Are you looking for an effective and healthy way to lose weight and stay in shape? Call us today @ 706 607 0077 and we will create a customized nutritional supplementation program based on your unique needs.

A well-balanced diet is essential to keep organs, bones, muscles in fit and active condition. Vitamin rich food improves immunity and fights illness-causing toxins. Following a healthy diet regime will also help reduce the risk of heart disorders, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, bone disorders, cancer, anemia and more. The inclusion of fruits, nuts, green leafy vegetables and fish provide a healthy intake of omega 3 fatty acids which can aid mental focus, concentration and help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, wholesome healthy foods also keep one fit and energetic.

Tailor-Made Nutritional Programs

It is truly said that diet is the key to a healthy life. Knowing about different foods is one thing, and combining them together to get a balanced diet is another. Preparing a balanced diet and supplementation program requires proper analysis of one’s current dietary habits and supplementation program. Dr. Overton will work with you and create an exclusive diet program that is specifically designed per your requirements. At Chiropractor of Columbus, we stay up-to-date on the latest research and information related to diet and nutrition. This ensures that you receive a customized program that is based on the latest scientific research and findings. We also incorporate the use of botanical medicines (herbs) that have a proven track record to increase an individual’s health and aid in the recovery of diverse ailments.

Our plans include correct food choices that offer the correct amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to keep you healthy and fit. Dr. Overton works closely with each and every patient and can help you get on the road to better health according to your present physical condition, current nutritional needs and activity levels, all at an affordable rate.

What to Eat and What to Delete?

Our focus is on making smarter food choices. Replacing processed, fried foods with healthy choices is just the beginning in helping our patients reduce  the risk of common issues such as heart problems, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and immune deficiencies. Fast food has become an integral part of our the American Diet, and with most of us juggling time between office and home, creating a healthy diet with natural foods and proper supplementation is not an easy task. Therefore, we help our patients by designing simple and easy to manage diet and supplementation programs that can be incorporated into your day-to-day life.

Contact us today for a nutritional supplementation program designed just for you!

Have you ever wondered how you can sense joint movements and common position such as scratching the back of the head without looking in a mirror or climbing the staircase without having to look out at every staircase? This is what is known as proprioception. It can simply be put as the ability to detect and move a body part smoothly and accurately in an ensemble without looking.

Houglum (2001), defined proprioception as the capacity to convey a sense of position, subject analysis to this message, and react to it whether consciously or unconsciously to bring out the intended proper movement.

How Does Proprioception System Work?

Proprioception can metaphorically be referred to as the “sixth sense” since it is more than just a feeling of movement. It is a system that is composed of receptor nerves that are located in the muscles, in the joints and around joint ligaments. The receptors detect any tension or stretch and relay this information to the brain. The brain interprets the information and responds by sending signals to muscles to initiate either contraction or relaxation of muscles thus producing the desired movement.

Proprioceptors in the body handle control of several important activities such as coordination, balance, and nimbleness. By enhancing proprioception, patients can acquire the necessary skills that are vital for maintaining body balance. They can sharpen their agility such that, they can be able to reverse direction swiftly when it is needed to do so. They can also adjust coordination skills optimally so that they can execute physical activities precisely and accordingly.

How Can You Improve Proprioception?

You can improve proprioception through specific training and exercises. The sets of exercises are intended to improve coordination, agility, and balance. These practices include; static balance activities, dynamic balance activities, agility and coordination activities.

Static balance activities include; mini-squats, lunges, hip abduction, hip extension, calf-raises and flexion all which are intended to increase body balance

Dynamic balance activities include; use of a wobble board, use of a weighted ball and the use of bongo board that is and advanced balance training equipment. These activities are aimed at improving and amplifying the body balance.

Agility and Coordination activities include; cutting, jumping, twisting and pivoting all aimed at achieving articulate coordination and nimbleness. Dr. Overton, a Chiropractor located in Columbus, GA will also work with you on a personalized plan to help you in this area. For further reading, the Amercian Chiropractic Association has published a study on the benefits of Proprioception involving an ankle sprain.

What Are The Benefits of Having a Good Proprioceptive System?

Proprioception training lowers the risk of injury by teaching the body how to act appropriately in case of sudden change in the external environment. When a person is injured, there will be a deficit in the proprioceptive ability which can leave this person prone to re-injury, or gradually decrease their coordination in sporting activities. However, proprioceptive training can reduce chances of re-injury and compensate the loss caused by the injury. A good sense of proprioception is vital for preventing injuries while performing daily activities as well as when doing physical fitness exercises.

It is true that we all have a non-conscious sense of incarnation essential for timely neuromuscular coordination. Without this sense of accuracy and timing, the rate of injury will be much higher, and even the simplest movements will consume a lot of our cognitive energy. We should, therefore, strive to improve our proprioceptive sense if we want our stability, coordination and agility to be infallible.

What is FNS?

Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation, abbreviated as (FNS), is a rehabilitation strategy that applies the use of low-level electrical current to the nerves of a patient to control body muscles and stimulate functional movements. The term “functional” refers to the restoration of the useful movements like standing, stepping, reaching, grasping and pedaling for exercises.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation involves the use of devices that use electrical impulses to activate paralyzed or weak muscles in precise sequence. These devices transmit an electrical impulse to the skin over the selected muscle group to cause muscle contractions. The goal of this form of stimulation is to slow down or prevent muscle atrophy and help in relaxing the muscle spasms, thus promoting voluntary control of muscles. The electrical impulses are controlled by a computer microchip that is attached to the individual’s belt that synchronizes and distributes them.

How Does This Form of Treatment Work?

This form of treatment works by delivering microcomputer-controlled electrical pulses through the surface of the skin with applied electrodes to nerves and muscles, causing muscle contractions. The computer is set to control the sequence of muscle contractions in the lower extremities, which enable the functions of sitting, standing and sideways movement. Users are taught on how to initiate the functions by activating commands through switch modules, which are mounted on the walker. The individual uses a walker or elbow support crutches for further support. Additionally, there is a finger controlled switch that permits activation of the stepping by the individual.

Physical therapists make use of the FNS to facilitate activation and strengthening of the paralyzed or weakened muscles following a spinal cord injury, a brain injury or stroke. It is a tool that is used along with other therapy interventions to increase functional muscle activity. FNS enhances the functional activity in neurologically impaired patients by stimulating involuntary, but purposeful muscle contractions. This rehabilitation technology uses low-level electrical impulses to evolve a peripheral nerve action potential, resulting in skeletal muscle response.

Types of Stimulation

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation – The use of an electrical device that emits an electrical impulse to the skin. There are two categories of NMES; One type of the NMES electrical device is used in the treatment of muscle atrophy that stimulates the muscle when the patient is in a resting state. The second type is the functional neuromuscular stimulation or the functional electrical stimulation which is used to enhance the functional activity of the body.

https://www.bcbsri.com/sites/default/files/polices/Functional%20Neurmuscular%20Electrical%20Stimulation_Final.pdf

Real World Applications

This form of treatment provides individuals who have spinal cord injury, the ability to stand and walk. The devices deliver a precise sequence of electrical pulses that trigger an action potential at selected nerves at the quadriceps for knee extension, treatment of common peroneal nerve for hip flexion, and the paraspinal’s and gluteal for the trunk stability. The use of FNS/FES has primarily been used for those individuals who have neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, muscle sclerosis, cerebral palsy or a cerebrovascular accident.

Further Reading on FNS:

• http://www.dhs.state.mn.us
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• http://www.bcbst.com
• http://www.christopherreeve.org

Do you suffer from spine-related problems or have you injured your back? If so, the Intersegmental Traction Table also referred to as Roller Table, can help. This is a special kind of table that gives you an experience similar to a deep massage that both relieves and relaxes the body. However, it is mostly renowned for the health benefits it has on the spine. The Intersegmental traction is seen as a better and more effective alternative to the manual way of adjusting and flexing the joints of the spine, thus improving mobility. This technique also minimizes the adhesions on the articular as well as periarticular tissues. Furthermore, the contraction and expansion of the disc tissues in your spine improves circulation, healing, and nutrition in the discs [1].

Loss of Flexibility

Research shows that most mechanical issues or spinal injuries you may experience are a result of the joints in the spine or articulations losing their flexibility and mobility. Instead of maintaining good flexibility, the damaged tissues get stiff and rigid, thus impairing movement and becoming weaker over time. Traction stretches out the spinal joints thus allowing good circulation, opens up articulation of facet joints, and also eases pressure on the spinal tissues and nerves. As your spine recuperates over time following the Intersegmental traction, it becomes more flexible and stronger making certain the spine recovers fully [2].

Dr. Overton Can Help

Chiropractors and other therapists use the roller or Intersegmental traction table to re-establish the spine’s normal range of motion. Normally, your spine will become less flexible and will lose its range over time due poor posture, an accident, and other factors. The table gently restores these ranges by relaxing and rejuvenating the muscles and also reducing spasms in the muscles. This is most important, especially if you have been involved in an accident where the tissues and muscles are usually weakened and/or if muscle spasms are prevalent. The table also varies the pressure exerted on your spine electronically or manually depending on the extent of your injury [3].

Perfect For All Ages and Body Types

The Roller table is quite versatile and can be used in varying applications. For instance, it is suitable for relieving the muscles and spine tissues, stretching the joints, improving fluid circulation, enhancing mobility and much more. It is effective for all kinds of people whether children, adults, large, small, young, heavy, petite, as well as old. The table comes with several adjustments that enable the chiropractor to adjust the settings to suit the needs at hand. Increasing or decreasing pressure is achieved by varying the height of the rollers. The intensity of the vibrations can also be changed depending on the desired relaxation or comfort [4].

The above are just some of the main benefits of a roller table. It helps improve fluid circulation in your spine, reduces muscle spasms, stretches the joints, and relieves the body. In addition, it can be used for stretching ligaments and muscles, especially if you are an athlete and sportsman, improving mobility and reducing fatigue, treating injuries due to poor posture or an accident, as well as enhance general wellness. If you are having spine-related issues or injuries then you will find Intersegmental Traction table quite appropriate.

Call Dr. Overton @ 706 607 0077 today to schedule your appointment.

Resources:
1. http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3338
2. Bronford G, Wegner I, Widyahening IS, Blomberg SE, van Tulder MW, de Vet HC, et al. Traction for lower back pain. Cochrane Database System. Reviewed 2013 Aug 19.
3. http://www.epainassist.com/manual-therapy/chiropractic-treatment/intersegmental-traction-or-roller-table
4. http://atlaspaininstitute.com/treatments—services/Intersegmental-traction–roller-table-.html

Interferential Current Therapy is an electric modality that uses low-frequency current to stimulate nerves in the body. The electrical current, which is sent through the skin in pulses, does not produce any pain. However, it can cause tickling sensations and muscular reactions such as spasms. The treatment is very effective for pain management and makes a great solution for certain health problems. The interferential device used for treatment emits a frequency that stimulates the body’s production of natural pain-relieving agents.

Interferential Therapy or IF has existed for several years and its existence can be attributed to its own effectiveness, which is well documented. Patients suffering from intense body pain and involuntary muscle contractions who have undergone this type of treatment were shown to have recovered faster, have better moods and less physical issues compared to those who relied on drugs as a means to relieve pain. Interferential Current Therapy, together with Chiropathy can promote a healthy cardiovascular system, and make physical healing faster.

While Interferential Current Therapy is wide used for relieving pain, it can also be used to stimulate and tone the muscles.  Regular muscle stimulation by electric impulses sent from the Interferential device used in the therapy can also result in better tone and increased strength. Because of this, IFT is used to aid patients who cannot perform voluntary contraction as well as those who find exercise difficult in their current state.

Benefits of Interferential Current Therapy

• Pain Relief without narcotics
• Less swelling and inflammation effects
• Better muscle tone
• Optimal body movements
• Promotion of natural pain killers in the body
• Faster healing

For many people, weakened and injured muscle groups severely impact upon their quality of life, most notably when an injury affects the spine. However, there are measures which can be taken to reduce the pain and damage caused by a spinal injury. A popular measure is therapeutic exercises, which are repetitive strengthening manoeuvres which are designed to develop the injured and weakened muscle groups which support the spine. Research has shown that stretching impacted muscle groups reduce the risks of strain injury and are beneficial in pain management.

How therapeutic exercise works:

In order to understand how therapeutic exercises work, it is necessary to understand the basics of the spine. The individual bones of the spine are held into place by muscles and ligaments, which allow the spine to move and stretch. Correct motion and positioning of these bones are vital for the nervous system to work correctly for healthy posture and overall good health. When the muscles or ligaments get damaged, it can cause severe pain and discomfort. Whilst it is always recommended to visit a physician if you begin to suffer ligament or muscle pain, there are numerous measures you can take at home, including therapeutic exercise. The stretches and exercise help to re-pattern and condition these connective tissues back into their correct position, as well as aiding flexibility which decreases the likelihood of sustaining another spinal injury.

Why therapeutic exercise is necessary:

Therapeutic exercise is necessary as it strengthens the muscles and increases their flexibility. It has been scientifically proven in many medical journals that stretching the muscles decreases the risk of further injury due to the increased flexibility of the muscles. Moreover, the spinal muscles may be weakened due to injury and may need some light exercise in order to build back up adequate muscle mass to support the weight. Therapeutic stretches are one of the best ways to add muscle mass and elasticity without over-straining and risking further injury. Furthermore, scar tissue often changes the strength of supporting muscle tissue before patients have the sought out medical help.

What can be expected from therapeutic exercises?

If the proper exercises are followed consistently in correct form, an improvement in flexibility is one of the main benefits to be expected. As a result of this, less pain around the injured muscle and ligaments is likely to occur. Although it’s important to note that results take time and that caution should always be taken. If sharp pains are felt whilst performing the exercises, it is always recommended to stop. Whilst some pain is likely given the damage, one should not push themselves too hard, as this may serve to worsen the injury. Over time, the muscle and ligaments should begin to heal and realign as a result of the stretches. Benefits include improved posture, less pain, increased flexibility, and a better athletic performance.

Are you in pain on a daily basis? Call Dr. Overton @ 706 607 0077 to schedule a consultation right away.

For further reading, visit: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26125174

New technologies for treating lower back and neck pain are emerging in the medical field on a consistent basis. One of these new treatment methods, which is truly revolutionary for patients suffering from pain, is non-surgical spinal decompression technology. Utilizing FDA approved equipment, it is not only a simple method for treating pain, it is also safe for patients. Distraction forces are applied to the spinal structures, and this is done in a precise and graduated manner to ensure patient safety. Cycles of partial relaxation are also used to offset the distraction technique.

The spinal decompression technique has been shown to help separate the vertebrae from one another. This in turn creates a vacuum in between the discs which are being targeted during treatment. This “vacuum effect” as it is labelled, has also become known as the negative intra-discal pressure technique.

What does this negative pressure do? In some cases, it induces retraction of herniated discs or bulging discs. This will, in turn affect the inside of the disc, the nerve roots, or it can affect the spinal cord; it is also possible to affect both areas during treatment. Each time it is done, it has a microscopic effect on the disc(s). Over a four to six week period however, the cumulative results which are seen, are truly astounding.

Water diffusion, diffusion of oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of discs moving inside, is what each of these cycles of decompression followed by partial relaxation are meant to promote in our patients. Torn discs and degenerated disc fibers, are able to quickly heal through this treatment method.

When treating lower back pain, patients will lie on their stomach or back on the decompression table. Straps are placed around the waist and lower chest for support. Treating the neck will require patients to lie on their back, and soft rubber pads will be placed below the neck. It is not only comfortable and most patients tolerate the treatment extremely well. In fact, some patients are so comfortable that they fall asleep during the treatment session while in our office.

For treating bulging discs, non-surgical spinal decompression has become an extremely popular technique in recent years. Treating pinched nerves, treating sciatic pain or radiating arm pain, are all different types of pain which many patients use the non-surgical decompression technique to treat as well. Due to the fact that it is highly effective in alleviating pain and decompressing the pressure which they are feeling, this non-surgical technique has also been used in treating: leg pain, degenerative disc disease, and treating facet syndromes. Before treatment does begin, patient screening is performed to ensure the patient is a good candidate for this treatment method.

How Chiropractic Treatments Work:

The philosophy behind chiropractic care is remarkably simple. In fact, it can be summed up in just 3 key points.

1. Your back pain or condition exists as the result of an injury, stress, or spinal misalignment. The pain is there to alert you to the problem much like a fire alarm would alert you to a fire. The pain itself is NOT the problem; the injury, stress or misalignment is the problem! If you want to beat the pain and get well, you’ll have to fix the problem.
2. Your body possesses an inborn capacity for healing. Have you ever marveled at how quickly your body repairs itself after you cut your finger or even break a bone? Perhaps the most profound truth in all medicine is this: the body already knows how to heal. The most gifted physicians simply help it along.
3. Chiropractic targets the actual problem by helping the body to self-correct. Through painless, targeted, hands-on treatments called adjustments, Dr. Overton will gently correct the injury, stress, or misalignment that is causing you pain or condition. Then the body responds by healing itself!