The Nervous System – The Body’s Control Center

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The Body’s Control Center

Everything your body does has a relationship with your nervous system. Yes, your nervous system literally controls everything. Mental impulses leave the brain and travel down the information superhighway of your spine to every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body. Afterwards, a signal is sent back to your brain so it knows that everything is working correctly. If controlling mental impulses are missing ,impaired or interfered with, the organs and tissues controlled by the affecting nerve do not work as they should. Irritated nerves can overstimulate affected organs or tissues, contributing to allergic reactions, twitching and excess stomach acid. These types of responses are called symptoms. Symptoms occur when nerve function is impaired.

How Chiropractic Care Relates to Your Nerves

When the bones of the spine lose their normal motion or position, your nerves can be stretched, rubbed, choked or irritated. When this occurs, potential health problems like pain and/or other symptoms. may result. Doctors call this the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, or more commonly, a Subluxation. Just as water cannot flow properly through a leaky hose, a subluxation can obstruct nerve impulses and can result in negative health symptoms. It’s important to note that subluxations can affect organs and tissues that do not sense pain, so you could actually have one right now but not know it. Just relying on how you feel is a poor measure of your overall health.

Chiropractic care seeks to find the cause of your symptoms/problems and correct subluxations that may be interfering with your nervous system. This is done through chiropractic adjustments. Adjustments help bones and the surrounding soft tissues to return to their proper motion and position, relieving symptoms.

A Key To Good Health and Wellness – Prevention

It’s important to consider, “What’s keeping you from functioning at 100%.” If you are experiencing any negative health symptoms it’s always recommend to seek immediate advice from a licensed and insured primary care physician. Postponing regular checkups because of fear is a common issue among patients. To calm your concerns, keep in mind that prevention through regular checkups is a key to maintaining good overall health in wellness. If you base your health on how you feel, you’re already fighting an uphil battle. Alternative and Traditional Medicine have different methods and advantages to preventing symptoms. It’s important not to dismiss one or the other based on previous misconceptions when making a decision on a health care provider. Keep an open mind and consider the benefits and negative aspects of both. There is no right or wrong choice, but choosing a provider based on your lifestyle, symptoms, previous effectiveness and research will put you on the right path for an effective health strategy. Remember, you are a self-regulating, self-healing organism, not a machine. True health is your natural state

At Russell Chiropractic Care, we specialize in providing our patient’s with personalized care and treatment programs suited to their individual lifestyle, current condition and health goals. Click the link  Villa Park Chiropractor to find out more about Doc Russell’s Care Clinic and Health Services!

 

Understanding Nerve Function – Common Symptoms of Dysfunction

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Nerve Function Chart

It’s been proven that nerves affect your overall health and preventing the interference of normal nerve function is essential to living healthy. Negative effects of dysfunction in the nervous system, can be caused by several areas of the spine. If left untreated, the dysfunction worsens and as a result, your overall health suffers.

The chart below identifies common symptoms created by dysfunction in the nervous system. If you notice any of these symptoms affecting your health, we recommend seeing a health care professional (i.e. Dr. Russell) and/or specialist for immediate treatment and care.

Nerve Function Chart

Dr. Brian Russell is a Elmhurst IL Chiropractor specializing in treating back, neck and headache pain.

Food and the Immune System – The ALCAT Test

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How Diet Relates To Your Health

More than ever before, your diet plays a critical role in preventing a wide range of degenerative diseases and premature aging The immune system is a double-edged sword. It should react appropriately and protect against infection when faced with viruses or bacteria. Unfortunately, sometimes exposure to common foods, chemicals and molds may trigger chronic activation of the immune system.

For over 20 years, the ALCAT Test has provided healthcare professionals and their patients with a tool for managing a wide variety of conditions like Migraines  Chronic Fatigue and Obesity. All of fall into the category as chronic activation of the immune system. The bottom line is food affects the immune system and the ALCAT test can help you identify the best nutrition plan that fits your lifestyle and current health condition.

The Technology Behind ALCAT

Cell Science Systems, Corp. , developed the ALCAT Test to measure personalized nutrition at the cellular level. The core technology is a blood test that measures the body’s cellular response to challenges from a wide array of substances including: Various Foods, Additives, Coloring and/or Medicine Herbs. The patient’s cellular re-activity after the exposure of the blood to the various test agents vs. the person’s own baseline control, tells the healthcare provider which substances may be causing a sensitivity-related response in the body. Following testing, a 4-Day Rotational Plan is recommended for patients.

A controlled study from Baylor Medical College, reported 98% success for weight loss and/or improvement in body composition from patients that followed the recommended ALCAT Rotational Plan. This is an incredible achievement! 

“Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food” – Hippocrates

History has shown that a variety in the human diet is very important to one’s overall health and well-being. Research in physical anthropology and nutritional science has shown that the digestive system is more suited to coping with a seasonal diet as opposed to a traditional Westernized diet (Cordain diet: health implications for the 21st century).. By eating foods in a particular family (see food pyramid below) one day and then omitting that food family for the next three days, allows the food molecules to “clear” the system and avoid overloading your diet with one particular food. Through variety a patient can expect to receive optimal wellness, through customized nutrition.

food pyramid

Doc Russell’s Personalized Nutrition and Weight Loss Plans

At our office, we take great care in working with each patient to create a personalized nutrition and weight loss plan that fits their lifestyle and current health condition. Check out chiropractor weight loss to find out how our unique programs can help you lose weight and keep it off for good!

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Don’t Disrupt Your Qi – Explaining Acupuncture and It’s Benefits

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What Exactly IS Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have used this noninvasive treatment method to help millions of people become well and stay well. Acupuncture promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical/emotional health and improve overall function.

What is Qi and How Does it Move?

At the core of this ancient medicine, is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced “Chee”), the vital energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are fourteen main meridians inside the body. The diagram below shows the meridian pathways in the body. Each of these meridians is connected to specific organs and glands.Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. Where a river flows, it transports life giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants and people. Similarly  where meridian pathways flow, they bring life giving Qi that provides nourishment to ever cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.

Meridian Pathways

How is Qi Disrupted?

An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam. When Qi becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. This blockage of the flow of Qi, can be detrimental to a person’s health by cutting off vital nourishment to the body, organs and glands.

Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise  overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet accidents, or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

What Does An Acupuncturist Do?

During the initial exam, a full health history is taken. Questions are asked regarding overall health, symptoms and lifestyle. An appropriate physical exam may be conducted, which may include a pulse and tongue evaluation. Gathering this information enables the practitioner to effectively diagnose and detect any specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to a person’s health problems.

Once the imbalances of Qi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints along meridian pathways. This safe and painless process, can unblock the obstruction and correct the balance of Qi.

Check out the top Elmhurst Acupuncture Clinic!

Doc Russell Chiropractic Care provides the top Acupuncturists in Elmhurst IL, Villa Park, Lombard and Oak Brook Illinois.

Degeneration – The Ageless Wonder

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A Process of Neglect

Regardless of age, when spinal damage goes uncorrected, the body deposits calcium on the surface of adjacent bones that aren’t moving properly.If neglected long enough, this splinting effect can result in complete fusion. This worsening process is called Subluxation Degeneration and can occur throughout the entire spine. Subluxation Degeneration is how the body responds improperly to functioning spinal joints. With early detection, appropriate chiropractic care has been shown to slow, stop, or even reverse the early stages of this process. Personalized chiropractic care programs will provide a lasting solution for degeneration.

How Degeneration Relates To Your Life

 

Motion is the key to joint flexibility and regular chiropractic care promotes proper joint function and mobility. Subluxation Degeneration relates to the same process the body uses to mend a broken bone by the body attempting to fuse the adjacent spinal bones together. Like the mineral deposits in a cave, if given enough time, adjacent spinal bones can fuse together. A long period of neglect may cause the eventual fusion of the malfunctioning joints. Atrophy, permanent nerve damage and soft tissue degeneration are prevalent. Reduced mobility and impaired nervous system function can seriously impair your health and quality of life.

Degeneration and It’s Effects on Your Body

Usually seen as the misalignment and malfunction of the spine. Normal spine motion, curves and disc placing are altered. This early phase can exist without the warning signs of pain or other symptoms because the body is so adaptable to it’s environment. If left uncorrected, the degeneration continues. Degeneration is recognized on x-ray views of the spine by visible bone spurs and rough edges of the vertebrae. Soft tissues, such as discs and ligaments degenerate from the lack of normal join movement. A long period of neglect may cause the eventual fusion of the malfunctioning joints. Atrophy, permanent nerve damage and soft tissue degeneration can be prevalent in this case. Reduced mobility and an impaired nervous system function can diminish one’s quality of life.

Ask Dr. Brian Russell for more information about personalized chiropractic care programs that may include specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations, nutritional advice and/or other conservative methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.

Myths, Untruths and Lies About Chiropractic – Part Two

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Look Beyond the Stereotype of Chiropractic

Somewhere along the line, you may have heard the phrase, “Cracking Bones doesn’t do anything for you.” I guess this IS true…if what I happened to be doing was “cracking bones.” This is an example of a completely untrue and negative stereotype of chiropractic care. I felt that it was important that I write a follow up to the original “myths” post, to squash any other common misconceptions and set the record straight on chiropractic.

Back to “Cracking Bones” (No Pun Intended). What I actually do, is adjust your spine. In Lehman’s terms, when spinal bones get subtly out of alignment. they pinch or choke the delicate nerves as they exit the spine. These nerves control the function of every part of your body. Symptoms like musculoskeletal pain arise from misalignment of the spine. An adjustment treats these symptoms and provides pain relief, by providing a subtle correction of your spine’s alignment. Adjustments also restore the normal, proper function of your nerves and entire body. “Cracking Bones” doesn’t do anything for you, but getting a proper adjustment makes you healthier and acts as a natural pain reliever.

It’ll Hurt Even More/It Won’t Work

Understandable. Nobody wants to get worse. In my office, we have a very good “batting average” with patients. It’s extremely rare for someone to get worse and stay worse. The overwhelming majority of all of our patients see significant improvement. Over 90% of our patients obtain almost immediate improvements in their health and relief of chronic pain! On the rare occasion that someone is not improving, I re-evaluate their health issue and either change the treatment plan or, refer them to another type of health care provider.

I’ll Walk In And They’ll Start Doing Their Voodoo Stuff Right Away!

Not in my office! The first question I want to answer is: “Should this person be in my office?” In other words, is this a chiropractic problem, or does this person need to be at another provider (Ex: Prostate Metastasis, Ovarian Cyst).

The next step is a personalized health consultation, then, if the potential patient wants to continue, a thorough examination and any necessary x-rays. By combining all of these elements together, I can arrive at a diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan. When the patient returns the next day, I’ll be able to answer the following questions: Whats Wrong, Can You Help Me, How Long Will It Take and/or What Wills It Cost. Based on the patient’s interest and request, we can begin a chiropractic care program the same day.

I’ll get a HUGE bill when I walk up to the front counter on my first visit

It won’t happen. Not in my office anyway. Before we do anything that’s going to cost you money, we’ll tell you exactly what the problem is, the necessary treatment program and a breakdown of payment. At Russell Chiropractic Care, your first examination is free and we provide two free adjustments, to help you realize the benefits of chiropractic care!

Dr. Brian Russell, an Elmhurst IL Chiropractor and back pain specialist, doesn’t just provide treatment for back pain, neck pain and headache pain, he gets eliminates all of the symptoms to put you on the right path for overall good health and wellness!

The Myths, Untruths and Outright Lies About Chiropractic

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Uncovering the Truth About Chiropractic

Many, many people are suffering with health problems and would benefit from chiropractic care.  They don’t get the care they need because they and the people they talk to, are victims of the myths, untruths and outright lies about chiropractic care.

Let’s look at some of top misconceptions:

Chiropractors are not real doctors

The Truth - Chiropractors are, by law, licensed and insured primary care physicians

  • Primary care physician – Licensed and certified to be able to examine, diagnose and treat and/or refer patients
  • 3 primary care physicians in Illinois: D.C.s (chiropractors), M.D.s and D.O.s (osteopaths)
  • Chiropractors are the only non-drug, non-surgery primary care physicians and are “Licensed to treat human ailments without the use of drugs and without operative surgery”  (Medical Practice Act of 1987)

The advantage is, that when you or someone you know comes into my office with any type of health problem, I can assess the problem and determine what is needed.through a patient history/interview, examination (physical, radiographic, laboratory). The examination is followed by a strategic treatment program and/or referral to an appropriate specialist.

Chiropractic Isn’t Scientific

The Truth - More and more research is being done on chiropractic… not to determine IF it works but specifically HOW it works and how far reaching are its benefits.

Once You Go, You Have To Go Forever

The Truth – This is an outright lie, you don’t have to do anything! In my office, the patient always determines how much benefit he/she gets from chiropractic.

Symptoms Are Not Normal – Being Healthy vs. Feeling Good

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Symptoms Are A Warning Sign

Headaches are not normal. Backaches are not normal. Numbness and tingling are not normal. These and countless other symptoms, are often the result of years of neglect. Any symptom affecting your overall health deserves immediate treatment and care. but there is major difference’s between treating symptoms and correcting them. It’s vital to be aware of symptoms before they worsen and cause increased and/or permanent damage to your body. By understanding how to notice signs of symptoms and the best methods for treatment, you will be able to maintain a consist level of good overall health and wellness.

Being Healthy vs. Feeling Good

Judging your health by how you feel can be dangerous! You may “feel” 100%, but without regular checkups and maintenance, you are putting your health in a risky and vulnerable position. For example, the first symptom of high blood pressure is often a stroke and the first symptom of heart disease can be a heart attack. Since your body adapts to it’s environment, by the time many symptoms warn you of a problem, it can be in an advanced stage and too late for treatment. Subluxation’s (improper motion/position of the moving bones of the spine) are another example of how not to judge your health simply by how you feel. You may have a subluxation and not even know it. They can often be present before warning signs or symptoms appear. Fortunately, a thorough examination by a licensed chiropractor will reveal any subluxations you may have.

It’s important to point out that you can be healthy and still not feel well. This might be a little gross, but Fevers, diarrhea and other symptoms, are natural ways that your body responds to infection and disease. It’s important to recognize the natural symptoms of “not feeling well” and not feel the necessity to cover or mask those symptoms with prescription drugs.

Going Beyond Treatment to Permanently Correct Your Symptoms

It surprises many patients, when they discover that proper function, controlled by your nervous system, is the key to good health. You may not know that the proper function of your nervous system, is the foundation and primary focus of chiropractic care. A traditional medical approach works on symptoms by using drugs and/or surgery to numb, slow down, speed up, or physically remove the symptom. Covering up the symptoms with medication can ignore the underlying cause and delay the healing process. Instead of using prescription drugs to mask the pain, chiropractic care finds the underlying cause(s) of your ache or pain and permanently corrects it. This helps improve symptoms naturally.

Dr. Brian Russell, an Elmhurst IL Chiropractor and back pain specialist, doesn’t just provide treatment for back pain, neck pain and headache pain, he gets eliminates all of the symptoms to put you on the right path for overall good health and wellness!

 

Build Healthy Habits Through Chiropractic Care – Personalizing Your Plan

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Healthy Habits Don’t Appear Overnight

Don’t worry, we understand that you want to know exactly how chiropractic care works and what to expect. A common question that chiropractor’s, receive is “How many treatment’s do I need?” How you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you and your individual health goals. Chiropractic care programs and recommendations are based upon how you function and how you feel. Our mission is to build healthy habits and create positive lifestyle changes that last a lifetime.

Which Type of Care Fits Your Goals?

There are three types or stages of chiropractic care. Initial Intensive Care is for pain or symptom management, Rehabilitative or Corrective Care is for improved function and spinal changes and Wellness or Elective Care is for non-symptomatic or preventive care measures. We provide our recommendation for type of care based on an individual assessment of your health goals and lifestyle.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

In the beginning, visits may be frequent. Most patients start with Initial Intensive care. The first thing most new patients want, is to simply feel better. As a result, visits are usually frequent to provide quick and noticeable improvements in your overall health. Your chiropractic adjustments may be combined with other procedures to help relieve your symptoms. We combine nutrition and exercise with chiropractic care, to develop a proven wellness approach to build healthy habits. Visit frequency is reduced as patients respond to decreased symptoms and improved spinal function.

With your ache, pain and/or illness reduced, the goal of Rehabilitative Care is for more complete healing to occur. Underlying muscle and soft tissue damage can remain, even after you initially feel better. Like corrective eye lenses, Rehabilitative Care helps normalize spine function. Your frequency of visits is often reduced at this stage. Exercises, dietary changes, or other self-care procedures are highly recommended as supplements Rehabilitative Care.

After the recovery of your original problem, regular chiropractic “checkups” can help preserve your progress. Effective or Wellness Care involves periodic visits that can help catch little problems before they become major concerns. Just like how regular dental checkups prevent cavities, periodic visits to your local chiropractor can help prevent spinal decay and promote optimum health. Through preventative care and maintenance, a chiropractic lifestyle can help you save time and money.

To find out more about our Villa Park Chiropractor Care Clinic gives us a call today!
(630) 530-0506