Raya Clinic Blog

High-Tech Injury

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Published in the Southington Citizen

As more and more people use their smartphones and tablet computers to access the Internet, new sorts of "repetitive strain injury" (RSI) are cropping up, especially among younger users. Let's start with the fact that the average head weighs about 10-12 pounds. While an ideal posture can be described by drawing an imaginary line down from the ear through the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle, users of hand held computer devices generally assume a posture of holding their heads in a forward position for long periods. As a result of this unusual posture, the head feels four times heavier, creating a strain across the entire body and causing an RSI popularly referred to as "text neck." The Chiropractor can help.

Chiropractic treatment here at our clinic, located at 200 Queen St., can address RSI and bring some symptomatic relief. When you or a family member suffer from any type of physical discomfort, regular care by your chiropractor can be a great benefit. Call (860) 621-2225 for a consultation. The answers you need. The care you deserve.

P.S. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) include a number of ailments involving the muscles, tendons, and nerves (primarily in the neck and upper limbs), such as "test thumb injury."

Treatment Helps With Patient's Hearing Loss

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Dr. Raya featured in the record journal, click here to read!

In A Pinch

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Published in the Southington Citizen

When numbness and tingling are experienced anywhere in the body, it may be due to impingement ("pinching") of a nerve as it exits the spine between two bones, a bony overgrowth, or a bulging disc. By pinpointing the area where numbness and tingling occur, the chiropractor can trace where the pinching is taking place in the spine. For instance, symptoms in the arms, shoulders, or hand are indicative of nerve irritation in the neck, and numbness/tingling down the legs and into the feet are symptoms of pinching nerves in the low back. Treatment consists of carefully exerting pressure to restore joints to their normal position and motion. In some cases, these adjustments result in immediate relief.

For non-surgical relief of a pinched nerve, speak with a chiropractic health practitioner. Please call (860) 621-2225 for a consultation here at 200 Queen St. Our mission is to improve the quality of you and your family's health and well-being. The answers you need. The care you deserve.

P.S. When nerves become stuck to surrounding soft tissues (such as fascia, muscles, and ligaments), usually as a result of repetitive-motion injury, the nerve is commonly referred to as being "trapped."

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Something Else?

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Published in the Southington Citizen

When numbness,tingling, and muscle weakness occur on the "thumb side" of the hand, carpal tunnel syndrome is usually suspected. This repetitive motion injury involving the hand and wrist is caused by pressure exerted on the median nerve, which runs through the "carpal tunnel" created by the hand. Chiropractors also know to look elsewhere to find the cause of symptoms. Specifically, the "brachial plexus" is a network of nerves that originates in the neck and shoulders and controls the hand, wrist, and elbow. If there is pressure on any of these nerves, the result may cause symptoms similar to those of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Chiropractic can be of enormous benefit in treating carpal tunnel syndrome and similar pains. Please call (860) 621-2225. We are dedicated to helping you achieve the optimal, most positive results from your treatment. Come to 200 Queen St. The answers you need. The care you deserve.

P.S. "referred pain" is pain experienced at a location in the body that is different form the site of the painful stimulus.

Driving Ambition

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Published in the Southington Citizen

It certainly does not come as welcome news to long-distance drivers that recent studies show that prolonged sitting compromises health and may even lead to premature death. Among the first to point out that sitting stresses the back more than standing, the American Chiropractic Association recommends that drivers take certain steps on long trips to avoid back problems. First, drivers should adjust their seats close to the steering wheel, with their knees positioned higher tan their hips. They should also keep a relaxed grip on the wheel at 3:00 and 7:00 positions, alternating occasionally with the 10:00 and 2:00 positions. Stretching toes, leg muscles, and shoulders while driving is also important. Back supports should also be used as necessary.

As today's column makes clear, long periods of sitting can be quite damaging to your health. Regular chiropractic check-ups and proper posture can help you avoid many health complaints. Call our office clinic, located at 200 Queen st., at (860) 621-2225 for a consultation. Chiropractic believes in the early detection and prevention of problems.

P.S. if you sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk, behind the wheel, or on a couch, you owe it to yourself to schedule a consultation with a chiropractor for an assessment of your condition and recommendations for necessary adjustments.