Back To Action Chiropractic

Medical, Inc. - Exposing the Modern Medical Monopoly

2011-12-28T10:56:00.001-08:00

Just have read in Dynamic Chiropractic, that an interesting documentary will be released in March of 2012 called Medical, Inc., which aims at opening more eyes to the benefits of chiropractic and other forms of natural health care.

The movie reveals the unseen tactics of these "influencers" of modern medicine, in an investigation that leads to the highest levels of the American Medical Association (AMA) and reveals an alarming portrait of deception and criminality. It begs some of the questions:

- Is much of what we "know" about modern medicine just slick marketing from companies that profit when we're in pain (or by putting us in pain)?

- Why aren't we being told about the successes of natural therapies?

- Why do so many people think chiropractors are "quacks", nutritional supplements a waste of money and acupuncture a fringe therapy?

All very interesting questions for us to ponder and make an opinion on don't you think?

Put Good Chiropractic On Top

2011-09-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

If you've searched on Google recently, you will notice the "+1" icon, which is a mechanism to influence is highly complicated ranking algorithm. If you believe in chiropractic, go to Google and type in "chiropractic" in the search term. Then quickly browse through the first 10-20 pages of the results, most of which will have the "+1" icon right after the web page title. When you see a site or an organization that supports chiropractic, click on the "+1" to recommend it and increase the GOOD chiropractic websites and move the ones with bad information to the bottom of the list.

www.backtoaction.com

The Dollars and Sense of Chiropractic Care

2011-06-20T14:46:00.001-07:00

Forwarding along a great article on the economic impact of spinal surgical procedures and how chiropractic can help reduce the cost to insurance companies and allows people to continue working and make a wage.

In the article, the numbers provided are staggering...chiropractic saves Federal and Private Insurers $15,897,840,000 and Adds $692,160,000 in wages to Americans.

Just another reason that chiropractic should be an integral part of your wellness routine!

http://www.uschirodirectory.com/index.php/chiropractic-research/item/298-chiropractic-saves-federal-and-private-insurers-15897840000-and-adds-692160000-in-wagesto-americans

New Research - Non surgical options for sciatica and lumbar disc injuries

2011-03-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

Sciatic (leg pain) and Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery vs. Chiropractic Care

Based upon outcome studies, surgical candidates now have a non-surgical option of effective treatment. This article explains disc herniation, disc bulges and sciatica as well as successful treatment options.

http://www.uschirodirectory.com/index.php/patient-information/item/281-sciatica-leg-pain-a-lumbar-disc-herniation-surgery-vs-chiropractic-care-

Bone Density Screening $15 2/14-2/18

2011-02-03T16:39:00.001-08:00

Back To Action Chiropractic is proud to offer a clinic special of bone density assessment for only $15! We use the GE Achilles Express which produces a report that is a comparison of a patient's bone quality, regardless of age, to that of an average healthy young adult (20 to 45 years old) of the same sex.

In the United States 27 million Americans have low bone density and 1.5 million people experience osteoporotic fractures.

Clinical features of Osteoporosis include: No early warning, gradual height loss, dorsal kyphosis with a dowager's hump, back pain, pulmonary dysfunction and low bone density.

Population at risk for Osteoporosis include:

- Small thin frame

- Female

- Asian and Caucasian ancestry

- Early Menopause

- Family history of osteoporosis

- Excessive alcohol and/or caffeine intake, smoking

- Sedentary lifestyle

One of the steps of prevention of osteoporosis is periodic screening, like the one taking place at Back To Action Chiropractic.

Dizziness In Older Adults and Chiropractic Care

2011-01-17T16:50:00.001-08:00

Recent randomized clinical trials have certified that a chiropractic spinal adjustment has significant positive results with dizziness in older adults. In fact, 83% of dizziness sufferers showed improvement or eradication of under chiropractic care. This has far reaching implications' in the lives of many.

To learn more, click on the link below :

http://uschirodirectory.com/index.php/patient-information/item/273-dizziness-in-older-adults-and-chiropractic-care

Slipped disc, bulging disc, or disc herniation...know the difference?

2011-01-12T12:02:00.001-08:00

Clinical outcome studies of patients with disc herniations in their low back and pain in their back or legs under chiropractic care got better 90% of the time. Chiropractic is a long-term solution and the first place a patient should seek care for low back or leg pain.

Here is a great article that concludes that chiropractic is a great drug-free approach for herniated discs and low back and leg pain.

http://www.uschirodirectory.com/index.php/low-back-problems/item/270-lumbar-radiculopathy-back-and-leg-pain-as-a-result-of-disc-herniation-and-the-long-term-effect-of-chiropractic-care-

New Study Reveals Chiropractic Best Option For Low Back Pain

2010-12-22T17:23:00.000-08:00

The following article is wonderful in illustrating how chiropractic is the most effective means of treating low back pain. Not only does it help people with either acute or low back pain, it does so at a reduced cost compared to medical care and patients express greater satisfaction with their chiropractic experience.

Read for yourself at:

http://bighealthreport.com/66/chiropractic-care-to-treat-back-pain/

Don't let your 2010 health benefits expire without being used

2010-12-01T15:08:00.000-08:00

Are Your Insurance Benefits About To Expire This Year?

Now that the end of 2010 is approaching quickly, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that you may have left over insurance benefits for Chiropractic and massage care.

If you used your insurance this year and you have satisfied your deductible - now's the time to get great care and have it covered by your insurance. Usually most plans will renew in January, and your deductible will start all over again.

If you are having issues with neck pain, low back ache or even shoulder and wrist issues, give us a call and we'll check your insurance to see if you can take advantage of your coverage for the remainder of the year.

Early Intervention with Chiropractic in Cases of Severe Low Back Pain

2010-10-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

Over the course of our life, we will all, at some point experience low back pain. The American Chiropractic Association has reported that 31 million experience low back pain at any given time.

The following study reveals that waiting for the pain to go away or not seeking care from the appropriate provider may increase the risk of the condition becoming chronic in nature or in some cases disabling.

Chiropractic doctors are trained to determine the cause of the injury to your low back, and have the experience to formulate an accurate and effective diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan.

http://uschirodirectory.com/index.php/low-back-problems/item/264-acute-severe-low-back-pain-early-intervention-and-chiropractic-

Low Back Pain, Arthritis and Chiropractic

2010-10-27T15:48:00.001-07:00

Our friends at the US Chiropractic Directory have come out with a great research article noting how low back pain and arthritis have a direct link.

http://uschirodirectory.com/index.php/low-back-problems/item/259-low-back-pain-arthritis-a-chiropractic-a-clinical-correlation

In 2010, it was reported that 31 million Americans experience low back pain. More than 20 million Americans experience arthritis or degenerative joint disease, which has been shown to have a direct correlation called the subluxation degeneration.

For example, when a vertebral subluxation takes place (is stuck or out of position) there is a negative neurological effect. The body automatically tries to stabilize the spine and mobilizes calcium to use as cement or glue to prevent further malpositions.

Muscle Spasm and the Chiropractic Adjustment

2010-10-20T15:27:00.001-07:00

Most of our patients at Back To Action encounter some form of muscle tightness or spasm when dealing with pain. Outcome studies in healthcare are critical. People want answers on the success rate of cancer treatment and open heart surgeries and so do people and patients of chiropractic care.

New research provided by the US Chiropractic Directory gives insight into the effectiveness of the chiropractic adjustment to reduce the spasm of muscles surrounding the spine.

http://uschirodirectory.com/index.php/patient-information/item/258-decreased-muscle-spasms-and-chiropractic-care

Movement, Balance and the Effect of Chiropractic Care

2010-10-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

This research and correlation is a breakthrough in understanding and explaining to the general population how chiropractic works and the VERY FAR REACHING implications of the chiropractic adjustment regarding motor and sensory integration. This article gives you the answer to the “why” and gives you the information to open the door to helping many who previously didn’t know that chiropractic had the answers.

This article can specifically target the benefit of chiropractic patients who are elderly, suffer from cerebral palsy or even the athlete.

http://uschirodirectory.com/index.php/patient-information/item/250-balance-and-movement-and-the-effect-of-chiropractic-care-utilization-with-the-elderly-cerebral-palsy-the-athlete-and-the-general-population

Did You Know?...

2010-09-28T16:22:00.001-07:00

Dr. Dan Murphy, a renowned international lecturer, is an expert on pain, proprioceptive neurology, injury repair and nutrition combined.

Several clinical studies he points out are influential in the actual impacts of nutritional choices and it effects chiropractic clinical management of trauma, pain, degeneration and mobility.

Here are a few of the studies he highlights:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for rheumatoid and/or osteoarthritis conservatively causes 16,500 Americans to bleed to death each year, making that the 15th most common cause of death in the US. (New England Journal of Medicine, 1999)

2. Glutamate and aspartame can cause chronic pain sensitization, and removing from the diet for 4 consecutive months can eliminate all chronic pain symptoms. (Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 2002)

3. Supplementing with vitamin D3 has the potential to reduce cancer deaths in America by 75% (Ann of Epidemiology, 2009)

4. Potentially, the largest exposure of Americans to the neurotoxin mercury is through the consumption of products containing High Fructose Corn Syrup. (Environmental Health, 2009)

Forward Head Posture - The new technology crisis

2010-07-12T16:35:00.001-07:00

With the advancement of technologies like text messaging, video gaming and surfing the internet, increase in use can have dramatic health consequences. One of these consequences can be forward head carriage.

Forward head carriage is the direct result of having your head down for prolonged periods of time while texting, using apps on your Iphone, playing video games on a Nintendo DS or even using an e-reader such as the Amazon Kindle. This postural stress can then produce neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, and/or numbness and tingling in to the arms/hands. It can even predispose an individual to develop arthritis earlier than they should.

As outlined in the article "Your Body Is Sending You A Message", 6 consequences of forward head posture were revealed.

1. Long-term forward neck posture leads to "long-term muscle strain, disc herniations and pinched nerves".

2. There is a strong association between an increased forward head posture and decreased respiratory muscle strength with can lead to respiratory dysfunction.

3. For every inch of forward head posture, it can increase the weight of the head on the spine by an additional 10 pounds.

4. Loss of the cervical curve stretches the spinal cord 5-7cm and causes disease.

5. 90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine. 90% of the energy output of the brain is used in relating the physical body to gravity. With forward head posture, your brain will rob energy from your thinking, metabolism, and immune function to deal with abnormal gravity/posture relationships and processing.

6. Forward Head Posture can add up to 30 pounds of abnormal leverage on the cervical spine with can then pull the entire spine out of alignment. This in turn can lead to a reduction of vital capacity of the lungs which can lead to heart and blood vascular disease. The entire gastrointestinal system is effected. The body's pain controlling chemicals (endorphins) can make otherwise non-painful sensations experienced as pain.

Chiropractors are the most well equipped health care providers to either help prevent or diminish the effects of forward head posture. Schedule an appointment today!

Chronic neck pain: Chiropractic vs. Massage

2010-06-28T10:54:00.001-07:00

The following is a link to a research article which discusses chronic neck pain and the efficacy of chiropractic in caring for chronic pain.

The statistics are impressive and shows scientifically what we as chiropractors have known for years!

http://uschirodirectory.com/index.php/neck-problems/item/240-chronic-neck-pain-and-chiropractic-with-a-comparative-study-with-massage-therapy

Chiropractic Adjustments and Blood Sugar

2010-06-16T16:17:00.001-07:00

As chiropractors, on a daily basis, we try and perform the finest adjustments possible to help our patients. Over the years, however, the adjustments don't seem to "hold" as well as they used to. The main culprit has been found to be the patient's lifestyle and diet where there are blood sugar handling problems.

A link to the article will be included in this post, but to simplify things, a few bullet points will be discussed here.

Normal blood sugar is controlled by the two hormones insulin and glucagon. Insulin is the escort service of blood sugar throughout the body. Glucagon is released as the blood sugar levels fall. Glucagon releases blood sugar from the liver and and muscle cells to keep blood sugar stable. When more food is digested and blood sugar is absorbed from the gut, insulin production is stimulated again and glucagon is suppressed.

The normal blood sugar cycle continues to degenerate over time due to many different lifestyle and nutritional factors in today's society. Eating processed and refined foods can break down the blood sugar handling mechanism. Lack of exercise helps regulate insulin levels. Chronic stress and sex hormone imbalances can cause problems with blood sugar handling as well.

So, the take home is try and eat more whole foods and a balanced diet. Exercise more regularly. Thirty minutes of exercise three days per week has been proven to resensitize insulin receptors to burn more calories. Find more effective ways to manage life's stress.

nutrition_june2010

Joint pain and chiropractic...a cheaper and more non-invasive approach

2010-06-11T10:49:00.001-07:00

"What should I do if I suffer with joint pain?"

Answer: Did you know that one-third of Americans suffer with joint pain? I recently learned that the leading cause of disability in the U.S. is arthritis and arthritis related joint pain. We expect to see this problem get worse. Currently arthritis pain affects over 70 million Americans! What is interesting about joint pain is that very few people realize that chiropractic is an effective treatment for easing / helping / aiding the pain of joint pain. Most understand why chiropractic is effective treating back pain. But few understand it can be used for treating joint pain.

George Bivins, a father of an M.D. in Jacksonville, and a D.C. in Thomasville, was recently diagnosed by an M.D. as having an arthritic knee. He sent George to an orthopedic surgeon who recommended knee replacement. With a heavy heart he went to his son, a chiropractor. What were the results? Within three months, George was walking without a cane. He had no arthritis. He had misaligned hips. Today, George has no knee pain.

Hey, sometimes surgery is needed, no doubt. But we have a belief that before you engage in an invasive, potentially unsafe procedure like surgery… you should first exhaust all the NON-invasive options first. And based on our experiences working with patients who come to me with “arthritis”, we have found that the problem can often be corrected without surgery. Without expensive medications. The natural way. Again, not always, but in many instances. Note: Chiropractic treatment is about 90% less expensive than surgery.

As you can see, with joint pain affecting 70 million American’s, this is a big problem. If you or someone you love has experienced joint pain for more than 48 hours, you should schedule an appointment immediately by calling (425) 670-2600 or online here. And if you’re reading this and have been suffering with arthritis or join pain, it’s possible that chiropractic could successfully address some of your problems. That’s great news, for over 70 million Americans!

Zipfizz is the June product of the Month

2010-06-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

Back to Action Chiropractic likes to promote one of it's products each month and offer a discount to patients. For the month of June, Back To Action is offering a free bottle of water with the purchase of 2 Zipfizz!

Zipfizz is a healthy energy mix, with only 10 calories, no sugar, and 2 net carbs! It contains 25 nutrients that give an energy boost usually in about 15 minutes.

If you haven't tried Zipfizz, give it a try. You'll be glad you did!

accident chiropractor Lynnwood Washington

2010-05-06T17:18:00.001-07:00

l disc and facet joints as a result of an accident chiropractor Lynnwood Washington causes a non-voluntary contraction of the spinal segmental movers at the level of injury and for several segments above and below the injury which accelerates disc and facet joint degeneration or arthritis.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as chiropractic spinal adjustments.

accident chiropractor Lynnwood WA

2010-05-06T17:12:00.001-07:00

Whiplash biomechanics from an accident chiropractor Lynnwood WA causes injury to the spinal disc and facet joints and consequently is the source of the initiation of the perception of chronic whiplash pain.

50 million Americans suffer from chronic daily pain. Those who suffer from chronic daily pain have a statistical increased probability of dying from cancer (55-207% increased risk). The longest published studies on whiplash prognosis show that 55% have chronic pain 17 years after the accident.

It is more than just a pain in the neck. It indicates a sequence of immuno-suppression that has adverse systemic health consequences.

accident chiropractor Lynnwood

2010-05-06T17:04:00.001-07:00

Motor vehicle accidents happen all the time. People have the misconception that if your vehicle didn't get overly damaged in an accident, then the occupant shouldn't be injured? It has been shown through research that patient injury is not proportional to vehicle structural damage. Intertial injuries often occur in the absence of vehicle damage.

It is more relevant to know about patient awareness and head position in an accident chiropractor Lynnwood than vehicle damage.

accident Lynnwood Washington

2010-05-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

Every accident Lynnwood Washington has the potential to cause vertebral subluxations - an area of abnormal stress in your spine that upsets the body balance, impinges, "pinches", stretches or compresses your nerves and affects the health of your muscles, internal organs, discs, bones and brain.

Chiropractic is a system of healthcare that specializes in correcting vertebral subluxations. Chiropractors correct the subluxations using safe, gentle, spinal "adjustment" techniques.

accident Lynnwood WA

2010-05-05T10:48:00.001-07:00

Accident Lynnwood WA victims often continue to suffer from pain, weakness and disability for months, years or decades after an accident. Even after the best medical care they may continue to take painkillers or muscle relaxants, use various therapies or have repeated surgeries.

They need to know that in many cases chiropractic care may totally eliminate or greatly reduce their problems safely, quickly and without drugs or surgery.

accident Lynnwood

2010-05-05T10:41:00.001-07:00

Anyone who has been in an accident Lynnwood or suffered a trauma, whether serious and no matter how long ago, should see a chiropractor to have their spinal column checked out for nerve pressure caused by vertebral subluxations.

A chiropractic adjustment can make the difference between life and death, between a life of pain, disability and sickness and life with full recovery, activity and health.

Golf Season is Here! Chiropractic Can Improve Your Game

2010-04-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Wasn't The Masters great?! If you're like most people, you now want to get out there on the links.

Dr. Gilmore and Back To Action Chiropractic have developed a website for golfers and how chiropractic can help improve their game and prevent injury.

Check the website here!

Happy Hitting.

Get Rid of Allergy Symptoms with No Drugs

2010-04-12T14:36:00.001-07:00

Chiropractic has been shown to boost the body's immune system and promote overall wellness. These can be important considerations in the elimination or prevention of allergic symptoms.

Clair Whitman, BSc from Bastyr University, has written a wonderful article in To Your Health about how to get rid of allergy symptoms without drugs.

Natural Solutions for allergies and their symptoms include:

1. Limiting allergen exposure: Use of an air filter. Pet areas, carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture should be cleaned regularly, and bedding should be washed at least once a week.

2. Avoid these foods: Dairy products, chocolate, sugar and gluten. All have been closely linked to respiratory allergies. There is also strong evidence suggesting food additives such as artificial dyes, sulfites, and benzoates are culprits.

3. Eat these foods: Intake of omega-3 fatty acids are seen to support healthy airways and encourage the production of anti-inflammatory mediators. Also consider onions, garlic, ginger, rosemary and tumeric.

4. Get your antioxidants: Increasing antioxidant intake such as Vitamin C and E, along with selenium, carotenoids, and flavonoids are good in prevention of production of free radicals, which is often associated with allergy and asthma cases.

Clothing Drive April 1-30 at Back To Action Chiropractic

2010-04-07T10:30:00.001-07:00

As part of Back To Action's 13th Anniversary, the clinic is holding a clothing drive in conjunction with Northwest Center from April 1st - 30th. Clothing for all age groups are accepted! New or gently used. Also, shoes, handbags, clothing accessories, back packs, linens and blankets are also gladly accepted.

All donations are tax deductible.

Also with your tax deduction form, Back To Action is offering chiropractic and massage specials.

Green's First and St. Patrick's Day. The perfect fit!

2010-03-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

Green is the color of St. Patrick's Day, so why not add the color to your diet with the antioxidant power of 10 plus serving of fruits and vegetables in every serving of Greens First!

Replenish - Revitalize - Recharge
Scientific research confirms that eating 7-13 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables is essential for your health. But, with today’s busy lifestyles, it isn’t always possible!

Now you can rebalance & rejuvenate your body and your health with a daily serving of organic Greens First. It’s the delicious and fast way for the entire family to enjoy the phytonutrient and antioxidant benefits of a diet rich in dark greens and brightly colored fruits and vegetables in one easy-to-use product.
Back To Action Chiropractic is offering Green's First, for the month of March, at a discounted rate. Check it out!

Back To Action Wellness Incentive Program for 2010 - FREE

2010-02-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

Back To Action Chiropractic is proud to present 3 new 2010 specials that promote wellness through chiropractic.

Program 1 - Buy 5 Chiropractic Visits and Receive a 6th Visit FREE! - a savings of $45

Program 2 - Buy 10 Chiropractic Visits and Receive 3 Additional Visits FREE! - a savings of $135

Program 3 - Buy More Than 10 Chiropractic Visits and Receive a 20% Discount.

* Purchase cannot be transferred to another person. This offer ends soon. Certain restrictions apply. Contact Back To Action for further details.

Figure Skating Injuries and Chiropractic

2010-01-15T15:10:00.000-08:00

Dr. Jason Gilmore and Back To Action Chiropractic is interested in injury prevention and performance optimization in figure skating.

Figure skating injuries are common and chiropractic should be considered as a primary and active form of treatment.

Learn about figure skating injuries from this new website: http://www.figureskatinginjuries.and-more-online.com/

2010: A Fearless Conversation About Vaccination

2010-01-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

Fear has been an overwhelming theme of the first 10 years of the 21st century stemming from the attacks of September 11th, 2001. This prevalence of fear has also filtered into health care and vaccination.

Take a moment and read/watch this link here.

Back To Action Chiropractic

Swine flu vaccine: Bad Batch Proves Shots Not Safe

2009-12-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

Let's stop pretending: There's no way in hog heaven these swine flu vaccines are safe.

Need more proof? Look north – at least one Canadian is dead and dozens of others are recovering from severe allergic reactions to the vaccine.

Many of those cases were linked to GlaxoSmithKline's Arepanrix swine flu vaccine, which prompted a recall of 172,000 doses. But by the time word got out, all but 15,000 had been used.

If you already rolled up your sleeve in Canada – too bad. Just be glad you're still alive to read about it.

Plenty of victims have suffered from anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly reaction that includes breathing problems, low blood pressure and swelling of the throat, tongue, lips and eyes.

Arepanrix appears to be especially bad — even by the low standards of poorly tested swine flu vaccines. GlaxoSmithKline's own data shows that more that 1 in 10 patients experience pain, headache, fatigue, swelling, shivering, sweating, aching muscles and joint pain. And 1 in 10 will develop diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, fever, feeling sick, bruising and itching.

We're facing a pandemic all right – but it's not from the flu. If they succeed in poking everyone, the real health crisis will come from all those bad drug reactions.

Recently, I told you about the patients who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after their swine flu shots, and some people who even keeled over after getting these "safe" vaccines. Click here to read "Swine flu swindle in full swing."

I mean c'mon – they're playing us for saps, and we're falling for it. So far, 22 million Americans have been conned into lining up for these dangerous needles like parents camped out at a store for a hot Christmas toy.

But at least we know the crummy economy won't dampen the holiday spirits of one group of elites living high on the hog: Big Pharma fat cats and their accomplice docs who distribute these shots like candy canes at a Christmas party.

Merry Christmas, and a $15 co-pay, please.

www.backtoaction.com

Healthy eating during the Holidays

2009-12-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

Question: Is it really possible to eat something healthy that actually tastes good too?

Let’s face it. Eating right is hard. Temptations are everywhere and what do many less-than-nutritious treats promise? Flavor and lots of it. Ask any experienced dieter and they’ll tell you that as strong as the craving for food is the craving for flavor is as great. The good news is that our natural craving for flavor need not be unhealthy to satisfy. Let me explain…

Scenario No. 1. You and your family have resolved to eat better and your brood is staring down a plain green salad. Before someone reaches for the calorie and fat-laden blue cheese dressing stop! Try adding a few kalamata olives and a few jarred, roasted red peppers all dressed with an olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.
Scenario No. 2. Nobody likes super-good-for-you steamed veggies when faced with French fries as an alternative. Instead of steaming veggies, wash, slice and brush with a little olive oil. Season with ground pepper and grill.

If you are really feeling decadent and wanting to get your family to eat asparagus, try this simple but nutritious take on this familiar vegetable. I guarantee this recipe will put the phrase “eat your veggies” in a whole new light!

BAKED ASPARAGUS WITH CHEESE

Take a bunch of fresh asparagus, trim or break off the ends and wash. Dry carefully. Mix half a cup of seasoned bread-crumbs with two or three tablespoons of grated cheese (I like Parmesan or Romano).

Layer asparagus in a glass dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle mixture of breadcrumbs and cheese on top and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake in a hot oven till the breadcrumbs brown and the asparagus is soft. Yummy!!!

So we have a question for our dear readers: When's the last time you've been in to re-energize your spine? If you haven't visited a chiropractor for 90 days of more, now would be a great time to continue your great health progress. We don’t bite, I swear. Call us.(425) 670-2600 or schedule an appointment here. We’ll see you soon!

Five Life-Saving Grocery Store Remedies and How To Use Them

2009-11-23T10:50:00.000-08:00

Home remedies, or natural medicines, have been used for treating illnesses since ancient times. Natural medicines were the only types of medicines used by the civilizations of ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece, China, and India. In Colonial America, natural medicines were adopted as the major curative agents, largely due to influences from Native Americans. For the majority of the settlers, food was medicine.

Home remedies were studied and known by Americans well into the early 20th century, but interest has declined steadily since. With the advancement and modernization of civilization, people have forgotten how to take care of themselves. Unfortunately, few if any Americans understand how to use natural medicines in the manner that their ancestors understood them. It is important to realize that you don't have to grow an herbal garden or forage in the woods for natural medicines: they are as close to you as your local grocery store.

There are a number of health-enhancing foods which are found in the grocery store. Most of these foods are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Certain of these foods are superior to others in their medicinal strengths. Imagine shopping the produce aisle to select a medicine. Today's shopper has been programmed to only choose the pharmacy section, with its synthetic potions, for medicines. Yet, there are a number of foods which possess medicinal powers which far superior to non-prescription drugs. What's more, they are safer, easier to use, and they taste better.

Please view the slide show presentation here: 5 Life-Saving Grocery Store Remedies

Back To Action Chiropractic - Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

November is National Diabetes Month

2009-11-02T11:54:00.001-08:00

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. For years, the American Diabetes Association has used this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and its serious complications.

With nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States living with diabetes, and an additional 57 million Americans at risk, simple awareness will no longer suffice. One out of every three children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue Diabetes is not merely a condition. It is an epidemic disease.

The Toll on Health

- The death rate from diabetes continues to climb. Since 1987, the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45%, while the death rates due to cancer, heart disease, and stroke have declined.

- About 60-70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage that could result in pain in the feet or hands, slowed digestion, sexual dysfunction, and other nerve problems.

- The rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 times higher than for people without diabetes.

- Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

- Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults.

- Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.

Cost of Diabetes

- The total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the US is $174 billion. Direct medical costs reach $116 billion, and the average medical expenditure among people with diabetes is 2.3 times higher than those without disease. Indirect costs amount to $58 billion (disability, work loss, premature mortality).

- The cost of caring for someone with diabetes is $1 out of every $5 in total healthcare costs.

For more information visit: www.diabetes.org

Also, please follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation

www.backtoaction.com

Sports and Chiropractic

2009-10-28T10:59:00.001-07:00

Chiropractic can give your athletic endeavors an edge, improve your athletic ability by helping to keep you healthy and in top form and by keeping minor injuries from becoming major ones.

That's why chiropractic has been used by champions: LaDamian Tomlinson and Jerry Rice of the NFL, Tiger Woods of the PGA, Lance Armstrong - world class cyclist, Ken Norton and Evander Holyfield of boxing and John McEnroe and Martina Navrratilova of tennis. In all of these sports, chiropractors help keep the athlete on the field and help stop minor injuries without the use of drugs and surgery.

Better Reaction Time & Co-ordination

Athletes under chiropractic care were compared with a control group that received no care for agility, balance, power, speed reaction and hand reaction time.

After six weeks, the chiropractic group had a 10.7% improvement while the control group had a 4.5% improvement. After 12 weeks, the chiropractic group's improvement was 16.7%! "The chiropractic athlete reacts faster, coordinates better, executes fine movements with improved accuracy and precision, amounting to an overall better athlete."

Many amateur and professional athletes wouldn't dream of competing without first getting a chiropractic spinal checkup.

Severe Trauma?
Athletes who are in trauma need chiropractic. The orthodox medical profession specializes int eh management of fractures, torn flesh, ripped tendons, dislocations, blood and fluid loss, and other emergency attention. However, victims of trauma leave the hospital with serious spinal subluxations from their accidents because M.D.'s are not trained to locate and correct this form of spinal damage. This is the real of chiropractic care.

What Chiropractic Does

At Back To Action Chiropractic, Drs. Dreessen and Gilmore balance your spinal column and relieve stress on your muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Sports injuries nearly always jar and misalign your spine and structures near it. A trauma to anywhere in the body can damage your spine - a blow to the ribs, legs, feet, head, shoulder or torso can radiate to it. If you play any sport you should receive a chiropractic spinal check-up to ensure that your spine is balanced and free from misaligned vertetrae causing "pinched" nerves (spinal subluxations).

To schedule an appointment for you free chiropractic check-up, call (425) 670-2600 or schedule online here.

Car accidents and chiropractic

2009-10-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

It's officially fall in the Pacific Northwest, which means rain, wind and increased darkness. All of these factors can make driving more difficult and challenging and accidents unavoidable. Much of the pain and suffering resulting from traumatic injuries may, in many cases, be avoided with chiropractic care.

Every trauma has the potential to cause vertebral subluxations - an area of abnormal stress in your spine that upsets body balance, impinges, "pinches", stretches or compresses your nerves, and affects the health of your muscles, internal organs, discs, bones and brain. A subluxation can cause pain, organ or system malfunction.

Chiropractic is a system of healthcare that specializes in correcting vertebral subluxations. At Back To Action, Drs. Dreessen and Gilmore, correct the subluxations using safe, gentle, spinal "adjustment" techniques.

There may have been no broken bones or serious bleeding, but there was spinal damage. The medical doctors may have said you were fine, but MD's do not know how to analyze the spinal column for subluxations nor do they know how to correct them. Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they are carrying around hidden spinal distortions that can cause severe health problems at a later date. Many people leave the emergency room with as much spinal damage as when they entered it. For that reason chiropractors belong in every emergency room in the country.

Anyone who has either been in an accident or suffered trauma, whether mild or serious and no matter how long ago, should see a chiropractor to have their spinal column checked for nerve pressure caused by vertebral subluxations. A chiropractic adjustment given by either Dr. Dreessen or Dr. Gilmore can make the difference between life and death, between life with pain, disability and sickness and life with full recovery, activity and health.

To schedule a consultation with the Doctors of Back To Action Chiropractic, please call (425) 670-2600 or schedule here.

Shocking flu facts...

2009-10-19T14:57:00.001-07:00

It’s that time of the year again - Flu season. As we stuff our faces and enjoy the holiday parties, an estimated 15 million people will get the flu this month. Below are some intriguing Flu Facts that I bet you didn’t know until you read them here…

The annual flu season actually begins in October and continues until May. Every year, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu. That means as many as 60 million get sick from the flu every year. Seasonal flu results in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and about 36,000 deaths annually.
The media and some medical organizations recommend the flu vaccine for children under two years old and all adults over 50. However some health experts are screaming, “Don't fall for it!” There are lingering questions about the effectiveness of the flu vaccination such as…

Those most at risk of flu complications probably share a higher risk of adverse reactions to the flu vaccine as well.

Flu vaccine is relatively ineffective in those patients most at risk of flu complications.

The vaccine has caused Guillan Barre Syndrome in recipients during several different flu seasons.

How can I fight the flu with nutritional supplements? The following supplements have the most research to back up their effectiveness in fighting the flu: Vitamin C, Zinc, and Selenium. The white blood cells are your immune system's first line of defense against viruses, bacteria and other harmful organisms. These three supplements can aid in white cell production and activation. Finally, I read that one expert believes that sugar suppresses the function of these cells by 50% for several hours. Carefully limiting your sugar intake during the holidays could be very beneficial. If you have any questions, just ask! And don’t forget the power of chiropractic so boost your immune system during flu season.

Nutrition: The Danger of "Empty Calories"

2009-10-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

The term "empty calories" refers to a group of foods that provide little to no nutritional value, yet still have calories in them. That makes the term a bit deceiving, because the calories in these types of foods are actually anything but "empty". A typical selection of empty-calorie foods includes cakes, pies, beer, soft drinks, candy, french fries and many processed snacks.

Since you must get the 40 essential nutrients to maintain optimal health, your body needs you to take in a certain amount of calories each day. However, if you eat more calories than your body can use, you will gain weight and may inherit all the well-known consequences that go along with obesity.

How to Eliminate Empty Calories From Your Diet :

1) Go slow - slowly switch from consumption of empty calories to eating more nutrient-dense foods.

2) Be smart when it comes to the food you eat - gradually eliminate all foods made from high levels of sugar and white flower.

3) Your best friends are fruits are vegetables - fruits and vegetables are true miracle foods. Buy pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Eat fruits and vegetables at every meal. Keep fruits and vegetables at eye level in the refrigerator or on the counter. Skip the potatoes.

4) Replace soft drinks with water.

5) Read all food labels very carefully.

6) Breakfast calories are the most important - research shows that eating breakfast, particularly if it contains some protein, can hold off hunger for hours.

Top 8 Healthy Foods - Salmon, Blueberries, Broccoli, Red Beans, Almonds, Spinach, Apples and Sweet Potatoes.

A great way to supplement your fruit and vegetable intake is by using our product GreensFirst available on our website or at our clinic.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-12T15:23:00.001-07:00

While October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the
www.NBCAM.org Web site is a year-round resource for breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and the general public. We encourage you to visit our site in October and regularly throughout the year as we add updated breast cancer information and resources.

Q: What is breast cancer?
A: Breast cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that
carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and
women, although male breast cancer is rare.

Q: How many new cases of breast cancer were estimated in the United States in
2008?
A: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 182,460 new cases of
invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States
last year. Approximately 1,990 new cases were expected in men. The ACS also reports
that an estimated 40,930 breast cancer deaths were expected in 2008 (40,480 women, 450
men).

Q: How common is breast cancer in the United States?
A: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancer.

Q: Is mammography reliable as a screening tool for breast cancer?
A: Mammography screening remains the best available method to detect breast cancer
early. In 1992, the U.S. Congress passed the Mammography Quality Standards Act to
ensure that mammography facilities throughout the country are of high quality and reliable.
To lawfully perform mammography, each facility must prominently display a certificate
issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information about mammography screening, please refer to the American Cancer Society’s website at: www.cancer.org

Of course, employing chiropractic in your wellness regiment will help promote health and well being.

October is National Chiropractic Month

2009-10-07T12:01:00.001-07:00

National Chiropractic Month is a nationwide campaign held each October. This year's activities will focus on headache treatment. 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. Chiropractic has been proven to be an effective treatment for several types of headaches including 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.

"The greatest majority of primary headaches are associated with muscle tension in the neck," says Dr. Jerry Dreessen, DC, from Back To Action. "Today, Americans engage in more sedentary activities than they used to, and more hours are spent in one fixed position or posture. This can increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck, upper back and scalp, causing your head to ache."

What You Can Do?

1) If you spend a large amount of time in one fixed position, such as in front of a computer, on a sewing machine, typing or reading, take a break every 30 minutes to one hour. The stretches should take your head and neck through comfortable range of motion.

2) Low-impact exercise may help relieve the pain associated with primary headaches. However, if you are prone to dull, throbbing headaches, avoid heavy exercise. Engage in such activities as walking and low-impact aerobics.

3) Avoid teeth clenching. The upper teeth should never touch the lowers, except when swallowing. The results in stress at the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) - the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull - leading to TMJ irritation and a form of tension headaches.

4) Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to help avoid dehydration, which lead to headaches.

What Can a Doctor Of Chiropractic Do?

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore of Back To Action can do one or more of the following if you suffer from a primary headache:

- Perform spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system.

- Provide nutritional advice, recommending a change in diet and perhaps the addition of B complex vitamins.

- Offer advice on posture, ergonomics (work postures), exercises and relaxation techniques. This advice should help to relieve the recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

Doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed to examine and treat the entire body with specific emphasis on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. They can also help people lead healthier lives focusing on wellness and prevention. Feel free to talk or schedule an appointment with the Doctors of Back To Action today.

Sports injury prevention tips

2009-10-06T16:36:00.001-07:00

Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, the goal is the same: You undoubtedly want to lower your chances of incurring an injury while participating in your favorite sport; like hockey. Fortunately, there are some general rules for injury prevention that all apply to all sports, which is important because sports scientists suggest injury rates could be reduced by 25 percent if athletes too appropriate preventative action.

Here are some injury prevention tips you can use to stay healthy:

1. Avoid training when you are tired; you should be strong and ready to exercise.

2. Increase the amount of carbohydrates you consume during heavy training.

3. Match increases in training intensity or frequency with increases in resting. (Rest is how the body regenerates.)

4. Precede any increase in training load with an increase in strengthening.

5. Treat even seemingly minor injuries very carefully to prevent them from becoming a big problem. This is where chiropractic can become key.

6. If you experience pain when training, stop your training session immediately.

7. Never train hard if you are stiff from the previous training session.

8. Pay attention to hydration and nutrition (water before exercise, electrolyte drink during exercise and water after exercise).

9. Use appropriate training surfaces.

10. Check the training and competition areas are clear of hazards.

Chiropractic care is not only exceptional in the treatment of acute and chronic injuries, but is equally successful in preventing future injuries when regular care is received. Simply, chiropractic focuses on the cause of the deficiency or injury and not just the symptoms.

For a free chiropractic consultation with Dr. Gilmore, either call (425) 670-2600 or schedule here.

August is Pain Awareness Month

2009-08-19T10:50:00.001-07:00

The month of August is a period to focus our awareness on a condition that affects
individuals, their families and society in general. Chronic pain is considered to be the most costly health
problem in the United States. Increased medical expenses, lost income, lost productivity, compensation
payments, and legal charges are some of the negative economic consequences of chronic pain. Along with
financial ramifications, chronic pain impacts one’s emotional state and relationships.

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both physical and emotional components. The physical part of pain results from nerve stimulation. Pain may be contained to a discrete area, as in an injury, or it can be more diffuse, as in disorders like fibromyalgia. Pain is mediated by specific nerve fibers that carry the pain impulses to the brain where their conscious appreciation may be modified by many factors.
The word “pain” comes from the Latin “poena” meaning a fine, a penalty.

Chiropractic and Integrative Pain Management
Integrative pain medicine is said to be more comprehensive than traditional medicine, because it emphasizes wellness and the healing of the whole person above and beyond the treatment of any specific symptom or disease. It involves the use of safe and effective approaches that are designed to facilitate healing, empowering patients to participate in their own healing process. Integrative medicine acknowledges the complexity of health and illness by identifying numerous causes of disease and multiple interventions based on the physical, biochemical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of health and disease.
Chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs and surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.”

Because of this intimate relationship, biomechanical and structural problems in the spinal column can irritate parts of the enclosed nervous system. This irritation can result from noxious inflammatory biochemicals released during tissue injury or may result from direct mechanical pressure. In either case, the functioning of the nervous system is negatively influenced as is the functioning of the cells, tissues and organs which are supplied by the affected nerve(s).
In short, because the body’s innate recuperative powers are affected by and integrated through the nervous system, correcting spinal abnormalities which irritate the nervous system can lead to a number of favorable results in patients suffering from various, seemingly non-spinal health conditions.

July is UV Safety Month

2009-07-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much is
dangerous, causing immediate effects like blistering sunburns,
as well as longer-term problems like eye damage.
Ultraviolet radiation is composed of high-energy rays from
the sun. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation (“sunburn
rays”) may contribute to the development of various eye
disorders, such as: age-related macular degeneration, the
leading cause of vision loss among older Americans; and
cataracts, a major cause of visual impairment and blindness.
Everyone is at risk for eye damage that can lead to vision loss
from exposure to the sun.
It’s important to protect your eyes from acute damage caused
by even a single outing on a very bright day. Intense, excessive
exposure to ultraviolet light reflected off sand, snow or
pavement can damage the eye’s surface. Similar to sunburns,
eye surface burns usually disappear within a couple of days,
but may lead to further complications later in life.
To ensure your eyes are protected, wear sunglasses and a
broad-rimmed hat. When selecting sunglasses, make sure they
block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. But don’t be
deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not
dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price tag.
Also, while out enjoying the sun in the water, remember to
wear swimming goggles whenever you swim. Chlorine can
make your eyes red and puffy, and ponds and lakes may have
bacteria that can get underneath contact lenses and cause
inflammation of the cornea.

Just some helpful tips from the Doctors of Back To Action Chiropractic.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Enjoy Your Summer

How Chiropractic Can Help With Sciatica

2009-06-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

Research found on the internet estimates that up to 40 million people suffer with sciatica pain each year. Yet it seems to remain a relative ‘secret’ how effective chiropractic care has been in reducing and often completely eliminating sciatica pain.

Did you know that the sciatic nerve is the longest of all the body’s nerves? In fact it runs from the spinal column near the pelvis… all the way down each leg… and it can be as wide as your thumb! Each sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerves that branch into the thigh, knee, calf, ankle, and foot. This is why sciatica can effect people in many different ways! But the bottom line is that sciatica occurs when this nerve is compressed, irritated, or inflamed.

How do you know if you have sciatica pain? Sciatica pain can either be dull and aching… or… it can be a shooting pain down the leg sometimes all the way to the toes. This pain can last for several days or weeks or it can subside for even a few hours. However, someone who has had sciatica for a long period of time will find that the pain localizes in the buttock and thigh. In severe cases it can damage nerves and reflexes or cause the calf muscle to deteriorate, so if you have sciatica pain you do not want to ignore it and “hope it goes away.”

What will a chiropractor do to treat sciatica pain? The first thing we’ll do is take a look at your medical history to identify possible causes. Then a thorough but gentle chiropractic exam is performed. Often we will discover the source of the nerve “blockage” and we’ll use adjustments to fix the problem, often resulting in immediate reduction of the sciatica pain. Sometimes massage therapy is used to reduce muscle spasms as is ultrasound and/or ice therapies. Chiropractic works and is 90% less expensive than the cost of surgery… without having to deal with recovery time.

If a loved one seems to be suffering with sciatica pain and you would like to get them into our office to be examined, or you have concerns about their health, please give us a call @ (425) 670-2600 to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help!

June is Men's Health Month - Include Chiropractic

2009-06-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

The purpose of Men's Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Chiropractic can be an integral part of this prevention and promotion of wellness.

In short, because the body's innate recuperative powers are affected by and integrated through the nervous system, correcting spinal abnormalities which irritate the nervous system through chiropractic can lead to a number of favorable results in patients suffering from various, seemingly non-spinal health conditions. These conditions can include increased sense of well being and energy, enhanced tissue healing and decreased tissue inflammation.

Alarming statistics show that men's health is at great risk. On average, men die almost 6 years younger than women and suffer higher mortality rates for the top causes of death. The lives of hundreds of thousands of men will continue to be threatened unless immediate action is taken to combat this growing crisis.

Research shows that:

- men do not see physicians for a physical exam nearly as often as women

- men are dying of the top causes of death at higher rates than women

- men are more likely to be uninsured than women

- approximately 30,000 men in the US die each year from prostate cancer.

Find events in your area by checking the Men's Health Calendar at : www.menshealthnetwork.org

Start on the road to promoting men's health by scheduling an appointment today at Back To Action Chiropractic.

May is Correct Posture Month « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

2009-05-05T16:10:00.001-07:00

Do you spend all day tapping away on a keyboard at the office only to come home and slouch in your recliner for hours while watching TV? In both the home and the workplace, countless posture pitfalls await the unsuspecting.

In fact, poor posture can result from simple everyday activities -- leaning over paperwork or straining to peer at the computer screen - and the result is muscle tension, stiffness, backaches, neck cramps and fatigue. In fact, some 80 percent of Americans have not only endured back pain, but contribute to it in the way they sit, exercise, work and sleep.

This May, during Correct Posture Month, sponsored by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), talk to Dr. Jerry Dreessen or Dr. Jason Gilmore from Back To Action Chiropractic about ways to alleviate the postural habits that can have a negative impact on your overall health.

"Once established, poor posture creates a chain reaction throughout the body," said Jerry Dreessen, DC. "The digestive and respiratory systems will be affected by poor posture, especially poor sitting posture. And in more serious cases, where poor posture has had major effects on the musculoskeletal system, there can be a resulting negative impact on the vascular system."

"On the flip side, maintaining good posture is a way of doing things with more energy, less stress and less fatigue. It is never too late to change our behaviors in an effort to improve our posture," Dr. Dreessen explains.

What constitutes good posture? Good posture keeps all body parts balanced and supported. When standing, it should be possible to draw a straight line from the earlobe, through the shoulder, hip, knee, and into the middle of the ankle.

Because people find themselves in several positions throughout the day (sitting, standing, bending, stooping and lying down) it's important to learn how to attain good posture in everyday situations. The ACA offers these suggestions:

At the Office

It is not only jobs in construction or other labor-intensive fields that cause on-the-job-injuries. Typing at a computer all day can be equally stressful on a person's wrists, shoulders, neck and spine, resulting in painful impairment.

If you work behind a computer, work to improve your sitting posture by:

* Making sure your chair fits correctly. There should be 2 inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees.
* Sitting with your knees at approximately a 90-degree to 120-degree angle. Using an angled footrest to support your feet may help you sit more comfortably.
* Positioning your computer monitor so that the top of the screen is at or below eye level.
* Keeping your wrists in the neutral position while you type, not angled up or down. A wrist rest can help you to keep a more neutral wrist posture. The mousing surface or mouse pad should be close to the keyboard, so you don't have to reach or hold the arm away from the body.
* Taking frequent, short breaks from your work. Be sure to stretch your hands, arms, shoulders and legs during your breaks.

Use this website as a means of calculating your ideal workplace ergonomic set up.

Lounging and Sleeping:
Sometimes the simplest of activities-such as relaxing or even sleeping-can wreak as much havoc on our bodies as spending long hours at a computer can. According to Dr. Krippendorf, "People spend a lot of hours sitting in chairs and recliners. The painful fact is that much of the furniture we sit in can damage our bodies. It is so important to select furniture that employs sound ergonomic principles."

Keep the following in mind when selecting a living room chair or recliner:

* Look for furniture that fits the person who will most often sit in it. The "one-size-fits-all" approach is not a good idea when selecting furniture.
* Find a chair that offers plenty of support to both the neck and the lumbar region (lower back).
* Purchase a portable footrest that can be moved around a room. This will help smaller people use chairs that may ordinarily be too high for them.

If you can only dream of getting a good night's sleep with that uncomfortable mattress and sagging pillow of yours, consider the following simple tips to help you select the right mattress and pillow:

* When choosing a mattress, look for one that is comfortably -and selectively-supportive. Selective support allows you to press down one area of a mattress, leaving other areas unaffected.
* Be sure to choose a mattress that is finished on both sides so you can "rotate" it, just like you would your car tires. Every few months, turn it clockwise, or upside down, so that body indentations are kept to a minimum.
* Be selective when choosing a pillow. When lying on your side, your head and neck should remain level with your mid and lower spine. When lying on your back, your head and neck should remain level with your upper back and spine. In other words, your pillow should not be so thick that it causes your head and neck to be propped up or angled sharply away from your body.

For more information on the importance of correct posture or any of the tips mentioned above, contact the Doctors of Back To Action Chiropractic at (425) 670-2600 or feel free to check out the Back To Action website for more helpful information.

Migraines - How Chiropractic Can Help With Headaches

2009-04-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

Ouch, Another Migraine! Here’s what you can do about your headache pain…

Did you know that research has shown that many headaches are caused by irritation of the nerves in the neck? It’s true. When the pain is pulsating in your head, it sure doesn’t seem like it’s because of what is going on in your neck.

Why Am I Getting These Darned Headaches?

Answer: We have actually found that your nerve irritation is the result of a previous injury that the patient was unaware of or something that occurred so long ago they had forgotten about. What is really interesting is how fragile the neck can be and how easy it is to have problems result from that area. For example, since the link between the head and the rest of the body is your neck, the neck is vulnerable to even slight jars which may cause a misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck. Now imagine if your car were to be rear-ended. This is why whiplash can occur in accidents in which the vehicles were only going 5-miles per hour. Numerous studies have proven this to be in fact quite common.

So why are you getting headaches?

Picture a traffic jam during rush hour. All those cars trying to travel down the same expressway simultaneously. The same thing is happening in your neck. Since the nerves and blood vessels pass through small openings between these vertebrae, a misalignment can substantially reduce the amount of blood and nerve impulses going to your face and brain.

Thus, the headaches. Not all headaches are caused by neck problems. Some are due to lack of sleep or excessive “partying.” However if you get frequent headaches, it’s possible that chiropractic can help you.

A good rule of thumb is if you experience headaches more than twice a week, we’d suggest having your condition looked into further because chances are it can be successfully addressed. We’re here to help!

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Ergonomic Work Station Worksheet link « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

2009-04-15T11:16:00.001-07:00

Back To Action Chiropractic is proud to offer a work station worksheet that allows the individual to input their height and the site then calculates proper measurements for your work station. These measurements include: your sitting eye height in relation to the computer monitor, your seat height in relation to your desk and sitting elbow height.

Chiropractic is an effective means of preventing time loss due to repetitive stress injuries related to extended computer and/or prolonged sitting.

To schedule an initial consultation or to have the Doctors of Back To Action assess your work station, please call (425) 670-2600.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Clothing Drive at Back To Action Chiropractic « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

2009-03-31T17:21:00.001-07:00

The Week of Monday, April 6th through April 10th marks Back To Action’s 12th Anniversary in exsistence.

To celebrate, the clinic is holding several events. The first, is conducting a Clothing Drive in conjunction with Northwest Center. During this week, anyone can bring your reusable clothing to the Collecton Bin located at Back To Action. Types of re-usable items to donate include: clothing (for all ages) inluding shoes, handbacks and clothing accessories, backpacks, linens and blankets. All donations are tax deductible.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and the Chiropractic Approach « Back

2009-03-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

“Experiencing some wear & tear from work?”

Did You Know that Carpal Tunnel is the #1 Most Reported Workplace Medical Problem?

Did you know that because of the prevalence of people desk jobs, carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming one of the most common medical problems in the workplace? The course traveled by many is surgery… and… the issue with surgery is that is can have many long term consequences.

Warning: Here’s What Carpal Tunnel Feels Like…

When you’re working at your computer do you feel pain, numbness, tingling or aching in your hands? Do your hands ever feel swollen or “clumsy”? These are the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel.

What the Government Tells Us…

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, carpal tunnel is now the most common reported medical problem in the workplace. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome accounts for nearly 60% of work related injuries. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimate that Carpal Tunnel costs $27 billion annually in medical treatment and lost income. Until recently there were only three choices for sufferers: (1) Do nothing. Not a good plan. (2) Take anti-inflammatory medication or wear hand splints. Yeah, that looks good. (3) Surgery. I’ve known patients who opted for 3 or 4 surgeries on the same hand before relief was obtained! The recovery period is lengthy often leaving you out of work for months.

What many people are learning is that chiropractic has an excellent track record treating some forms of carpal tunnel. Surgery should be the last resort. In 80% of the cases where surgery has been completed, the symptoms have returned within two years. Increasingly patients are turning to chiropractic to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is why more and more people are seeking out chiropractic as their first line of defense against Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Only after non-invasive options have been tried should one consider surgery, in our opinion. The obvious benefits of chiropractic are no surgery, no recovery, and no taking medications.

If you or a loved one think they have some of the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel than I’d encourage you to get your condition looked into at your earliest convenience. To determine whether someone is appropriate for this procedure, we welcome patients or their referrals to call our office and we’ll schedule them for a diagnostic appointment. We will review your symptoms, tell you what your options are, and explain in detail how our non-surgical approach might help. Give our office a call at (425) 670-2600, we’re here to help. Also if we can provide any additional info on this condition, let us know.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Dr. Gilmore and hockey injuries - the obvious choice « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

2009-03-17T14:56:00.001-07:00

Dr. Jason Gilmore, DC of Back To Action Chiropractic has been playing hockey for over 30 years and understands the inherent value in chiropractic as a means of prevention of injury and maintenance of overall health. Athletes of all ages can benefit from chiropractic.

Check out the new website dedicated to hockey injuries and chiropractic at: www.hockeyinjuries.and-more-online.com/

Also visit the web banner at: www.sjha.com

Patient Safety Awareness Week - March 8 - March 14 2009 « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

2009-03-10T14:59:00.001-07:00

Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) is a national education and awareness-building campaign for improving patient safety at the local level. Hospitals and health care organizations, such as Back To Action, are encouraged to plan events and promote patient safety within their own organizations. Educational activities are centered on educating patients on how to become involved in their own health care, as well as working with hospitals to build partnerships with their patient community.

For more information: www.npsf.org

National School Breakfast Week - March 2-6, 2009 « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

2009-03-02T10:46:00.001-08:00

Kids are a lot like superheroes - both need a lot of strength to meet the challenges they face everyday. A nutritious and healthy school breakfast gives the energy to overcome barriers and succeed academically each day.

During this year's National School Breakfast Week, students nationwide are invided to join the School Breakfast Heroes - Mr. Breakfast, Crunch, Fruit Avenger, Yogurl, Susie Powers the Sandwich Sensei, and their trusty sidekick Eggbot - on a morning adventure as they join together to rescue hungry kids from the plauge of the Breakfast Skipper! From March 2-6, 2009, school cafeterias nationwide will encourage students to power up with a healthy, nutritious school breakfast.

School breakfast provides the necessary energy to start a day of learning and achievement, providing 25 percent of the recommended daily allowance of protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C and calories and meeting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Research has shown that children who eat breakfast at school:

1) Score better in standardized tests

2) Have fewer health issues

3) Behave better in class

Furthermore, research indicates that kids who skip breakfast rarely make up for missed nutrients later in the day so skipping breakfast could also affect students' performance in after-school activities.

Seeing a chiropractor can also improve your child's health.

Food Knowledge for 2009 « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

2009-03-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

6 Little Known Food Facts!

If you’re like most, don’t you love to torture yourself thinking about how much fat we ingest daily? Even though we know it’s bad for us, that Big Mac just tastes so good… Well, this time around I will be the bearer of good news about fat. Really! As much bad press as fat gets, it is an essential part of our diet. Without it we’re unhealthy. But how much? A recent Gannett News Service article put an amusing spin on the topic that I’d like to pass along here. Take my “Fat Quiz” below and see how you do. You’ll find the answers below:

1. How many calories are found in one gram of fat?
2. What is the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation for the number of fat grams an average adult should consume everyday?
3. What is the highest percentage of caloric intake, based on a 2,000 calorie-a-day diet, that should come from fat?
4. What is the percentage of monounsaturated fat, the so-called “good” fat that lowers cholesterol, found in almonds?
5. What is the percentage of monounsaturated fat contained in avocados (think guacamole)?
6. Name one country where fat women were celebrated as healthy and beautiful.

Answers: Question 1: 9 calories; Question 2: 65 grams; Question 3: 30 percent; Question 4: 65 percent; Question 5: 60 percent; Question 6: Victorian England.

How did you do? Make taking time to eat and eat right a priority. Good nutrition and wellness go hand in hand.

Have any questions about this article? Give our office a call at (425) 670-2600. We're here to help.
Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore
Back To Action Chiropractic

My Spine: How Does It Work and What Is It's Role?

2009-02-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

“Exactly how does my spine work and what is its role? Why all the focus on the spine, Doc?”

Answer: Did you know that your body is an engineering miracle? It is truly amazing what I’m about to describe about your spine and body. The cervical spine of your neck consists of 7 interlocking bones. Kind of like Legos. The brain stem becomes the spinal cord, which is the “information super highway” of your nervous system. This is what enables your heart to beat without your conscious awareness, keeps you digesting food, feeling pain, experiencing pleasure, and all the…

Miracles of life
we experience!

The forward curve of the neck is known as a lordosis. This curve is what enables you to turn your head side to side and gaze toward the ceiling. An injury such as whiplash can cause the spine joints to not move enough… or… others to move too much! These changes negatively impact the nervous system. When the spine loses its natural shape, it can pinch the nerves coming out of the spine. We call these subluxations and they alter the way your nervous system sends and receives sensations. Ill health can result, because it throws off the body’s ability to communicate within itself. The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae in the lower back. Like the neck, it should have a natural curve. Like tributaries of a river, nerves exiting the spine in this area form the sciatic nerves which run down the back of each leg. A healthy spine allows you to be and do your best by protecting the vital nervous systems link between your brain and your body.

A keen awareness of the spine’s importance can enable you to live a vital, full life. Be aware that if you or someone you love has been feeling pain for more than 48 hours, please seek the help of the Doctors of Back To Action immediately. We’re only a phone call away at (425) 670-2600. Or schedule an appointment here.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Alderwood Auto Accidents

2009-02-11T11:07:00.000-08:00

Alderwood car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Mill Creek Auto Accidents

2009-02-11T10:52:00.001-08:00

Mill Creek car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

Seattle Auto Accidents

2009-02-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

Seattle car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

Everett Auto Accidents

2009-02-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

Everett car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

Shoreline Auto Accidents

2009-02-11T10:34:00.001-08:00

Shoreline car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

Edmonds Auto Accidents

2009-02-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

Edmonds car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

Bothell Auto Accidents

2009-02-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

Bothell car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

Mountlake Terrace Auto Accidents

2009-02-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

Mountlake Terrace car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

Lynnwood Auto Accidents

2009-02-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Lynnwood car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

Woodway Auto Accidents

2009-02-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

Woodway car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

Weight Loss: Still Struggling to Lose those Holiday Pounds?

2009-02-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

Let’s deal with a tough fact. Without a doubt there is a link between obesity and back problems. When the body carries around extra weight than is needed, it puts strains on those important areas such as the spine. (One reason we preach overall patient “wellness” which includes a healthy lifestyle.) Want an easy way to drop 500 calories a day, without breaking a sweat? I found this in a recent issue of Prevention:

“The average lunch or dinner and even some breakfasts, can run up to 800 calories or more. So by simply substituting one 300-calorie meal for a usual meal, you can cut as many as 500 calories a day. Doing so you will lose 1 lb. in a week,” according to Cathy Nonas, RD, a researcher at the New York Obesity Research Center.

For most patients, breakfast will be the easiest meal to eat nutritionally “right.” So, let’s look at the first meal of the day and see where a lower-calorie substitution can be made. Consider these relatively pain-free and nutritious alternatives:

· 1 fried egg (made with cooking spray), 2 pieces of wheat toast (dry) and a ½ cup of orange juice.

· 8 ounces of Stonyfield Farm fat-free French vanilla yogurt with 1 Tbsp. Slivered almonds, ½ medium apple sliced, 1 Tbsp. raisins and 1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed.

· 1 McDonald’s low-fat apple bran muffin and a cup of tea.

· 1 cup of Cheerios with 1 small sliced banana, 1 Tbsp. of chopped walnuts and ½ cup of fat-free milk.

These suggestions are appealing for a number of reasons. First, these are everyday foods that most people like. Dieters aren’t resigned to radical changes like cottage cheese. Second, dieters don’t end up starving themselves—a factor that often leads to cravings, binges and failure. Combine good health with chiropractic care from Back To Action, and the sky is the limit for you in 2009! If you haven’t visited a chiropractor for 90 days of more, now would be a great time to continue your great health progress. Call (425) 670-2600 to schedule. We don’t bite, I swear. Call us. We’ll see you soon!

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore – Back To Action Chiropractic

Back Pain: Second Most Reason People Visit a Doctor « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

2009-01-27T14:03:00.000-08:00

Tips to healthy living…

Can You Guess…
What is the Second Most Common Reason
People Visit a Physician?

Here’s the recent statistics: One third of American’s will suffer back pain this year. Back pain is now cited as the second most common reason people go to a Physician. Want to know what else is interesting? The majority of back pain is diagnosed with the advice to start taking various pain killing medication. This acts to disguise the pain temporarily which has the risk of causing further injury because it gives false confidence that you’re better… causing you to move and exert in certain ways that normally your body is telling you NOT to!

What the Research Tells Us

A study appeared recently in the journal Spine which took a look at different forms of treatment for back and neck pain. The national telephone survey of over 2,000 randomly selected Americans asked a series of questions on whether or not each respondent suffered from any forms of back or neck pain the previous year, and if so, what type of treatment he or she sought.

We were excited to see that chiropractic was the most-used complementary therapy in this study, with 20% of back or neck pain sufferers seeking chiropractic care. Overall, complementary medicine was used more than conventional medicine (54% vs. 37%, respectively). Perhaps more importantly, chiropractic was considered more helpful than conventional medicine. Over 60% of sufferers considered chiropractic “very helpful” for treating back and neck pain, compared to 27% for conventional providers.

629 Million Visits!

The authors of this study estimate that 628 million visits were made to complementary therapy providers in 1997, a number that increases every year. A multitude of studies have shown that chiropractic and other alternative therapies, such as massage, can be highly effective for musculoskeletal pain. Chiropractic care is safe & effective. A healthy spine allows you to be and do your best by protecting the vital nervous systems link between your brain and your body! If you’ve been experiencing pain for 48 hours or longer, I suggest calling us immediately at (425) 670-2600 or schedule an appointment here, so we can take a look at your changed condition.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Back To Action Chiropractic

Fitness: Is cleaning the house considered exercise?

2009-01-12T15:19:00.000-08:00

“I cleaned the house. That’s exercise, right?”

Ah, those New Year’s Resolutions are here! Estimates speculate that losing weight tops the list. I often joke with my significant other that cleaning the house counts as exercise. But you might be surprised to discover… it’s partially true. (Yeah!)
All body movement counts as exercise. That includes the simple and sublime activities of everyday life that we all do. Like cleaning, mowing the grass, and giving the kids a piggyback ride.
The good news is so many of us spend untold hours outside working around the house, both inside and out! If you’re like me, you automatically discount those activities because they don’t fall into the traditional “exercise” mold that was ingrained into our heads when we were kids in gym class. But stop and think for a minute: How do you feel after a day in the yard? Tired? Maybe a few muscle aches?
Now ask yourself how you feel after running, working out or playing a game of hoops. I bet it’s not much different.

A few fascinating facts about burning calories from everyday chores: Scrubbing floors burns 6.2 calories a minute! Washing clothes burns around 4 calories a minute! Even grocery shopping counts at 3.8 calories for every minute behind a shopping cart.

Good nutrition doesn’t have to cost a lot!

Investing in good health (which includes chiropractic care) is cheap compared to being sick and unwell. Just ask anyone in the hospital. You have the power to make it happen. Right now. If you’d like some help achieving vibrant health and energy, please call our office (425) 670-2600 to schedule an appointment. Quite bluntly, smart patients know the value of investing in themselves and by that I mean a WELLNESS APPROACH to care. Now is the perfect time to begin! If not now, then when??

If you’d like to learn more about proper nutrition, please call us!
Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Mattresses: How Important Is The Mattress You Use When It Comes To Back Problems?

2009-01-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

I’m proud to say that because our patients at Back To Action get “educated” on how to keep back pain at bay, that many of them lift carefully… they exercise… and most visit either Dr. Dreessen or Dr. Gilmore regularly. Yet for some they discover that their mattress is a frequent culprit in triggering back pain. You might be thinking, “what next doc??!”

Why Your Mattress Can Have a Negative Impact on Back Health:

No, I do not own stock in a mattress company! But I’ve seen how a 20-year old mattress can wreak havoc on a person’s back. If you think about it, we spend 8 hours a day on our mattress. You can imagine the negative impact of a truly inferior mattress and how it can make you feel!

Let me tell you about a case history: I have a patient who I’d gotten to know quite well. Working together we’ve made great progress and he is pain-free most of the time… but… a while ago he told me his back had started to bother him again. The culprit? By a process of elimination we discovered it was…
His Mattress!

He had purchased his mattress more than 15 years earlier. As he describes it, “He was poor as a church mouse at that time.” Translation: He bought an inexpensive bed. For many years Paul’s bed served him fine but at a certain point it developed a sway in the middle and when he sat on the edge he slid off. Time for a new bed!

The trick is to find a quality mattress and box spring that molds to the spine. Fortunately, there are more choices than ever and many companies manufacture bedding expressly designed for people with bad backs. Shop around and sample as many beds as you can. Check the phone book for local companies that manufacture custom bedding. It may be worth the investment. Or ask our opinion and we can direct you to an effective mattress!

Chiropractic care is safe & effective. A healthy spine allows you to be and do your best by protecting the vital nervous systems link between your brain and your body! If you’ve been experiencing pain for 48 hours or longer, I suggest calling us to schedule an appointment immediately so we can take a look at your changed condition.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Nutrition: How to Stop the "Dine-n-Dash" Approach to Eating!

2008-12-15T12:01:00.000-08:00

“Here’s one way to have a healthier 2009…”

How to Stop the “Dine-n-Dash Approach” to Eating!

An article in Cooking Light recently got me to thinking about a bad habit many us, including me, have developed in recent years. I believe it has something to do with the hurry sickness that everyone in America seems to have today and our habit of skipping meals or eating wrong when time is tight. You know what I am talking about—the hurry we’re all in everyday that sometimes precludes eating properly. For many the first thing to suffer is eating right.

According to a survey by the
National Restaurant Association…

“40 percent of full-time employees usually don’t take a full lunch break
and 27.3 percent spend their time doing something other than eating.”

As unassuming as this sounds, think about the nutritional impacts. If you’re not taking time to eat regularly or eat right one or two meals a day then you could be missing out on many of the vitamins and minerals essential to a healthy body. Cooking Light offers these suggestions designed to encourage better eating and taking the time to eat right:

1) Eat with others. Make taking time to eat properly fun.
2) Eat what you like. Choose food you like, but that’s good for you,
and truly enjoy, not just something to fill you up till later.
3) Make good choices. A BLT v. PB&J may seem like a no-brainer, but
the BLT is chock-full of saturated fat—not good.

With the New Year upon us, make taking time to eat and eat right a priority. Look at breakfast and lunch as a time to practice a little downtime, savor a few moments to yourself or just relax. You may enjoy it so much you’ll never miss a meal again!

Have any questions about this article? Give Back To Action a call, we’re here to help. Our phone number is (425) 670-2600.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Low Back Pain: What Can I Do To Actively Prevent Low Back Pain In 2009?

2008-12-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

Answer: Minimizing the potential for back pain requires a little retraining in how we approach our everyday tasks. The two most effective means to keeping your back in optimal working order are exercise and learning how to safeguard your back as you go about your daily work - at home, on the job and on the road.

Keep these simple “chiropractic breakthroughs” in mind as you go about your daily duties:

• Making your bed. Bend at the knees and not at the waist—a simple but effective way to stay pain-free.
• Keeping your closet organized. I bet most folks with backaches never give any thought to how they keep their closet. Minimize reaching high or low for items. Store shoes in a shoe bag on the door to save bending and stooping.
• Washing dishes. Leaning over the sink can be painful. Stand close to the sink to minimize reaching. Shift your weight from one foot to the other. Stand on a foam or rubber mat to reduce strain.
• Vacuuming. Shop for a vacuum that you can push with minimal exertion. Old vacuums frequently weigh a ton and that can strain.
• Raking leaves. Use a leaf blower; beats a hand rake any day! A light-weight leaf blower might save you more than a few calluses.

And… consider the power of chiropractic care at Back To Action to keep you pain free in 2009. (You knew that was coming.) In the same way your car needs regular oil change, so too does a back require an adjustment to keep to running healthy.

Be aware that if you or someone you love has been feeling pain for more than 48 hours, please seek Dr. Dreessen or Dr. Gilmore immediately. We’re only a phone a call away at (425) 670-2600 or click here to schedule an appointment.

Joint Pain: What should I do if I experience joint pain?

2008-11-17T10:58:00.000-08:00

Answer: Did you know that one-third of Americans suffer with joint pain? The Doctors of Back To Action recently learned that the leading cause of disability in the U.S. is arthritis and arthritis related joint pain. We expect to see this problem get worse. Currently arthritis pain affects over 70 million Americans! What is interesting about joint pain is that very few people realize that chiropractic is an effective treatment for easing / helping / aiding the pain of joint pain. Most understand why chiropractic is effective treating back pain. But few understand it can be used for treating joint pain.
George Bivins, a father of an M.D. in Jacksonville, and a D.C. in Thomasville, was recently diagnosed by an M.D. as having an arthritic knee. He sent George to an orthopedic surgeon who recommended knee replacement. With a heavy heart he went to his son, a chiropractor. What were the results? Within three months, George was walking without a cane. He had no arthritis. He had misaligned hips. Today, George has no knee pain.
Hey, sometimes surgery is needed, no doubt. But Drs. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore have a belief that before you engage in an invasive, potentially unsafe procedure like surgery… you should first exhaust all the NON-invasive options first. And based on our experiences working with patients at Back To Action, who come to me with “arthritis”, we have found that the problem can often be corrected without surgery. Without expensive medications. The natural way. Again, not always, but in many instances. Note: Chiropractic treatment is about 90% less expensive than surgery.
As you can see, with joint pain affecting 70 million American’s, this is a big problem. If you or someone you love has experienced joint pain for more than 48 hours, you should schedule an appointment immediately. And if you’re reading this and have been suffering with arthritis or join pain, it’s possible that chiropractic could successfully address some of your problems. That’s great news, for over 70 million Americans!

Back To Action Chiropractic

Dr. Jerry Dreessen, D.C. and Dr. Jason Gilmore, D.C

Scoliosis: Chiropractic can help with this condition...

2008-11-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

Scoliosis: Every sufferer should see a chiropractor

Your spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae that stack up one on top of the other to form a straight line when viewed from front to back. Spines are not perfectly straight and that’s normal; but when the spine curves or twists excessively it can be abnormal and it is called scoliosis (Greek for “crooked”).

What Causes Scoliosis? – In most cases of scoliosis the cause is unknown; the vertebrae and spinal structures – discs, ligaments, tendons and muscles – appear normal. In the rest of the cases the scoliosis is caused by conditions such as a tumor, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, a birth deformity or disc problems.

Further deepening the mystery of scoliosis is the fact that no one knows why some minor curves get worse whereas about 90% do not. However, it is not true, as commonly thought, that poor posture is a cause of scoliosis or that women with scoliosis have more problems carrying babies to term. In fact, most people with scoliosis can lead normal lives, never even knowing that they have the condition.

The Chiropractic Approach – Chiropractic is not a treatment for individual diseases, scoliosis included. Its purpose is to correct the vertebral subluxation complex – a condition that interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system and the body as a whole.

Only doctors of chiropractic, such as Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore of Back To Action, are specially trained to locate and correct vertebral subluxations – spinal abnormalities that can affect not only the spine, but also the entire body.

Every scoliosis sufferer should be under chiropractic care.

Call Back To Action today for your scoliosis check-up at (425) 670-2600.

Back To Action
Dr. Jerry Dreessen, D.C. and Dr. Jason Gilmore, D.C.

Why are you "last on the list" when it comes to finding time for health and fitness?

2008-11-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

When it comes to taking care of yourself chances are you’re last on the list…after spouses, children, parents, jobs and even pets. In today’s time-pressed work-a-day world patients often come to our office, Back To Action, with aches and pains that manifest their stress. Smart patients know the value of investing in themselves and by that we mean a WELLNESS APPROACH to care:
- Fitness
- Diet and nutrition
- Chiropractic Maintenance
- Perhaps massage or other alternative therapies and treatments, as applicable.

Frankly, over the years the definition of health care has changed to include chiropractic and massage therapies. The whole concept of fitness has evolved to include more than exercise and embrace alternative therapies
How important is nutrition? Two-thirds of the causes of death in America can be directly linked to a failure of diet. This is why we encourage patients to combine chiropractic care with a good nutrition program, to attain maximum health.
An estimated 80% of chiropractic patients are clinically obsess and could immediately benefits from a weight loss program. Studies indicate that most weight loss programs begun without doctor supervision will fail. Studies also show that weight loss programs that involve a primary doctor have a much higher success rate. Isn’t it time to make 2008 the year you and your family place a primary emphasis on health? Without good health, no amount of time or money in the world matters. Right?
Now is the perfect time to begin!

If you’d like to learn more about proper nutrition, please call us at (425) 670-2600!

Back To Action Chiropractic

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

How Chiropractic Can Help With The Flu

2008-11-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

The medical community is in unanimous agreement that the secret to fighting the flu is a healthy immune system. Unfortunately you can’t buy a healthy immune system and you can’t pop a pill and get a healthy immune system. A healthy immune system comes about as a result of having a fully functioning nervous system & body.

When Will Flu Season Strike?

The flu season begins in November and is at its height between December and March. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of every 5 Americans will get the flu this year. Are you prepared for the flu season?

Chiropractic care at Back To Action may be your answer to a clean bill of health this season. Chiropractic can give your immune system a boost with a spinal adjustment. Let me give you the facts and a recent study about chiropractic and the flu: A study shown in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research in 1997 showed chiropractic care to be effective in treating the flu. Over 2,800 individuals received regular chiropractic care and the result was an average 15% decrease in the incidence of colds and the flu.

According to the World Chiropractic Alliance, spinal adjustments can help your immune system function better. An adjustment by the Doctors of Back To Action corrects what are called vertebral subluxations which can cause interference of the nervous system. When an adjustment is performed, it releases pressure on the nerves and allows more efficient interaction between your body’s nervous system and immune system. When your immune system is healthy it is better prepared to prevent or combat the flu.

Regular chiropractic care is beneficial to the body. Preventing the flu is just one of the many positive side effects of regular chiropractic maintenance. Do you really need a flu shot? Or could great flu-fighting benefits accrue from taking a healthier and more natural approach to fighting the flu? And of course eating right, exercising, and having a healthy body are all important issues in combating the flu as well. If you would like to learn more about utilizing chiropractic to combat the flu during the upcoming flu seasons, please give Back To Action a call. We’re here to help! Also, family plans are available to save you money.

Back To Action Chiropractic

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Did you know that chiropractic is being used to treat kids with ADHD symptoms?

2008-10-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Oh come on doctor, how can chiropractic help my ADHD child? When I tell my patients at Back To Action that chiropractic can greatly benefit their ADHD child, I sometimes get a strange look but it’s true. Consider these facts: In the past decade, prescriptions for Ritalin, a stimulant medication commonly used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increased five-fold with 90% of all prescriptions worldwide consumed in the United States. As parents grow leery of the traditional medical approach to ADHD, chiropractors are offering promising results with non-drug treatments that focus on an all-natural approach – ridding children of spinal subluxations, making nutrition and lifestyle changes - that affect brain activity.

Here’s a quote from the American Chiropractic Association about the power of chiropractic in treating ADHD: “Chiropractors offer a non-drug treatment alternative for ADHD patients that targets the underlying problems, not just symptoms. "Motor activity—especially development of the postural muscles—is the baseline function of brain activity. Anything affecting postural muscles will influence brain development. Musculoskeletal imbalance will create imbalance of brain activity, and one part of the brain will develop faster than the other, and that's what's happening in ADHD patients," says Dr. Robert Melillo, a renowned chiropractic neurologist.”

Also a new study was released recently that showed children with behavioral problems are at much greater risk for lower back pain. Researchers examined 1,000 schoolchildren between the ages of 11-14. They found that those who had behavioral problems, as well as those that repeatedly complained of other symptoms such as headaches and sore throats, were more likely to get lower back pain. (From the April 4, 2003 edition of Pediatrics Magazine.)

If you have a child who has been labeled ADHD, suffers lower back pain, or who seems to exhibit behavioral problems, I hope you give serious consideration to seeking an all-natural non-invasive chiropractic solution. You might be surprised what chiropractic can do for your ADHD child at Back To Action Chiropractic.