Anti-Inflammatory Supplements There are many types of anti-inflammatory supplements. The two I generally recommend are, boswellia, and white willow bark. Boswellia, or frankincense, remember from Biblical times, is an herb that comes from the resin of the boswellia serratta tree. It comes in capsule form, most frequently, and is found in some cartilage building formulas to assist with the inflammation common in many disc and joint conditions, like arthritis. It is relatively fast acting, and easy to take.

Another anti-inflammatory supplement good for back pain,especially disc issues,  is white willow bark, or white willow. It has even been used by the ancient Egyptians. Once synthesized in the lab a few steps later, it is made into aspirin. The natural form of white willow, does not damage the stomach lining, or cause bleeding like aspirin. Again, most commonly, this supplement is easily taken by capsule or tablet.

Natural Enzymes

There are natural proteolytic enzymes that assist the body’s healing process by bringing oxygen, and other viable substances to the injured area. They work by slowing the body’s clotting effect, so the blood will flow away from the injured area, during the inflammatory process. These are taken by capsule or tablet, and sometimes in a liquid form.

Each of these types of supplements help pain relief, and of course, assist the body’s healing, by decreasing the inflammatory process. For a consultation on these supplements, please call my office for an appointment.

Accurate Care Pain Relief Center

Leisa-Marei Grgula, D.C.

20235 N Cave Creek Rd, #110

Phoenix, AZ 85024

Environmental Exposure

Environmental exposure refers to chemicals and other compounds we are exposed to on a daily basis in our daily activities. These may include perfumes & personal hygiene products. Over 50% of perfumed body products contain headache causing chemicals. Caution should be used when choosing personal hygiene products. Only fragrance free should be used, especially if you suffer from headaches of any kind. Environmental exposure may also include chemical used in the home or workplace. Be sure and use not only fragrance free products, but products that have formaldehyde and other dangerous chemicals.  Artificial fragrances, especially the ones that last all day, like the plug-in style, are a main cause of headaches of all types. Incidentally, many room fresheners contain hormone damaging chemicals as well. Paint, indoors or outdoors, should be non VOC, or contain no Volatile Organic Compounds. So many paint products used in the home or around the home, may cause cancer, headaches, affect hormones, & other threats to your health.

Food Allergies

It’s not only the type of food, but the ingredients in our food that cause major problems for headache sufferers. MSG, or Monosodium glutamate,  is a major cause, however there are many different terms for MSG that the average individual may not know of. Mono Potassium Glutamate, Glutamate, Glutamic Acid, Vegetable Protein Extract, and the most popular, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein. There are just a few, but are the most popular hidden terms for MSG. Artificial colors and  flavors are also major contributors to the cause of headaches. It’s always best to cook your own food, preferably made with organic ingredients you’ve grown, or purchased from a trusted local farm or grocer. This ensures that you are aware of everything you are putting into your body. Outdoor allergies, like pollens, fungi, and molds may also cause headaches. Staying indoors on windy days, keeping your immune system strong, and taking natural allergy support will help you through the tough seasons, depending on where you live.

Headache Medications

Believe it or not, some medication taken for headaches, actually cause headaches! This happens as a result of rebound effect. This happens when the drug wears off, and the body suffers form a withdrawal of the drug. This can happen with even drugs that are not habit forming. Simple over-the-counter medication AND prescription medication can cause rebound headaches. Some of these medications include, caffeine containing aspirin, like Excedrine, Decongestants, codeine, hydrocodone & oxycodone, Imitrex, & Fiorinal. There are many more, however, these are the most common. So many patients take these to stop migraines, and are actually causing them to continue with their regular use of these substances. Should you take medication, please take caution with the frequency of the use of them.

Whenever possible, natural remedies and therapies should be used to relieve headaches. Chiropractic, acupuncture, physiotherapies, diet changes, and environmental exposure awareness are easy remedies for headaches of most types. We even offer natural supplements that support your health to prevent them. Please call for a complementary consultation to find out how I can help you with your headaches.

Accurate Care Pain Relief Center

Leisa-Marie Grgula, D.C.

20235 N Cave Creek Rd. #110

Phoenix, AZ 85024

Why make your own body products?

The reason I was asked to report on body products, is that many ingredients in our daily hygiene products are made from dangerous chemicals. Natural remedies and products are a much healthier and cost-effective alternative. Mineral oil is one of the most popular ingredients in body products today. Mineral oil is a by-product of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. It is actually more expensive to dispose of mineral oil, than to purchase it! This is the main reason it’s used so widely in hygiene products. The common name for mineral oil is baby oil. Using this on infants, children, or adults is not healthy. When applied onto the skin, it prevents other moisture from the air, or from bathing, to enter our skin.

Other fragrances may be headache-causing, allergy causing, and in some cases, carcinogenic. Many fragrances used in our body products affect hormone balance. This hormonal imbalance may, in turn, lead to different types of cancer.

For this recipe, I chose citrus for fragrance and nutrients. Here in Arizona, citrus grows so abundantly. People are frequently looking for ways to use their citrus without wasting it.  Although many vitamins and nutrients from the citrus fruit may not be absorbed directly into the skin, they are present. Even in small amounts, they are beneficial. Grapefruit and oranges contain approximately 38 limonoids. These are compounds that give those fruit their bitter taste in the skin. These compounds may also inhibit tumor formation, by stimulating a de-toxifying enzyme. The white of the orange peel is also being studied for the prevention of breast cancer.

Here’s the recipe!

Makes 1 small glass jar. Using a glass jar prevents the possibility of seepage from plastic chemicals getting into your scrub.

2/3 C Coarse natural, organic  sugar. (Not brown sugar used for baking) May need more depending on consistency

2/3 C Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

1 Organic Grapefruit (Conventionally grown fruit has pesticides)

1 Organic Lemon

1 Organic Lime  (may use any other citrus, use whatever is available)

Additional lemon or other citrus essential oil may be added for extra aroma therapy.

Combine sugar and oil. Mix well. Grate the peels from all citrus fruit. Add to the sugar/oil mixture. Squeeze a small amount of juice from each of the fruit to add to the mixture. Add more sugar if the mixture is too moist. The sugar and oil mixture should be the consistency of wet beach sand.

To use, take a small bathroom paper cup, add some scrub, and use in the shower. Scrub gently by hand onto moistened skin, and rinse off. Remaining scrub may be stored in the refrigerator in its glass jar for up to 10 days to 2 weeks. Now that your skin has been exfoliated, the essential nutrients, and oils may penetrate your skin more easily. Your skin will remain soft and moisturized for hours.

Accurate Care Pain Relief Center

Leisa-Marie Grgula, D.C.

20235 N Cave Creek Rd. #110

Phoenix, AZ 85024

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a general term for irritation or inflammation, due to compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a long, relatively thick nerve that runs from your lumbar spine, or low back spinal bones, down each of your thighs, knees, and legs, to your feet. Because a branch of this large nerve goes to the knee area, many patients complain of knee pain. Some even seek a podiatrist, or foot doctor, because their sciatic nerve causes foot pain.

What causes Sciatica?

Pressure on the nerves of the lower back cause sciatic symptoms. Pressure from a herniated disc, or slipped disc, a bulging disc, or ruptured disc. Compression of a vertebral  bone on the nerve may also cause sciatic symptoms. This causes difficulty in the nerve conduction sometimes all the way down to the feet. Other conditions, like injuries, diabetes, tumors, and other diseases may cause compression on the sciatic nerve. .

What are the symptoms of Sciatica?

Usually, only one side of the body is affected by sciatica. In some cases, both sides may be involved. Burning, tingling, numbness, and weakness of the thighs, legs, and feet are common symptoms of sciatica. Groin pain and knee pain are common symptoms as well.

What is the treatment for Sciatica?

At Accurate Care Pain Relief Center, I treat patients complaining of sciatica with conservative, non-invasive care. Cox Decompression is used to treat sciatica. There have been many research studies done on Cox Decompression. This is done by decompressing, or gently tractioning the affected area(s) to relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Patients are examined, X-Rays or MRI are ordered, and reviewed with them. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment begins. Treatments are rendered anywhere from daily, to 3 times per week, and re- evaluated in 2 weeks. At that point, 20-30% relief will be reported by the patient. If these results are not found in 2 weeks, treatment protocols are changed. By 4 weeks care, the patient should report 50% relief. Most patients are treated between 5-8 weeks total. Therapeutic exercises will also be designed for the patient to strengthen the weakened tissue. Should any patient not report at least 50% relief within the 4 week period,  I will refer the patient to another physician for a consult for injection or surgery. Most of my patients, who follow my program, are pain free within 3-4 weeks.

Accurate Care Pain Relief Center

Leisa-Marie Grgula, D.C.Sciatica _ Sciatica Symptoms _ Sciatica Causes

20235 N Cave Creek Rd. #110

Phoenix, AZ 85024

Shoes with good support are always a good choice for your whole body, not just your back. So many patients present to my office complaining of back pain, foot pain, body pain, and even headaches, because of the shoes they wear. Your shoes are like the shock absorbers on your car. If the shocks were worn out, your ride would be rough. This would cause damage to the sensitive mechanical parts of your car, by causing too much motion and impact on these parts. If your shoes are worn out, or do not have good absorption of the force of walking on the ground, there is too much motion and impact on your body parts, or sensitive organs.

When we walk, we start the gait process, or walking process, by striking the heel. Notice that there is a fatty area on the heel for shock absorption. As the foot continues through the gait, it rolls off to the outside, and ‘toes off’, by finishing with pressure on the big toe. This is a perfect, fluid motion that must be completed for healthy gait, and a healthy back.

Here in Arizona, many folks like to wear sandals. In many cases, they actually wear flip-flops. Most flip flop style sandals have very little or no support for the feet. The feet are doing what the shoe name states: Flipping and flopping through the gait process. There is little rolling, or toe-off, if any. The lack of shoe support allows the foot to do what it has to, in order to allow you to walk. The ankles have no support, either. In many cases, people will walk ‘flat footed’, without proper gait. Their gait is more of a heel-toe action. This causes more problems in the body, than even just foot pain. Custom made flip flops, and sandals can be ordered right in our office to correct dysfunction, and prevent further damage to the feet or body.

Some people wear thin-soled shoes that again, offer no shock absorption. This  may cause both the feet, the  spine, and the body’s organs pain and dysfunction. Platforms can cause instability of the ankles, and may cause ankle injuries. Stay  away from Rocker-Bottom shoes, these may cause serious problems with back pain and pelvic pain. Rubber or special shock-absorbing soles, and those with good heel support, are important. For people with bunions, a shoe that does not bend at the toe area is good to prevent or diminish bunion pain.

High heels for women are not only lacking in support, but they offer pressure at the areas of the foot that were not designed for pressure. Again, any time force is applied to an area of the foot that does not have good shock absorption, it is damaging to the sensitive tissue of the foot. Many newer styles of heels actually give the illusion of a heel, without driving direct force to an inappropriate area of the foot, or walking on the toes. High heels can also promote poor posture, and these shoes are the major cause of back pain in women. Fractures of the bones of the feet have been found in women who wear heels even at a young age. Appropriate heel height should be around 1 ½ -2 inches.

Custom made orthotics, or shoe inserts, are great additions to a good shoe, especially for back pain. While wearing orthotics, the 3 arches of the feet are supported. This, in turn, allows proper function and gait. At Accurate Care Pain Relief Center, we can digitally scan your feet, determine any dysfunction immediately, and have custom inserts, shoes, sandals, and even flip-flops made for you, usually within a few weeks.

Accurate Care Pain Relief Center

Leisa-Marie Grgula, D.C

20235 N Cave Creek Rd. #110

Phoenix, AZ 85024

T.E.N.S. Stands for Transcutaneous, Electrical Neural
(Nerve) Stimulation. A lot of words for a powerful little machine that helps with drug free pain relief. This tiny, Walkman-sized unit, is a personal version of an electric stim machine found in Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Pain Centers, and other physical medicine offices.

They usually have 2 channels, with 4 leads. These leads attach to electrodes that adhere to the skin. They are placed at, or around the point of pain. A gentle electrical current is turned up slowly by the patient. This way, they can control the amount of stimulation that is comfortable for them.

T.E.N.S. Units are used for drug-free pain relief with no side effects. They are non-addictive, and portable. Unlike medications, they can be used at the point of pain, and do not affect the rest of the body, especially for chronic pain patients. Injections are invasive, and also have side-effects. When used in conjunction with a Chiropractic treatment program, a T.E.N.S. Unit helps speed the patient’s recovery. This is done by allowing them to treat their pain on their own time, while not in the office. In many cases, patients have not needed surgery for their pain relief.

The theories of the mechanisms of  T.E.N.S. units are #1. Blocking pain messages to the brain. And #2. Enhancing endorphin release, (the body’s pain relievers). In both cases, the T.E.N.S. unit is not addictive to the pain patient. This is unique, as most prescription pain medications are addictive, and have serious side effects.

Many insurances cover T.E.N.S. Units. Units are also available to patients on a cash basis. The only accessories are electrodes, which are available on insurance coverage, or also on a cash basis. Most units run on 9 V batteries.

In many instances, T.E.N.S. Units, or Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation, prevent patients from having invasive surgeries. They can help patients live productive lives. They can do this while still enjoying their exercise, family life, and sports as they did prior to their injury. Again, this is important while not being dependant on heavy medication. Patients with small children or with jobs involving operating vehicles or heavy machinery do not have an option of using prescription pain medication. These patients can wear a T.E.N.S. Unit at work, with total privacy. The unit can be worn under clothing, and clipped onto their beltline.

These units can be used by most patients, except, in most cases, those who are pregnant, or using a “demand” type pacemaker. Patients with both acute, (or a new injury), as well as patients with chronic pain, can benefit from a T.E.N.S. Unit.

Accurate Care Pain Relief Center

Leisa-Marie Grgula, D.C.

20235 N Cave Creek Rd. #110

Phoenix,AZ 85024

The hip joint has 2 capsules of jelly-like fluid near the greater trochanter. Each capsule is called a bursa, or bursae plural. These are called the trochanteric bursae. These bursae, and other bursae allow the hip to move in a smooth fluid motion. When they become inflamed, it is called trochanteric bursitis, or just bursitis. There are other bursae of the hip, but they become inflamed much less frequently. From this point on, I’ll be discussing trochanteric bursitis, the most common type.

Now that we know the anatomical parts that are involved, we can discuss what happens, and what to do about it. The first and most common symptom is sharp pain at the outside of the hip at the trochanter. Chronic pain is an achy, deeper pain, usually felt at night while sleeping on the hips.

What causes bursitis? Overuse, arthritis, past surgery, an impact injury to the trochanter, scoliosis, or other spinal disease. Simple leg length changes can also cause bursitis. Most commonly, it is due to overuse of walking, running, or cycling in middle-aged women.  Some athletes who lift weights by squatting or using the stair climber tend to suffer from this also.  It is uncommon in younger people.

When a patient complains outer hip pain, I start with an examination of the hip. This will involve palpation of the trochanter, and some additional orthopedic tests. I will also check their leg lengths. Sometimes a person is born with a short leg, but most of the time, it is caused because the hip bones are out of alignment. (An EASY Chiropracitc fix!) X-Rays or MRI may be ordered, but in most cases, the patient’s history and age will determine whether they will be necessary.

Treatment will begin with immediately stopping what causes the pain! DO NOT WORK THROUGH THE PAIN! IT WILL BECOME WORSE! Next, if there is a difference in leg length, Chiropractic adjustments will be done to correct that, provided it is not due to a congenital condition. If that is the case, a heel lift will be prescribed. Stretching is not an option, it’s a must. A stretching program will be given, once the pain has diminished a bit. Interferential current, ultrasound, and acupuncture are proven methods to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with bursitis. These therapies may be used in conjunction with Chiropractic adjustments. Natural anti-inflammatories will be recommended, as they promote healing and de-inflame the area without irritating the digestive tract.  Surgery to remove the bursa is rarely recommended. Conservative care works when the patient rests the body to give it time to heal and follows the stretching and treatment protocol recommended.

For anyone suffering from hip bursitis, please at least stop doing what causes it. Next, be sure and get an exam to rule out a short leg, or more serious cause. In most cases, it is an easy fix, and you can soon be back to your exercise routine as usual.

Accurate Care Pain Relief Center

Leisa-Marie Grgula, D.C.

20235 N Cave Creek Rd. #110

Phoenix, AZ 85024

It depends. If your posture is affected in such a way, that the excess weight in your front is pulling your spine forward, than yes. If the weight is not pulling your spine, affecting your posture, the answer is no.

The size and shape of your vertebrae are perfectly designed for the curves of your spine. If the weight of your breast tissue is so great, that it pulls this delicate balance out of alignment, there is a problem. This specific structure of the spine was designed to support your body, and to support the organs in the body’s cavities designed for each organ. Excess weight and distribution of the breast tissue will, in time, affect your lungs, heart, and perhaps other vital organs.

Bra straps holding excess weight in this instance can also cause an unnecessary pressure on the shoulder area. Some women even develop deep grooves in their muscle and connective tissue in their shoulders as a result. This is a sign of possibly needing a breast reduction.  In this area of the shoulders, there are nerves, and arteries that are present, and are being compressed by the straps. This can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and other dysfunction in the arms and hands. Lung function may be altered as a result of the heavy bra straps. Headaches, and neck pain are also common.

Conservative measure should be taken first. The first suggestion is to try and lose weight. Most of the breast tissue is fat. Not only weight should be reduced, but your BMI or Body Mass Index. This is the measurement of how much fat is on your body. An exercise program will also be recommended to strengthen the muscles around the spine. This takes time, and a good surgeon will recommend that you try to reduce your body fat prior to having a surgical procedure. This may take up to a year or more, depending on your condition. Chiropractic treatments throughout this time period are very important. Chiropractic can help the joints within your spine work more effectively, while you are losing body fat and exercising.  Remember, the spine has been compromised by the additional weigh it’s been required to support in the front.

If you’ve tried weight loss and exercise, without results for your breast size, a surgical procedure may be in order. Ask for references, do your research, and seek more than one opinion. The surgery is a serious procedure, and you want to be sure you’ve hired the right surgeon. I can assist with documentation, measurement, and correspondence with your new surgeon. In some cases, insurance covers this. Be sure and contact your insurance company first, to determine what documentation, or conservative measures may have to be tried first. For an evaluation of your spine, and any damage that may have been done as a result of excess breast tissue, please contact my office.

Accurate Care Pain Relief Center

Leisa-Marie Grgula, D.C.

20235 N. Cave Creek Rd, #110

Phoenix, AZ 85024

As we age, our bodies change in different ways. Our muscles tend to weaken, especially if we don’t keep up our weight bearing exercises. Strong muscles help our bones to stay strong, by supporting their place within our skeleton. Weakened muscles will affect spinal posture by allowing the bones to lose their height, and contribute to osteoporosis, and other bone conditions. X-Rays may be recommended for the mature patient, to allow the Chiropractic physician to know the condition of the bones involved. Muscle weakness is only a portion of the entire process of bone loss; however, it is important in maintaining good posture throughout life. When adjusting a spine that is losing its muscular support, caution needs to be taken, as the patient’s bones may not be as stable as those of a younger patient.

The muscles will also tend to become less flexible with age. This is why stretching exercises are so important. The muscles are attached to bones to assist in structure and function. Chiropractic treatments allow the proper function of these muscles and bones around the joints. With regular treatments, a chiropractic patient will experience increased mobility, and flexibility. A patient with poor flexibility may tend to fall more often, or lose balance. Good posture and strength will help prevent this instability greatly.

The time for corrections and healing to take place while the aging process has progressed, is longer than that of a younger patient with the same or similar condition being treated. This is because inflammation is more prevalent with degenerative conditions. One such condition is arthritis. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, and most common in mature individuals. Chiropractic treatment for patients with arthritis, whether osteoarthritis, or more severe types of arthritis is much different than the treatment of a patient without arthritis. Most patients complaining of pain due to arthritis report much improvement after receiving Chiropractic.

Metabolism and the absorption of nutrients also plays a role in the healing process. This is important in treating musculoskeletal conditions, because the nutrients are necessary for regeneration of nerve, muscle, tendon, and ligament cells. This absorption of nutrients is slowed down as we age. The metabolism also slows down, affecting the speed at which the body responds to Chiropractic care. Nutritional supplements can assist with the metabolism issues, however, patients may expect a slower recovery time with age.

Overall, Chiropractic care is a benefit to patients of all ages. As your Chiropractic physician, it’s my job, to make the necessary changes throughout your life as my patient. For a complementary 15 minute initial  consultation, please contact my office.

Accurate Care Pain Relief Center

20235 N Cave Creek Rd. #110

Phoenix, AZ 85024

Kids need Chiropractic too. Yes, infants receive Chiropractic treatments. Just squeezing out of the birth canal, is enough trauma to an infant to change the alignment of their spine and other joints in their little body. I personally treated a 10 day old baby for constipation. This child’s condition was otherwise untreatable by his pediatrician at the time. He actually had relief instantly after his first adjustment in my office!  With regular Chiropractic adjustments, his condition was resolved within a couple of weeks. Of course, the style of manipulation is drastically different from that of an older child, and even more different than a manipulation of an adult. Infants are treated by being held by the Chiropractic physician, or while lying on their mother or father’s stomach. The force used is so gentle; it would barely be felt by an adult. Research shows that Chiropractic is both safe and effective for infants and children.

Children do recover quicker, and their course of care is generally much shorter than that of adults. Most kids can come in a few times a week for a couple of weeks, and their condition is resolved. At that point, it’s recommended for them to come in about once a month or so to maintain their adjustments, while being checked for any injuries that may have occurred since their last visit. Common injuries include simple falls while playing, bike injuries, and improper sleeping. Internal conditions include headaches, earaches, colic, and digestive disorders. So often, children are born with hip dysplaysia, scoliosis, and other structural issues that are not only helped by Chiropractic, but are entirely resolved.  As with adults, there are countless conditions that Chiropractic may help for children.

Another common reason for children to come to the Chiropractor is if a child or infant has been in a car accident. It is difficult for a parent to determine whether there has been an injury, if there are no visible signs. Even pediatricians may miss whiplash symptoms in a child or infant. A Chiropractic exam is necessary to determine whether there is injury to the child’s spine, or mis-alignment that can cause further damage as they get older. Many times, I hear adults report to me that they can remember their backs feeling different since having been in an accident years ago as a child. In those cases, they had not seen a Chiropractor, as they had not complained of pain directly from the accident.

Your children need to have healthy spines so they can grow to their fullest health potential. Please do not wait until they complain of pain, headaches, earaches, or other serious conditions, before bringing them into my office for their first Chiropractic exam.

Accurate Care Pain Relief Center

Leisa-Marie Grgula, D.C.

20235 N. Cave Creek Rd. #110

Phoenix, AZ 85024