Dr. Hendricks now at The Joint Cottonwood Heights

As the owner of The Joint Cottonwood Heights and The Joint Sugar House it is my honor and privilege to announce that Dr. Brad Hendricks will be joining our Cottonwood Heights location as our full time Primary Chiropractic Physician.  Many of you have already met Dr. Hendricks in our Sugar House location over the past year and have voiced your approval of his chiropractic knowledge and services.

We are fortunate to have Dr. Hendricks joining the Joint Cottonwood staff to provide affordable and convenient chiropractic care in Cottonwood Heights.  Please join me in congratulating him on his new, well-deserved position.

To your health,

James Adelman
Owner
www.saltlakecitychiropractor-thejoint.com

Computers create havoc on your back and neck

Do you spend hours sitting at a computer or desk? A sedentary lifestyle can wreak havoc on your health. The Chiropractors in Salt Lake City recommend that you stretch every hour to help prevent tension headaches, and to ease tight shoulder and neck muscles. Try this stretch exercise - Shoulder Shrugs.  Sit straight with arms at your sides. Lift your shoulders up toward the ears. Squeeze, and hold several seconds. Roll shoulders and arms back and then down. Repeat. If you experience frequent headaches, or pain, tingling,numbness, or stiffness in your neck or back, chiropractic can help. Visit the Joint Cottonwood Heights or the Joint Sugar House and see what our experienced staff of Chiropractors in Salt Lake City can do for you.

The Kinetic Chain and Athletic Performance

Most of have heard the childhood song that goes ”The foot bone is connected to the ankle bone, the ankle bone is connected to the shin bone, the shin bone is connected to the knee bone etc.” This simple children’s song describes the Kinetic Chain which is the key to Athletic Performance.

When an athlete runs the force going into his foot is 3-4 times their bodyweight per foot strike. If the athlete has a misaligned talus in the ankle due to an inversion ankle sprain this will decrease their active dorsiflexion 1 to 3 inches, and this will lower their power production from that side of their body by 15-40%.

A trained Sport’s Chiropractor (C.C.E.P., C.C.S.P.) can locate this biomechanical problem and correct it in a few adjustments allowing the athlete return to full range of motion and power. Most Chiropractors in Utah can adjust an ankle, but it takes someone who has additional training to locate the subluxated ankle, provide pain relief in Salt Lake City, and correct the problem.

There are several different injuries and scenarios that can affect the Kinetic Chain. Let’s look at a few different examples. A common misalignment of the Tibia or lower leg is a Posterior Tibial subluxation. This is caused by a force that is driving the lower leg back or in a posterior direction. This is common in Soccer, Martial Arts and Football. When the Tibia misaligns backwards it inhibits the Popliteus muscle behind the knee. The Popliteus muscle controls the first 20 degrees of knee flexion and this is a secondary shock absorber during running and jumping. Once again the trained Sport’s Chiropractor in Utah can locate this lower extremity subluxation, adjust the leg and restore normal biomechanics allowing the athlete to regain full strength and power.

Going a little further up the Kinetic Chain and will look at the Pelvis and Lumbar region. The Gluteus Maximus is the primary hip extensor and is the biggest and strongest muscle of the body. Misaligned or subluxated L5 lumbar vertebrae can inhibit this powerful Hip Extensor and reduce its power by 10-50% depending on the health and condition of the Disc and a few other factors. The Chiropractor is the only trained and Licensed Professional who can adjust this area allowing full motion and power to return. Athletes acknowledge the efficacy of Chiropractors and their ability to provide pain relief in Salt Lake City. This is why most Professional and Olympic Athletes use Sports Chiropractors as part of their Performance Team.

By David Bailey D.C.,C.C.E.P.,C.S.C.S.

Occipital Neuralgia

Most people are aware that one of the common conditions we treat as Salt Lake City chiropractors is neck pain.

 Less known is the fact that headaches are a condition that frequently responds well to chiropractic adjustments. One particular headache condition that is often treatable with chiropractic care is known a Occipital Neuralgia (ON.) This is a condition in which the occipital nerves become irritated or inflamed. Frequently patients with ON are misdiagnosed with migraine headaches. This is because the symptoms can be similar to many of the symptoms associated with Migraines. Frequently patients will experience pain at the base of the skull which radiates up and over the head to behind the eye. Most commonly the pain is one sided, although both sides can be affected.    

While the exact cause of ON is unknown, we know that it stems from the occipital nerves as they exit from between the 1st and 2nd vertebrae in the the neck. ON commonly begins after some trauma to the neck such as a car accident and is frequently accompanied by spasm of the neck and upper back musculature. If it is not resolved it can get progressively worse over time.    There are a variety of options to treat

this condition ranging from massage to microdecompression surgery. Many patients are given prescriptions for medications commonly used to treat Migraine headaches, but do not find any relief.

The most effective treatments for ON are those that have a direct effect on the occipital nerves. As with most conditions it is recommended to start with the least invasive treatment options first and progress to more invasive procedures if needed. One of the least invasive options for treating ON is chiropractic adjustments of the upper cervical spine. The adjustment helps to restore the normal function and alignment of the spine, which in turn can help reduce muscle spasm and nerve compression.

 Typically your Salt Lake City chiropractors will recommend a series of treatments over a number of weeks. In most cases improvement is noted within just a few weeks of treatment. If improvement is not seen within 4-6 weeks more invasive treatment such as a nerve block will likely be recommended. In my time as chiropractic physician at The Joint - Sugar House, I have seen a number of patients with ON show significant reduction and in some cases even total elimination of the flare ups associated with their Occipital Neuralgia.  

Preventing Ski Injuries

As winter approaches, it is time to start preparing for ski season. Here at The Joint - Sugarhouse our Salt Lake City Chiropractors see and treat numerous ski and snowboard related injuries every year. Many of these injuries are avoidable. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are over 144,000 snow skiing-related injuries treated in hospitals, doctor's offices, and emergency rooms every year. Injuries associated with snowboarding are even greater: 148,000.



A wide range of injuries can occur in snow skiing or snowboarding. Knee injuries are the most common. Shoulder injuries such as dislocations and sprains are common as well because skiers frequently put their arms out to break a fall. Head injuries and back pain can also occur in skiing, and can be especially serious.

Here are some tips for avoiding injury:

Proper Preparation

Maintain fitness. Be sure you are in good physical condition before you start the season. If you are out of shape, select runs that are less challenging to start and gradually build your way up to more challenging trails.

Many ski injuries happen at the end of the day, when people overexert themselves to finish that one last run before the day's end. A majority of these injuries can easily be prevented if you prepare by keeping in good physical condition and stopping when you are tired or in pain.
Warm up. Research studies have shown that cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warm up with jumping jacks, running or walking in place for 3 to 5 minutes. Take a couple of slow ski runs to complete your warm up.

• Hydrate. Even mild levels of dehydration can affect physical ability and endurance. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after skiing.
• Get Adjusted. Make sure that your spine is functioning at its best. Even small misalignment can cause you to lose some of you normal range of motion and reduce endurance. A regular spinal adjustment will help you to perform at your optimal level and reduce back pain.
• Ensure Appropriate Equipment
• Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature.
• Buy or rent boots and bindings that have been set, adjusted, maintained and tested by a ski shop that follows American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard job practices.
• Check the binding of each ski before skiing. The bindings must be properly adjusted to your height and weight.
• Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles and a helmet. Helmets are sport-specific, so do not wear a bike helmet on the slopes. Ski helmets should be worn.
• Ensure a Safe Environment
• Stay on marked trails and avoid potential avalanche areas such as steep hillsides with little vegetation.
• Watch out for rocks and patches of ice on the ski trails.
• Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature. Make adjustments for icy conditions, deep snow powder, and wet snow.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable ski season. Remember if you are injured or have back pain during or after your day on the slopes, don't wait to be treated. The Joint - Sugarhouse is conveniently located off of I-80; our Salt Lake City chiropractors are here seven days a week and no appointment is needed.

-Dr. Sean Smith

Weather and Your Health

Over the last couple weeks in Salt Lake City, we have seen the weather shift from almost summer like conditions to near winter conditions. We all know people who blame the weather for their achy joints, headaches, and many other health problems. At the Joint, our chiropractors in Sugar House hear this on a regular basis from Utah chiropractic patients. While some health care professionals remain skeptical about the effect of weather on health, more and more evidence is emerging to support some of these claims. Here are a couple of the most common conditions that may be related to weather changes.

Migraine Headaches

In people who are already susceptible to migraine headaches, such changes as falling barometric pressure, a sharp increase in humidity, or a sudden drop in temperature may trigger a migraine. Research supports the theory that changing weather triggers migraines. In one survey that asked migraine sufferers to list triggers, 53% responded "weather." In many instances when migraine sufferers move to an area with a more stable climate, they notice a reduction in the incidence of the migraines.

Of course not everyone can move to a different climate so they can feel better. But migraine sufferers can take some action against weather-induced headaches. If weather changes seem to play a role in the incidence of your migraines, it would be a good to monitor the weather forecast and take steps to avoid the occurrence of a headache. One thing that has helped many migraine sufferers is a Utah chiropractic adjustment.

Stiff Joints

Probably the most common weather-associated complaint is joint stiffness. This is something we see and treat on a regular basis at the joint. According to a recent study: "Baseline pain appears to be strongly affected by a drop in temperature and a change in humidity. Almost 80% to 90% of patients feel a difference in their pain's intensity and sensitivity."

Instead of simply reacting to weather-associated increases in joint pain with measures like placing heating pads over painful joints and taking pain meds, it is recommended that people use proactive measures to improve joint function, such as engaging in nonweight-bearing exercises, and getting a chiropractic adjustment.

So when the weather turns, be sure to come see us at The Joint.  Our chiropractors in Sugar House and we will help keep you feeling good.

~Dr. Sean Smith

Extremity Adjustment

When asked "What does a chiropractor treat?" most people respond by saying either "back or neck pain." It is true that as chiropractors we focus primarily on treating the spine, however we also treat the majority of the joints in the body. This includes the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, hips, and ankles. The typical treatment from our Salt Lake City Chiropractors involves mobilizing the joints to improve range of motion and function as well as decrease pain. Generally we refer to this as "extremity adjusting." Just like with the spine the extremity adjustment can serve to treat certain injuries, maintain proper function and to prevent injury.

There are three primary goals with the extremity adjustment.

First is to ensure proper alignment of the many bones and joints in the extremities. The ankles and wrist have several different joints which can easily become misaligned. Maintaining the proper alignment will help to preserve the symmetry side to side. This helps to reduce the risk of injury due to poor biomechanics. At 'The Joint - Sugarhouse', located in Salt Lake City, our chiropractors work with many of the local high school and college athletes. We have great success in preventing injury. With some teams we have worked with, non-contact ankle injuries were reduce by nearly 100% with regular adjustments compared to previous years without care.

The second goal of the extremity adjustment is to increase flexibility and range of motion. Increased flexibility in the ankle for example, allows for faster and smoother transition from the push off phase of gait to the strike position. This reduces the drag and increases performance. In a sport where tenths, or even hundredths of seconds make the difference between first place and second, our chiropractors understand that every bit of drag counts.

Third and possibly most important result of extremity adjustments is increased proprioception. This is the bodies awareness of where it is in space. It is what gives us our balance. Increased awareness and balance will increase overall performance and reduce injuries.

Preventing Back Pain

Many people experience back pain due to injury or strain.  A great number of these can be avoided by proper lifting and regular exercise.  By maintaining an active lifestyle, you can strengthen your muscles ensuring your bones stay in the proper alignment.  Exercise also helps you lose or maintain weight.  Extra weight can be a strain on the body causing unnecessary pain in your back.  You should always try to stand up and sit up straight to avoid slouching.  Improper posture can create strain on your body causing you undue pain.  Our Chiropractic clinic in Salt Lake City see many patients for back pain that could have been avoided.  

It is important to see your doctor if you experience tingling, numbness, or extreme pain in your back that can not be relieved by over the counter pain relievers.  The Joint Chiropractic Clinic in Salt Lake City can help you determine the cause of your pain and the available options to alleviate that pain so you can live a healthy life.  Chiropractic is the recommended first line of treatment for back injuries and back pain.  By realigning your body, we help patients reduce or eliminate the pain they are experiencing so you can feel normal again.    

Find out more about The Joint here!

Foods That Promote Healthy Living

Many people know that the foods you eat can have a profound effect on your health.  The Standard American Diet (SAD) is filled with saturated fat, preservatives, and sugar.  at The Joint, our Chiropractors in Utah recommend changing your diet.  By eliminating saturated fats, preservatives, and sugar, you can promote a healthy lifestyle.  Choose lean proteins such as poultry or fish.  Beans and nuts are an excellent source of protein for those who are vegetarians.  Avoid sugary drinks such as soda and switch to water.  Vegetables should be included in every meal are a huge source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy carbohydrates which the body needs to function.  Choose leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens which are rich in vitamins K, C, and E as well as many of the B vitamins.  They also contain the necessary minerals calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.  

Eating healthy also helps your chiropractic health by strengthening bones reducing the probability of fractures and strains.  Your body needs calcium for strong bones, and iron for strong muscles.  Together, strong bones and muscles help keep your body frame in the erect position in which it was intended to be.  Choose fruits in a variety of colors to fill up on fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.  Pick healthy carbohydrates like whole grains and eliminate sugary  unhealthy empty carbohydrates.  Dairy also plays a role in our health.  There are many choices of low fat dairy products on the market including, cheese, and yogurt.  Our Chiropractors in Utah can help answer any questions you may have on getting started with healthy eating.

Find out more about The Joint here!

Affordable Pricing

The Joint wants to make sure that chiropractic care is affordable for everyone.  Offering low prices and convenient options makes our services more obtainable!   Our Salt Lake City chiropractor offers different pricing structures that work for a wide variety of clientele and their situations. This allows our patients to receive treatments for less than most insurance co-pays. 

Patients can pay by visit, which will cost them only $29 per visit.  Our procedures are convenient and don’t require x-rays.  At our Salt Lake City chiropractor, we also accept and encourage walk ins, allowing you to choose a convenient time without having to make an appointment.  The first visit includes an initial consultation, an exam and adjustment.

We also offer monthly maintenance plans, for individuals who want to utilize our services more frequently.  For an individual, the plan costs $49 per month and includes 4 office visits. 

Our family plan is specifically designed to provide low pricing to all of your family members.  Monthly membership fees for each additional member decreases the cost by $10 per member.  With our Salt Lake City chiropractor allowing the cap fee to be a low rate of $19 makes this a great deal for any family needing adjustments. 

For more information about our low pricing or about our services, visit our website here!

First Responders Week - Free Adjustments

Year round you've got our back.  Now, we've got yours!

Chiropractic can address nearly all your health needs. The Joint makes access to the care you need affordable and convenient with night and weekend hours. In honor of your service, now it's not just affordable, it's free.

Welcome Dr. Steve Lewis

Dr. Steve R. Lewis

Dr. Lewis' interest in sports and human performance is what first drew him to chiropractic. Having witnessed firsthand the impact chiropractic had on his athletic performance, and how much faster his injuries healed after receiving chiropractic, his passion to be part of such an amazing natural health care system grew. The body’s natural ability to function and heal without the use of harmful synthetic medications compelled him to complete his Doctorate degree at Texas Chiropractic College shortly after completing his undergraduate studies at Weber State.

A family practitioner with extensive experience in injury rehabilitation, personal fitness and weight management programs, Dr. Lewis' professional commitment to wellness is an extension of his personal commitment to good health. Married with seven children— all of whom have received chiropractic care since birth, he and his family enjoy time together staying active and making health a priority, beginning each day with a 5:00 am family workout. As part of his true passion for natural healthcare and wellness, Dr. Lewis also enjoys conducting healthcare lectures and workshops.

Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-12

Teacher Appreciation Week

http://saltlakecitychiropractor-thejoint.com/teacher-appreciation-week/

http://saltlakecitychiropractor-thejoint.com/teacher-appreciation-week/

 

Open Sundays at Sugar House Clinic

Stress relief at The Joint Cottonwood Heights

Daily we may experience stress: physically, chemically or mentally and emotionally in varying degrees. Stress can lead to fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia, headaches, tooth-grinding, irritability, or digestive disorders.  Researchers estimate that stress contributesup to 80% of all major illnesses! Chronic stress lowers the body’s immune responses, making it more susceptible to disease. Sufficient sleep helps fight fatigue and stress. Exercise and outdoor activities are great stress reducers. The body doesn’t absorb ingested nutrients well under stress and may become deficient.Ask your doctor about taking Vitamin B Complex and other nutritional supplements. Chiropractic adjustments clear nerve system interference and heighten immune responses. While we cannot always remove or control the stressful situations we experience, we can strive to enhance our quality of health with regular chiropractic treatments.