The San Ramon Chiropractor Forum

Feeling Fatigued Lately? Look to Your Ribcage

2009-02-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you have twelve (12) pairs of ribs; seven of which connect your spine to your sternum (breastbone)?

The primary function of the ribcage is to house and protect the heart and lungs and associated vital structures while allowing movement for breathing (chest expansion). The ribheads (ends) are attached to the first seven thoracic vertebrae in the back (spine), and to the sternum in the front. Ribs are mostly bone, but transition to a more pliable (bendable) cartilage material as they approach the sternum. The purpose of this is to allow some degree of movement during breathing.

The diaphragm is a thin, umbrella-shaped muscle underneath the lungs that allows you to inhale and exhale. When you inhale, your diaphragm lowers, or drops downward, which creates a bellows-like effect on the lungs, causing a negative pressure that draws in air. When you exhale, you are effectively relaxing the diaphragm, letting it rise to its neutral position. All the while, the ribcage, if working properly, pivots slightly at the rib attachments to allow full lung movement.

However, ribs can get subluxated, or shift out of their normal articulation with the vertebrae and/or sternum. This can be from trauma, like a car accident or sports injury; poor posture, and repetitive movements like golf swinging. If the subluxation is bad enough, you can feel a focal, sharp pain on the affected side of the spine when taking in a deep breath. Other times, the subluxation is very subtle and doesn't hurt, but it inhibits proper rib expansion. It can be with you for years, undetected. The only thing you may notice is tiredness from not getting enough oxygen in each breath due to inhibited ribcage (thus, lung) expansion; or, your may find that you can twist your torso to one side more than the other side.

Chiropractic adjustments to the ribheads, rib angles, and sternum can help correct rib subluxations. It's just another way chiropractic can help your body function more efficiently. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned here, you may want to have your ribcage assessed for proper movement.

Dan Perez, DC
San Ramon Chiropractor

San Ramon Chiropractor Comments on Vaccines

2008-09-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

Vaccination is receiving a lot of attention these days. There is uncertainty whether or not vaccinations increase the odds of an infant developing autism. This commentary is basically my opinion on the matter. Obviously, parents are ultimately responsible for doing the research, and making the decision in the best interests of the child.

Here's what the pro-vaccination camp says: vaccines have basically eradicated major diseases like polio and small pox. When everyone is vaccinated, everyone is protected. Those who hold out reduce the effectiveness of the goal of vaccines.

Here's what the anti-vaccination camp says: the number of autistic children increased proportionally with use of vaccines. Thimerosol, a mercury-based preservative can cause neurological deficits. And, the diseases like polio and small pox were already on the decline in the population before the arrival of vaccines.

What is a parent to do? Some feel that not vaccinating their child is irresponsible, as it makes them vulnerable to deadly diseases unnecessarily. Other parents think the opposite, that it is unconscionable to inject viral particles in an infant's pristine bloodstream. The true position is still yet to be decided.

As a San Francisco chiropractor, I naturally have an inclination to revere the natural abilities of the human body when it comes to fighting disease. Now, of course there are instances where the disease overtakes the body's defense system, and drugs and/or surgical intervention may be needed to survive. But I feel that, for most cases of disease, proper hygiene, and taking good care of oneself are much more effective, and cost-effective, than relying only on drugs. So that is why I have chosen not to have my child vaccinated.

In my research on the subject, I have come across the theory of "excitotoxins", that some researchers in the anti-aging field feel are a major cause of degenerative diseases. As you may know, vaccines are weakened viral particles of a particular strain of virus. When injected into the body, the body's immune system analzyes it, categorizes it, and synthesizes antibodies to neutralize the viral particle. So when the real virus comes in contact with the body, the antibodies are already there to attack.

The problem with this is that the viral particles are "not naturally occuring". They are fragments of something else. So, what may actually happen is that the immune cells "sense" a foreign invader, and not only do they synthesize antibodies, they secrete "excitotoxins" to destroy whatever is out there. This is done by the lymphocytes. The excitotoxins damage nerve tissue and organ tissue in the process. It's like firing a machine gun in the dark, trying to hit something. These excitotoxins can damage brain cells, leading to diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

Also, viral particles from a vaccine may take residence in the body's organs, and may reconstitute to form harmful viral forms, especially if exposed to oxidation, which occurs in the body daily.

Lastly, I read that a recent Japanese study showed that a particular vaccine (I forgot which kind) resulted in NO increased antibody levels, thereby offering no protection. Think about it, millions of people get vaccines each year (for the flu, vaccines for their infants), but there is no follow-up test to see if it actually worked (caused an increase in antibodies for the particular virus).

So, this is a subject that will remain controversial, unless definitive research proves one side or the other.

Dr. Dan
San Francisco Chiropractor

San Ramon Chiropractor Advice

2008-08-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

A recent research study conducted over 20 years revealed that people who run regularly for exercise reduced their mortality rate by 50% compared to the control group (people who did not run regularly). This was true for cancer and heart disease, the two biggest killers. The study followed several hundred members of a running group for over 20 years. These people basically outlived their non-running counterparts and were generally free of malaise and chronic disease. So the lesson here: if you want to live longer, run.

Coincidentally, if you look at your local newsstand there is currently a Discover Magazine special issue on the physical feats of the human body (in time for the Olympics). The first article is a fascinating one that boldly states that humans can outrun, over long distances any animal including horses, hyenas, and dogs. It is a scientific analysis of how the human body is designed, and it makes a lot of sense. Considering our spring-like tendons, large knees that can absorb the forces of continuous running (compare to a skinny dog knee joint), our numerous sweat glands that help prevent our bodies from overheating, and our well-developed gluteus muscles the human body was indeed engineered to run.

I know people are averse to the "torturous" feeling running can create-- it feels like hell, with all the rapid heart beating and breathing, leg aches and sweating. This sometimes discourages me from running! But when I push myself to just go on ahead and do it, every single time at the end of my run I am happy that I did it-- and for those who run, you know what I mean-- the disappearance of fatigue and sluggishness, more energy, and more mental clarity. It's hard to describe unless you are a runner.

Read the article in the link above, I'm sure it will change the way you think about your body's abilities!

Dan Perez, DC

San Ramon Chiroprator

San Ramon History

2008-08-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

Been reading about the history of our city, and found out that our city was named after an Indian vaquero (cowboy) named Ramon who tended sheep in the area, back in the late 1700s. The "San" was added because the area was part of Mission San Jose, one of the old Spanish missions that was headquartered just south of what is now Fremont. The San Ramon City website has a more complete history, if you're interested. Of course, many of the names associated with San Ramon pay tribute to the area's original residents: Norris, Bollinger, Dougherty, Amador, etc.

Although that was many, many years ago it's nice to see that there is some semblance of the days of wide, open spaces and lush foilage that dominated this part of the Bay Area back then. There's been criticism of "urban sprawl" migrating eastward into Douherty Valley; and yes, it can be an eyesore. Hopefully it won't affect the quality of life here, as far as nature goes. I think San Ramon residents should be aware that they are fortune to be living in proximity to nature's beauty and should therefore be more vigilant in trying to not disturb the delicate balance. Litter should be totally rejected; natural flora should not be trampled, and wild animals should never be bothered, just observed. And please be careful with placing rat/ mice poison outside your house, as wild birds may get ahold of it. Let's help keep our city looking beautiful for the next generation.

Dan Perez, DC
San Ramon Chiropractor
500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Ste. A-15
San Ramon, CA
925.788.6253

Back Pain and Pregnancy

2008-07-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Been getting calls from pregnant moms lately. As most mothers can attest, the third trimester can be marred by bouts of low and upper back pain.

As the baby grows, it pushes the belly's center of gravity forward. This forces the lower back to arc more, putting more pressure on the facet joints of the lumbar spine (the rear joints that move, behind the disc). It also causes the back muscles to contract in order to counter-balance the weight. At the same time, the breasts prepare for lactation, increasing in size and putting a similar strain on the upper back. And lastly, the body secretes a hormone called relaxin at this time. Relaxin has the effect of increasing the elasticity of joint tendons (particulary in the pelvis), making them more limber in preparation for delivery. However, it works on the hip joints as well, which can result in some instability and pain. How fun to have a baby!

We all know it's worth it in the end, with a cute, cuddly baby to show for it all. But I'm sure the moms would like to minimize the back pain episodes, because they have other things to do, too-- right moms?

If you are in your third trimester and are experiencing back pain or hip pain, you can try a number of things:

Stretch the lower back in flexion: lie on your bed on your side and slowly bring both knees as high up as you can toward your belly. Try to curl your lower back, hold for a minute. Straighten out your legs, and repeat.

Stretch your lower back in rotation: lie on the carpet flat on your back, bend both knees. Arms to the side, palms down touching the carpet. Keeping both your feet and knees touching, slowly let them fall together as a unit to your left side as far as they can go naturally without forcing them to the ground, stretching your back. Hold for one minute, switch sides.

Do Swiss ball exercises (be careful with this one: grab something secured to a wall to help balance you). Simply sit on the ball, back straight, feet about 2' apart touching the ground. Keeping your shoulders and head level and and stationary, swing your hips to the left and right, using only your lower back muscles. Repeat 20 times to each side. Next, swing your hips in a large circle, like a hula hoop. You will be pushing through your legs for this one. Do 20 clockwise circles, then change directions.

Ice your back. Place a nice, cool ice pack under your lower back, apply for 10-15 minutes. Make sure to put a thin cloth between the icepack and your skin to prevent ice burn. This will calm down the muscles and reduce some of the swelling.

Do calf pumps. Lie flat on your back and place your lower legs over a tall stack of pillows so that your feet are well above your heart. Alternately flex and extend your ankles, about 20-40 times. You should feel a good stretch in your calfs if you are doing it correctly. This can help circulation from your legs back to your heart, making your legs feel lighter.

See your chiropractor. Periodic back adjustments and massage can help you get through the 3rd trimester, and may even make delivery easier.

And remember, it's not over when the baby is born. You'll have to carry your little bundle of joy frequently, and if your muscles aren't used to this kind of activity, you may experience upper back and shoulder strain. Keep exercising your back using low-impact exercises post-pregnancy, working up to weights starting 4-6 months after delivery.

Dan Perez, DC
San Ramon Chiropractor
500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Suite A-15
San Ramon, CA
(925) 788-6253

Helpful Tips to Reduce Back Pain

2008-07-16T23:03:00.000-07:00

If you suffer from intermittent (on and off) low back pain, here are some tips to make life easier:

1. If you are overweight, drop some pounds. You should notice a dramatic decrease in your back pain as your low back doesn't have to arc as much to support the abdomen. The best way, in my opinion is caloric restriction combined with cardio exercise. Increase intake of fiber and nutrient-dense food (colorful vegetables, nuts, berries), consume only lean, grass-feed meat; reduce portions of carbohydrates (potatoes, bread, pasta, refined sugar).

2. Wear soft-soled shoes. The Walking Company specializes in comfortable shoes that are easy on your back.

3. Place a rolled-up towel (about a 5" diameter) under your low back for a 20 minutes while lying on your carpet. This helps curve your back and ease muscle tension.

4. If you have flat feet, buy some shoe inserts with arch supports. You can get some at Walgreens.

5. Exercise with a medicine/ weight ball at the gym. This helps condition your back muscles to do movements common in everyday living. Get help from the gym's training staff.

6. Reduce your intake of acid-forming foods. This includes wheat and red meat. However, wheat grass is a good food to alkalize your blood.

7. Take bromelain and magnesium supplements. Bromelain helps dissolve scar tissue deposits that may be in your back muscles; magnesium helps with muscle contraction.

8. If you want to speed up the process, try a series of chiropractic spinal adjustments. Spinal adjustments can help your lumbar vertebrae move better, and reduce pressure between the joints.

Dan Perez, DC

San Ramon Chiropractor

500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Suite A-15

San Ramon, CA 94582

(925) 788-6253

Does Your Back Ache Often? Check your mattress...

2008-07-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

I often have patients who complain of low back pain. Over 80% of the time, it is not due to some kind of recent trauma, like lifting something heavy or falling.

If you have inexplicable back aches, it could be your mattress. Here's what you should do: Take the comforter and sheets off your mattress. View it from the side, at eye level. Do you see a depression in the center? If so, time to get a new mattress because it has lost some of its support. If you have a shallow pit in your mattress and sleep on your side, it bends your lumbar spine downwards. If you sleep on your stomach, it arches your back too much. If you sleep on your back, it curls your back too much. In all cases, its bad for your back.

The mattress I recommend to patients is TempurPedic. TempurPedics are made of viscoelastic material that adapts to variations in pressure and temperature. The "hot spots" or "pressure points" of the body are: the head, low back, and lower legs. On a TempurPedic, the mattress "pushes up" more on these pressure points, and less on the lighter pressure regions. This results in a sensation of floating on the mattress. As a result, circulation is less obstructed and you have a deeper, more restful sleep with less tossing and turning (which is what your brain tells your body to do when it senses obstructions in circulation).

We offer discount prices on TempurPedic mattresses at our clinic. Call us for more details.

Dan Perez, DC

San Ramon Chiropractor

500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Suite A-15

San Ramon, CA 94582

(925) 788-6253

Email: mailto:info@sf-chiro.com

Common Chiropractic Controversies

2008-06-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Do any of the following sound familar?

-once you start chiropractic, you have to go forever.

-you can get hurt from chiropractic

-chiropractors aren't "real" doctors

These are the most common negative perceptions some people have about chiropractic, and I will attempt to address them here.

1. No, you don't have to go forever once you start chiropractic. Granted, there are chiropractors who will recommend lifetime maintenance care. But it's a personal choice. If you are told by your chiropractor that you "need" to have lifetime maintenance, tell him/her you prefer to schedule appointments as needed. It's as simple as that. If the chiropractor is not willing to accept this, then I recommend finding another chiropractor who respects your wishes.

2. Can you get hurt from chiropractic? Very rarely. Every therapeutic procedure comes with risks, some more than others. Chiropractic happens to have a comparatively lower risk compared to medicine. There are cases of rib fractures and neurological complications from chiropractic, but they are very rare, given the number of chiropractic procedures done every day across the country. Adverse drug reactions are a much more common occurrence. As long as you go to an experienced, licensed, referred chiropractor the risk is very low.

3. Chiropractors are "doctors of chiropractic." The degree is D.C. It's more accurate to say that chiropractors are not medical doctors, or M.D.s Chiropractors graduate from accredited chiropractic schools, and the curriculum is very similar to that found in medical schools, with less emphasis on pharmacopia, surgery and other procedures limited to the practice of medicine. Chiropractors have more training on bones and joints, spinal disorders, and X-ray. They have similar training in differential diagnosis.

So, there you have it. Three controversies that I hope I answered adequately. For more detailed information on this topic, check out my Hubpage, "How to Choose a Chiropractor."

Dan Perez, DC

San Ramon Chiropractor

500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Suite A-15

San Ramon, CA 94582

(925) 788 - 6253

Chiropractic and Running

2008-06-25T00:13:00.000-07:00

Lots of people like running in the fitness-crazed Bay Area. Running is a good stress reliever for some, as it causes your brain to release endorphins, a natural hormone that promotes relaxation. Plus it's a great cardiovascular workout.

But did you know that there is a better way to run, that burns more calories and is easier on your joints? It's called interval training. Instead of maintaining a constant pace like most runners do, run in different speeds: accelerate and run all out, as fast as you can for 15 seconds, then immediately transition to a light jog for the next 30 seconds, then walk the next 15 seconds, and repeat the cycle. The step-up effect conditions your heart better, and studies show that interval training burns more calories than traditional, endurance running in a set time. Plus, you don't get as much pounding on your knees, hips and ankles with interval training (which can cause arthritis if done too often).

Something to consider next time you put on the old running shoes.

On a similar note, chiropractic extremity adjustments to your ankles, knees and hips may allow you to run more efficiently. Sometimes our joints get stuck, or form adhesions, restricting their full range of motion. If you feel you aren't running as smoothly as you used to, come in and get checked.

Dan Perez, DC

San Ramon Chiropractor

500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Suite A-15

San Ramon, CA 94582

(925) 788-6253

New Supplement for Joint Pain

2008-06-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to Alternatives, one the most popular alternative health newsletters in the country. It is written by Dr. David Williams, a former chiropractor out of Texas. What separates Dr. Williams from the many alternative health writers out there is that he personally travels to remote corners of the world, studying native cultures' "home remedies" for ailments that plague society. The ones that show promise are featured in his Alternatives newsletter. He is about 10 years ahead of mainstream medicine in discovering and testing natural remedies. I can't recommend him enough to patients looking for something besides prescription medicine.

Anyways, one of his discoveries was in Australia, and it had to do with joint pain. In 1998, Dr. Williams stayed with Aborigine tribes for several weeks and discovered that they were using four, native herbs for joint pain (wild roselia calyce, lemon myrtle leaf, aniseed myrtle leaf, mountain pepper leaf). He was surprised that arthritis was practically absent from the Aborigine population. In fact, Aboriginies are very agile well into old age.

Now, Dr. Williams recently discovered something that helps with joint pain even more. Surprisingly, it is found in just about everyone's refrigerator, and has been for the last several decades, but is never eaten. Can you guess what it is?

It's the membrane that lines the inside of an egg. Turns out, this natural egg membrane, or NEM is rich with hyaluronic acid, collagen, chondroitin, and glucosamine-- important components of cartilage, which lines your joint surfaces. Unfortunately, when the egg is consumed, the NEM sticks to the eggshells, which are thrown away.

Dr. Williams has a product called Joint Advantage Gold, which promises to be a powerful supplement for helping reducing the pain from arthritis. I am personally taking it as a preventive measure, to help ensure that my joints stay healthy years down the road. It contains NEM, the Aboriginal native herbs, and several other herbs that support joint health. If you have chronic joint pain in your knees, shoulders, hands, or anywhere else, this is just about the best supplement available you can take. Give it a try-- it's natural, so it can't hurt.

Dan Perez, DC
San Ramon Chiropractor
500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Suite A-15 (at Canyon Lakes Dr.)
San Ramon, CA
(925) 788-6253

Chiropractic and Tension Headaches

2008-06-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

Headaches can really ruin your day. They can be triggered by stress-- emotional and physical.

Tensions headaches is the term given to those headaches that are characterized by a feeling of a tight band around your head. There is no nausea or aura like that caused by migraines. Tension headaches are usually accompanied with tender neck muscles at the base of your skull.

I find that some patients who suffer chronic tension headaches have a history of trauma to their neck, for example, a car accident that happened years ago. You see, there is a set of nerves that branch out from between the sides of your first two neck vertebrae under your skull. These nerves attach to the muscles and scalp at the base of your neck. If the neck vertebrae, called C1 and C2 aren't moving properly because of being misaligned, it can irritate these nerves and cause them to make the muscles contract/spasm.

A gentle chiropractic adjustment to the C1 and C2 vertebrae can usually fix the problem.
The adjustment is very light, and doesn't hurt. It relieves muscle tension, which enables the headache to dissipate.

If you are experiencing chronic tension headaches, I would be happy to help you. I offer free consultations at my San Ramon chiropractic clinic on Bollinger Canyon Way.

Dan Perez, DC
San Ramon Chiropractor
925.788.6253

Chiropractic and Golfer's Elbow

2008-06-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

When people think chiropractic, they automatically associate it with back treatment. But did you know chiropractors can treat soft tissue/ muscle strains and sprains; for example whiplash, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and bursitis?

The way I treat these conditions is through physiotherapy. Physiotherapy refers to the application of heat, ice, electrical current, ultrasound, and light to help heal tissues. Physiotherapy is offered at most chiropractic clinics. Somtimes that's all that is done on a visit, depending on the treatment plan.

Then, I employ myofasical release, a type of soft tissue mobilization technique to get the muscle and tendon to move better. Adjustments can be done on the extremity joints (wrist, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, etc) to help restore motion to the joint; with proper motion comes healing.

So don't think chiropractic is only for back pain-- it's good for soft tissue strains and sprains as well.

Dan Perez, DC
500 Bollinger Canyone Way, Suite A-15
San Ramon, CA 94582
(925) 788-6253

Drugs in America

2008-06-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

Despite all the news about how prescription drugs can hurt you, it is sad that most Americans still prefer medications over alternative forms of pain management. This is a testimony to the incredible power mass communication has over our collective conscience. It is the reason pharmaceutical companies are willing to have a $100 million plus annual advertising budget. They wouldn't be spending this kind of money if they weren't getting returns of at least 300%.

Want an example? Pick up a magazine, and see how many print ads for drugs you can find. You'll even find them in magazines like Natural Health. And the next time you watch television, count how many drug commerials you see in 60 minutes of programming.

The inherent problem with drugs is that the body treats the drug as a toxin. As such, the liver tries to break down the drug byproducts, and the kidneys are tasked to remove them from the blood stream. In fact, renal toxicity is one of the more serious, long-term consequences of drug ingestion. It can even happen with over the counter drugs like Tylenol.

Chiropractic is one of several alternatives to pain medications. And not just the treatment itself. Most chiropractors are knowledgeable on herbal and other natural forms of pain reduction, and are eager to have their patients try such methods.

Dan Perez, DC
San Ramon Chiropractic
500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Suite A-15
(925)788-6253

What I Like About San Ramon

2008-06-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, I want to take a small break and talk about how much I enjoy living in San Ramon.

First of all, it's situatuated in valley rich with wildlife. I am fascinated with wild animals and find it a luxury to be living in their natural habitat. It's like a real-life Discovery Channel, right outside my door. Let me give you some insight:

A month ago, I was playing golf at Canyon Lakes Golf Course and saw four (4) wild turkeys on, I think it was the 3rd hole. Three males were chasing a female, and she didn't seem all that interested. Well, my golf game wasn't going that great, so a couple of strokes later I was near the green, and lo and behold, a pheasant darted in front of me and went into the bushes. It was a flash of brilliant green and brown-- what a beautiful animal. Then there's the family of quails-- little dainty birds that sometimes walk in a line. I've seen as many as ten of them scampering together in a close group, on my street! A couple of months ago I was walking up one of the many hills in San Ramon and saw a coyote. He looked at me as I approached, then scampered away. Of course, there are the Red Tail hawks and, I think, Golden eagles that cruise above for the big rabbits. I hope they stay forever.

Of course, San Ramon has wonderful people, too. Very family and community oriented. You can't say that for every Bay Area region. It seems that the City Council is doing a great job keeping our city beautiful and kid-friendly, with open trails, greenbelt maintenance, great grade schools, and family events. San Ramon is truly a great place to live. If you live here as well, consider yourself lucky!

Dan Perez, DC
San Ramon Chiropractor
500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Suite A-15 in San Ramon

Chiropractic Explained in 30 Seconds

2008-06-08T00:26:00.000-07:00

One can get carried away describing the intricacies of chiropractic, as it has many facets to it. To make it simple and easy to digest, here is a description of chiropractic:

1. WHAT: A form of therapy designed to treat non-emergency complaints involving the neck and spine; particularly pain, stiffness, and loss of flexibility

2. HOW: Chiropractic is done by moving, or adjusting/manipulating sections of the spinal column using the hands, and sometimes small instruments.

3. WHY: Because if a group of spinal joints aren't moving properly it can cause the symptoms mentioned in #1. Adjusting areas of the spine can improve spinal movement and alignment.

4. WHO: Chiropractors are the only providers whose specialty is spinal adjustments. Chiropractors must attend four academic years of chiropractic school to earn their degree. The professional degree is "D.C." standing for Doctor of Chiropractic. The practice of chiropractic is regulated by the State. Chiropractic school curriculum is modeled after a medical school curriculum but with more emphasis on spinal anatomy and spinal disorders, and less emphasis on infectious disease and pharmacology. Chiropractors in the state of California cannot perform surgery, give injections, or prescribe drugs to patients. They are trained to refer to other professionals when confronted with situations beyond their scope of practice.

5. WHEN: See a chiropractor if you are experiencing musculoskeletal problems that are non-emergency in nature (emergency=cancer, severe accident, etc.). You might also consider seeing a chiropractor if you are experiencing poor posture and a general feeling of malaise, as spinal dysfunction can have an effect on your nervous system.

Dan Perez, DC
San Ramon Chiropractor
(925) 788-6253

Welcome to the San Ramon Chiropractor Forum

2008-06-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

It's 2008, over 110 years since chiropractic was first developed, and some people are still not sure about what chiropractors do. Why? There are many reasons. For one, chiropractic is not considered a subset of medicine. It is a wholly separate discipline that does not have the backing of the pharmaceutical industry, research facilities, federal grants, and lobbyists. As a consequence, chiropractic is largeley missing in the mass media. Less exposure equals less knowledge.

A second reason is that there are many "versions" of chiropractic. Some chiropractors use only their hands to adjust the spine; some use only instruments. Some focus solely on musculoskeletal pain reduction while others emphasize preventive/wellness care. It is no wonder why the public is uncertain of what we do.

So what should one do? Find out more. Contact friends and family members who have been treated with chiropratic and ask their opinion. Visit the American Chiropractic Association webpage at http://www.amerchiro.org/. You are going to get a wide spectrum of responses which I'll address a little at a time on this blog (I know them all).

Dan Perez, DC
San Ramon Chiropractor
(925) 788-6253