DR. STEPHEN J. WOHAR
MAY 2009 HEALTH & WELLNESS LETTER
727 Route 481 Monongahela, PA 15063
Phone: (724) 258-3371 · Fax: (724) 258-3374
Website: www.drstevewohar.com Email: drwohar@verizon.net
Office Hours: Mon. 9am-5pm Tues. 4pm-9pm Wed. 10:15am-2pm Thurs. 3:30pm-8:30pm
Fri. 9am-4pm Sat. 8am-12pm
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Headaches: A Chiropractic Approach to Relief
Headaches are consistently one of the top 3 reasons people go to doctors. Almost everybody gets one sooner or later. However, frequent or persistent headaches are NOT normal. They are SYMPTOMS of an underlying problem. Therefore, it is important to determine the cause and not merely mask the pain with medication.
What Causes Headaches?
The most common causes are physical trauma, emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies, caffeine, chemical toxins, alcohol and hormonal imbalances/fluctuations. Sometimes there may be a combination of these
An often overlooked cause of frequent headaches is nerve irritation caused by misalignments of the upper neck bones. This irritation can also be caused by tight, unbalanced neck muscles. Neck-related headaches are commonly linked to poor posture (especially sitting at a computer), car accidents, stress/tension or other physical or emotional trauma.
Chiropractic Approach to Headache Relief
Chiropractic care is highly effective at relieving tension-type headaches. Usually, if headaches occur predictably several times per week, there is a good chance they are originating in the upper neck. These usually respond very well to chiropractic treatment. Monthly headaches in women, by contrast, tend to be related to hormonal fluctuations, and do not respond as well to chiropractic care by itself.
Chiropractic helps by locating specific misalignments of the upper neck bones, then carefully applying pressure on the spine to realign the joints and restore normal tone to the nerves and blood vessels going up into the head. Nerve irritation may also be relieved using muscle therapy to the neck, shoulders and upper back.
How long does it take to get relief?
That depends on how long there’s been a problem, if there’s been recent trauma, a person’s work, sleep, posture or any number of other lifestyle factors.
However, most people notice improvement within a couple of weeks. I generally recommend a new patient undergo a trial of care for a few weeks. If results are not forthcoming, I will generally recommend further diagnostic testing or consultation with a patient’s medical doctor.
Will the headaches stay away?
That varies from person to person. Some people experience long-lasting relief. Others, however, find that it’s necessary to receive chiropractic adjustments on a regular basis to maintain their best results. This may be due to degenerated or bulging spinal discs and joints, scar tissue in injured muscles and ligaments, ongoing physical and/or emotional stress, etc.
Either way, chiropractic care usually is a safer, more effective healing approach that works on the underlying CAUSE of many headaches. It can slow or stop further spinal degeneration which, left untreated, could make headaches worse over time. It can help people enjoy healthier, happier lives without the burden of frequent headaches.
STABILIZATION CARE
Do you remember the 3 phases of chiropractic care? They are:
- Relief care
- Stabilization care
- Maintenance/wellness care
- Maintenance care
- Wellness care
Benefits of Stabilization Care
This phase of care is the transition period between initial relief care and maintenance care, as mentioned above. It is when you are ready to begin exercises to rehabilitate and strengthen your muscles. It is a gradual weaning process where you stay better, longer, and require adjustments less often. It can go on for months due to demanding lifestyles, significant new injury or long-standing spinal “compensations” which tend to pull your body back out of alignment. However, following through with care beyond symptom relief minimizes relapses and provides the best hope of slowing or stopping ongoing degeneration to joints and nerves. It is the best approach to enjoying long-term results from your care.
“Persistence is the master virtue. Without it, there is no other.” – Anonymous
PROPER FOOTWEAR DURING WARMER WEATHER
Whenever possible, please wear shoes or firmly fitting footwear for your appointments. Leg checks are an integral part of your visit-to-visit evaluation. It is much easier to perform when you wear snug-fitting footwear.
However, it’s no big deal if you forget – I can use a variety of other checks to evaluate you. No need to panic or apologize if you wear those comfy sandals while enjoying nicer weather!
“The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Becoming a Better Butter Burner”
I recently reread my favorite book on improving fitness and reducing body fat. It’s called “The New Fit or Fat” by Covert Bailey. I followed his guidance in the 1980’s to trim off 20 pounds prior to getting married. Then, 1 year ago, I was shocked to realize I hit my all-time high weight! Once again, I put his tried-and-true advice to work and have taken off 20 pounds over the past 14 months.
His book is for those who are serious and determined to get fit and reduce body fat. There are no shortcuts – such as diets or magic pills – that will give us the long-term results we seek. It takes work, time and knowledge. The book’s chapters are short, interesting and easy-to-understand.
Some chapter titles are:
- Diets Still Do Not Work
- What Is the Cure for All this Fat?
- Changing the Shape of Your Muscles
- Set Point – What Is It?
- Why Don’t Fat People Metabolize Fat?
- Why Not Now?
You can find inexpensive copies of Covert Bailey’s books by buying them used from www.amazon.com.
“To have a curable illness and to leave it untreated except for prayer is like sticking your hand in a fire and asking God to remove the flame.” – Sandra L. Douglas
OFFICE NEWS
The office will be closed on Wednesday, June 17th through Friday, June 19th. Normal office hours will resume on Saturday, June 20th from 8am until noon.
Office hours may be modified during the 1st week of June due to Stephanie’s graduation. We will post changes on our website and in the office as soon as we learn the schedule for ceremonies.
THANK YOU!
Many of you came out to see Stephanie (Maria) and Joseph (Uncle Max) perform in Ringgold High School’s production of “The Sound of Music.” My heartfelt thanks to you! I also appreciate the intention of others of you to make it but were unable. It was a proud occasion seeing them both up there together. Thank you for sharing in the excitement. I hope you enjoyed the show!
“If a man has done his best, what else is there?” – General George S. Patton
In This Issue . . .
Page
1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Headaches: A Chiropractic Approach to Relief
2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stabilization Care: Importance of Following through With Your Care Beyond Pain Relief
3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proper Footwear During Warmer Weather
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Book Review: “Becoming a Better Butter Burner”
5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office News: Office Closed 6/17 through 6/19/09
6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thank You!
