your ankles and feet to your shoulders and hands. Therapeutic Exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness, as well as help, manipulate damaged joints to make them more mobile – and therefore help you become more active.

If you are suffering from joint 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.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

If you have stiff joints, a pain in the neck, arms, legs, or if you suffer from frequent headaches, then you are immediately a chiropractic candidate. However, if you want to improve your overall health and well-being, our staff at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, can assist you in that department as well. Chiropractors such as Dr. Kent Carlomagno use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to revitalize proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, without surgery or medication. The benefits from this type of treatment are extremely empowering and endless.

Most people are unaware of all the benefits of keeping your spine and nervous system healthy because they are allopathically oriented. Chiropractors don’t just adjust your neck and send you on your way. In fact, they do much more than that. In general, proper chiropractic treatment of your body's lumbar, or lower back, region, involves very little risk and the rewards can be significant. It may sound silly, but with regular chiropractic care, you can improve your mood, your quality of sleep, and your energy levels, all without hospitals or medicine.

If you think you may benefit from 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.

Getting Active During Summer

Getting active can seem difficult when you have a life that keeps you busy from dawn till dusk. However, it is important to schedule some time to get moving. An active lifestyle will help you live a healthier, happier life. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we believe one of the secrets to a long life is physical activity.

During the summertime, the weather allows us many different types of activities to participate in. Check out some of these ideas and then make a list of your own!

Hike: Hiking is a great way to connect with the outdoors, learn about your surroundings, and get in a good workout. Check out your local trails and parks!

Bike: Biking is another great way to get a workout and to explore your surroundings. It is also an eco-friendly way of transportation if you live in an area where it is possible.

Swim: Swimming is a fantastic way to get a total-body workout. It’s a great way to cool off in the hot summer months, also!

Kayak: Get a great upper-body workout by renting a kayak! Many rental outfits have guided tours for beginners.

Walk: Put some pep in your step and get walking! You can make this more interesting by grabbing a friend and doing a scavenger hunt for plants and things that are only around during the summertime!

It really doesn’t matter how you get active, you just need to do it! Getting your heart rate up several times per week will help decrease the risk of heart disease and provide many other benefits for a healthy life. To set up an appointment at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, call our office at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.