SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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5 Ways Decompression Therapy can Help Your Spine

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Every year millions of Americans suffer with back pain, this can be caused by injury, trauma, aging or lifestyle choices. With proper rest, stretching and recovery you can manage back pain without any treatment, though many people often ignore the pain symptoms assuming they’ll go away on their own. 

The spine is an integral part of your body, which not only holds up your body weight, it houses the nerves that send signals to your muscles which control nearly all your motor functions. Your spine is put under pressure the moment you wake up, and when not adequately taken care of can lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, disc herniation and more. Spinal decompression therapy has been shown to help people in pain recover.

Today we are going to go over 5 different ways decompression therapy can help maintain your spine healthy.

Pain Reduction

Most people looking to have decompression therapy are looking for ways to reduce pain in their back. Your lower back carries the bulk of your weight and compression can be made worse when sitting for long periods of time.

Inflammation is commonly the reason for pain in your back and spine. By decreasing inflammation it will also decrease the symptoms caused by herniated discs and a misaligned spine.

Herniated Discs

Herniated discs, also known as bulging discs happen when the soft tissue used to cushion and connect the vertebrae is injured, typically this is caused by constant strain, trauma or injury to the spine. Herniated discs are incredibly difficult to treat due to the body getting used to the misalignment even if it causes pain. It’s not uncommon to see discs move back to their improper position after a return visit.

Decompression therapy aids in correcting herniated discs. When the spine is being decompressed by the spinal traction, a small amount of negative pressure allows the discs to naturally return to their original position.

Prevent Surgery

Many spine problems are often solved with expensive surgery, this involves invasive procedures and high recovery times. Decompression therapy can help treat many issues that would otherwise require surgery such as:

  • Herniated Disc
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Posterior Facet Syndrome
  • Sciatica

There are many risks involved with spinal surgery as well as with any surgery including that it may not result in any improvement of back pain. Other common risks related with spinal surgery include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blood Clots
  • Nerve and/or Tissue Damage

Low recovery times

After decompression therapy there is essentially no down time needed for recovery. A decompression therapy session may last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes and when you are done you should feel some relief from your back pain, and be able to continue enjoying your day. Decompression therapy rarely has negative side effects associated with it.

Occasionally, patients report a feeling of soreness or a dull ache for a few days as the body is adjusting to the decompression. This feeling is related often to the soreness you would feel after a hard workout at the gym. In rare occasions, decompression therapy can cause muscles to spasm or the patient will sometimes feel pain go through their arms and legs. 

Affordable alternative

Surgeries are risky for many of the reasons stated above, however many spinal surgeries can also cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Which can also leave you unable to work while in recovery.

Decompression therapy has been shown to be a viable alternative to surgery. Decompression therapy has been effective in over 75% of the patients receiving it as treatment and many of them report long term pain relief and at the time of completing the program result in effective back pain management.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

5 Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy

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Spinal Decompression Therapy Can Be A Non-Surgical Option for Back Pain

Millions of Americans deal with back pain every year. Typically your spine can become compressed after injury, improper posture, age or lifestyle choices. Many of these issues can be dealt with by properly resting, stretching or using heating pads in the affected area. Though if left ignored, the pain can lead to bulging discs, chronic back pain, and nerve issues. 

Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is an alternative treatment for many different causes of back pains and is now offered at SOHMA Integrated Medicine in Long Beach. There are many different benefits of treating your back pain with non-surgical spinal decompression therapy and today we’ll be going over 5 of them. 

Benefit #1 Reduce Back Pain

People suffering from back pain tend to ignore it or they may say something like “I must have slept wrong” and assume the pain will be gone by the next day. Sometimes this does happen however, in some cases they can be making the problem worse. Back pain can be caused by a number of reasons including:

  • Bulging disc
  • Muscle sprain/strain
  • Fracture
  • Tumors
  • Age
  • Lack of Exercise
  • Smoking
  • Injury

Back pain is not limited to just one reason, and can usually be made worse when you continue doing whatever triggered the pain in the first place.

Non-surgical spinal decompression has been used to treat symptoms and conditions including:

  • Neck and Back Pain
  • Herniated Disc
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Injuries
  • Sciatica

The firm yet gentle stretching of your spine during decompression therapy helps to remove tension, re-aline discs, and reduce pressure on the nerves. This results in less back pain in patients.

Benefit #2 Retract Herniated Discs

Bulging discs often occur when the spine is under too much pressure and the soft center of a spinal disc is pushed through a crack in the outer casing. Patients have stated they sometimes hear a popping sound followed by pain or weakness in their arms or legs, while others have no symptoms. 

Although not every herniated disc requires treatment if you have noticed symptoms of a herniated disc, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is a great alternative to relieving pain compared to invasive surgeries, or addictive pharmaceuticals.

Benefit #3 Relieve Nerve Pressure

Nerve pain can be some of the worst pain some people can experience. Nerve pain is often described as feeling like shooting, burning, stabbing or shocking pain sometimes without stimulation. Nerve pain can sometimes be temporary, it can be caused by injury, trauma or infection and occasionally it may develop into peripheral neuropathy.

Non surgical spinal decompression therapy stretches the spine and muscles allowing them to relax, reducing tension and pressure from nearby nerves. This encourages nutrient and oxygen rich blood to flow to the affected area to promote healing.

Benefit #4 Can Help Prevent Surgery

Spinal surgery can be dangerous, expensive and a time consuming procedure. Recovery from surgeries usually can take anywhere from a couple of days to months to recover. Many times as part of surgery recovery, you may also be prescribed powerful pain suppressants that have their own negative side effects.

Depending on your condition, non-surgical spinal decompression can be a viable option instead of surgery. Many conditions that would previously require surgery can now be treated with spinal decompression therapy, such as bulging and herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease just to name a few.

Benefit #5 Virtually No Recovery Time

As previously stated, spinal surgery can take months to make a full recovery. Oftentimes recovery included pain pills and physical therapy. Spinal decompression therapy requires virtually no down time after a treatment session. Most patients don’t have pain or negative experiences during spinal decompression therapy, in fact some find it relaxing and even fall asleep while on the spinal traction table.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

What is Laser Therapy for Back Pain?

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Laser therapy is a modern and proven treatment to help with back pain

Back pain is a problem nearly 65 million Americans suffer with every year. While about 16 million adults suffer from chronic back pain that forces limitations for some everyday activities. Due to back pain being such a common problem, there is a wide variety of causes including some of the following conditions:

  • Herniated disk
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Muscle strains
  • Muscle sprains
  • Injury
  • Poor posture

Fortunately there are many ways to help ease chronic back pains without resorting to surgery or prescription pharmaceuticals that only temporarily reduce pain and rarely treat the underlying problem.

Treatments like chiropractic adjustments, medical massages, acupuncture, and non-surgical spinal decompression are great alternative options to treat back pain.

However, today we’re going to be exploring laser therapy, and how it can help with back pain.

What is Cold Laser Therapy?

When a patient is treated with laser therapy, the skin is exposed to the particles of lights which are then absorbed by the mitochondria of the cells triggering the production of adenosine triphosphate. Adenosine triphosphate is a natural occurring chemical responsible for fueling the body’s cellular processes. Exposure to the light from the laser may improve blood circulation and speed up the process of healing. Afterward, the cells exposed to the lasers are completely unharmed and return to their normal processes.

SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach CA is excited to offer Cold Laser Therapy. This FDA cleared medical device is used to help reduce pain and accelerate the body’s natural healing.

Using Erchonia’s FX 635 laser resulted in a 72% success rate in their clinical trial, which received market clearance by the FDA in May of 2018. Laser therapy treatment of lower back pain has been shown to be a safer, more effective option that may result in patients going back to their day-to-day life in no time. Low level lasers can be used to effectively reduce and eliminate chronic pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

Is Laser Therapy for Me?

Absolutely, laser therapy is extremely safe. For the majority of people, there is very little to no sensation during treatment. They may feel a mild warmth as the laser is being used but there is no pain. Patients claim laser therapy is calming and relaxing, with some patients falling asleep during the therapy.

In some cases some patients report soreness or swelling though this lasts for only a few hours. In extreme cases some bruising may appear, but this is typically harmless and will fade away after a few days.

There are some people who should consider other forms of relief for their back pain like the aforementioned acupuncture, chiropractic, or medical massages. For patients with suspected cancerous lesions or carcinoma as the laser can have a negative reaction to the skin. Due to not enough research being done on how the laser may affect an unborn child, pregnant women are not recommended to undergo this procedure.

Laser therapy is an exciting new practice that feels like it’s straight out of science fiction. It unlocks some of the natural healing power our bodies have, which is incredibly powerful. While new, it is still considered a viable alternative treatment option for those seeking to relieve back pain without taking addictive opioids or risking expensive and invasive surgeries. Laser therapy is great as a standalone treatment or as a complementary treatment with chiropractic or acupuncture, ask the helpful staff at SOHMA if you have any further questions about laser therapy.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

What Herbs are Proven Effective by the Department of Health?

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Herbs were the first medicine used by people. For thousands of years herbs have been used to treat illnesses and ailments. In modern history pharmaceuticals have replaced herbal remedies. Although many pharmaceuticals used now were derived from herbs or mimic the the benefits of herbs. In more recent times herbal medicine and supplements have made a bit of a resurgence. For a variety of reasons including them being more affordable, and easier to obtain compared to their pharmaceutical counterparts.

Today we’ll go over 10 medical plants endorsed by the Department of Health (DOH). These have been scientifically validated to ensure their safety and efficacy.

What is Herbal Medicine?

First let’s understand what herbal medicine is.

Herbal medicine is a product made from plant leaves, roots, seeds, berries, bark or flowers that are useful in treating disease or maintaining health. When the herbal medicine is taken by mouth it is called an herbal supplement. 

Although many herbs and supplements sold in stores are considered safe, it’s highly recommended that you consult an herbalist who can direct you to high quality supplements. Most herbal supplements aren’t regulated as strictly as pharmaceuticals. This can result in a contaminated product or a product that isn’t as potent as described on the label. Consulting an herbalist will also shed light on any adverse reactions herbal supplements may have with medicine you may be taking.

10 Medicinal Plants Endorsed by the DOH-PITAHC

Akapulko

The akapulko plant commonly known as Senna or Ringworm Bush is a small tree known to contain chrysophanol acid. Chrysophanol acid has been shown to be effective when treating conditions such as scabies, eczema, insect bites and other skin infections.

Ampalaya

Also known as Bitter Melon, has been used in China for centuries for medicine and cooking. The leaves of the ampalaya plant have been used to lower blood sugar levels. Though blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly to avoid any complications.

Bawang

A Philippine variety of garlic has been known and used during World War II because of its antibacterial properties. Garlic contains a compound known as allicin which acts as an antiseptic. The leaves and bulbs can also be used to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Bayabas

Commonly known as Guava, these fruit trees can be seen in many homes in southern California. The fruit can be eaten as a snack, but can also help with diarrhea. While the leaves can be used as an antiseptic.

Lagundi

The leaves from the Lagundi tree also known as Five-leaved chaste tree have been shown to prevent the body from producing leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are released when having an asthma attack. It can also be used to treat coughs, the common cold and fevers.

Niyog-niyogan

Also called Chinese honeysuckle, the Niyog-Niyogan’s leaves can be applied to the head to relieve headaches. While the seeds can be taken as an  anthelmintic.

Sambong

The sombong leaves and flowers are used for a variety of conditions including fever, choughs and headaches. It can also be used as a diuretic, and it can dissolve kidney stones. 

Tsaang-gubat

Also called wild tea or scorpion bush, in folkloric medicine the leaves have been used to treat diarrhea. In recent years, products made by Tsaang-gubat  can help with gastroenteritis. Or tea can be made and gargled to prevent cavities.

Ulasimang bato

Also known as peperomia pellucida, the ulasimang bato is a small herb with heart shaped leaves known for its analgesic properties. The leaves can be made into an infusion or salad to help relieve pain caused by gout or rheumatic pains. It can also be used topically for boils and abscesses.

Yerba Buena 

Commonly known as peppermint, yerba buena has been used for centuries as tea and as a pain reliever. It is still drunk as a tea to reduce cough, nausea, and dizziness. It’s also used to reduce pain and pruritus which is an uncomfortable sensation of itchiness.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

3 Risks of Chiropractic Care

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Chiropractors are licensed practicioners.

Generally speaking there are very few risks associated with chiropractic adjustments when performed by licensed and trained professionals. Chiropractic care has an excellent safety record. Many of the risks with adjustments are temporary and minor. Though there are a few risks that involve the patient’s health prior to the adjustment.

This is what we are going to go over today. Join me as we go through 3 risks of chiropractic care, how to minimize those risks or how to avoid them all together.  

Temporary Discomfort in Treated Area

When you go to the chiropractor, they are manipulating your spine, and joints. It’s common for some patients to experience discomfort in the treated area. Typically this manifests as achiness and soreness in the muscles and tendons around the joints being manipulated. The soreness usually only lasts a few hours post-treatment. In some patients the discomfort can last 24 to 48

 hours, but only on rare occasions.

One of the best ways you can reduce the amount of time you feel sore is by applying moisture and heat to your sore muscles. This will let your joints and muscles relax, another fantastic way to help ease soreness is through a warm Epsom salt bath.

Can Cause Low Back Injury

Although chiropractors are there to help treat back pain, there is a risk that there can be lower back pain injury. Usually this occurs when patients have underlying medical conditions that either the patient is unaware of, or doesn’t disclose those underlying conditions to the chiropractor. For those with those conditions, it’s important for you to discuss chiropractic care with both your chiropractor and primary care provider. These conditions include:

  • Severe osteoporosis
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Bone tumors
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Severe arthritis

Bleeding disorders, or structural instability issues can also be cause for concern so be sure to properly communicate any conditions you have.

Chiropractors want to improve your condition so you can get back to enjoying your day. As a patient, being upfront with existing conditions, health issues or challenges you have can greatly diminish any risks involved. You may think they are “small” or “no big deal” however we recommend letting your chiropractor know about any and all pre existing conditions you may have.

Risk of Stroke

This is possibly the rarest risk involving neck manipulation, but it is a possibility. Once again it is a rare risk, some high-velocity neck manipulation may result in a vertebral artery dissection, which can lead to a stroke.

A vertebral artery dissection is when the inner lining of the vertebral artery tears. This artery is located towards the back of our neck and is one of the 4 major arteries that supply the brain with blood. Once torn blood can enter the arterial wall and for blood clots. If a piece of the blood clot were to break off or the expanding artery wall can narrow to the point of restricting blood flow which can result in a stroke. Vertebral dissection can be caused by multiple reasons, not just chiropractic adjustments. Other causes of vertebral dissection include:

  • Automobile accidents
  • Contact sports
  • Roller-coaster rides
  • Mechanical stress

Vertebral artery dissection can also happen spontaneously, though usually the patient has an underlying connective tissue disorder that affects the blood vessels.

Symptoms of vertebral artery dissection may occur days or weeks after the tear, these include:

  • Slurred speech
  • Vertigo or difficulty walking
  • Sensory loss of an arm or leg on one side of your body
  • Trouble swallowing

If you have these symptoms after any blunt force trauma, not just after a chiropractic neck adjustment call 911 immediately as every minute counts.

The risk of suffering a stroke after chiropractic care is incredibly slim. But we want to make sure you are well informed about the risks of chiropractic care even if the risk is small.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.