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What Is A Chiropractor?

Leading the way as the most popular form of alternative medicine, chiropractors play an important role in helping you maintain a healthy and pain-free life. The century-old profession has evolved to treat some of the most complex pain ailments, with over 35 million Americans visiting a chiropractor at least once per year.4

Chiropractic adjustments are now widely considered to be just as effective in relieving pain as drugs or surgery. In fact, many primary care physicians may recommend that patients meet with a chiropractor as part of their annual healthcare regime. This even extends to infants and young children. Parents are now turning to chiropractors to help them better manage a range of symptoms, from severe migraines, ear infections, scoliosis, to stiffness and joint pain, to even feeding or sleeping issues.

Like medical doctors, chiropractors must complete extensive training and schooling before achieving state licensure. Chiropractors often receive additional training in anatomy, physiology, nutrition and holistic medicine, allowing them to specialize their practices accordingly. Research has shown that the neurological benefits of a chiropractic adjustment can be an effective and non-invasive way to eliminate unwanted pain symptoms. Chiropractors may also partner with other wellness providers to offer their patients a holistic approach to their health needs, including incorporating massage therapy or acupuncture.

 

What Is a Spinal Adjustment?

Chiropractors are trained in identifying and reducing spinal misalignments often referred to as vertebral subluxation. These misalignments can interfere with how the central nervous system functions and can lead to nerve pain and discomfort. Prolonged subluxations often results in severe inflammation of the joint and nerve root which can in turn cause a lack of motion, leading to the degeneration of the surrounding joint and pain.

Chiropractors are able to perform postural restoration using their hands and applied pressure to get the spine and joints back in alignment. Commonly used by athletes who may be experiencing stiffness or pain, chiropractic adjustments have been found to be beneficial to a wide range of patients, including newborns.

The common misconception is that adjustments only help to treat back pain, but this is not entirely accurate. Chiropractic adjustments are able to relieve stress throughout the body that could lead to digestive issues, sleep disturbances, fertility challenges, organ malfunctions, vision problems – you name it! Since a spinal misalignment affects the central nervous system which is responsible for controlling how your entire body works, chiropractors can be key in ensuring that your nervous system is functioning properly.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, improving spine alignment can be the first and most important step in helping the body rest and recover from normal wear and tear or following an injury or surgery. Since the spine plays a vital role in how the entire body functions, visiting a chiropractor at least twice each year is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you would benefit from having an increased immune system, enhanced sleep, or improved digestion, then contact the trusted chiropractors at Corrective Chiropractic today to schedule your first appointment.

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Breaking Down the 3 Phases of Chiropractic

by Dr. Adam Podraza

 

Picture walking onto a construction site, and the contractor shows up with no blueprints or plans. He says he is going to show up every day, view the progress thus far, and make all decisions on what to do as he goes. Is that a fool-proof plan that will lead to successful results? Unfortunately, it is not.

Before even lifting one hammer, the contractor should explain in detail the different stages of construction, what to expect during each stage, and when you should expect the job to be completed.

Chiropractic care is, and should be, the same way. Your Chiropractor should have a plan for your care and explain the three phases in detail, so you can fully understand what to expect during each phase and where you are throughout the process.

Phase 1: Crisis (Relief) Care

Most people begin in this phase, unless they have been under care for a significant amount of time or if their spinal structure is in excellent condition. The primary objective of Phase 1 is to eliminate pain and have patients function as they did before the pain started. First, a thorough examination is done to reveal the areas of spinal dysfunction. Then, a care plan is created with two objectives in mind: eliminate or reduce discomfort/dysfunction and stabilize your condition in the shortest time possible. Each plan is personalized depending on the presenting condition of the patient. Phase 1 typically takes 4-6 weeks and is confirmed through objective testing.

Phase 2: Corrective (Rehabilitative) Care

This phase is centered on maintaining the progress that has been made in the relief phase while also strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. With the areas of stress in the spine diminishing, it is important to give the body the time it needs to adapt all of the surrounding structures and tissues to their position of optimal function. The frequency of visits reduces during Phase 2 because the body is starting to hold the adjustments longer and is becoming more stable. This phase typically lasts 6-8 weeks depending on the patient’s progress.

Phase 3: Wellness Care  

Wellness is the third and final stage of Chiropractic care. This phase is meant to maintain your improved health and spinal function while also preventing the return of any condition we have corrected throughout this adjusting process. At this point – depending on a person’s goals- specific suggestions can be made to take a patient’s health to the next level, such as on the topics of fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition. Please understand that if during this process you suffer an injury or setback, you may need to begin with Crisis Care initially to support your body, and that is perfectly okay. The good news is that your body has gone through this process in the past, so it will be ready to move through the phases more quickly!

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What is Corrective Chiropractic

If you ask a random person on the street what a chiropractor does the most common response you will hear is “they help with back or neck pain”. Unfortunately, many people have become accustomed to using this response, which has pigeonholed my profession to focusing solely on the back and neck. Removing pain from a persons life is the smallest outcome a chiropractor produces based on the grand scale of how many physiological changes that are happening as the spine is corrected.

By the time someone feels pain usually a problem has been underlying for many years and has now begun to manifest as symptoms. This mentality is far from the typical thought process of the average American as we only think there is a problem when we are symptomatic. If this was true, then people would feel their heart hurting years before their heart attack or feel cancer cells replicating in their body once the cancer hits phase 1. Unfortunately for both those examples most people do not feel the problem until it is too late whether it is at the heart attack or in phase 4 cancer.

The focus of a corrective chiropractor is to find the problem early and get the problem corrected before it becomes painful. Sadly some people are in pain by the time they come to a corrective chiropractor but this only means the timing of care may be longer. The first phase of correction is eliminating the pain, and the second phase is correcting the problem, which is why getting checked by a corrective chiropractor is crucial as soon as possible. Therefore, you can see if the spine has lost its natural curves before it is too late.

The picture on the right represents a normal neck and shows a beautiful C-shaped curve. Most healthcare providers call this curve the ‘arc of life’ as it sends down millions of impulses and signals through the spine every day to communicate with the rest of the body. When kept in this position, this curve can function at 100% and clearly communicate with the body. From hours in front of the computer, old sports injuries, car accidents over 8 mph, poor postural patterns at work, sleeping improperly, and many other normalbiomechanical issues, we lose these natural curves and let them go through the phases of degeneration. The chart below represents the different phases and what would happen to someone if he/she did not see a corrective chiropractor. What most people think of as ‘due to old age’ or ‘genetics’ can be corrected or prevented based on taking proactive measures towards your health.

The first step is to call a corrective chiropractor and schedule a structural examination. If you live in Atlanta, we would be happy to evaluate you. During our time together, our team will determine how we can help and get you the best results.

The second step is scheduling your Report of Findings. At this time, you will review your x-rays with Dr. Cohen and see if you qualify for our care. If so, we will determine the length, time commitment, and costs of your personalized careplan. There are no hidden expenses and you would know all the numbers before beginning any care at our facility.

The third step is to enjoy the process. Our Community Wellness Advisor, Jessica, and Dr. Cohen are on a mission to change lives through living a proactive life, so please use them as resources to maximizing your care and health.

Below are examples of how we can correct the spine using the tools we have in our practice Atlanta:

                                PRE                                                                            POST

MegPre          MegPost

                                PRE                                                                            POST

lcleepre          lcleepost 

 

                                PRE                                                                            POST

 

HeinPre            HeinScoli

 

 

                                PRE                                                                            POST

 JessPre JessPost

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Best Vitamin Supplements For Winter Months
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What Are The Best Supplements To Take During Winter: Atlanta Edition

Needless to say, the amount of rainfall this summer has been higher than normal, and because of this there will be a lot of repercussions. (At the office we’ve already noticed more patients coming in with cold and flu like symptoms, many have been asking us “What are the best supplements to take during the winter months?”. This is a great question! In this article we will dive into the question and offer advice on the topic.

Rain, rain go away! This seems to have been the jingle this summer as the amount of precipitation in Atlanta has been hitting record highs. In June, we had 9.57 inches of rain compared to the average of 3.95 inches, and in July, we had 8.48 inches compared to the 5.27 inches. Needless to say, the amount of rainfall this summer has been higher than normal, and because of this there will be a lot of repercussions.

Sun

Summertime is our opportunity to be outside, work out and store up vitamin D to protect us from the fall/winter months (aka flu season). Unfortunately, due to all the rain this summer, most people are deficient in vitamin D and have not been outside as much loading up vitamin D for the fall. I have a bad feeling that if people do not build up their vitamin D levels soon then this fall could be a very bad flu season. It will not be a bad season because the flu is bad, but because people’s bodies are not strong enough to fight off bacteria with suppressed immune systems.

Once September begins, people tend to drink more and cook out more with football season then, October brings Halloween, which includes massive amounts of sugar; November has thanksgiving, which is a gluten bomb to the body, and then the holidays hit us in December with emotional stress. All of this to say, the next 3 months make or break whether you give bacteria a chance to thrive and develop into the flu. Your goal should be to build a titanium immune system over the next 3 months, so you are not laid out and miserable from the flu or other problems going around this time of year.

A 2010 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed dramatic improvement on the immune system with the use of vitamin D and its effect on preventing the flu. Children who were taking 1200 IU (see back label) daily showed a 42% reduction in contracting the flu. There was no correlation to how much a person was taking a day, but the key was making sure her/his serum levels were between 50 – 70 ng/ml. The average adult would need to take 8000 IUs daily to achieve levels greater than 40 ng/ml, which is why the sun is the best and easiest way to get vitamin D, as we absorb it much faster and do not need as much time. Testing your vitamin D levels can be done through your medical doctor and would be a great action step to complete before October starts.

Choosing a vitamin brand that is whole food based is essential; taking vitamins made of synthetic or artificial materials is damaging to your health. We do not want a healthy action turning into a destructive one, so we have made the process easier for you. Come into the office this week and pick up your bottle of a whole food based source of vitamins D for only $10.

We thank you for taking the time to read our article about the best supplements for the winter months. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or call our office at 404-382-9280.

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8 Steps To Better Posture

Tight neck? Tight Upper back? Weak back? Could be upper cross syndrome

Tight psoas? Tight lower back? Weak core? Weak glutes? Could be lower cross syndrome

If any of the pictures above represent you which the odds are “Yes” then please pay attention. In today’s World where weak posture is not only common in adults but in children it is unfortunate to see how many people think this is OK. Posture is the window to our spine and nervous system and the weaker our posture then the weaker our nervous system ultimately indicating weaker health.

There is hoards of research constantly being pummeled out of the pipeline sharing how proper posture is crucial to overall health and how the nervous system functioning well is vital to quantity and quality of life. Recently an article came out describing how forward posture can decrease lung capacity by 30% which increases the risk for cardiovascular problems. Another paper showed how for every inch forward the head moves creates an additional 10 pounds of stress on the upper back and double that on the lower back. Posture is our lifeline and the more we care for it whether we have pain or not then the better health it will generate to us.

I have made a commitment to improve everyone in my offices health no matter what it takes which is why we are committed to free newsletter and free workshops. Next week we have a workshop that can make a significant impact on your health by fixing the problems in the pictures above and restoring posture.

If you plan on attending please register HERE as seating is VERY limited. Please only register if you can 100% attend and guests are encouraged as we will be working in partners.

Also, if you plan on attending BE SURE to buy either 2 lacrosse balls at Dick’s Sporting Goods or go HERE and get the 2 therapy balls (Highly recommended). Make sure to bring these to the class so please order them ASAP.

We will be taking you through the following 8 steps to maximize your posture and help you feel and be your best.

Upper Cross Release Technique

1) Strengthen the deep neck flexors (Core around the neck that holds up cervical curve AKA Arc of Life)
2) Strengthen rhomboids (Muscles that help you stand more upright)
3) Release upper trapezius (Tight upper back where most people say “carry tension”)
4) Release pec muscles (Rounded posture increases tension in chest)

Lower Cross Release Technique

5) Strengthen abdominals
6) Release erector spinae (muscles that hold up spine)
7) Release psoas (Main hip flexor)
8) Strengthen glutes

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Peoples Lives At Stake

peoples-lives-at-stake

Last week we received news that a very important tool to help correct scoliosis has finally arrived to the states. This device is known as a Scoliroll and is designed to correct scoliosis in conjunction with chiropractic care. We recently took a stress x-ray of one of our clients and the top view is what her x-ray looked like before she started chiropractic and the one below is what it looked like with the Scoliroll under her spine. Pretty cool, eh? She will lie on this roll 2x/day for 20-25 minutes and after 60 days we will take another x-ray to confirm the structural changes.

Many of you are on the Denneroll and if not then please see let me know if this is something you would be interested in. We have them for the low back and neck to create structural correction in the spine which is huge for long term care.

Why is this such a big deal?

Everyday people are in pain from the amount of pressure on the nerves due to scoliosis and more commonly suffering with forward head posture. Beyond the pain which is 10% of the problem (even they think it’s more) their nervous system is shutting down and their organs are not recieving proper nerve supply from the brain.

It is very common that someone with a scoliosis will suffer with digestive problems and some form of reproductive issues.

It is very common that someone who has bad forward head posture suffers with migraines, allergies, asthma, sinuses, and sometimes high blood pressure. What is sad about this case is unfortunately the problem started when they were a kid and were a colicky baby then suffered with ear infections then had asthma and finally developed headaches/migraines.

This is not coincidental but it is how the nervous system works as when there is stress on it peoples lives are at stake and their quality and quantity of life is being jeopardized . Everyone thinks they are invisible until one day something happens and their life is turned upside down. There is hoards of research to prove how chiropractic enhances quality of life and any stress on the nervous system creates health problems long term. Think we feel the problem in the beginning or end stages?

Unfortunately I had to watch my closest uncle who I regularly hung out with and fished with take his own life because of a failed medical system and how much pain he continued to have. I see patients who have gone down this path and have been victims of this failed model and now have multiple pieces of metal in their back keeping them.

I am so passionate for many reasons but more so now because of 2 reasons:

1) A client of ours who came to my office mid-last year announced to me last week she will be getting neck surgery. She waited until last year before finally seeing a chiropractor and now she is already in Phase 3 degeneration with multiple levels of arthritis. It is very upsetting to me because out of all the people she associates with on a daily basis not too many of them suggested chiropractic before this even happened. Had a friend told her to at least get checked by a chiropractor to see if there is a problem before pain then this situation could not be happening. I am committed now more than ever to making sure people get their spines checked similar to how they get their teeth, prostate, liver, and heart checked. (What always confuses me is people get those checked before their spine yet the spine controls every single one of those parts.)

2) I am so sick and tired of watching people come into the office that were lied to about needing surgery for scoliosis and are still I pain. There is SO much that can be done to correct a scoliosis and putting kids under the knife to fuse it together only creates long term problems. Even if it is not a scoliosis kids need chiropractic more than anyone as they are constantly playing sports, sleeping in crazy positions, and carrying heavy bookbags. Personally my child will be checked for subluxation every 14 days and it is essential we start our youth off right with a healthy functioning nervous system. Why is your spine and nervous system more important than your child’s?

I know today I sound very passionate but I speak from the heart and come from a loving place. I want my children to grow up in a World of unsubluxated people who have healthy spines and a clear connection from the brain down the spine and out to the nerves. I have noticed that once people begin and commit to chiropractic then they start taking on other healthy habits for their life. For example, you’re more likely to care for a Ferrari than you are a Ford Pinto.

Please pass this newsletter on to someone you care about and have them use the coupon at the bottom of our newsletter.

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Sciatica

Sciatica Chiropractor in Atlanta

Sciatica is a debilitating  pain that begins in the lower back and runs or shoots down one or both legs. Sciatica pain will often get worse with long periods of sitting or standing.

One cause of sciatic pain can be due to bulging, degenerative, herniated or ruptured spinal discs.

Spinal disc problems often occur over time and the pain and symptoms then begin from a number of causes, like picking up the newspaper. This can cause a decrease in space for the sciatic nerve, thereby causing inflammation and irritation to the nerve.  Coughing, sneezing or other kinds of movement can be painful. When not properly taken care of, the sciatic pain can then extend down one or both of your legs. Even though you feel the pain in your leg, the problem area is often the lower back!

Pills, medications and muscle relaxers won’t correct the problem that is causing your sciatica pain.  Medications only mask the pain and can allow the problem to progress.

There’s Hope

Taking action by getting specific chiropractic adjustments can significantly improve motion in the lumbar joints of your lower back.  In response the sciatic nerve has less irritation and the pain is relieved for many people.

Your first step is a consultation and thorough examination in our office. If we think we can help, we’ll tell you. And if we don’t think we can help, we’ll tell you that too and refer you to someone we think can. Call today.

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Whiplash

Whiplash Chiropractor in Atlanta

You’re sitting at the corner like always watching for the stoplight to change. You hear tires squealing behind you followed by the sound of metal crumpling against metal. Your body and your car are suddenly being vaulted forward!

You’ve just been rear-ended!

In only a moment, your body is smashed against your seat. Your head, isolated by your neck muscles, is slower to react.

Then, everything changes directions and your body moves forward engaging your seat belt. Suddenly your head is ripped backwards! There’s nothing you can do to stop it.

The smallest fender bender can cause a whiplash injury. Pain and symptoms from a whiplash injury can be immediate, take a couple days, or may be delayed for months before causing problems.  So what’s next?

Call our office today for a consultation and examination!

Restoring proper motion and position of individual spinal bones, with specific chiropractic adjustments, can help promote healing caused by a whiplash injury.

“The longer you wait,” says Dr. Austin Cohen, “the more unseen damage there is and the longer it seems to take to recover.”

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Back Pain

Back Pain

Back pain affects 80% of Americans at some time in their lives. Back pain can also come in many forms. Whether you are affected by upper back pain, lower back pain or middle back pain, it can be anywhere from annoying to debilitating and should be take serious.

Pain is a signal that something is not right in your body.

Some people choose to mask or cover up the symptoms with medications or pills.  That’s like covering your eyes so you don’t see something you dislike.  But it doesn’t make the problem go away.

Two Common Causes

The facet joints on the back side of each spinal bone is a very nerve sensitive are and are a common cause of back pain. When the facet joints don’t move correctly they can cause back pain.

Your spinal discs can also be part of the problem causing your back pain.  This can range from degeneration, herniation, bulging and rupture of the spinal disc.  This can in turn cause irritation and inflammation to the nerves that cause you back pain.

Your Choices

We’ve helped many people with safe and natural chiropractic care. However, other choices include:
Ignore it (Spinal problems may worsen.)
Bed rest (May prolong the problem.)
Therapy (Stresses malfunctioning joints.)
Medicine (Numbs the body.)
Surgery (The most serious last resort.)

The Chiropractic Approach

Specific chiropractic adjustments can help improve spinal function. By restoring the way your spine works, discs and soft tissues may heal, nerve involvement may be reduced, pain can ease and better stability can return.

Cohen Chiropractic Center
2140 Peachtree Rd NW, Ste 203
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-382-9280

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