New Service Now Available!

Dr. Will Curtis is now offering cupping as an additional therapy available at the Appleton office.  For those who have never heard of cupping, Dr. Will offers an explanation and demonstration in the video shown below.

We are excited to have this additional tool in our practice!

How to Walk on the Ice - Without Falling!

Many of the sidewalks and parking lots are covered in ice after the last few snow storms.  Even if they are plowed or shoveled, there may still be a layer of ice underneath.  Here are a few tips to help you navigate the slippery surfaces safely:

• Tread carefully until you know if there is ice underneath that thin layer of snow.  A little bit of exploratory walking will help you determine if you can walk normally or not.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets while walking on slippery surfaces so you can use your arms for balance.
• Walk on the southern portions of sidewalks and parking lots as the sun may have melted any ice in those areas.
• Walk like a penguin!  Spread your feet out, put your arms out for balance, and take small steps.
• Using small shuffling steps to keep both feet on the ground.  This will give you better balance and traction.
• Use handrails on steps and consider taking them one at a time if they are icy.
• If you find yourself falling, try to fall to your side, having most of the fall absorbed by your thigh, hip or shoulder. Keep relaxed and and try not to stick out your arm to avoid breaking your wrist or arm.

Should all of the above fail and you find yourself injured by a fall on the ice, rest assured we are here to help!

Shoveling Alert!

Proper technique for pain free snow removal ahead!

Ergonomics and proper lifting technique for snow removal are very important for avoiding injury and low back aggravation.

First and foremost, if you have access to or have a neighbor with a snow blower, please use it.   It will save both your back and time when it comes to snow removal.

If you don’t have access to a snow blower, here are some things to keep in mind when shoveling:

1.       Shoveling is exercise, prepare accordingly (Warm up, don’t overdo it, listen to your body, etc.)

2.       Take breaks as needed and break the job up over time.

3.       Keep your core lightly engaged (squeezed) to help stabilize the spine.

4.       Shoveling is LIFTING and lifting requires proper ergonomics

5.       Bend at the waist and hips, your legs are much stronger than your low back.

6.       Avoid throwing the snow far distances and use more of a push method.

7.       If your low back starts to become tight and bothersome, stop and rest.

8.       If you notice discomfort upon waking the next morning you may have over done it and could benefit from a chiropractic adjustment to stop further aggravation.

Happy shoveling!

Postural Reset Seminars

What are Upper Crossed Syndrome and Lower Crossed Syndrome?

Join Dr. Will Curtis on Thursday, March 15th and Thursday, March 29th to learn about two of the most common postural related syndromes affecting people today.  Dr. Curtis will be presenting a two part series discussing the causes of Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) and Lower Crossed Syndrome (LCS).  He will break down the causes of these two syndromes, demonstrate his favorite exercises/stretches for each issue, and discuss treatment protocols.  There is no need for any scientific background or knowledge as seminar will focus on easy to understand terms and descriptions.

The whole family is welcome and everyone can benefit from this information - especially teenagers who are constantly on their cellphones! The talks begin at 5:30 and will last 30-45 minutes with time for questions at the end.  This is also a great opportunity to learn more about chiropractic!

Seminar highlights and benefits:

• Learn the most common posture related mistakes people make each and every day
• Stop dealing with constant low grade pain
• End the daily headaches
• Decrease muscle tension and tightness
• Increase range of motion
• Learn the proper exercises and stretches for the upper and lower back that will help you lead a more healthy, pain free life.
• Learn how to RESET your posture

You can sign up for one or both of these free seminars by calling 920-738-0200, emailing patientservices@schubbeappleton.com or registering online here

Chiropractic Care of the Upper Back

There are many sources of dysfunction in the upper back (thoracic spine) especially when we consider the numerous joints and the interlacing of muscles that comprise the thoracic spine and rib cage. If one muscle or joint is injured or inflamed, it can create a cascade of pain and dysfunction that can be difficult to treat.

Chiropractic treatment and upper back pain

The mid and upper back is known as the thoracic spine, it is the largest portion of the spine, consisting of 12 of the 25 spinal bones (vertebrae). In comparison the neck (cervical spine ) has 7 vertebrae while the lower back (lumbar spine) has 5 vertebrae articulate with ribs and together protect the thorax, hence the name, thoracic spine.

Upper back pain is a phenomenon that affects all age groups. Upper back pain while common receives much less attention than neck and lower back pain.

Thoracic disc herniation

Due to the limited motion in the thoracic spine, caused by the bony barrier of the ribs, Thoracic disc herniations are relatively rare. But when they do occur, they can create much pain and dysfunction.

Whenever practical and safe, conservative (nonsurgical) care, such as chiropractic, is advisable prior to the use of more invasive procedures, such as spinal injections or surgery.

The goal of the chiropractic treatment of thoracic disc herniation is to reduce pain and dysfunction while the body heals itself.

Since most disc extrusions naturally regress in a few months, chiropractors will attempt to reduce the pain and pressure caused by the disc herniation.

Some chiropractors will recommend nutritional support to reduce the pain and swelling associated with a disc herniation.

Myofascial pain syndrome

Fascia is a layer of connective tissue that contributes to the supportive structure of the spine and musculoskeletal system. The fascia invests or surrounds the muscles and allows for the smooth gliding of one muscle upon another. Investing fascia helps to prevent muscles from adhering to each other.

With injury, chronic postural stress or overuse, myofascial trigger points or myfascual adhesions may develop – all commonly referred to as myofascial pain syndrome.

Chiropractors treat myofascial pain syndromes such as myofascial trigger points or adhesions with manual myofascial therapy. This therapy normally includes the use of direct pressure upon the trigger point, or the use of active anchor and stretch myofascial release techniques.

Joint dysfunction

The thoracic spine is a marvel of joint interaction and complex motion patterns. Composed of a total of 220 separate joints, it makes up the lion’s share of the 313 total joints in the entire spine. With this many interactive articulation it is east to see that maintaining normal joint function, motion and position is important. Chiropractors treat thoracic joint dysfunction with chiropractic adjustments.

There are a variety of chiropractic adjustments techniques that can be used to adjust a dysfunctional joint:

                Most chiropractors employ manual adjusting techniques that utilize precise thrusting adjustments to help normalize joint function.

                Chiropractors can also use softer directional adjusting techniques or adjusting instruments to accommodate the needs of the patient

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a disorder in which the nerves of the brachial plexus and blood vessels are compressed. This compression can cause great pain and altered sensations such as a “pins and needles” sensation in the hands.

Treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome can include stretching, manual trigger point therapy and myofascial anchor and stretch release techniques to the affected muscles. Chiropractors may also include adjustments and postural instruction.

Thoracic /shoulder dysfunction

The function of the shoulder and the upper back are interrelated. Studies have shown that thrusting manipulations applied to the thoracic spine and ribs have reduced should pain and dysfunction. Chiropractic adjustments to the thoracic region can be beneficial to certain types of should dysfunction.

There are many causes and treatment options for thoracic spine disorders. Chiropractors have a wide range of treatment options for treating these conditions. Chiropractors are increasingly joining collaborative spinal care teams as a drug-free option for treating spinal and musculoskeletal conditions. 

Adapted from Spine-Health.com Newsletter

Starting an Exercise Ball Program

Many treatment programs for low back pain incorporate use of an exercise ball (also called a stability or fitness ball) to strengthen the core muscles in the stomach and back that support the spine. Exercise ball exercises clearly work and have been adopted in non-rehabilitation exercise programs by athletes and fitness buffs looking to cross-train and strengthen their core muscles.

This article provides several simple steps to choose, get familiar with, and benefit from using an exercise ball on a regular basis.

Choosing the right exercise ball

Physical therapist, exercise trainers, chiropractors and other professionals have constructed several guidelines to use when selecting the proper exercise ball size.

When sitting upright on an exercise ball:

1.       Feet should be flat on the floor with an even weight distribution.

2.       Knees should be level or slightly lower than the pelvis – creating an angle of 90 degrees or slightly greater at the hips and knees (thighs parallel to ground or pointing down slightly).

3.       Pelvis, shoulders and ears should be in a vertical line; the body should not be leaning in any direction as a counter balance. Bouncing up and down lightly will usually produce this alignment.

Exercise balls generally come in five different diametrical sizes to be accordingly used by people of differing body compositions.

It is important to note that height alone is not the only factor in determining ball size. Because the exercise balls are flexible and offer resistance, weight is also an important factor.

A general guideline for height correspondence to diameter of exercise ball is as follows (assuming average body weight is proportional to height):

Ball diameter	Your height
45cm	5’ and under
55cm	5’1” -5’8”
65cm	5’9” -6’2”
75cm	6’3” -6’7”
85 cm	6’8” and taller

If body weight to height or larger than the average proportion, sitting on the exercise ball will compress it down more, so try using the next larger exercise ball size in order to maintain the 90-degree rule. Another factor to keep in mind is that most exercise ball sizes have some adjustability to them. If the angles at the hips and knees are much greater than 90 degrees, some air can be released to compensate and vice versa.

Bear in mind, releasing air from the exercise ball will cause it to lose air pressure. As the ball flattens out, this will actually make it more stable, as it has a larger contact area with the resisting surface and the body. This means that stabilizing and balancing exercises will become easier and will lose some effectiveness.

Exercise balls also lose pressure because of stretching from regular usuage. Therefore, as the ball ages, it may require further inflation. On the other hand, adding excessive air to the exercise ball will increase the difficulty of balancing and stabilizing, as the contact area decreases.

Starting an exercise ball program

Just siting on an exercise ball is active and requires the core body muscles to work to hold the body upright and balance on the ball. Until sitting on the exercise ball feels comfortable, it is often a good idea to not have the ball fully inflated;a slightly deflated exercise ball is more stable.

·         Sit in the center of the ball with both fee firmly on the ground about shoulder width apart, if this is difficult, than us a wider stance.

·         The knees should be in line over the ankles

·         Shoulders should be in line over the body (not hunching forward) and the head squarely over the next (not leaning forward).

One can easily sit on the exercise ball while working at a desk or computer workstation and use it as an alternative to a tradition office chair. Others prefer to sit on it while watching television. Whatever the use, sitting on an exercise ball as some point of the day is helpful to strengthen the core muscles that support the spine.

Beginning stretches

There are several stretches that are easy to do when starting to use an exercise ball. These stretching exercises help with proprioception, of the sense of the position or parts of the body relative to the rest of the body and with balance. Each of these stretches should be done slowly 8 to 12 times.

·         Move the hips from side-to- side. While sitting on the exercise ball (as described above) and keeping the knees still, move the hips gently from side to side. Pause for a second as the end of each sideways movement to allow for a gentle stretch.

·         Move hips from front – to –back. While keeping the knees still, place hands on the knees and rotate the hips forward by tucking the buttocks first under the pelvis and then push them out behind the pelvis. All the motion should be limited to the hip area, not the knees or chest. 

Does Stress Cause Back Pain?

Could my back pain be caused by stress?

No one would disagree that having back and neck pain causes stress, but what about the other way around? Could stress be the primary cause of back pain?

How does stress cause back pain?

There are a variety of theories about the causes of stress related back pain. Importantly, the overriding tenet in all of these theories is that psychological and emotional factors cause some type of physical change resulting in the back pain.

In most theories of stress related back pain, the pain cycle continues and is exacerbated as the pain leads to the patient becoming timid and anxious about daily activities. The pain cycle is characterized by:

                The patient becomes unnecessarily limited in many functions of daily life, as well as leisure activities

                This decrease in activities is due to the patient’s fear of the pain and injury

                This fear may be made worse by admonitions from doctors (and/or family and friends) to “ take it easy” due to some structural diagnosis (which may actually have nothing to do with the back pain)

                The limitations in movement and activity lead to physical reconditioning and muscle weakening, which in turn leads to more back pain

Of course, this cycle results in more pain, more fear, and more physical de-conditioning along with other reactions such as social isolation, depression and anxiety.

The diagnosis of stress related back pain.

The diagnosis of stress related back pain is often made by a through medical history and physical exam. Patients must be cautious in trying to self diagnose stress related back pain, as there may be a serious medical condition (such as a spinal tumor or infection) causing the pain. A good medical examination can usually rule out the more serious structural causes of back pain in a great majority of patients.

For cases of stress-related back pain, the history of onset of back pain is often quite variable. The pain may start with an identifiable incident or it may start insidiously. For instance, it is not uncommon for the pain to start with an incident such as a lower back sprain or strain, only to have it continue as the result of emotional factors long after the injury has healed.

In many cases there may be MRI findings such as a “disc bulge” or “degenerative disc disease” when stress-related back pain is the actual culprit. In theses instances, the MRI findings are not clinically significant and ultimately determined not to be the cause of the pain.

The overall characteristics of stress related back pain include symptoms such as: back pain and or neck pain, diffuse muscle aches, muscle tender points, sleep disturbance and fatigue, in many stress- related back pain cases, patients complain of the pain “moving forward”

In general, symptoms of stress related back pain are similar to those of fibromyalgia. 

Treatments for stress-related back pain.

The multidisciplinary approach to treating stress related back pain includes evaluation of physical,emotional cognitive and environmental factors in all types of back pain problems and develops treatments for each aspect. Thus the multidisciplinary formulation will look at the relative contributions of the following  factors :

•                      physical including de-condition and weak muscles, nerve irritation, etc

•                      emotional including depression, anxiety, anger ,etc

•                      cognitive such as negative thoughts, pessimism, hopelessness, etc.

•                      environmental such as loss of job, financial problems, etc.

This approach then develops a treatment program based upon how much each factor is thought to be influencing the pain. A mulch-disciplinary program may include such treatments as:

•                      treating the physical factors using stretches and exercises recommended by you chiropractor

•                      treating the physical and emotional factors through appropriate medications (often including anti-depressants or muscle relaxants)

•                      treating the emotional and cognitive factors through psychological pain management techniques and biofeedback

The idea of multidisciplinary treatment of back pain has been around for at least 25 years. It has been shown to be quite successful; although, the key factor in treatment outcome is the motivation of the patient to complete a rehabilitation approach.

CranialSacral Therapy

Everyday, you endure stresses and strains and your body absorbs them. But your body can only handle so much tension before the tissues begin to tighten and potentially affect the brain and spinal cord.

CranioSacral Therapy releases those tensions to allow the entire body to relax and self-correct. Using a gentle touch – starting with about the weight of a nickel – practitioners evaluate your internal environment. Then they use distinctive light-touch techniques to release any restrictions they find.

By feeling the central nervous system to perform at its best, CranioSacral Therapy naturally eliminates pain and stress, strengthens your resistance to disease, and enhances your health and well-being.

And because it’s so gentle, CranioSacral Therapy can be effective for all ages, from newborns to elders.

CranioSacral Therapy improves your body’s ability to take better care of you. It helps relieve a full spectrum of pain, illness and dysfunction, including:
Migraines and Headaches
Chronic neck and back pain
Stress and tension-related disorders
Brain and spinal cord injuries
Chronic fatigue
Fibromyalgia
TMJ Syndrome
Scoliosis
Central Nervous System Disorders
Learning Disabilities
ADD/ADHD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Orthopedic problems
And many other conditions

What can I expect from a session?
A typical CranioSacral Therapy session takes place in a quiet, private setting. You remain fully clothed as you relax on a comfortable, padded table.

Your therapist begins by gently touching various parts of your body to monitor the rhythm of the fluid that is flowing around your central nervous system.

By carefully listening with the hands to locate areas of weak fluid flow or tissue motion, your practitioner can trace those areas of weakness through the body to the original source of dysfunction.

Delicate manual techniques are then used to release those problem areas and improve the form and function of your central nervous system.

A CranioSacral Therapy session can last up to an hour or more. It can be used alone or integrated with other therapies to create powerful effects. What you experience from your own session is highly individual. The sessions are generally deep relaxing, creating feelings of warmth or gentle pulsing in the area the therapist is working on.

Ruth Ann Mahony at our Neenah clinic is a fully trained and experienced CranioSacral Therapy Practitioner. Schedule your appointment today by calling Ruth Ann directly at (480) 495-8260.

December Massage Specials

Be sure to take advantage of these specials offered in December!

Appleton Massage Offer:

1.       Purchase a massage gift certificate and your name will be entered in a drawing to win a Young Living bamboo diffuser and 2 bottles of essential oils.

2.       December only special – purchase 4 one hour massages for $180 (normally $60 per hour).  Massage includes hot stones, hot packs and aroma therapy.

Gift certificates and massage specials may be purchased by stopping in the Appleton Office or by calling Michelle Schreiber at 920-540-0807.  Michelle Schreiber operates a massage business in the Appleton Office but is not employed by Schubbe Resch.

Neenah Massage Offer:

$10 off a 60 minute massage December 1^st – December 31^st - Gift certificates available! 

Chiropractic Physicians Urge Conservative Treatments for Pain Amid Opioid Epidemic

During National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) this October, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) will bring attention to the public health crisis caused by pain, and in particular the overuse of prescription painkillers, with the theme #PainFreeNation. The campaign is part of the chiropractic profession's ongoing efforts to educate the public about the value of exhausting conservative forms of care for both acute and chronic pain before resorting to higher risk options, such as opioids.

National Chiropractic Health Month is a nationwide observance that helps raise public awareness of the benefits of chiropractic services and the profession’s natural, whole-person, patient-centered approach to health and wellness. 

"Opioid medications involve the risk of overuse and addiction. Beyond this, prescription drugs that numb pain may convince a patient that a musculoskeletal condition is less severe than it is, or that it has healed. This misunderstanding can lead to overexertion and a delay in the healing process or even to permanent injury," explains ACA President Anthony Hamm, DC. 

President Hamm notes that people in pain should be informed of all management strategies, including non-drug approaches such as chiropractic, to reduce their risk of overuse and addiction. 

"Each patient is unique, and care plans should be tailored to focus on what is the safest, most effective treatment for the individual. Chiropractic physicians stand ready to work together with medical physicians to help address this epidemic that has caused unnecessary suffering, enormous loss of human potential and massive financial and personal costs," he adds.

Fortunately, health care quality organizations have begun to recognize the value of this conservative, multidisciplinary approach. Earlier this year, the Joint Commission, which certifies more than 20,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including every major hospital, revised its pain management standard to include chiropractic services and acupuncture. Clinical experts in pain management who provide input to the commission's standards affirmed that treatment strategies may consider both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches. 

For updates and more information on #PainFreeNation as October 2015 approaches, go to www.acatoday.org/NCHM and follow ACA on Twitter at@ACAtoday and on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

The American Chiropractic Association based in Arlington, Va., is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care, contributing to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. Visit www.acatoday.org.

Chiropractic Services Beyond Adjustments

The focus on spinal adjustment is what makes doctors of chiropractic unique in their approach to treating patients.  The chiropractic adjustment, however, is not the only procedure a chiropractor may use in managing a patients care.

• Heat and cold - Chiropractors may alternate between heat and ice therapy to help patients treat back pain.  Ice packs may be used for a 10-15 minute period and then switched with a heating pad to restore blood flow to the area and promote faster healing.
• Exercise - Chiropractors may provide patients with instructions for an exercise program focusing on stretching and strengthening the back.
• Massage - Chiropractors may massage the soft tissues to improve circulation, reduce swelling and inflammation, and encourage quicker healing.
• Dietary management - Many chiropractors will provide patients with tips on how an improved diet may help with back pain and may recommend supplements after spinal manipulation.
• Ultrasound - With ultrasound, sound waves create deep heat therapy that is applied to the soft tissues and joints.  Basically micro-massaging the soft tissues and joints, ultrasound therapy can help reduce pain, stiffness, and spasms. It can also increase blood flow and accelerate the healing process.
• Electrical muscle stimulation - During this therapy, electrodes are placed on the skin and send light electrical pulses to different areas of the body with the purpose of reducing inflammation, curtailing muscle spasms, and relieving pain.
• Traction - A chiropractic traction massage may include the patient lying face up as a system of rollers move about the back, all the while stretching and massaging the muscles in the back.
• Cold laser therapy - With cold laser therapy, particles of energy are carried in a laser and absorbed by the cell membrane's photo receptors after penetrating the skin surface.  The cells and tissues then convert this light energy into biochemical energy, fueling a biological process that is believed to decrease swelling, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve circulation.
• Pelvic stabilization - When leg-length deficiency, flat feet and/or subtalar instability are present, the chiropractor may place a small heel lift in the shoe on the short leg side and/or prescribe corrective arch supports to stabilize the pelvis.

So if your chiropractor recommends a service beyond an adjustment, you can rest assured that the service is meant to reduce your pain and speed your healing.

Content provided by Spine-health.com

October is National Chiropractic Health Month

Hosted by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) is a national public awareness and education campaign held each October. NCHM strives to teach health care consumers about the benefits of chiropractic services and to promote the expertise of doctors of chiropractic (DCs) in helping their patients reach optimal levels of health and wellness.

In 2014, NCHM will use the theme “Conservative Care First!” to educate the public on why a conservative approach to pain management and health enhancement is both sensible and effective. For years, many patients would find relief through conservative forms of care such as chiropractic services only after unsuccessfully trying a range of other, more complex and riskier treatments. Today, that approach has been reversed, with more medical research and guidelines supporting the idea that patients should exhaust conservative approaches to pain management before moving on to other options.

During NCHM, doctors of chiropractic will share information with the public about chiropractic’s conservative approach and why it is especially relevant in today’s health care system—and urge them to become their own best health care advocates by insisting on “Conservative Care First!”

Why I Became a Doctor of Chiropractic - Part 1

Several positive experiences with my chiropractor during my teenage and college years led to my passion and calling to become a doctor of chiropractic.

My first treatment with a chiropractor occurred in middle school after finishing a cross country running race.  Portions of the course on this particular day were set on the side of a hill at an extremely unlevel angle.  By the time I crossed the finish line, I felt my stride was considerably imbalanced, to the point where I was struggling with sharp pain in my pelvis and lower back.  I made my first ever appointment with my mom's chiropractor and learned that my sacroiliac joints were out of alignment and causing a leg length difference of approximately two inches.  I was treated 2-3 visits for my sacroiliac pain and pelvic alignment problem, and then returned to cross country running at 100% within 1-2 weeks.

Four years later in my junior year of high school, I developed a strep infection that required a course of antibiotics to resolve the infection.  I was unaware at the time of how antibiotics may disrupt the delicate balance of intenstinal bacterial flora that may lead to digestive problems; especially if you aren't proactive in replacing the intestine with probiotics to re-establish beneficial bacterial flora in the gut.  I went on to develop a malabsorption disorder in the intenstine and lost 30 lbs, most of which I couldn't afford to lose!  I was evaluated with a comprehensive systems health questionnaire to discover which system of my body was most affected and most likely leading to my health problem.  It was determined that my digestive system had several key imbalances.  My chiropractor treated me from a nutritional standpoint through medical detoxification and the 4R's principles to gut restoration, which are still employed today in modern functional medicine practice.  I learned how to support my digestive health through nutrition classes, a modified elimination diet, and specific supplements and probiotics to help rehabilitate my digestive system.  What was amazing is that I recovered within several weeks to a few months from my digestive health concern.  I gained back all of my weight, but with improved body composition. 

My next experience occurred during my freshman year of college after feeling my lower back "lock up" after forward bending to pick up a heavier item out of my trunk and then attempting to stand back up .  Once again, I called my chiropractor who was 20 minutes away from Bethel College where I attended for my undergraduate studies.  I can recall being treated only 2-3 times before I recovered from my first severe lower back pain episode.

My experience as a chiropractic patient taught me that doctors of chiropractic are gifted with an ability to ease pain and suffering from spine conditions quickly and cost-effectively, and are able to address many systemic problems with nutrition and lifestyle changes in order to create health and wellness for many non-musculoskeletal issues.

Thanks for allowing me to share about the path that led me to my vocational calling as a doctor of chiropractic!  I hope this gives you insight about my passionate pursuit to bring about healing and recovery in each of my patients, and why I am motivated to bring about positive change in your health should you chose to entrust me with it.

What To Do When The Pain Goes Away

Chiropractic care has been proven to be a very effective and efficient method to relieving life’s aches and pains.  The duration of care and the treatment times are often brief.  When the pain goes away, treatment often ends. 

What can a patient do “when the pain goes away”?

1. Posture – it’s important… Here are some helpful tips:

Standing – Using good posture is an easy way to maintain a healthy mind and body. When you practice correct posture, your body is in alignment with itself. This can alleviate common problems such as back or neck pain, headaches, and fatigue. Simply “think string”…Imagine a string is attached to the top of your head and it is pulling you gently up towards the ceiling. Visualization techniques like this can guide you to the proper posture position.

Sitting - If you sit for long hours, find a chair and work station that fits your body. The chair should allow your feet to touch the floor with your knees at a 90 degree angle. If this is not an option, try using a foot rest for support. With your lower back supported against the back of the seat or a lower back cushion, try to align your ears shoulders and hips in a straight line.  This will help you avoid slouching or leaning forward.  Adjust your chair forward or back so your elbows are at a 90 degree angle. If your elbows are too straight, you are too far back. If they are less than 90 degrees, you are sitting too close. Regardless, if you are too far away or too close, this will cause you to slouch.  Always, attempt to get out of your chair and move around for a few minutes for every 30 minutes you are sitting.

Sleeping - While you will not be able to consciously maintain a particular posture while sleeping, you can attempt the following: A firm mattress will help maintain proper back support. Sleeping on your back will help keep your shoulders and back aligned and comfortable. If you prefer sleeping on your side, try slipping a small, flat pillow between your knees to help keep your spine aligned and straight. Use a pillow to provide proper support and alignment for the head and shoulders. Don't overdo the pillows. Too many, and your head can be bent in an unnatural position. Whatever you do, avoid sleeping on your stomach. It is impossible to maintain good sleeping posture on your stomach.

2. Proper Body Mechanics and Lifting Techniques

When you are lifting, always attempt to bend at the knees and hips.  Not just the waist. Your back muscles are designed to stabilize your spine while your leg and pelvic muscles are designed to lift the weight.  Also, keep the objects close to your center of gravity. Another tip… if the object is heavy or awkward, ask for help.

3. Exercise – Flexibility / Strength / Cardiovascular

An all-around fitness program to enhance aerobic conditioning, muscular strength, flexibility and muscular endurance is a well known way to help prevent back and neck pain.  Programs can vary depending upon one’s fitness level, age and health.  In the event one has had a previous health concern, we recommend the program be designed by a trained professional.

4. Early Intervention with Chiropractic Care

Some patients rely on chiropractic care to help manage episodes of spinal problems. If you start to experience “warning signs” such as stiffness, achiness or twinges of pain, feel free to call for an appointment.  Early intervention typically shortens the duration of your condition and reduces the number of visits to get you pain free.

5. Chiropractic Wellness Care

Some patients have a chronic spinal condition that periodically turns into an acute problem. This leads to frustrating bouts of disability.  Often time’s regular chiropractic care can be integrated into this patient’s lifestyle to gain ongoing wellness without acute flare-ups. 

Our patients who have the once a month chiropractic appointment typically do the best.

How long you benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.  

Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and Physical Therapy representatives can meet with you individually to educate you further on how to keep the pain away. Call 920-720-0660 (Neenah) or 920-738-0200 (Appleton) to schedule your appointment today.

Baseball Star Teixeira Uses Chiropractic, ART, and Graston to Stay in the Game

Yankee first baseman, Mark Teixeira, has a lingering calf injury.  He also has the goal of playing for 8 more seasons.  To reach that goal, he has committed to weekly, two hour sessions with Chiropractor Gil Chimes for chiropractic care and soft tissue work.  Chimes uses ART (Active Release Techniques) as well as Graston to help the calf muscle grow more supple to absorb and disperse force.  ART is a targeted deep muscle massage and Graston breaks up scar tissue.

To read more about this story, go to the April 2013 issue of Men's Journal.  Dr. Nathan Zachor is certified in ART and a number of our chiropractors are certified in the Graston Technique.  Please call our offices at 920-738-0200 (Appleton) or 920-720-0660 (Neenah) if you are interested in learning more.

Chiropractic - For a Woman's Whole Life

A woman’s body undergoes significant changes throughout a lifetime.  From childhood to adulthood, and child bearing to menopause, biomechanical and hormonal changes make women susceptible to headaches, migraines, neck and back pain, joint pain, muscle pain and spasms.   Chiropractic manipulation can provide safe, effective relief of these symptoms. Doctors of chiropractic can also offer nutrition, ergonomic, and exercise advice.  The doctors at Schubbe Resch are trained to help women manage their aches and pains and enjoy a healthy life.

We also have female chiropractors at each of our offices for women who are more comfortable with a same sex doctor.  If you are wondering if chiropractic can help you with whatever stage of life your female body is at, please feel free to call and request a free consultation.  Your health and well being is always our most important goal.  Come experience the difference at Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Centers.

Neenah office - 920-720-0660
Appleton office - 920-738-0200

Lower Leg Pain Workshop Offered

“Prevention of Common Lower Leg Injuries through Strengthening Exercises”

Dr. Nathan Zachor will present a workshop on lower leg injuries on Thursday, October 17th from 5:30 to 6:15. If you suffer from hip pain, IT band pain, knee pain or swelling, shin pain, foot or arch pain, shin splints or plantar fasciitis, you will want to attend this short but informative workshop at our Appleton office.

Find out why common injuries to the lower leg occur from running, cross training, and work settings.  Understand if you have  poor movement patterns in the lower leg that are due to muscle weakness, imbalance or asymmetry, or pain using simple movement screening tests that one can perform at home.  Learn how you can be proactive by incorporating corrective exercises to avoid common lower leg injuries during running, cross training, or daily activities.  Learn additional self-care tips on footwear selection, myofascial release tools and techniques for at home use, and training tips to work through injuries until stability and good movement is achieved.

See our previous blog post "Preventing Common Lower Leg Injuries" for additional information.

The workshop will be presented at Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and PT at 2200 S. Kensington Dr in Appleton.  Register by calling 920-738-0200 or emailing patientservices@schubbeappleton.com.  There is no charge for this event.

Welcome Jordan Klein, BS, CTES

Schubbe Resch Chiropractic would like to welcome Jordan Klein to our Neenah location.

He will be working as a Therapeutic Exercise Specialist, helping patients get back to their workout routines with ergonomically correct techniques.  Jordan brings with him a variety of experiences in health and wellness. In 2007, he graduated from the Human Performance program at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. After college, he spent 3 years working as a Personal Trainer and Metabolic Specialist in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area. Jordan also has 2 years of experience working in corrective exercise and is currently certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Corrective Exercise Specialist. On a personal note, Jordan is married to our own Dr. Lara Klein! We are looking forward to having him on our team.

Preventing Common Lower Leg Injuries

Preventing Common Lower Leg Injuries through Preventative Strengthening Exercises:

                As the Fox Cities Marathon draws near, your training program intensity is beginning to peak.  Longer training runs may cause overuse injuries from cumulative stress on your lower leg tissues.  Overuse injuries that are typical in the lower leg include hip strain,  IT band syndrome, inner and outer meniscus (cushion between the knees) swelling, inner knee ligament soreness, kneecap tracking problems, soft tissue pain and strain on the front or side of the shin bone, foot  and inner arch pain, Achilles tendon strain, and plantar fascia inflammation, pain, and thickening.  A common breakdown in alignment of the lower leg due to weakness in specific muscles leads to many of the overuse injuries indicated above. 

                A good test to see if one’s lower leg alignment is normal is to perform a single leg squat in front of a full-length mirror.  If your hips are not level or if your knee caves inward of your second toe, then your muscles are probably not maintaining proper alignment.  This may suggest your outer hip stabilizing muscles are weak or fatigued.  If you see your foot arch falling during a single leg squat, then your front shin muscles are likely weak or fatigued.  Another common finding is that your knee may extend forward beyond your toes, which commonly suggests weakness and tightness in the posterior gluteal region. 

                See the following YouTube links for exercises to counteract these muscle weaknesses, improve your lower leg stability and alignment, and to prevent and stay injury free.  Try to perform the exercises below for 2-3 sets, 10 repetitions per set, 3-4 times per week for a minimum of 12 weeks .  Good luck everyone as you train and race this fall! 

Shin strengthening video             Hip strengthening video

              Buttock Strengthening video

About the author of this article:

                Dr. Nathan Zachor, DC is a chiropractic provider at Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and Physical Therapy in Appleton.  He is board certified in both functional rehabilitation and chiropractic.  Dr. Zachor is certified in multiple soft tissue techniques to treat athletic injuries including Active Release Technique (ART), Graston Technique (GT), Kinesiotaping Technique (CKTP), and Cold Laser Therapy.  He may be reached at Nathan.zachor@schubbeappleton.com or 920-738-0200 for any additional questions or concerns you may have related to the content of the above article.

Headache and Migraine Treatment

Let’s face it, nobody likes having a headache.  It not only affects our day-to-day lives, but it can also affect how we act towards others around us.  If you have a headache, you’re not alone. Nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches. Some are occasional, some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain and nausea.

What do you do when you suffer from a pounding headache? Do you grit your teeth and carry on? Lie down? Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away? There is a better alternative.

Research shows that spinal manipulation – the primary form of care provided by doctors of chiropractic – may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck.  A report released in 2001 by researchers at the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, NC, found that spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck, and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than a commonly prescribed medication.

Also, a 1995 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulative therapy is an effective treatment for tension headaches and that those who ceased chiropractic treatment after four weeks experienced a sustained therapeutic benefit in contrast with those patients who received a commonly prescribed medication.

There are many triggers for headaches, but one of the most common causes is muscle tension and stress on the joints in the neck that are active in supporting the head.  This can affect nerves, muscles and even the blood supply to your head.

 Chiropractic care for headaches will typically consist of spinal manipulation to restore normal mobility to the joints in the neck that may be restricted, a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises to help with any muscular imbalances and/or soft tissue modalities such as interferential current (IFC) to help reduce muscular tension and nerve irritation.

“I was living with terrible migraines day after day and it was impacting my work life as well as personal life. I was even having troubles sleeping through the night. I had tried all sorts of pain relievers without any relief. I could tell that my neck was super tight, and someone suggested to me to see Dr. Lara. I had never been to a chiropractor before, so I was super nervous. She was more than gentle with me and took everything very slow. She did a thorough job explaining what she was doing and why, which helped ease my nerves. The very next day, after one adjustment, my terrible migraine was gone. I couldn’t believe that I had been living with that pain for so long with such a readily available fix.” – Gina Havlovick

While we can’t guarantee chiropractic care will be the answer for everybody, our offices have a high success rate with patients who get headaches.  If we are unable to find and correct the cause of your headaches, we will refer you to a specialist who may be able to help in another way.  Your health is our only goal.