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Buying the Right Exercise Ball

Posted on 2012-02-27 00:53:49

exercise_ball_users_200_300.jpgExercise balls can be used to treat back pain and are effective in preventing, reducing and rehabilitating lower back pain in particular. Exercise balls are a wonderful addition to the fitness arsenal, but to get the most out of using one you must choose the right size ball for you. An excellent way to ensure you get the right ball is to schedule a personal consultation with a fitness and rehab professional. However, since that is not always possible, the following are some general guidelines these professionals have developed to help you choose a ball.

There are typically five different diameters of exercise balls to choose from, in centimeters: 45, 55, 65, 75 and 85 cm. They are each designed to fit a certain body type. Your height is not the only determining factor in terms of ball size; your weight and body composition are also considerations.

Be sure the various balls are inflated and available for you to test before purchase. Sit upright on the ball, ensure that your feet are flat on the floor and that your weight is evenly distributed. Your knees should be level with your pelvis, or just slightly lower. This position is key because you want an angle of 90 or greater at the knees and hips, to avoid stressing either of these pivot points. Your ears, shoulders and pelvis should form a vertical line, without your body leaning in any direction to maintain stability. You can check this alignment by gently bouncing up and down.

In general, people 5’ and shorter do best with the 45 cm balls, and people 6’8” and taller do best with the 85 cm balls. If you are heavier than average, you will compress the ball further when sitting on it. Therefore you should consider buying the next ball size up in order to ensure you have the 90-degree angle or greater for your knees and hips.

Also remember that you can adjust the ball somewhat yourself. For example, if the angle of your hips and knees is much greater than 90 degrees, you can deflate the ball a little. This can be useful if you are out of shape and/or new to using an exercise ball, as the flatter ball will be more stable and easier to use. However if you are in better shape or are more experienced with exercise balls, a flatter ball will be less effective at training your back muscles to improve their balancing and stabilizing abilities. If you initially buy a ball and deflate it, you can always add more air later to increase the difficulty level and train your muscles further.

Good health is a combination of many factors including your nutrition, preventative care, appropriate corrective care and the small choices you make every day in the course of living. If you have questions about this article, your general or spinal health, please ask. We are here to help!

How to Get More Information


The best way to get answers to your questions is to ask us. You can give us a call during business hours or .

How to Make an Appointment


To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at (972) 380-6977 or use the Request an Appointment button below to submit an online request.

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Learn More About Us

Dallas chiropractor, Dr. Mark Harris founded Trinity Mills Chiropractic to bring pain relief to residents of Dallas TX, North Dallas, Carrollton and surrounding communities. We take great pride in making every patient feel comfortable in our office and making you an informed part of your health care and future wellness.

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Benefits of Vitamin K1

Posted on 2012-02-21 23:50:54

lettuce_head_200_300.jpgOf the three K vitamins, vitamin K1 (phytonadione) is the one we get from plant foods, and is the most important one for proper coagulation of the blood (or “Koagulation” in German, which is the origin of vitamin “K”). Without vitamin K we would eventually bleed to death from any small wound or bruise. It may also help prevent both osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. It plays a role in reducing inflammation and regulating cell growth.

Consumption of vitamin K may also reduce your risk of contracting non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that those who had the highest intake of Vitamin K1 had the lowest risk of contracting the disease, slashing their risk by 45 percent.

Vitamin K1 is associated with higher bone mineral density, and thus is helpful in preventing osteoporosis and reducing the rate of bone fractures. It also reduces calcium buildup in the arteries, protecting against atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

Though deficiency in vitamin k is uncommon, newborn infants, people who are malnourished or those who suffer from alcoholism are at the greatest risk of deficiency. Also, as absorption of vitamin K (and all other fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, E and D) depends on bile, those who have had their gallbladder removed may be at risk of developing a vitamin K deficiency. Some signs of deficiency are easy bruising, increased menstrual bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding gums and blood in the urine.

It is a fat-soluble vitamin, and the best sources of it can be found in such green leafy vegetables as kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts, lettuce and parsley.

How to Get More Information


The best way to get answers to your questions is to ask us. You can give us a call during business hours or .

How to Make an Appointment


To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at (972) 380-6977 or use the Request an Appointment button below to submit an online request.

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Learn More About Us

Dallas chiropractor, Dr. Mark Harris founded Trinity Mills Chiropractic to bring pain relief to residents of Dallas TX, North Dallas, Carrollton and surrounding communities. We take great pride in making every patient feel comfortable in our office and making you an informed part of your health care and future wellness.

It can also be found in vegetable oils, potatoes, tomatoes, oats and asparagus. 

 

 

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Do You Have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)?

Posted on 2012-02-16 19:23:08

snow_bench_200_300.jpgAs autumn turns to winter and the days become shorter, do you find yourself suffering from symptoms of depression that mysteriously seem to disappear once the days have become longer? Do you feel like you would just like to hibernate until spring? If so, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is estimated to affect around seven percent of the population, though the number can be higher, particularly among those who live greater than 30 degrees north or south of the equator.

Symptoms appear slowly as the autumn begins, and build up as the winter progresses. These symptoms include:

  • Low energy

Tiredness

Trouble getting up in the morning

Difficulty concentrating

Increased appetite, particularly for carbohydrates

Increased weight gain

Increased feelings of depression

Decreased sex drive

The more darkness the brain’s pineal gland receives, the more the hormone melatonin is produced. Melatonin is responsible for helping regulate the body’s hormones and maintaining its circadian rhythm. It particularly affects hormones produced by the pituitary gland, which is the main regulator of the entire endocrine system, including the thyroid gland, the gland responsible for producing the energy regulating hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

Melatonin is called the “sleep hormone,” as the pineal gland produces it when it gets dark to lower our body temperature and induce us to sleep, but as soon as sunlight hits our eyes in the morning the melatonin switch is turned off and is replaced by a surge in serotonin, which wakes us up and provides us with feelings of happiness and calm.

Though SAD can mimic the symptoms of depression, they are two different things. The symptoms of depression usually include insomnia and decreased appetite, while the opposite is the case in those with SAD. SAD also tends to occur primarily in the autumn and winter, whereas depression is experienced year-round.

If you have SAD, there are a number of treatments that can help ease your symptoms. These include light therapy, medication and/or timed melatonin supplementation.

Light therapy involves regular sessions of sitting before a bright white “full-spectrum” lightbox from 30 to 60 minutes. Studies have shown that 92 percent of those suffering from SAD experienced relief from their symptoms after this therapy.

The administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has also proved to be helpful to some, with an effectiveness rate of 67 percent.

Supplementation with melatonin, administered at particular times of day, has also been shown to be effective in some cases, as it re-synchronizes the person’s circadian rhythms, affecting the timely release of the body’s other metabolic hormones.

So don’t suffer in silence! Consult with your health care provider if you feel you have symptoms of SAD, as effective treatment is easily available.

How to Get More Information


The best way to get answers to your questions is to ask us. You can give us a call during business hours or .

How to Make an Appointment


To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at (972) 380-6977 or use the Request an Appointment button below to submit an online request.

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Learn More About Us

Dallas chiropractor, Dr. Mark Harris founded Trinity Mills Chiropractic to bring pain relief to residents of Dallas TX, North Dallas, Carrollton and surrounding communities. We take great pride in making every patient feel comfortable in our office and making you an informed part of your health care and future wellness.

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6 Tips for Healthy-Looking Skin

Posted on 2012-02-14 21:54:03

healthy_skin_200_300.jpgWe all want to look young and beautiful, no matter what our age, and keeping your skin in good condition goes a long way toward that goal. There are a number of things you can do to keep your skin looking supple and glowing that don’t involve expensive treatments or surgery!

1) Drink more water­– This may be the number one tip in achieving healthy-looking skin. Controlled climates such as homes and offices with heat and air conditioning tend to be very drying to the skin. Most people are actually chronically dehydrated, and this leads to an increased in lines and wrinkles, much as a grape becomes a raisin! Optimally, you should drink between 2 and 3 liters of water every day, which will make your tissues more plump and resilient, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. If you can’t stomach that much water, other beverages are fine, but beware of any that contain lots of sugar or caffeine, as an excess of these substances is not good for your health.

2) Cleanse and exfoliate – At the end of the day, after being subjected to the elements, including sun, wind, climate, etc. (not to mention makeup), you need to give your skin a good cleanse. Dead cells can accumulate on the skin’s surface, making it look dull and lifeless. Start by removing all makeup with a gentle cleanser, such as a little plain yogurt on a cotton ball, which removes makeup without the use of harsh chemicals. Then treat it to a light apricot kernel scrub, which can remove those dead cells and expose the fresh ones underneath.

3) Eat healthy – A diet high in fruits and vegetables, particularly the ones with high amounts of antioxidants such as Vitamin C, and low in sugar, unhealthy fats and processed foods, has been shown to promote younger looking skin. Red peppers, strawberries and avocados are among the foods highest in antioxidants and healthy fats.

4) Wear protective clothing – We all know that too much sun exposure is bad, exposing our skin to damage from free radicals. Chemicals in some commercial sunscreens can be almost as bad for you as too much sun and keep you from getting an adequate amount of vitamin D to boot! The best option is to wear protective clothing as much as possible. This includes long-sleeved shirts and hats with wide brims.

5) Moisturize – One way to keep your skin from drying out is to apply a good moisturizer once in the morning and again before bed, after your cleansing routine. Look for a moisturizer that does not contain any SLS (sodium lauryl/lauryth sulfate) or parabens, neither of which are good for you. The best are those containing olive oil, aloe or vitamin E.

6) Quit Smoking – The increased number of wrinkles that appear on the faces of smokers is yet another reason to quit. Smoking constricts the tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and important nutrients that nourish the skin. It also damages the collagen and elastin that keep skin strong and elastic. 

How to Get More Information


The best way to get answers to your questions is to ask us. You can give us a call during business hours or .

How to Make an Appointment


To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at (972) 380-6977 or use the Request an Appointment button below to submit an online request.

request_appointment_dallas_chiropractor.png


Learn More About Us

Dallas chiropractor, Dr. Mark Harris founded Trinity Mills Chiropractic to bring pain relief to residents of Dallas TX, North Dallas, Carrollton and surrounding communities. We take great pride in making every patient feel comfortable in our office and making you an informed part of your health care and future wellness.

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What is Chiropractic Cold Laser Therapy?

Posted on 2012-02-12 23:40:48

neck_inflammation_200_300.jpgCold laser therapy (also called Low Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) involves the use of light (a specific wavelength and frequency of coherent light, generated from a low-wattage therapeutic laser) to stimulate the body's cells and cause them to accelerate the healing process. The therapeutic use of lasers (LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is not a new idea; they have been used to stimulate healing since 1967.

The term "cold laser" refers to the specific wavelength of light used, which is usually in the 630 nm to 980 nm ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. This wavelength allows for the least energy to be absorbed by surface tissue (meaning that the patient does not experience any sensation of heat or warming), while allowing the healing properties of the light to facilitate wound and tissue healing. Low-level laser therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and accelerate the body's own healing mechanisms. When cells are exposed to laser light, cell functions are stimulated, improving immune system function, increasing collagen synthesis and enhancing tissue regeneration.

In chiropractic practice, cold laser therapy has been show to be effective in treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis. The use of laser therapy also accelerates the healing of connective tissue disorders such as sprains, strains and tendonitis, and has proven effective in reducing or managing chronic or acute pain in the neck, thoracic regions or lower back. Lasers have also been used to effectively treat muscle injuries or bruises, and neurological injuries such as herniated or ruptured discs. Chiropractors also commonly use laser therapy to increase the patient's range of motion, and to build or increase the strength of damaged muscle tissue. In many cases the use of cold laser therapy has cut rehabilitation time following an injury in half.

Obvious benefits of cold laser therapy over drugs or surgery are that it is safe, pain- and drug- free, non-invasive, and has no known side effects. The results are quickly perceived by patients, and laser therapy can be used immediately after an injury. Cold laser therapy has also been studied in over 3000 clinical trials, with proven clinical results. If you are interested in finding out whether it could be of benefit to treat your conditions, consult with your chiropractor.

Resources:

How to Get More Information


The best way to get answers to your questions is to ask us. You can give us a call during business hours or .

How to Make an Appointment


To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at (972) 380-6977 or use the Request an Appointment button below to submit an online request.

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Learn More About Us

Dallas chiropractor, Dr. Mark Harris founded Trinity Mills Chiropractic to bring pain relief to residents of Dallas TX, North Dallas, Carrollton and surrounding communities. We take great pride in making every patient feel comfortable in our office and making you an informed part of your health care and future wellness.

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6 Diseases Related to Obesity

Posted on 2012-02-09 18:21:59

overweight_200_300.jpgObesity and the diseases associated with it cost a staggering percentage of health care dollars. It is estimated that $168 billion is spent each year in the U.S. alone to treat obesity-related diseases. These diseases include Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high cholesterol, gallstones, osteoarthritis and more.

  • Type 2 diabetes is a disease most commonly caused by obesity. Though it used to develop primarily in adults, it is now quite common in children as well, with the recent increase in the rate of childhood obesity. Blood sugar levels become elevated due to the insulin resistance caused by obesity and greatly increase the risk of developing diabetes.
  • Heart disease can develop as a result of fatty deposits building up in the arteries, and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) is 10 times more common among the obese than in the population with normal body weight. Fat tissue also requires blood to survive, so more blood vessels are created, putting greater strain on the circulatory system, increasing blood pressure and making the heart work harder to circulate that extra blood.
  • Those who are obese have an increased risk of cancer, especially cancer of the colon, breast, prostate, gallbladder and uterus.
  • Obesity adversely affects both the metabolism and endocrine system, often resulting in metabolic syndrome, the fastest-growing obesity-related health problem. This refers to a group of risk factors that increase your risk of more serious diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Symptoms include excess weight particularly located around the middle of the body, insulin resistance, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol and high triglycerides.
  • Women who are obese can suffer from a number of reproductive health problems, including infertility, uterine cancer and PCOS. Because obesity causes disruption in the menstrual cycle and the endocrine system that is responsible for the delicate balance of hormones necessary for successful ovulation, studies have found that even a modest reduction in body fat of between 5 and 10 percent is often enough to restore ovulation and fertility.
  • Osteoarthritis has grown increasingly common as the rate of obesity has increased. The excess weight adds to increased wear and tear on the joints, particularly on the knees and hips. Obese women are nine times more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, often leading to the need for a total joint replacement. However, researchers have found that losing as little as 11 pounds can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by half.

The increased risks of these six diseases alone are good reasons to lose weight if you are obese. Even losing a little has been shown to have a positive effect on your health, and it can significantly reduce the amount you spend on health care every year.

How to Get More Information


The best way to get answers to your questions is to ask us. You can give us a call during business hours or .

How to Make an Appointment


To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at (972) 380-6977 or use the Request an Appointment button below to submit an online request.

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Learn More About Us

Dallas chiropractor, Dr. Mark Harris founded Trinity Mills Chiropractic to bring pain relief to residents of Dallas TX, North Dallas, Carrollton and surrounding communities. We take great pride in making every patient feel comfortable in our office and making you an informed part of your health care and future wellness.

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Recognizing Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on 2012-02-08 00:18:57

elderly_face_200_300.jpgSigns of Alzheimer’s disease may be confused with signs of dementia. The difference between the two is that dementia refers to a set of symptoms such as a loss of thinking, reasoning skills, and memory. Dementia may or may not be caused by Alzheimer’s, which is a disease in itself.

As we age it is normal to have some changes in memory. However these memory changes should not interfere with daily life. Some early signs of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease include the following:

  • Loss of memory. People may forget important dates or recent experiences to such a degree as to interfere with daily life. While we all may forget details of a conversation or event, people with Alzheimer’s may forget the whole thing.
  • Problems with language. While most of us struggle with finding the right word at times, people with Alzheimer’s may forget how to use basic words or what basic words mean. For example, it’s normal to forget where your keys are. It is not normal to forget what keys are used for.
  • Changes in personality. Sudden mood swings can be a sign of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s. People may become suddenly emotional, withdrawn, angry or euphoric for no reason. Uncharacteristic behavior, such as mistrusting family members or trusting strangers, is a sign to watch out for.
  • Confusion and disorientation. A common sign of Alzheimer’s is that people get lost in places they are very familiar with. Confusion may also interfere with normal daily tasks such as cooking or bathing.
  • Hygiene problems. People with Alzheimer’s may suddenly stop bathing and/or start wearing stained clothing.
  • Strange behaviors. People may start putting things in the wrong places, such as food in the wardrobe or toothbrushes in the refrigerator.

If someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it is a good idea to set up an appointment with a doctor for an assessment. As yet there is no definitive test for Alzheimer’s, so your healthcare provider will make the diagnosis based on the constellation of symptoms as well as some tests, including the following:

  • Blood and urine tests
  • Neurological exams
  • Mental status tests
  • Imaging tests

You will also be asked to provide details about when the symptoms started, concurrent health conditions and medications, and any important changes in your loved one’s life, such as retirement, death of a spouse, etc.

It is very important that you feel comfortable working with your physician and other health care providers, because Alzheimer’s can go on for years. You’ll need to find a team of caregivers and service providers you can trust. 

How to Get More Information


The best way to get answers to your questions is to ask us. You can give us a call during business hours or .

How to Make an Appointment


To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at (972) 380-6977 or use the Request an Appointment button below to submit an online request.

request_appointment_dallas_chiropractor.png


Learn More About Us

Dallas chiropractor, Dr. Mark Harris founded Trinity Mills Chiropractic to bring pain relief to residents of Dallas TX, North Dallas, Carrollton and surrounding communities. We take great pride in making every patient feel comfortable in our office and making you an informed part of your health care and future wellness.

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Chiropractic/Manipulation Therapy for Shoulder Pain

Posted on 2012-02-05 23:23:33

baseball_pitcher_200_300.jpgShoulder pain is a common complaint that patients present with to both primary care physicians and chiropractic practitioners. There are several underlying conditions that may cause discomfort in this area, many of which may be assisted by chiropractic treatment and manipulation. A proper diagnosis is important in order to determine what kind of treatment is indicated in each case.

Commonly observed causes of shoulder pain include:

  • Bursitis or tendinitis of the rotator cuff (inflammation of the shoulder joint, also called impingement syndrome, since the inflammation impinges on the ability of the shoulder to move fully)
  • Frozen shoulder (restriction of joint movement by the shoulder capsule, also known as adhesive capsulitis)
  • Rotator cuff tear (tearing of the shoulder tendons away from the bone). The rotator cuff refers to the group of four muscles and tendons that are responsible for moving the shoulder joint
  • Shoulder dislocation and shoulder instability (repeated dislocation, which may follow the initial occurrence as a result of the weakening and tearing of shoulder ligaments)
  • Synovitis (inflammation of the synovium that protects joint bones from rubbing together)
  • Calcific tendinitis (calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons)
  • Referred pain from the neck or elsewhere in the body
  • Arthritis (wearing away of shoulder cartilage)
  • Fractures

The precise nature of chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain depends on which of the above diagnoses is made by your practitioner, but will likely include some degree of manipulation to ensure correct spinal alignment (especially in the neck) and improved shoulder mobility and function. Additional measures such as heat and ice packs, stretching and strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory medication, rest and cortisone injections may also be discussed. Furthermore, your chiropractor will want to look at your overall health, diet and lifestyle to see if any improvements can be made to assist with your healing process. Chiropractors are specialist health care professionals who deal with shoulder pain on a daily basis.

Signs that you should your chiropractor about your shoulder include the following:

  • Pain when carrying objects
  • Shoulder pain at night and when resting
  • Being unable to raise your arm
  • Pain that persists beyond a few days and is unimproved by rest and painkillers
  • Warmth, redness and/or swelling of the shoulder and/or fever, which may indicate infection
  • Bruising around the shoulder area

How to Get More Information


The best way to get answers to your questions is to ask us. You can give us a call during business hours or .

How to Make an Appointment


To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at (972) 380-6977 or use the Request an Appointment button below to submit an online request.

request_appointment_dallas_chiropractor.png


Learn More About Us

Dallas chiropractor, Dr. Mark Harris founded Trinity Mills Chiropractic to bring pain relief to residents of Dallas TX, North Dallas, Carrollton and surrounding communities. We take great pride in making every patient feel comfortable in our office and making you an informed part of your health care and future wellness.

Be the first to leave a comment!

Obesity Facts and Figures

Posted on 2012-02-02 19:05:04

big_belly_200_300.jpgObesity is fast becoming the number one health problem in the world, contributing to an increased risk of other diseases and putting a strain on national health budgets. Following are some interesting facts and figures related to obesity:

  • About 17% of medical costs in the US are due to obesity and its related diseases, totaling an estimated $168 billion per year.
  • Obesity adds about $2,800 to a person’s medical bills annually.
  • An estimated 300,000 premature deaths in the US each year are caused by obesity.
  • One third of US adults are obese, indicating a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
  • If an 18-year-old remains obese throughout their adulthood, it will cost them $550,000.
  • 80% of cases of Type 2 diabetes are related to obesity. The rate of diabetes has doubled in eight states since 1995.
  • 70% of heart disease is obesity-related.
  • Low-income women are more likely to become obese than high-income women. Over 33% of people earning less than $15,000 annually are obese, as opposed to a 24.6% rate of obesity in those earning $50,000 or more.
  • The highest rates of obesity are found among non-Hispanic African Americans (44.1%), followed by Mexican-Americans (39.3%), Hispanics (37.9%) and non-Hispanic whites (32.6%). Asians have the lowest rate of obesity at 16.7%.
  • In the last 30 years childhood obesity has tripled, from 6.5% in children aged 6 to 11 years to 19.6% today. The obesity rate in teenagers aged 12 to 19 years has increased from 5% to 18.1%.
  • Of children who are overweight at age 10-15, 80% will be obese as adults.
  • As a percentage of the population, the US has the highest number of obese people (33.9%), followed by Mexico (24%), the UK (23%), Slovakia (22.4) and Greece (22%).
  • College graduates have an obesity rate of 20.8%, which is lower than the 29.5% rate of those who have only graduated high school.
  • Obesity begins to decline after age 60. The population of those over age 69 has an obesity rate of 20.5%.
  • The rate of obesity is increasing in the US. In 2007 only one state had an overall obesity rate of over 30%. In 2011, 12 states had a greater than 30% obesity rate.
  • 40% of obese Americans aged 50 to 84 have osteoarthritis of the knee, caused by the wear and tear to the joints from excess weight stress. One extra pound of weight is equivalent to four pounds of stress on the knee.

How to Get More Information


The best way to get answers to your questions is to ask us. You can give us a call during business hours or .

How to Make an Appointment


To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at (972) 380-6977 or use the Request an Appointment button below to submit an online request.

request_appointment_dallas_chiropractor.png


Learn More About Us

Dallas chiropractor, Dr. Mark Harris founded Trinity Mills Chiropractic to bring pain relief to residents of Dallas TX, North Dallas, Carrollton and surrounding communities. We take great pride in making every patient feel comfortable in our office and making you an informed part of your health care and future wellness.

Be the first to leave a comment!

Chiropractic Care for TMJ

Posted on 2012-02-01 00:57:27

jaw_tmj_200_300.jpgTMJ stands for Tempromandibular Joint Disorder. It is a common condition in which there is limited range of motion within the jaw. The jaw is a hinge joint that is connected to the skull through 68 muscle pairs located in front of the ears. These muscle pairs are important to speaking, chewing, swallowing, and yawning, and are among the most commonly used in our body.

There is a disk in the jaw known as the articular disk, which separates the skull from the condyle head of the mandible. Misalignment of this disk can cause TMJ. This misalignment may be caused by stress, which causes clenching and grinding of the teeth, sometimes during sleep. TMJ can also be caused by missing or crowded teeth, or trauma including whiplash. Up to 35% of Americans suffer some form of TMJ.

Symptoms of TMJ include pain and stiffness upon opening or closing the mouth, or a cracking, grinding or popping sound when using the joint. The condition creates significant wear on the joint and can have serious consequences for normal daily use of your jaw.

As chiropractors are experts in joint misalignment, they are well suited to treat TMJ. Your chiropractor will look at all aspects of your lifestyle and will ask you for a complete medical history. X-rays are useful to locate the condyle head of the mandible and check the positioning of the articular disk. Palpating the area also helps to establish the severity of the condition.

Treatment focuses on relieving tension in the many muscles of the jaw and possibly the neck and upper back. It will exclude surgery and medication, and may include adjustments and manipulation of trigger points by hand to achieve relaxation. If stress is one of the causes of your TMJ, certain exercises and relaxation techniques can be very useful to relieving the symptoms. These techniques might include meditation, massage, counseling and biofeedback. Heat and ice can also be soothing. You may also be asked to do some exercises at home.

The result of these treatments is usually greater range of motion in the jaw joint, which not only relieves jaw pain but the locking and popping, headaches, and neck pain. However, chiropractic care goes beyond pain relief and is often able to prevent TMJ from returning. The combination of effective treatment options and the avoidance of medications or surgery make chiropractic care an excellent choice for treatment of TMJ.

How to Get More Information


The best way to get answers to your questions is to ask us. You can give us a call during business hours or .

How to Make an Appointment


To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at (972) 380-6977 or use the Request an Appointment button below to submit an online request.

request_appointment_dallas_chiropractor.png


Learn More About Us

Dallas chiropractor, Dr. Mark Harris founded Trinity Mills Chiropractic to bring pain relief to residents of Dallas TX, North Dallas, Carrollton and surrounding communities. We take great pride in making every patient feel comfortable in our office and making you an informed part of your health care and future wellness.

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Trinity Mills Chiropractic
17610 Midway Rd. Suite 124
Dallas, TX 75287
Phone: (972) 380-6977