Sound Chiropractic Center

pinehurst community chiropractor

2012-02-07T15:46:00.000-08:00

Sound Chiropractic Center is located near the Pinehurst neighborhood just 4 blocks east of Northgate mall above Baskin Robins. We have convenient hours, same-day appointments and affordable treatment plans. Call 206-440-7700 to visit us today.

seattle chiropractor open saturday

2012-02-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

Sound Chiropractic Center is open for all patients on Saturdays. We understand the importance of Chiropractic treatment and work very hard at providing convenient hours to meet all our patients need. Call 206-440-7700 to schedule an appointment today.

north seattle yoga

2012-02-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

Right next to the new Hot Yoga in Northgate village. Sound Chiropractic Center has been helping people naturally for over 40 years. Call 206-440-7700 to schedule an appointment today.

upper cervical chiropractor seattle

2012-02-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

The brain stem is also known as "houston control" to physiologists because this is where the brain and spinal cord come together. Pressure on the brainstem interferes with the life-giving mental impulses that are connecting the brain to the body. By correcting the spine, we allow increased life from the brain to the body thus allowing that body to replace itself normally, reversing processes within this thing called a body. Perhaps, you could find yourself at a normal level of health, better than you've been for years. If this is something you want call 206-440-7700.

chiropractor 98103

2012-02-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

Sound Chiropractic Center is located just northeast of the Wallingford neighborhood in Northgate. We offer safe and affordable Chiropractic Care and massage therapy for all ages and activity levels. We have convenient hours and abundant free parking. Call 206-440-7700 to schedule an appointment today.

uw chiropractor 98115

2012-02-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

Sound Chiropractic Center is located just north of the University of Washington near Northgate Mall. We provide safe and affordable chiropractic care and massage therapy for all ages and activity levels. Call 206-440-7700 to schedule an appointment today.

chiropractor 98133

2012-02-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

Sound Chiropractic Center is located between the Greenwood and Ravenna neighborhoods in Northgate. We offer high quality Chiropractic Care and massage therapy for all ages. Call 206-440-7700 to schedule you appointment today.

seattle chiropractor for depression

2012-01-30T14:26:00.000-08:00

Chiropractors know that health is a state of physical, social, and emotional well-being. A "living thing" has an inborn intelligence within its body, called Innate Intelligence. The mission of Innate Intelligence is to maintain the material body of a "living thing" in active organization. The function of Innate Intelligence is to adopt universal forces and matter for use in the body, so that all parts of the body will have co-ordinated action for mutual benefit. Coordination is the principle of harmonious action of all the parts of the organism, in fulfilling their offices and purposes. (Principles 20, 21, 23, 31) By correcting the spine, we allow increased life from the brain to the tissue cell, thus allowing the body to build itself healthy and reverse processes within this thing, called a body. You could find yourself having normal health and feeling better than you have in years. If this is something you want, call Sound Chiropractic Center at 206-440-7700

seattle sports medicine clinic

2012-01-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

Sports related injuries are most commonly due to a concussion of forces that damage the tissue cells of the body. Whenever tissues are damaged, we perceive pain. Medicine can be used to conceal the pain, but what about the actual structures that were damaged? This is a Chiropractic case because physical problems need physical solutions to address the primary cause of pain, rather than hide or numb the symptoms. At Sound Chiropractic Center, we address the physical cause of the problem and manage symptoms with natural tools. If you would like to see how we can help you manage old or new injuries call 206-440-7700 today.

ravenna neighborhood nutritionist

2012-01-30T13:29:00.000-08:00

The glands of the body are Innate's Laboratories for supply of chemicals and enzymes to the cells.

By means of glands, Innate can produce any chemical or substance (if supplied with the elements) needed in the body.

Any substance or chemical not prepared by Innate and introduced into the body is a poison. (Chiropractic Textbook, Pg. 114)

Chiropractic is the Philosophy, Art, and Science of all things natural;

Health problems are caused by trauma, toxins, or thoughts.

Sound Chiropractic has a great deal to offer this world and it is run by a set of principles. Call 206-440-7700 today if you would like to see how Sound Chiropractic can naturally help you live a better life.

Ravenna Chiropractor Seattle

2012-01-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

Sound Chiropractic Center is located just Northwest of the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle, WA. We are conveniently located in Northgate Village next to the new Hot Yoga Inc. Sound Chiropractic has a great deal to offer this World and it is run by a set of principles. If you would like to find good Chiropractic Care call us today at 206-440-7700.

Greenwood Chiropractor Seattle

2012-01-27T15:23:00.000-08:00

Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle is near the Greenwood Neighborhood of Seattle. We offer safe and affordable chiropractic and massage for all ages. We are preferred providers for most all major insurance plans including Medicare. Call 206-440-7700 to schedule your appointment today.

seattle chiropractic speakers

2012-01-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

Our Doctors are trained to speak about life and health as taught by chiropractic Philosophy. Philosophy is defined as the rational evaluation of principles. Chiropractic is the Pilosophy, Art and Science of all things natural. It is based on 33 principles that explain how Intelligence is manifested by physical laws that coordinate the Universe. Innate Intelligence travels through or over the nervous system in animal bodies. The function of Innate Intelligence is to adapt Universal Forces for use in the body, so that all parts of the body have coordinated actions. If you would like to schedule a Chiropractic speaker, call 206-440-7700.

seattle employee massage day

2012-01-27T13:09:00.001-08:00

We are currently involved in our 2012 Community Appreciation Program. This is where we send out massage therapists to local businesses and offices and provide FREE, 10 minute, chair massage to employees on-site. It's free for you with no strings attached and everybody loves us. To schedule an employee massage day call Amanda at 206-440-7700 today.

Seattle Family Chiropractic

2012-01-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

People with spinal dysfunction often find themself at a Chiropractic office during their life-time. Sometimes, they start looking for the cause after the age of 50. However, many spinal distortions are not discovered until after permanent damage has allready occurred. That's why it is a good idea to have your spine checked by a Chiropractor even as early as infancy. Furthermore, if a parent has scoliosis or subluxation, there is a high chance that their offspring would also have the same genetic blueprint for the children's skeletal structure. At Sound Chiropractic, we check family's and people of all ages because everyone has a spine that should be checked for Subluxations and spinal distortions. Call 206-440-7700 to schedule your family's check-up today. We offer excellent family plans and accept all major insurance.

gonstead chiropactor in seattle

2012-01-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

Chiropractic techniques come in a variety of flavors that are all designed to locate and remove spinal subluxations. Gonstead technique is one very specific, hands-on technique that has helped millions of people live a better life without drugs or surgery. If you would like to see if chiropractic could help you. Call us at 206-440-7700 today.

seattle back doctor

2012-01-23T10:11:00.001-08:00

The forces of Innate Intelligence operate through and over the nervous system in animal bodies. There can be interference with the transmission of Innate forces. Interference with the transmission of Innate Forces causes dis-coordination of the tissue cells. Coordination is the principle of harmonious action of all the parts of an organism, in fulfilling their offices and purposes. Interference with transmission in the body is always directly or indirectly due to subluxations of the spinal column. If you would like to be checked for subluxation, call 206-440-7700 today.

seattle chiropractor for running

2012-01-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

Runners are a growing section of the population that could benefit from chiropractic care. You can turn to chiropractic care when you are injured, or if you are looking to just stay healthy and fit. Asymmetry of the normal movement patterns of the gait cycle lead to overuse injuries, resulting in subluxation complexes and the other common injuries experienced by runners. Chiropractic adjustments reduce subluxation complexes and restore joint integrity. If you would like to see if chiropractic could help you, call 206-440-7700 to schedule your appointment today.

seattle back doctors

2012-01-20T10:41:00.001-08:00

80% of all people will experience a back problem during their lifetime. Taking care of the spine is important because it houses and protects the delicate nervous system that controls our body. Nerve impingement interferes with the Intelligence travelling between the brain and the tissue cells. Without sufficient mental impulses the body cannot create itself normally or reverse processes within the body. The mission of Innate Intelligence is to maintain the material body of a "living thing" in active organization. The function of Innate Intelligence is to adapt universal forces and matter for use in the body, so that all parts of the body have co-ordinated action for mutual benefit. There can be interference with the transmission of Innate forces. Interference with transmission in the body is always directly or indirectly due to subluxations in the spinal column. A subluxation is the condition of a vertebra that has lost its proper position with the one above or the one below, or both; to an extent less than a dislocation; which impinges nerves and interferes with the transmission of mental impulses. If you would like to find out if you have a nerve impingement problem call 206-440-7700 today. We want you to get the most out of life with a good Chiropractic adjustment.

chiropractic philosophy in seattle

2012-01-20T10:26:00.000-08:00

A fundamental principle of Chiropractic is a statement of the quality or actions of intelligence in matter. A universal intelligence is in all matter and continually gives to it all its properties and actions, thus maintaining it in existence. The expression of intelligence through matter is the chiropractic meaning of life. Life is necessarily the union of intelligence in matter. Life is a triunity having three necessary united factors, namely, Intelligence, Force, and Matter. By correcting the spine, we allow increased "Life" to get from the brain to the tissue cell. Thus allowing the body to create itself normally and reverse processes within this thing called a body. And perhaps you could find yourself with a normal level of health, better than you've been for years. Is this something you want? Call 206-440-7700 to schedule an appointment today.

seattle doctor for skin problems

2012-01-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

Skin cells are coordinated the nervous system as is every other tissue of the body. Skin problems can be caused by physical, emotional, or chemical stresses. Medical care is designed to treat SYMPTOMS using steroid creams and other toxic drugs. However, the best method of treatment is to find the true cause of the problem. To find out why your cells are not functioning properly we need to look at the body's physical, chemical, and emotional state. Since the body is controlled by the nervous system, it is important to have your spine checked for nerve impingement problems as well as addressing nutrition and personal self-talk. Most importantly, by correcting the spine, we allow increased "life" to get from the brain to the tissue cell, thus allowing the body to create itself normally and reverse processes within this thing called a body. You might possibly find yourself with normal health better than you've been for years. Is this something you might want? Call 206-440-7700 to see if there is a natural solution for you today.

seattle chiropractor for fibromyalgia

2012-01-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

The cause of fibromyalgia is currently unknown. However, several hypotheses have been developed including "central sensitization". This theory proposes that fibromyalgia patients have a lower threshold for pain because of increased sensitivity in the brain to pain signals. Subluxations are spinal lesions that interfere with mental impulses that dis-connect brain from body. In order for anybody to have 100% health, it must have 100% Intelligence, 100% force and 100% matter. By correcting the spine, we allow increased life between the brain and the body, thus allowing that body to create itself normally and reverse processes within this thing called a body. And perhaps, with chiropractic care you could find yourself in better health than you've been for years. Is that something that you want? Call 206-440-7700 to see if chiropractic could help you today.

greenlake chiropractor seattle

2011-12-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

What is a Subluxation? To the Chiropractor, a "vertebral subluxation" must have four elements to constitute such:

1) "the vertabra must be out of alignment in relation to its superior and inferior articulations with its immediate co-respondents above and below.

2) it must occlude the inter-spinal canal or intervertebral foramina lumen between three vertabrae, changing its size, shape, and/or circumference, reducing it's carrying capacity.

3) it must produce a constricting pressure upon the spinal cord or spinal nerve passing through the opening.

4) thereby creating interference and/or resistance to the free flow of the normal quantity of mental impulse or nerve force between brain and body". -BJ Palmer

Northgate Seattle Chiropractic and Subluxations

2011-12-26T11:40:00.000-08:00

"Subluxations are the result of invasionary forces betwixt and between the vertebral column and outside matter. This subluxates the vertabra of the spinal column. When a vertebra is subluxated, out of normal position, makes smaller a bony opening through which nerves pass;

which, in turn, produces a pressure indirectly upon nerves that pass through that opening;

which, in turn, diminishes the quantity flow of nerve force through those nerves by interference or resistance, by constrictive compression between the brain and some portion of the body.

This energy-flow interference is because of a mechanical distortion from normal position of a vertebra in the spinal column.

This energy-flow interference reduces the quantity flow of nerve force from brain to body, affecting the quality of return feeling function from tissue cell to brain.

This reduction of quantity flow of nerve force slows speed of action of tissues attached to the ends of the nerves producing any of the many dis-eases". BJ Palmer

seattle northgate chiropractor

2011-12-20T15:43:00.000-08:00

Neck Pain – Can Chiropractic Really Help?

Neck pain is a very common problem affecting up to 70% of the adult population at some point in life. Though there are specific causes of neck pain such as arising from a sports injury, a car accident or “sleeping crooked,” the vast majority of the time, no direct cause can be identified and thus the term nonspecific is applied. There are many symptoms associated with patients complaining of neck pain and many of these symptoms can be confused with other conditions. Wouldn’t it be nice to know what neck related symptoms are most likely to respond to chiropractic manipulation before the treatment has started? This issue has been investigated with very favorable results!

The ability to predict a favorable response to treatment has been termed, “clinical prediction rules” which in general, are usually made up of combinations of things the patient says and findings from exams. In a large study, data from about 20,000 patients receiving about 29,000 treatments, was collected and analyzed to find out what complaints responded well to chiropractic treatment. The results showed that the presence of any 4 of these 7 presenting complaints predicted an immediate improvement in 70-95% of the patients: 1. Neck pain; 2. Shoulder, arm pain; 3. Reduced neck, shoulder, arm movement; 4. Stiffness; 5. Headache; 6. Upper, mid back pain, and 7. None or one presenting symptom. Items not associated with a favorable immediate response included “numbness, tingling upper limbs,” and “fainting, dizziness and light-headedness in 4-12% of the patients. The “take-home” message here is that was far more common to see a favorable response (70-95%) of the patients compared to an unfavorable response (4-12%), supporting the observation that most patients with neck complaints will respond favorably to chiropractic treatment.

So, what do we do as chiropractors when a patient presents with neck pain? First, after gathering preliminary information such as name, address and insurance information, a history of the presenting complaint is taken. This consists of information including what started the neck complaint (if you know), when it started, what makes it worse, what makes it better, the quality of pain (aches, stiff, numb, etc.), the location and if there is radiating complaints, the severity (0-10 pain scale), timing (such as worse in the morning, evening, etc.), and if there have been prior episodes. Various questionnaires are included that are scored so improvement down the road can be tracked and a past history that includes a medication list, past injuries or illnesses, family history and a systems review are standard. The exam includes vital signs (BP, pulse, height, weight, temperature and respiration), palpation, range of motion, orthopedic and neurological examination. X-ray and/or other “special tests” may also be included, when needed. A review of all the findings are discussed and after permission to treat is granted, a chiropractic adjustment may then be rendered. A list treatment options may include:

1. Adjustments;
2. Soft tissue therapy (trigger point stimulation, myofascial release);
3. Physical therapy modalities;
4. Posture correction exercises and other exercises/home self-administered therapies;
5. Education about job modifications;
6. Co-management with other health care providers if/when needed.

seattle pinehurst chiropractor

2011-12-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

Shoreline Chiropractor for Headaches

2011-12-20T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Neck and Headache Connection

Patients with headaches also commonly complain of neck pain. This relationship is the rule, not the exception and therefore, treatment for headaches must include treatment of the neck to achieve optimum results. The term, “cervicogenic headaches” has been an accepted term because of the intimate connection between the neck and head for many years. There are many anatomical reasons why neck problems result in headaches. Some of these include:

• The first 3 nerves exiting the spine in the upper neck go directly into the head. They penetrate the muscles at the top of the neck near the attachments to the skull and therefore, any excess pressure on these nerves by the muscles or spinal joints will result in irritation and subsequent pain.
• The origin or nucleus of the 5th cranial nerve called the Trigeminal, innervates the sensation to the face and is located in the upper cervical region near the origin of the 2nd cervical spinal nerve, which innervates sensation to the back of the head up to the top. Therefore, problems located in the upper neck will often result in pain radiating up from the base of the skull/upper neck over the top of the skull to the eyes and /or face.
• The 11th cranial nerve that innervates the upper shoulders and muscles in the front of the neck arises from the top 5 to 7 spinal cord levels in the neck. Injury anywhere in the neck can result in spasm and pain in these large muscle groups.
• Other interconnections between the 2nd cervical nerve and trigeminal/5th cranial nerve include communication with the 7th cranial / facial nerve, the 9th cranial / glossopharyngeal nerve, and the 10th cranial / vagus nerve. These connections can affect facial muscle strength/movements, taste, tongue and throat movements, and stomach complaints such as nausea from these three cranial nerve interconnections, respectively.

When patients seek treatment for their headaches, a thorough examination of the neck, upper back, and cranial nerves is routinely performed for the above reasons. It is common to find upper cervical movement and vertebral alignment problems present in patients complaining of headaches. Tender points located between the shoulder blades, along the upper shoulders, on the sides of the neck and particularly, at the base of the skull are commonly found. Pain often radiates from the tender point over the top of the skull when pressure is applied in the upper neck/base of the skull area. Tenderness on the sides of the head, in the temples, over the eyes, and near the jaw joint are also common. Traction or pulling the head to stretch the neck is often quite pain relieving and this is often performed as part of the chiropractic visit and can also be applied at home with the use of a home cervical traction unit. Chiropractic adjustments applied to the fixated or misaligned vertebra in the upper neck often brings very satisfying relief to the headache sufferer. Exercises that promote movement in the neck, as well as strengthening exercises are also helpful in both reducing headache pain and in preventing occurrences, especially with stress or tension headaches.

Shoreline Chiropractor for Neck Pain

2011-12-19T16:50:00.000-08:00

What Is This Pain in My Neck!

“When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t move my neck! Every time I try to move it, I feel sharp pain on the left side of the neck shooting down into the shoulder blade. It just came out of nowhere!”

Chances are, you are suffering from a common condition called torticollis, which literally means, “twisted neck” after the Latin terms of “torti” (twisted) and “collis” (neck). The common name for this is “wry neck,” and it’s basically a painful muscle spasm, like a “Charlie-horse” but located in the neck muscles. Usually, a person wakes up in the morning with this and the cause is often related to sleeping with the window being open or a fan or air conditioner blowing on you. It can also relate to a “cold settling in the muscle” after a cold or flu virus. Trauma such as falling or a car accident can also cause torticollis. However, most of the time, patients with torticollis are not sure what caused the abrupt onset of symptoms.

Usually, torticollis will gradually improve over a 2 week time frame. However, it only takes a few days to a week (at the most) if you receive chiropractic adjustments. Most importantly, without treatments, the sharp pain can last a week and can severely limit your activity, often prohibiting work as well as your desired “fun” activities. Hence, most people prefer having this treated as opposed to “waiting it out.” In some cases, it can last longer than a month and in rare cases even longer, so getting this treated is highly recommended. Also, try to get in for a treatment immediately before the muscle spasm really sets up. We find this to be the most effective approach. Here are a list of symptoms and treatment suggestions for torticollis:

Acute Torticollis Symptoms
• Muscle spasms
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Neck and spine contortion (neck twisted to right or left side of body)

Pain Relief Treatments for Acute Torticollis
• Chiropractic neck and spinal adjustment
• Analgesics
• Heat packs
• Muscle relaxants
• Rubs and ointments (Icy Hot, BioFreeze)
• Massage with essential oils
• Reiki
• Sleep / Relax
• Supportive cervical collar

What is the Sound of Chiropractic in Seattle?

2011-11-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

Chiropractic was discovered in 1895 by DD Palmer after "racking" a spine restored hearing. His son, BJ Palmer developed chiropractic into the second largest health care profession. His books are known as the "green" books, which teach the principles and philosophy of chiropractic. Chiropractic is based on the idea that a Universal Intelligence creates matter through forces such as gravity and the charge of electrons to create "existence". Each individual "living thing" such as animals and plants has a unique intelligence called Innate Intelligence. Animals, use the brain and nervous system to transmit Innate Intelligent mental impulses used to create life. To learn more about chiropractic visit Sound Chiropractic Center in North Seattle.

Fifth Annual Patient Appreciation Day & Food Drive November 19, 2011

2011-10-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

"We will give free chiropractic care to anyone willing to help us feed the hungry!"

Here's how this works:

November 19th, 2011 from 8am-1pm.

We trade a full days chiropractic care for your donation of non-perishable food for the Seattle Food Bank to help out during the holidays.

It's our goal to give away over 60 adjustments and over 20 new patient exams in exchange for your food donation. Help us raise 2,000 pounds of food to feed the hungry!

Call Mandy at 206-440-7700 to schedule your appointment ASAP!

We Will Book Up Fast!

seattle chiropractor in northgate

2011-10-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Sound Chiropractic Center has been helping patients for over 40 years. We have seen more patients in Western Washington than any other Chiropractic System. Our Northgate office is the newest of ten Sound Chiropractic Centers. We are commited to providing the best chiropractic services in the world. To schedule an appointment call 206-440-7700. If we can help you, we will tell you, and if not, we will find someone else who can.

seattle chiropractor for ankle pain

2011-10-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Chiropractors are trained in extremity manipulations, which include the joints in the foot, ankle, and knee. The reason some people have pain in the feet is because of fallen arches that subluxate the weight-bearing joints in the ankle and foot. This can lead to conditions such as heel spurs and plantar fascitis. It is hypothesized that these problems are a result of standing and walking on hard and flat surfaces. We have made an artificial world out of concrete and smooth floors which is incongruent with our genetic design to walk on surfaces such as dirt, rocks, etc.... If you are suffering from foot pain, call Sound Chiropractic Center in Northgate for a free evaluation.

seattle chiropractor for pubic pain

2011-09-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

The interpubic disk is a fibrocartilage disk that unites the pubic bones at the pubic symphysis. When we move there is a normal amount of motion that occurs between the pubic symphysis and the sacroiliac joints in the lower back. Muscles from the abdomen and legs attach into the pubic region. Mechanical dysfunction in the joints or muscles can manifest as pubic/groin pain. If you are having pain, you should be evaluated by a trained chiropractor who can evaluate you for the normal muscle and joint motions.

seattle chiropractor for rib pain

2011-06-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

Rib problems can cause pain into the back, side or chest. Ribs also make four attachments into the spine and can become subluxated from physical trauma after sports or car accidents. This type of rib pain is usually made worse when taking a deep breath, exercising, and/or coughing or sneezing. If you have rib pain call Dr. Silliker today at Sound Chiropractic Center to schedule a free consultation and exam at 206-440-7700.

seattle chiropractor for scoliosis

2011-06-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. When a vertabrae moves out of its normal position it can eventually put pressure on nerves and cause health problems. If you or someone you know thinks they have scoliosis you should have it checked by a spine specialist. With spinal manipulation and exercise we can stabilize these conditions and prevent them from getting worse over time. Call Sound Chiropractic Center at 206-440-7700 to schedule your free consultation and examination today.

seattle chiropractor for cigna

2011-05-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

Sound Chiropractic Center is a preferred provider for Cigna Insurance. We are located 2 blocks east of the Northgate Mall above Baskin Robbins. If you or someone you know is suffering from back, neck, or headaches call today 206-440-7700. We guarantee same day appointments for all new patients.

seattle health fairs

2011-05-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

Sound Chiropractic Center provides mini health fairs for local businesses and gyms around the Seattle area. We provide chair massage, posture checks, and we even have a bone-density machine for all your bone and joint related needs. We do these at no charge as part of our community outreach programs. If you would like to schedule a mini health fair for your business call 206-440-7700 and ask for Stacy. We look forward to seeing you soon.

How to reduce back pain

2011-05-26T16:26:00.001-07:00

There are many simple things that you can do to reduce back pain. The first thing you should do is visit a spine specialist to have a very thorough history and examination. At Sound Chiropractic Center, we perform orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic tests to find out exactly what is wrong. For temporary relief, you can use ice direcly over the pain for 20 min. with a thin layer between the skin and ice pack. When sleeping, you can use a pillow under your legs while laying on your back or a pillow between the knees if sleeping on your side. If you or someone you know is having back pain, call our office at 206-440-7700.

aetna chiropractor in seattle

2011-05-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Sound Chiropractic Center is a preferred provider for Aetna. We are non-surgical spine specialists that focus on back, neck and headaches. We are located just north of Seattle, 2 blocks east of Northgate Mall. We guarantee same day appointments for all new patients. We offer chiropractic, massage, and spinal rehabilitation. Call 206-440-7700 to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to helping you.

bellevue chiropractic associates

2011-05-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jason Silliker worked at Bellevue Chiropractic Associates from June 2009 till August 2010 before transferring to to Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle. We are located 2 blocks east of Northgate mall on NE Northgate Way above Baskin Robbins. We look forward to helping you soon.

seattle spine specialist

2011-05-21T11:12:00.001-07:00

Your family chiropractor is usually the first place to go to address a nagging back problem. Chiropractors see a range of problems including back and neck pain. If you have a serious problem, your chiropractor will order diagnostic tests or refer you for short-term pain management by referring you to a MD for prescription medications. We guarantee same day appointments for all new patients. Call 206-440-7700 to schedule a consultation and examination today.

north seattle chiropractor

2011-05-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle is conveniently located just off I-5 north of Seattle. We are 2 blocks east of the Northgate mall on NE Norghgate Way above Baskin Robbins. We have plenty of free parking and guarantee same day appointments. If you or someone you love is having back, neck, or headaches call today. Dr. Silliker and Dr. Early are highly trained spine specialists for neuromuscular disorders and would be happy to help you. We offer massage, spinal manipulation and rehabilitation. Call 206-440-7700 to schedule your appointment today.

back pain specialist seattle

2011-05-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

Chiropractors are the least invasive, safest, and most cost effective providers to manage back and neck pains. At Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle, our Doctors are trained to provide spinal manipulation and physical rehabilitation to eliminate back pain. We also offer massage therapy, which is ofen covered by insurance with a referral from your chiropractor. We guarantee same day appointments and are happy to provide complimentary exams and consultations to see if chiropractic and massage can help you. Call 206-440-7700 today.

Seattle massage therapy

2011-05-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Massage therapy is a great way to manage stress and tension. Many insurance companies offer this service with a referral from a Chiropractor. At Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle, we would be happy to provide a complimentary exam to see if one of our massage therapists could benefit you. We are conveniently located just off I-5, 2 blocks east of the Northgate mall above Baskin Robbins. We guarantee same day new patient appointments to help you receive the best care. Call us today at 206-440-7700.

North Seattle Chiropractor

2011-05-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

Sound Chiropractic Center is conveniently located off I-5 in north Seattle 2 blocks east of Northgate mall. Just head past the north end of the mall on NE Northgate way 2 blocks. We are located right above Baskin Robbins. Our providers are preferred providers for all major insurance groups. Please visit our website to find a coupon for a complimentary exam and consultation at no charge. We would be happy to provide a complimentary benefits check of your insurance benefits. We guarantee same day appointments.

Seattle chiropractor for premera

2011-05-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle is a preferred provider for Premera insurance. No referral is necessary to see our Doctors. We guarantee same day appointments. We look forward to helping you soon

Seattle personal injury

2011-05-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Chiropractors evaluate the body for structural damage after injury. Physical trauma needs a physical solution. With car accidents, it only takes a "bump" of 3-5 mph to cause permanent soft tissue damage to an unprepared driver or passenger. If you experience an accident of any kind you should be evaluated by a neuromuskuloskeletal specialist as soon as possible. The Doctors at Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle are trained to evaluate and treat all conditions caused by physical trauma.

seattle auto injury specialists

2011-05-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

Auto injuries should be evaluated by a spine specialist soon after the accident. At Sound Chiropractic Center, we guarantee same day appointments. It only takes a small impact of 3-5 mph to cause permanent damage to the spine. Within days after the injury, scar tissue begins to develop that can restrict motion and cause long-term pain and disability. Since chiropractors are considered portal of entry providers a referral from a MD is not necessary. At Sound Chiropractic Center, we provide spinal manipulation, massage, and rehabilitation to help you reach pre-injury status. If you or anyone you know is involved in a car accident contact us today. We look forward to helping you.

Seattle Chiropractor For Regence

2011-05-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle is a preferred provider for Regence insurance. You can expect the highest quality of safe and affordable chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation in Seattle. We have over 35 years of experience treating a variety of neuromuscular conditions. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Seattle chiropractor for Insurance

2011-05-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

Sound chiropractors are the least invasive providers in Seattle who can treat neuromuscular conditions and who specializes in administering manipulation, which has been found to be one of the most efficacious and safest treatments for conditions such as acute and chronic lower back pain and neck pain as well as some types of headaches. Unfortunately, despite the public's willingness to see chiropractors as spine specialists, chiropractors only see an estimated 17 percent of patients who could benefit from chiropractic care according to a 2005 report from Chiropractic & Osteopathy. At Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle, we have been helping skeptic people with back pain for over 35 years. We are also credentialed by all the major insurance companies. We look forward to helping you too.

Seattle Chiropractor for Golf

2011-05-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I saw Tiger Woods getting adjusted on the fairway after his mid-back started to flare up on him. Did you know that most professional golfers take advantage of chiropractic adjustments to manage their problems. At Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle, our Doctors are trained to quickly find your problem and fix it.

So the next time you hit a ball wrong and "jam" your back, neck, hips, knees, or elbow, call to have it fixed quickly on the same day. Dr. Silliker and Dr. Early are highly trained chiropractic spine specialists who specifically address golf-related injuries in Seattle. We look forward to helping you soon.

Seattle Chiropractor for back pain

2011-04-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

Chiropractic spinal manipulation has been helping people with back pain for over a hundred years. Physical problems need physical solutions. At Sound Chiropractic Center, we use evidence-based chiropractic principles to gently separate the facet joints and stretch the paraspinal muscles. This type of procedure has been used to help those with back pain for literally thousands of years before chiropractic was conceived by DD Palmer in 1895. If you would like to learn more about how chiropractic spinal manipulation and therapeutic exercise can help you. Call Dr. Silliker at Sound Chiropractic Center today!

Seattle Chiropractor for neck pain

2011-04-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

Chiropractors have been helping people with neck pain for over a hundred years. The nerves that exit the neck travel into the arm and hand. They also innervate other muscles, glands and tissues. When a nerve of the neck becomes irritated from herniated disks or misaligned vertebrae, the pain can travel into the arm, shoulder, or upper back. At Sound Chiropractic Center, Dr. Silliker is trained to safely perform spinal manipulation and rehabilitation to this region. If you are having neck, shoulder, or back troubles call today! You deserve to know what's really going on.

Seattle's Top Chiropractor

2011-04-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

So what does it mean when you see an ad for "Seattles Top Doctor"? It means that that a company has paid money to the magazine company for this form of advertisement to gain the "perception" of being the best in their profession. However, the truth is, that noone ever actually voted on these doctors nor is there any true objective measurements taking place. Basically, this is a paid method of marketing and of course, only the clinics who can afford this actually participate. So....the next time you read an ad about the "Top", make sure that you know this is a form of paid advertising. The best way to really know about a specific business is to look at true testimonials and on-line reviews. At Sound Chiropractic Center, we encourage our own patients to tell their story and let others know how chiropractic has helped them. You can make your own decision about who the "Top Doctors" are. When you do find that Doctor, make sure to tell others!

Seattle Chiropractor for asthma

2011-04-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

How could chiropractors help with asthma? Well...again, the nervous system controls everything in the body. The lungs are made up of tiny little sacks called alveoli that are surrounded by vascular blood vessels controlled autonomically by smooth muscles. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for things that are done sub-consciously. This includes breathing, digestion, hormone levels, immunity etc.... The important thing to realize is that we don't have to "think" about these things, they are still regulated by nerves connected to the brain. At Sound Chiropractic Center, Dr. Jason Silliker works with the thoracic spine and ribs that are intimately connected to the autonomic nervous system. If you have asthma and live in Seattle, call Dr. Silliker at Sound Chiropractic Center to schedule an appointment today.

best chiropractic in seattle

2011-04-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

See how the structure of the body could be interfering with the integrity of the nervous system. Commonly, what we see is subluxated or misaligned vertabrae that have been there a long time. Most problems like this can be avoided if it is caught early enough. Sound Chiropractic Center removes nerve pressure by adjusting the spine and reducing subluxations over time. Right now, Dr. Silliker is offering a Special "Get Acquainted Offer!" that is good for a free History, examination, and (up to) two x-rays if necessary to start. Call 206-440-7700 to schedule.

Seattle Chiropractor for dogs

2011-04-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

How can chiropractic help a dog? Well...dogs, cats, horses and all other animals have a body that is run by nerves just like people. The really cool thing is that they respond to chiropractic adjustments just like people. This is how we know that chiropractic works and is not just a "placebo" because animals can't be "fooled into believing". Most people have been taught to think that humans are somehow physically different than animals. Forgetting that animals have brains and nerves that control their eyes, ears, hearts, and movements too. At Sound Chiropractic of Seattle, Dr. Silliker discusses "Survival Value", which is how humans are physically similar to animals and how important health and vitality is to survival. To find out if Chiropractic can help increase your survival value, call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jason Silliker at Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle.

Seattle Chiropractor for leg pain

2011-04-19T09:01:00.001-07:00

Pain in the legs is always caused by irritated nerves. Pain in your tooth, shoulder, and anywhere else in your body is always caused by irritated nerves. You can't feel pain without an irritated nerve! The nerves that go down into the leg originate in the brain and exit the central nervous system from the lower back into the leg. Chiropractors remove nerve irritation by using spinal manipulation and working with the soft tissues of the leg with exercise and stretching. At Sound Chiropractic Center, Dr. Silliker and Dr. Early are trained in diagnosing spinal related leg pains and are able to safely treat and manage muskuloskeletal and spinal related leg pain. Feel free to call and schedule an appointment today at 206-440-7700. We look forward to helping you soon.

seattle chiropractor for joint pain

2011-04-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

Chiropractors work with the joints of the spine to reduce pain and restore motion. Why? Movement of joints is very important for the health of joints. Cartilage cells don't have a blood supply and rely on movement in order to imbibe or "sponge" nutrients like water, oxygen, and sugars into the cells. Movement also lubricates the joint by moving synovial fluids. When a joint doesn't move over time, it can develop connective tissue adhesions that make the joint "gummy" and not move properly. This is called a "fixation" that not only restricts movement but can cause pain. Call for an appointment with Dr. Jason Silliker at Sound Chiropractic Center. Dr. Silliker uses spinal manipulation to gently restore motion to these joints to reduce pain and disability. We look forward to helping you soon.

Seattle Chiropractor for facet pain

2011-04-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Chiropractic helps reduce facet generated pain using spinal manipulation. The mechanism of action does three things that help reduce pain and restore range of motion without using injections or surgery. First, spinal manipulation separates the facet joint resulting in a release of energy and creating joint cavitation usually associated with a popping noise. The second mechanism involves stretching of paraspinal muscle resulting in forced muscle relaxation. Finally, there is a decrease in pressure of the disk, which can press on nerves. To learn more about evidence-based chiropractic and how it helps reduce nerve pressure and back pain. Call for an appointment with Dr. Jason Silliker at Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle.

Seattle Chiropractor for Low Back Pain

2011-04-13T17:02:00.001-07:00

Chronic lower back pain is a leading cause of job related disability and a leading contributor to missed work. Back pain is so common that the condition is often times considered "normal". For those whose pain doesn't go away with time, the pain can be unbearable and disabling. Activities and quality of daily life are diminished leading to fear avoidance behavior and depression.

Self care advice, physical therapy and medications while helpful to some are not always successful. For those who fail to respond the choice is between chronic mediacation usage and surgical procedures.

Evidence based research has shown chiropractic management of chronic pain to be effective in a short period of time, safe and cost effective. The results from the study highlighted above illustrate that patients can have faster relief of symptoms and disability without the use of medication. This chart illustrates the benefits of chiropractic management for chronic lower back pain.

Feel free to contact Dr. Jason Silliker or Dr. Paul Early at Sound Chiropractic Center to find out if chiropractic could help you. We are located 2 blocks east of Northgate Mall in Seattle on NE Northgate Way. We look forward to helping you soon.

Seattle Chiropractor for pregnancy

2011-04-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

Chiropractic has great results with pregnancy related pain when performed by a licensed, professional chiropractor at Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle. Dr. Jason Silliker remembers one of his first chiropractic miracles involving a young lady in her 3rd trimester suffering severely from low back pain. He recalls, "the pain was so bad she could hardly walk." Of course, she did not want to take any pills because she didn't want to damage the baby.

How can chiropractors help? Well, not only is there a tremendous amount of structural changes such as added weight to the uterus and breast tissue, but there is also a release of a hormone called "relaxin". It's job is to loosen the ligaments of the pelvic outlet during the birthing process, but can also cause subluxations of the sacroiliac joints between the sacrum and pelvic bones. Also, due to increased breast size, the mid-back regions can also become painful. This can all be helped using gentle spinal manipulation to restore normal function and position of the spinal joints.

How do you adjust people during pregnancy?

Well, obviously we cannot have you lay on your stomach or take x-rays. Instead, we use motion palpation to feel joint restrictions and use modified techniques to accomplish the same results to mobilize the joints. At Sound Chiropractic Center, Dr. Jason Silliker is trained to treat pregnancy related back pains to help keep you feeling great and drug free during this monumental time in your life. If you are having pregnancy related back pain, call Dr. Jason Silliker and schedule an appointment at Sound Chiropractic Center of Seattle now! We look forward to helping you and your family soon.

Whiplash and Chiropractic in Seattle

2011-04-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

Capsular Ligament Stretching May Perpetuate Chronic Whiplash Pain Whiplash, defined as an injury caused by stretching of the tissue beyond its physiological limit, but less than its failure point, can cause a variety of symptoms and severity. Understanding the structures that can cause pain has been a topic of debate and the focus of many previous studies. Involvement of the facet joint and the surrounding capsular involvement have been documented. The focus of this research brief is to review literature that extends this knowledge of the damage to the capsular ligament to provide a biomechanical mechanism of chronic whiplash pain. __________________________________________________________________ Whiplash causes increased laxity of cervical capsular ligament Paul C. Ivancic,a, Shigeki Ito b, Yasuhiro Tominaga b, Wolfgang Rubin a, Marcus P. Coe c, Anthony B. Ndu a, Erik J. Carlson a, Manohar M. Panjabi a, a Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA b Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan c Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA Received 7 May 2007; accepted 10 September 2007 Goal of the Study: To determine whether whiplash caused increased capsular ligament laxity by applying quasi-static loading to whiplash-exposed and control capsular ligaments.

Chiropractic care: Chiropractors have long studied these same effects, describing them as the vertebral subluxation complex. Research has illustrated that the altered mechanoreceptive afferent driven motor mismatch can be corrected by the firing of the mechanoreceptors of the facet joint capsules which are activated by means of a chiropractic adjustment (Indahl, Spine 1997).

Sound Chiropractic Center 820 NE Northgate Way Seattle, WA 98125 206-440-7700 info@soundchiropractic.com • http://www.soundchiropractic.com/

Conditions Likely to Respond to Chiropractic Care:

 Back Pain  Neck Pain  Headaches  Herniated/bulging Discs  Spinal Stenosis  Sciatica  Auto Accidents  Pregnancy-Related Pain  Muscle Tightness/Weakness/Imbalance  Some types of radiculopathy  Sports Injuries  Thoracic Outlet Syndrome  Whiplash  Plantar Fascitis (Foot and Arch Pain)  Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Pain)  TMJ Pain  Elbow Pain (Tennis/Golfer Elbow)  Wrist Pain  Finger/Toe Pain  Hip Pain  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome  Ankle Pain  Knee Pain  Iliotibial Band Syndrome  Quadriceps Pain/Tightness  Other Acute and Chronic Injuries Therapies Offered in Our Clinic:  Spinal Manipulation  Spinal Rehabilitation  Extremity Manipulation  Injury Prevention  Sports Conditioning  Core Strengthening  Postural Correction  Stability Training  Nutritional Counseling  Advanced Myofascial Release We Accept with the Following Insurance Plans:  PI  Labor & Industries  Premera  First Choice  Regence  Aetna  Cigna  ACN (now Optum Health)  Plus many more, please call to inquire. Map to our office: Clinic Hours:

Chiropractic As Part Of A "Get Healthy" Program

2010-12-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

If you're like many people, you'd love to be a healthy person. If you already feel pretty healthy, that's great. However, I've noticed more and more people are searching the internet for ways to get healthy. They want to be healthy, they just don't necessarily want to have to take any difficult action steps in order to make it happen.

Getting healthy usually means all the normal steps. Eating better, getting some regular exercise, and addressing various ailments and symptoms that have begun to show up. Still, most people are going to take a passive approach to their health. They want to do things and go places where things will be "done to them" rather than them having to "do stuff."

Let's take eating better for example. There's no real mystery any more for you in which foods are good for you. Fast food is usually bad (even the stuff they try to make seem like it's good for you), and vegetables are good. When you are snacking on potato chips, you can't honestly be telling yourself "I sure am eating healthy."

Eating healthy things, putting only healthy things in your shopping cart, and worse, planning your meals ahead of time so you don't get caught starving and nothing to eat but fast food requires effort.

Exercise is the same thing. Remember those belts that people used to strap around their waist and get shaken into better health? You don't see them anymore because exercise really is not a passive thing. You've got to get out of your chair and regularly move around to make anything happen. After awhile, just walking around is not really going to get you the results you want either. You'll have to put in more effort to increase the intensity of your exercise to hit the next level.

Here's the good news for those people that want to do something healthy, but don't want to put forth a ton of effort. Get a chiropractic adjustment. You don't have to wait for headaches, neck pain, or back pain to decide to visit a chiropractor (even though that's what a lot of people do). Getting a chiropractic adjustment is one of the easiest things to do, and one of the healthiest.

It's an insidious thing. You don't see that your spine is breaking down. You don't see the degeneration process start to occur in your spine and the spinal discs. You just know that things aren't quite right. I've had patients that never complained of anything more than low back stiffness, before coming in for their first chiropractic visit.

However, their x-rays showed advanced spinal degeneration something that simply could not happen overnight. The best part of all in starting this type of program is that the only "action" you have to take is to show up. The chiropractor will do the rest, and you get to just sit back and feel better about taking a healthy step toward a better you.

What If You Can't Afford Treatment?

2010-11-17T09:24:00.000-08:00

With all the debate going on about government-sponsored healthcare and keeping costs down, chiropractic care remains one of the cheapest methods of solving many different health conditions.

For less than the price of a round of steroid injections, you can get weeks to months of chiropractic treatment that will typically have longer lasting and more beneficial effects — without the side effects.

Now, I understand that many people can have difficulty with starting a treatment plan that may include multiple visits in a week. That’s at least a co-pay every time they walk through the door. I don’t want to sound unsympathetic, but I know that people waste so much money on things that are harmful to their health while putting their health issues on the back burner that could easily be solved now.

Is it really that you can’t afford treatment? Or is it that you just don’t see it as a priority? Every situation is different and your situation may be that you truly cannot afford it, but I’ve encountered many patients that just don’t see their health as a priority and that’s unfortunate.

At our office, we bend over backwards to offer discounts and alternate payment options in an effort to help you afford care, so it’s always surprising when people don’t choose to take advantage. Others are thrilled that we offer choices and ways for them to get all the care they need now and then pay for it over time.

I can sleep at night knowing that people that really want the help will always get the help at our office. If you need chiropractic care and wonder how in the world you can afford it, know that there are offices out there that will give you the payment assistance you need to make it happen.

Why Don't More People See Chiropractors?

2010-10-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

According to various polls and questions asked of the public, more than 50% (sometimes 60%) of the population indicate they would consider visiting a chiropractor. For the last forty years, the percentage of people that actually do so has remained the same. While more people are seeing chiropractors than ever before, consistently only 10% of the population does so.

Why? If so many people would consider chiropractic as an alternative to other medical choices, why don’t they actually do it when the need arises?

They don’t know what to expect.

Most people have gone to see a medical doctor. They have an overall understanding of what they can expect when they walk in the office. They expect a little window, to be handed some paperwork to fill out, and then eventually get a chance to visit the doctor and tell them where it hurts. They also know that they’ll likely be handed a prescription that will help their symptoms and they can be on their way.

What happens when they go to see a chiropractor? That’s just it. They don’t really know. They assume it’s similar to a visit to an MD, except that instead of a prescription the chiropractor is likely to “pop” something. Do they really need something “popped”? They’re not sure so they go with what they know.

They don’t know if their condition can be helped with chiropractic care.

They think of chiropractors as helping with auto accidents and low back pain (if you just go by the most common advertisements seen), but they don’t have that. They have headaches, or neck pain, or shoulder pain. Can a chiropractor help with that? They look at a couple of yellow page ads or run through some websites. Some say they do, some don’t say anything about it.

Can they get help by seeing the chiropractor? Again, they’re not sure so they just go back to what they know. They want relief and they want it fast. They’ve gotten relief before by getting a prescription so once again they find themselves at their physician’s office.

They don’t know who to see.

All the chiropractic ads say different things. Activator Methods? Gonstead? Palmer Graduate? Do I need that? Is one really better than the other? This guy seems okay, he’s wearing a white coat and advertising “decompression.” Do I need to be decompressed? All of the chiropractors seem to be advertising slightly different things, while the medical doctor offices all seem to be closer to the same.

There can be a lot of confusion about visiting a chiropractor. While many chiropractors offer an initial no-charge consultation, most people just aren’t going to sit through a consultation when what they really want is pain relief as quickly as possible. It’s really up to the chiropractic profession to continue to educate and get a consistent message out there so people will know what to expect, which conditions are regularly treated, and understand some of the terminology that is out there when it comes time to make their choice.

Back Pain: It Isn't Always What It Used To Be

2010-09-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

If you ignore a back problem, it will likely not go away on its own. Sometimes you can get through an episode when it’s early in the condition with some over the counter medications and rest. So you’d think. If the underlying problem is never addressed, the back pain problem is there to resurface again at a later date.

Usually when the pain returns, it hurts a little bit more and lasts a little bit longer. Over time, the episodes will start to show up more frequently until the person takes the actions necessary to create a more substantial healing. (Hopefully they go to see a chiropractor and get their spine in its proper alignment instead of relying on stronger and stronger medications.)

More often than not, the person dealing with the back pain follows their doctor’s orders and concern themselves with their back only when the pain shows up. Then they return to doing all the same things that led them to the the problem in the first place. Then the symptoms return and they show back up to their doctor.

“I know what I’ve got, doc. Last time you told me it was my L5 disc.” They then expect you to do what you did last time, give them the relief in the same time frame you gave it to them last time and they can get on with their lives. Sometimes it happens just like that, sometimes the episode takes a couple of extra days to return back to normal.

Eventually, they’ll get the same condition, they’ll show back up to your office, expect the same results… and they won’t happen. The doctor will end up doing more tests and discover that they don’t just have an “L5 disc” problem anymore. They now have L4 and L5 and the sciatic nerve is being compressed. The previously minor disc bulge at L5 has turned into a full blown disc herniation with potentially more invasive treatment needed to alleviate the pain.

How could this have been avoided? Once you’ve been notified that you have a back problem, seek relief from the pain first. Once the pain is gone, you must distinguish that your “pain” and your “problem” are two different things. Celebrate the relief of your pain, but evaluate what may have led to the problem in the first place.

Are you strengthening your back muscles? Are you getting enough exercise? How are your daily activities contributing to the problem and how can they be modified. Don’t accept your back condition and assume it will never change or get worse. Most of them can and do get worse over time.

Just Do One Thing At A Time.

2010-08-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

If you’ve started to notice that your health is declining and it’s time to do something about it, you’re probably wondering where to start. You know you don’t feel good, you know you’re not doing enough healthy things for yourself, but it can all be a bit overwhelming. Even if your primary goal is to drop a few pounds and just feel better… which action should you take first?

One school of thought is to take massive action. This is certainly a good thing and has helped many overcome great obstacles. Taking massive action should lead to massive results. However, when it comes to changing your health, which massive action should you take? Go and buy every vitamin in the store? Run laps around your block until your legs won’t move? Schedule appointments with a chiropractor, personal trainer, massage therapist, and psychologist?

My suggestion is to take massive action… on one thing at a time. Pick something. It doesn’t have to be anything other than something that will move you closer to a long term goal of being healthy. To me, that would mean that I’m an appropriate weight, I’m generally free of pain, I have lots of energy, and my moods are pretty consistent in a positive way.

The major categories are going to be eating better and exercise.

Eating right can start with eliminating the things that you know are bad for you that you regularly eat. Too many sodas? Trips to the vending machine? Double frappacinos with whip? Something just popped into your head and you know it’s been slowing leading to a decline in your health. Pick one and let it go.

Bring your lunch to work a couple of days per week or find something healthy that you can eat at least once per day. Start taking a decent multi-vitamin if you’re not doing so already and drink a lot more water. Just do something healthy.

Once you’ve got this habit formed and are starting to feel pretty good about your results, time to reassess and eliminate something bad and add in something good. Keep this up until you get where you want to go.

What about exercise? I have to admit, doing this regularly is not always the easiest thing for me. I say it’s about spending the time and effort, but I think it’s more about not spending the time finding something that I really enjoy doing. You don’t have to start an exercise program by planning to run a marathon (unless that helps you get motivated).

Walking 1 mile and running 1 mile burn about the same amount of calories since it takes longer to walk that same distance. Find ways to walk more, even if it just means parking your car further away from the building at work. You can do it, but you have to start somewhere and that means taking action towards your goal.

You can get healthy, really! It’s possible for those that are willing to make the effort. If your health has declined to such a degree that you need professionals to help you heal and feel better, then by all means do that too. Take massive action… just do it on one thing a time.

How Much Do Your Activities Cause Your Pain?

2010-07-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

Uh oh, it’s happened again. You can feel the initial “twinge.” That is, you can feel the early warning sign that you low back pain problem is about to come back again. You knew you should have been keeping up with your chiropractic visits and the exercises your doctor gave you, but you just haven’t done it.

You feel great most of the time, but you’ve learned that when you get this feeling, things are about to go downhill…fast. Sometimes you get off easy, just a few over-the-counter remedies and you can get back to work. Sometimes you’re going to be spending the weekend putting ice on your back and waiting for the doctor to open up first thing Monday morning.

Worse case is that you’ll spend the next couple of weeks trying to get yourself back to feeling not just pain-free, but to the point where you don’t feel like things are about to go bad at any point. That’s the worse feeling.

So it’s somewhere in one of these episodes that you begin to ask yourself, “Why does this keep happening? Is it something I’m doing or not doing?” Most of the time, the answer is “yes!” Now, our bodies are not made out of concrete, and no one can make sure that your back pain will never, ever return again. However, there’s plenty that you can do to keep the episodes at bay and keep from feeling bad more often than not.

Let’s not even get into some of the preventative measures like regular chiropractic care. Let’s just realize that your daily activities are usually what is contributing to your problem. If you sit all day on the computer, then get in your car and sit, and then go home and sit, and then go to sleep and do the whole thing all over again… you’re going to have problems.

Some people will do some exercises, but that seems to be primarily made up of sit-ups, walking, and riding their bike. None of these activities will strengthen the spine to any noticeable degree. Certainly nothing that is going to keep that “feeling” from coming back again. Your normal daily activities have a focus on actions that occur in front of you with almost no engaging of the back muscles for anything other than keeping you upright.

If you’re going to keep a back problem away, you’re going to need to strengthen your back. Taking some time out to follow your doctor’s recommendations and perform some regular activity for the sake of your spine will go a long way in keeping things together. Keep the weight down, the stress away, some regular general exercise, and some regular exercise focused on strengthening your spine and you should do okay.

Does Chiropractic Help With Shoulder Pain?

2010-06-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Chiropractors are known for their abilities in helping people with neck and back pain. The most common reason why someone even considers seeing a chiropractor is for back pain, specifically low back pain. Research and studies and the general consensus is that we can help in this area. What about shoulder pain? Is there anything a chiropractor can do to help shoulder pain?

You can certainly have a chiropractor take a look at and evaluate your shoulder problem. While the spine is most commonly adjusted, the chiropractic adjustment can be performed at any joint. A joint is anywhere two bones meet. In the case of the shoulder, we’ll be looking at three different areas; the clavicle (collarbone), the humerus (upper arm), and the scapula (the shoulder blade).

Any of these joints can move out of their normal position with extended use in the wrong way. Stress and poor posture in the upper back can lead the shoulder blade to become stuck and fixated in the wrong position. The chiropractor can adjust this area and work with the muscles to get things moving again.

The same principles apply to the humerus and the clavicle. There are certain movements in which each bone will take on a more primary role. The chiropractor can feel with his hand if the right areas are moving or not. If the joint is not moving, this means it is likely not functioning correctly. This is where the chiropractor’s expertise can be of most use.

The first evaluation of the shoulder is really to see if any of the muscles, ligaments, or tendons have torn. Depending on the severity of the tear, you may need an immediate referral for an MRI and a visit to an orthopedic specialist. You don’t want someone moving your bones around if you have a tear, and the chiropractor doesn’t want to do that either.

If you haven’t had any trauma to the shoulder joint and the pain has just come on gradually over the years. The chiropractor can take a look and provide adjustments and work to the muscles that can make a world of difference.

June 6-12 National Headache Awareness Week

2010-06-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Hello headache sufferer's. The following article is full of research based information that can help you end your pain. It demonstrates how massage aids in headache relief.

Massage Reduces Headache Frequency
Massage significantly reduced the number of headaches experienced by people with chronic tension headaches, and decreased the duration of the headaches, according to a recent study.

"Massage Therapy and Frequency of Chronic Tension Headaches" was conducted by Christopher Quinn, Clint Chandler and Albert Moraska, Ph.D., of the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Boulder, Colorado.

Four people who had experienced two to three headaches per week for the past six years or more participated in the study, which lasted eight weeks. During the first four weeks, baseline headache measures were recorded. Throughout the last four weeks, participants received two 30-minute massages per week.

A standardized massage protocol was used, consisting of six phases that fit in the 30-minute time period: preparatory tissue warm-up (three minutes), myofascial release (five minutes), axial cervical traction (two minutes), trigger-point therapy (15 minutes), facilitated stretching (five minutes) and session closure (three to five minutes).

The trigger-point therapy, which made up the bulk of the routine, consisted of scanning palpation of the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, suboccipital, splenius capitis, levator scapulae and temporalis muscles.

"When located, active trigger points were treated by pincer or flat palpation with just enough pressure to elicit referred pain or autonomic referral phenomena," state the study's authors.
The pressure was maintained until the referral pain ceased, or for a maximum of two minutes, then slowly eased to produce a vascular flushing. In a typical session, six active trigger points were treated, and the procedure was repeated three to five times on each point.

Every night before bed participants completed a headache diary form, recording number of headaches, intensity of most severe headache, and duration of longest headache.

Each subject experienced a reduction in headaches within the first week of massage treatment, and the mean number of headaches per week was significantly reduced from 6.8 to 2 during the four weeks of massage.

"Because our therapeutic massage protocol specifically addressed trigger-point activity, we believe that the reduction in activity of these regions by massage was a major contributor to the observed beneficial effects on tension headache," state the study's authors.

Although duration of headache decreased for all four subjects, the decrease was not statistically significant, and there was no significant change in headache intensity.

"The findings suggest that a larger, more complete study that includes a proper control group is warranted," state the study's authors.

- Source: Boulder College of Massage Therapy. Authors: Christopher Quinn, Clint Chandler and Albert Moraska, Ph.D. Originally published in American Journal of Public Health, October 2002, Vol. 92, No. 10, pp. 1,657-1,661

While this study was statistically inclusive, as many small population studies are, the reality of reduced headache frequency in participants is clear.

So if you're experiencing regular headaches, even one per week, give massage a try. The worst that can happen is that you will leave relaxed, refreshed, and potentially headache free.

**Thanks to Lyn Yancha, LMP for finding this article**

Massage - Your First Experience

2010-05-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

This week I had quite a few new patients, and as I went over the treatment information, I realized how much of this is brand new to so many people. While massage is much better understood than it was 10 or 20 years ago, there are still a lot of questions around massage. There are many different treatment styles and environments. A massage you receive on vacation at a resort is likely to be very different from the medical massage you'll receive here in the chiropractic office. I'd like to share some information about what to expect during your first massage treatment here at Sound Chiropractic.

While Dr. Early will do a thorough exam and explain the treatment plan to you, many of the same questions will be asked by your massage practitioner. This is done for several reasons. First, we keep seperate charts and like to ensure that all information is complete. Secondly, some of our patients receive massage therapy only and are not seeing Dr. Early. Finally, by asking you for a complete health history and description of your current symptoms, your massage therapist is sure to have the best, most up to date information. This will ensure that your treatment plan is catered specifically to your needs.

Once the intake has been completed, your massage practitioner will advise you of the massage treatment they plan to give. This will be an overview of the areas of the body that will be targeted. They will then instruct you to "dress down" and tell you how to lie on the massage table. "Dressing down" is your choice. I like to tell clients to "dress down" to their level of comfort. For some that means completely disrobing, for others it means keeping a top on, socks on, or whatever makes them feel most comfortable to ensure the deepest relaxation. Remember, no matter what level you "dress down" to, you will always be covered with a sheet and blanket. Only the part of the body being worked on will be exposed.

While you change, your massage practitioner will step out of the room, make chart notes, wash their hands and return to provide your treatment. Most treatments last one hour, though 30 minute and 90 minute treatments are also avaiable. While on the table, your only job is to relax thoroughly and stay in communication with your therapist. By breathing deeply and slowly you will aid your muscles to relax to their fullest potential. Your massage therapist will ask you about your comfort and the pressure level during the massage, but always feel free to speak up if they don't ask first.

Your massage, especially your first massage, is all about you. You are in control of the treatment. If the temperature is too high or too low, ask your therapist to adjust it. If you need more or less pressure, tell them. You won't hurt our feelings by asking for adjustments. In fact, we appreciate requests because it is how we learn to best treat you.

These are some basic questions that come up day to day. If you have further questions, please email me at dianaskidmore@soundchiropractic.com Better yet, give us a call and come in for your massage treatment today! 206 440 7700

Take Charge Of Your Health!

2010-05-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Most health problems can be avoided. Many of the problems we deal with every day didn’t have to be there at all, if we were willing to take a good hard look at ourselves and decide to be healthy.

The first question is, do you think your body wants to be healthy or do you think you have to medicate it into being “healthy?” An easy example is if you get a cut on your skin. You know that the bandage doesn’t heal the cut, your body does. It just knows that it needs to heal that area and it gets to work. If you are a healthy person, the cut will likely heal much faster than if you are unhealthy.

I see this in my practice every day. I’m a chiropractor and we work with aligning the spine to improve the patient’s health. In order for the spine to stay in its proper position, the muscles will need to work with us. The health of the muscles will determine how fast the patient gets results.

Too many people are in pain, come in and get treatment, just to find that the results take much longer than they thought they would. Then I see patients in moderately good health that bounce back much faster than expected. The patient that consistently makes more healthy choices will get better faster than the patient that doesn’t. Period.

So how do you avoid most health problems and stay healthy? There’s not a lot of mystery to it, believe me. I’ve tried, probably just like you, to find any other new possible way to get healthy other than what has been tried and true.

1. Eat right – What does this mean? Fruits and vegetables, you know, all the stuff you don’t want to eat. If you look at your health as just the results of what you’ve been doing so far, this will help in your motivation. Eliminating one bad food at a time and replacing it with something healthy will go a long way. Maybe no more sodas, instead you’ll be drinking water. Replacing green tea for coffee, or reducing your sugar intake.

Continue to make these better choices and eventually you’ll see a big difference in how you feel. Many conditions are the result of long term diet issues. If you eat poorly, you don’t give your body any materials to maintain your health.

2. Exercise – Don’t start your new exercise program by opening up your front door and running 10 miles. Find some ways to build momentum in your exercise program. Take a walk, go play catch with your child (or even your dog), or get a bike and start doing laps around your block. Find a way to get started and go from there.

Exercise will improve the tone of your muscles, make you stronger, and most importantly, will help you deal with stress. Stress is a huge factor in your health.

It all sounds to easy, right? It’s not easy. Staying consistent with these elements of your goal to get healthy will yield plenty of benefits, just figure out your best way of sticking with it. I’ve found that adding in (or taking out) one thing at a time will make all the difference. You won’t lose fifty pounds in six weeks, but whatever you do lose will stay gone. Over the long-term, that’s what will make all the difference in your health. Take charge of your health!

Can You Be Your Own Chiropractor?

2010-04-17T09:21:00.003-07:00

At least once a month I get a question from a patient asking some version of “Why can’t I just adjust myself?” And more often, I have patients that regularly do adjust themselves, particular grabbing their own head or neck and performing a maneuver that gives them a bunch of “cracks” and makes them feel like they’ve done something good.

There are probably more reasons than what I’ll list here, but the answer is “no” you can’t be your own chiropractor. You can be your own mechanic (to a point), you can be your own handyman (to a point), you might even be your own doctor at times, but you leave the more specific and more complicated tasks to the experts.

Getting a spinal adjustment is one of those complicated things that doesn’t seem so complicated on the surface. What is it that the chiropractor is really doing? Why do I need to have a chiropractic adjustment, what’s wrong with just twisting my own neck?

I think you’ll agree that if you are trying to move your spine, you have determined that it is either not moving or it has moved out of place, right? If it can go the wrong direction and cause pain and discomfort, then it makes sense that if you move it further out of place you can make it worse. So… how do you know which way to move your vertebrae? The move that I see being performed is a “move everything and hope I get the right one at some point.”

Each vertebrae can move up to sixteen different directions. Do you know which way your vertebra has gone? That’s where the chiropractor comes in. They are trained to determined which way the bone has moved and how to move it back into the correct place. Some of the directions are extremely difficult to accomplish on your own. Chiropractors don’t adjust themselves either!

The same principle that applies to adjusting yourself also goes for having someone “bear hug” you at a family gathering and having your kids walk on your back. It’s just not specific and the person performing the “therapy” has no way of knowing which part of your spine needs to be adjusted.

The next question is “If I can’t adjust myself, why does it feel better when I do it?”

You’ll notice that when you do it, the good feeling doesn’t last long. That’s why you keep doing it over and over again during the day. You still get the endorphin release, so you’ll temporarily get a influx of pain relief that makes you think you’ve done something good for yourself. However, you’ve more likely either moved something the wrong way or moved a different bone than the one that needs it. The pain and discomfort returns once the endorphins are gone and you’re back to where you started.

In summary, you cannot be your own chiropractor. I know it can seem like a simple thing, but chiropractors are the experts at finding the right area of your spine to be adjusted and then moving it back the right way. See the experts!

Therapeutic Massage for less than a cut & color

2010-02-05T19:55:00.001-08:00

Many of us don't think twice when we book our monthly or bi-monthly hair appointment. It's an expense that we budget for because our appearance is important.

Therapeutic massage at Sound Chiropractic Center is priced at $70/hr. That's less than your average cut & color. Not to mention the styling products that we faithfully buy. We spend this money because we like to feel good about ourselves. We like to feel confident in our presentation to coworkers, bosses, friends and loved ones.

Feeling good about our appearance is one way to stay positive - especially in the grey winter months in Seattle. Think about how you feel after leaving the salon. Now consider the positive benefits of therapeutic massage. In addition to feeling relaxed and having calmer muscles, massage releases endorphins, improves immunity and is an integral part to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

I'm not suggesting you cancel your appointment with your stylist - some of my best clients are stylists. One reason they make such great clients is because they know how important maintaining healthy muscles is to continuing the work that they love to do.

Take care of the body you were given. Eat well, exercise and begin to incorporate therapeutic massage into your health routine.

Massage FAQ

2010-01-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

This week the most frequent question that came up was "when should I use heat and when should I use ice?" This is commonly asked because chiropractors and massage practitioners alike often recommend use of one or both. So when is which appropriate?

Ice works as a vasoconstrictor, meaning it makes your vessels smaller. This decreases inflammation and prevents excessive blood flow to an area. Ice is wonderful for areas that are red, raised and warm to the touch. These specifics let you know that an area is inflammed, whether from bumping into something or from an internal inflammatory agent, like a food you ate.

Heat works as a vasodilator, meaning it enlarges your vessles. While it might seem counterintuitive to increase blood flow based on the above reasoning, there are times when that is exactly what is needed. When you increase blood flow, you also bring healing nutrients to the area being heated. This speeds up healing for a torn muscle or an area of high tension and adhesions.

Whether using heat or ice, it's optimal to use for 15 minutes followed by a 15 minute period off the skin. Feel free to repeat the process throughout the day. Remember to use a protective layer between the heat or ice and your skin.

More questions about hydrotherapy? Email dskidmore@soundchiropractic.com

Exciting events at SCC!

2010-01-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

Sound Chiropractic Center is centered around helping our patients and our community. One of the ways we help our local community is by offering special events providing free chair massage, free spinal checks and free chirporactic exams. I'm excited about an upcoming event where we will help our local community and in turn, our patients can help a broader community.

On Feb 12th we will be hosting our first annual Dr. with a Heart event. All day on Friday the 12th, we will provide 20 new patient visits and 60 adjustments. Your copays will be donated to a relief fund for victims of the recent Haiti earthquake. This is a wonderful opportunity to receive beneficial chiropractic and massage therapy while helping those in need.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday, February 12th!

Dan O'Brien And Chiropractic

2009-09-21T13:34:00.001-07:00

If Dan O'Brien Needs Chiropractic maybe you could use it too? Give us a call today!

Don't Quit Before You Start - Truly Inspirational

2009-08-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

A Day In The Life Of A Spine...

2009-08-26T07:47:00.001-07:00

Does your spine need help? Give this Seattle Chiropractor a call today!

Some Basketball Inspriration...

2009-08-18T06:11:00.001-07:00

Chiropractic for Ear Infections?

2009-07-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Need a Seattle Chiropractor? Give us a call!

Jerry Rice Speaks Out For Chiropractic

2009-06-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Need a Seattle Chiropractor? Give us a call!

Consumer Reports - Chiropractic # 1!

2009-06-07T17:21:00.001-07:00

Need a Seattle Chiropractor? Give us a call!

Chiropractic Care For Kids

2009-05-11T12:36:00.001-07:00

Need a Seattle Chiropractor? Give us a call today!

Chiropractic for High Blood Pressure

2009-04-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Need help with your health? Give this Seattle Chiropractor a call!

A Chiropractic Miracle?

2009-04-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

If you need a Seattle Chiropractor for your own chiropractic "miracle," give us a call!

Spring... Time To Renew, Revitalize, and....

2009-03-07T16:54:00.001-08:00

It's nearly Spring. Time to renew, revitalize, and get adjusted? The first of the year tends to be a time for resolutions. Now more sun, more daylight, and hopefully some time have either proven you to be successful following your resolution or time to make a new one.

As the weather improves and some of the laziness of winter starts to shake off, take this time to see your chiropractor and get adjusted. You'll feel great, have more energy, and help prevent problems down the road.

You don't have to wait until you're in pain to visit a chiropractor (even though most people do). The patients I've seen do the best over the years are those that keep their spines maintained, and go the extra mile for their health.

Chiropractic For Sciatica?

2009-02-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body. If you’ve ever had sciatica, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. Sciatica is often characterized by pain radiating from the back into the buttocks and into the legs. Inflammation and irritation of the sciatic nerve can cause pain anywhere along the path of the nerve, which includes the low back, buttocks, the back of the legs and thighs, and in some cases it can be felt in the foot and ankle.

How does a nerve, like the sciatic nerve, become inflamed? Sciatica is often the result of cumulative damage. Years of bad posture, deconditioned muscles, and carrying “a few extra pounds” are all contributing factors to this horrible condition. Something as simple as bending over to tie your shoes can trigger an episode.

Let’s take a look at how the sciatic nerve is formed in your body. Like a large river created by smaller streams, five pairs of nerves exit the spine in the lower back to form two sciatic nerves (one in each leg). A bulging or herniated disc in the lumbar spine (low back) may press against the nerve roots that supply the sciatic nerve. The result is swelling, inflammation, and pain that is felt when coughing, sneezing, or with certain movements.

Spinal decay can be another culprit. Instability in the low back over time leads to the degeneration of not only the soft, pulpy disc, but also leads to the formation of arthritis and bone spurs. Bone spurs can intrude into the spaces normally reserved for the nerve and create the pain and inflammation associated with sciatica.

Sciatica often worsens with extended bed rest. Pain medications and muscle relaxers may relieve some symptoms, but they are unable to correct the nerve compression caused by spinal decay. Physical therapy addresses the soft tissues around the problem in an attempt to strengthen and stabilize the area, but can irritate the area from exercising unstable joints, and ignores the cause of the problem. Surgery often involves cutting away disc tissue or removing bone to make room for the nerve.

Chiropractic continues to be the best way to address the cause of sciatica. A recent study, done by the Committee on Research of the International Chiropractor’s Association, Parker Research Foundation, the Kale Network and Kale Research Center, found that with a chiropractic treatment plan: 85% of patients with sciatica showed results that were much improved, 9.4% were slightly improved, 5.1% remained the same, and 0.5% were worse.

Improving joint motion with a series of chiropractic adjustments has produced results for millions. “Before” and “after” images of the lower back often show improved disc height and spacing. Many patients report they can resume their lives and that their symptoms disappear without drugs or surgery. Chiropractic is the natural approach to relief and better health.

Don’t wait. Chiropractic care appears to have the most profound effect on sciatica when problems first occur. However, even in those who have tried to ignore this or have gone through the medical “runaround” can still get excellent results with chiropractic care. Chiropractic is the natural choice that should be made before submitting to dangerous and irreversible surgery.

Dr. Paul Early is a Chiropractor in Seattle in the Northgate area of Seattle, WA. More information can be found at his website at http://www.soundchiropractic.com

Chiropractor for TMJ?

2009-01-27T13:57:00.000-08:00

It is estimated that 30% of the population suffer from TMJ dysfunction or from one of the many symptoms that a problem with the jaw can create. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is where the jaw bone joins the skull. Problems or dysfunction of this joint can result in jaw pain, jaw clicking, headaches, sinus problems and even loss of hearing! Many people suffer needlessly for years, seeking opinion after opinion, not knowing how to address this painful and problematic condition.

Jessie’s story started just that way. When she came to our office, she had been suffering with jaw pain and neck stiffness for many years. She told me it was terrible to wake up not knowing if her jaw would lock up and cause a migraine all day long again. You see, she had stopped taking the various pain killers her doctor had prescribed. They never really worked and she was tired of the years of “fogginess” her medications had caused.

What were her doctors missing? Why does the TMJ pose such a problem for so many? The causes of a TMJ dysfunction are almost always physical. What does that mean? Well, a comprehensive approach to TMJ must include a look at the tracking of the jaw, the muscles that act upon the jaw, the disc that helps the jaw glide against the skull, and the nerves that control the muscles of the jaw. Lifestyle changes are often in order as well.

What causes tracking disorders? One way is with direct trauma to the jaw, knocking it out of alignment and causing all kinds of trouble. Auto accidents, sports injuries, and blows to the face are common ways the jaw can be knocked out of alignment. Left untreated, the misaligned jaw can literally start to carve a new, misaligned path for itself.

An imbalance in the muscles that act on the jaw is another way to cause TMJ dysfunction. The jaw, like all joints in the body, is moved and stabilized by muscles. When these muscles aren’t functioning properly, the jaw will not move properly, and the joint will start a degenerative process that will not just go away. Arthritic changes and problems with the disc often result from such imbalances.

The most common, and often over-looked, cause of TMJ is a problem with the neck. When the top bones of the neck go out of alignment, they place pressure on the nerves that go to the head and face, causing problems such as: headaches, ringing in the ears, dizzy spells, sinus trouble, and TMJ.

The problem with Jessie’s jaw was a combination of all these things. She was treated with manipulation of her jaw, to help align it for proper tracking, myofascial release to the muscles that act on her jaw, relaxation techniques to help her stop clenching, a splint to help her relax her jaw at night, and most importantly, she was given chiropractic care to address the problems in her neck that were affecting her jaw.

Your chiropractor will take a health history, do an examination of the nerves that most commonly cause TMJ and examine your spine to see if those nerves are impinged by misaligned vertebrae. When indicated, spinal x-rays will be taken to see exactly where the spinal bones are misaligned and how to re-align the spine to correct the problem.

Chiropractic adjustments can correct the cause by re-aligning the vertebrae to their normal position with gentle exercises to strengthen to new and proper positioning. If you would like to leave the pain and the drugs behind, chiropractic offers a promising solution by dealing with the cause of TMJ.

By Dr. Paul Early, a Seattle Chiropractor at Sound Chiropractic Center.

Chiropractic for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2009-01-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

Twenty-five years ago the most common on-the-job injury was a low back strain sprain. However, a shift in work habits and equipment has changed all that. Today it seems that everyone spends most of the workday tied to a computer. Even the plumber and other the other trades access work orders and complete paper work on finished jobs by typing away on a laptop. Enter the new most common on the job injury: tendonitis.

Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon and tendon sheath, most often due to over use. Frequently the cause is too many keystrokes with neck, shoulder and arm muscles locked in a rigid position. Since the tendon sheath is responsible for redirecting the pulling force of muscles around and through joints they are susceptible to wear. Over use depletes the natural lubricant and tendonitis can occur. The resultant symptoms are pain, weakness on muscle contraction, loss of co-ordination, numbness and tingling.

In the past, tennis elbow was the best known tendonitis condition, but today, with virtually everyone using a computer keyboard, carpal tunnel syndrome has taken over first place. What actually causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

The nine small bones that connect your forearms to your hands are called carpals. On the palm side of your hands there is a tunnel through the carpal bones that allows the transport of tendons and nerves. The ligaments that hold everything in place form the roof to this passage way and form the carpal tunnel. With overuse the tendon sheath swells, causes pressure on the adjacent nerves and carpal tunnel syndrome occurs.

Common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are pain, weakness and lack of co-ordination on grasping objects or attempting keystrokes. Numbness, tingling in the hands is also common and in severe cases wasting of the muscles of hand. In some cases surgery to release the pressure in the tunnel is required to alleviate symptoms.

However, the best experts estimate that 90% of carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis is incorrect. What happens instead is called double-crush syndrome. The nerves that are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome actually start in the neck and pass through the arms before they reach the carpal tunnel. In a vast majority of hand and wrist pain sufferers the damage is done before the nerves reach the carpal tunnel.

Here’s what actually happens: misalignment of the small neck bones called vertebra put pressure on the nerves that supply the arms and hands. That pressure in the neck can cause symptoms in any or every part of the arm. This is the first crush. The second crush in double-crush syndrome happens in the muscles of the forearm when adhesions form in the muscles of the forearm from holding a rigid tense position like the one required for typing.

Before undergoing drug therapy and surgery, check with your chiropractor to see if your neck and forearm are the source of your symptoms. Chiropractors can quickly and accurately assess the problem and frequently just a few chiropractic adjustments and some physical therapy can reduce or eliminate the symptoms.

By Noel G. Lloyd, DC of Sound Chiropractic Center of Northgate, Seattle, WA

Chiropractic and Whiplash

2008-12-29T07:24:00.000-08:00

In the late 1800’s there were only two automobiles in the state of Indiana. Wouldn’t you know they would hit each other? That was perhaps the first auto accident in America. Since then there have been literally millions of injury auto accidents.

However, today cars can go 10 times faster than they did 125 years ago and there are millions more cars to run into. Enter the whiplash injury. When one car hits another the force of the impact accelerates not only the car it hits, but the car’s occupants as well. What can happen next is aptly described as a whiplash injury.

During this type of accident, the head (attached to the shoulders by the neck) stays motionless “in space” for just as long as it takes the neck to stretch to maximum extension. Then a violent forward whipping of the head, neck and upper back take place. Seen in slow motion, the injury may remind you of the cartoon character Road Runner. In his speedy departures his body leaves first, then his head is pulled after him by his neck. Road Runner’s neck stretches like a rubber band. However, when hit even at low speeds, we humans may suffer serious head, neck and upper back injury.

What actually happens is muscles, ligaments, discs and nerves, even the bones, can be torn in a whiplash injury. An examination may reveal muscles in spasm; inflamed and sprained joints and occasionally x-rays will show fractures from ligaments tearing parts of bone away.

However, the worst aspect of these injuries can be the long-term irritation and damage done to the delicate nerves at the base of the skull, the neck and upper back. Weakened and misaligned joints and scar tissue put pressure on nerves, cause pain and impair nerve function for a lifetime.

This can cause serious chronic headache and neck pain, plus radiating pain, numbness and or tingling into the shoulders, arms, hands and upper back. Untreated, the misaligned bones wear badly and degenerate.

What should you do if you think you have had a whiplash injury? The best approach is to see your chiropractor. He will take a health and accident history, do a physical examination of your neck and test for muscle and joint damage. When needed, x-rays will be taken to determine the extent of the injuries.

Of all the treatment options available, chiropractic care is both effective and safe. Gentle realignment of the spine, physical therapy and corrective exercises can affect a full symptomatic and structural recovery. But don’t delay treatment. Too many accident victims wait and suffer too long because some well meaning, but misinformed doctor has told them that the symptoms will go away by themselves.

In the mean time, adjust your headrest to the middle of your head, buckle your seatbelt and drive carefully. Dr. Noel Lloyd, Sound Chiropractic Center of Northgate, Seattle, WA

Should You See Sound Chiropractic For Your Tension Headache?

2008-12-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

The most common pain in America is headache. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on several dozen over the counter remedies, each one promising quick relief. But do they deliver? What actually causes headache pain and is there a cure for the cause? Let’s see why our heads hurt.

Most headaches are separated into one of several categories. For the purposes of this article we will consider the most common and most expensive: tension headache.

You already have a good idea how this one works: it’s a hectic day with too many things to do, deadlines to meet and what may feel like too many unreasonable demands – before you know it, you have a headache. For some it’s a mild ache at the base of the skull or forehead, but for others it can be blinding and debilitating pain. What’s actually gone wrong?

Let’s start with your head: it weighs 10 to 12 pounds and sits on top of a column spinal bones called vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, discs, blood vessels, nerves and other tissues covered with skin that form the neck. So far so good, but when under pressure we can tense up and tighten the muscles at the base of the skull, neck and shoulders. This causes poor biomechanics, restricted movement, the neck vertebrae are squeezed tighter together and pain ensues.

But why does your co-worker, who’s under twice the pressure you are, never get a headache? Tension alone won’t cause headache: the difference lies in what those tense muscles are attached to and cover. If the neck bones, called vertebrae, are even slightly misaligned, muscle tension can create painful nerve pressure.

Now we have emotional tension from the stress, tight muscles that restrict normal fluid motion of the neck bones, impaired movement and nerve pressure. It’s a perfect recipe for a tension headache.

If the vertebrae in the neck are aligned well, you can experience quite a lot of tension and not have it cause you any pain at all. You may be irritated and stressed out, but not in physical pain. Well that’s good for your pain-free co-worker, but how about you. You would like to quit living on what are for many, dangerous over the counter or prescription medication and take care of the cause of your headache. Then see your chiropractor.

Your chiropractor will take a health history, do an examination of the nerves that most commonly cause tension headache and examine your spine to see if those nerves are impinged by misaligned vertebrae. When indicated, spinal x-rays will be taken to see exactly where the spinal bones are misaligned and how to re-align the spine to correct the problem.

Chiropractic adjustments can correct the cause by re-aligning the vertebrae to their normal position with gentle exercises to strengthen to new and proper positioning. If you would like to leave the pain and the drugs behind, chiropractic offers a promising solution by dealing with the cause of tension headache.

Dr. Noel Lloyd, Sound Chiropractic Center of Northgate in Seattle, WA. Visit us at www.soundchiropractic.com for more information.

Now's Not The Time...

2008-12-12T06:45:00.000-08:00

It happens mysteriously every year around this time. Good health becomes optional and time and money is now spent on Christmas. While it's perfectly logical that your resources move this time of year, now's not the time to totally neglect your health.

The weather's cold, the stress is high, we drink more, eat more, and have more obligations. Our health is under attack this time of year and it becomes even more critical to take good care of ourselves.

Avoid the trap and don't take a holiday from your health this season. Take some extra vitamins, slip in some extra glasses of water throughout the day, and maintain your chiropractic treatment schedule. These may seem like small things, but your body needs these things right now more than usual.

Now's not the time to stop maintaining your health. Start the new year healthy!

"No, you don't understand: I don't hurt anymore..."

2008-11-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Maybe I DID NOT understand. For over 37 years in chiropractic I've heard tons of people say they feel better many many times each week, but this was an unusual case. This dear lady had hurt for decades - almost 3 of them. She had pain on motion, pain while laying still, pain while sitting and standing. Her life was pain.

When we started her care plan I had told her that her road would be long, but we were blessed and inside of a few short weeks she was 80% pain free and inside of 2 months 99% pain free. On this particular day she didn't hurt at all. That's when she told me she didn't hurt anymore and, fearing I didn't grasp the importance of her recovery, said "No, you don't understand, I don't HURT anymore."

Over the next 2 minutes she told me about all the things that she was looking forward to doing now that she didn't hurt. As I listened I saw her tear up. Then I did understand. She shared the disappointments due to all the time spent feeling rotten

Thank You, Seattle!

2008-11-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

As we start to get near the Thanksgiving holiday, it gives us a chance to really let Seattle know how much we appreciate working with all of you for the past 35+ years. During that time, we've had the opportunity to treat literally thousands of patients.

If you've ever considered seeing a Chiropractor in Seattle, this is a great time to get started and get healthy and pain-free before the end of the year. Why not find out if chiropractic can help you with your problem?

The most common reasons why people enter our office; headaches, neck pain, upper back pain, and low back pain. Still other visit us for shoulder pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Can we help you?