The Webster technique is a chiropractic treatment method that is specifically designed to address issues with the pelvis, particularly in pregnant women. It is based on the that misalignments in the pelvis can cause problems with the uterus and lead to abnormal fetal positioning. The technique involves adjusting the pelvis to restore proper alignment and balance, with the goal of facilitating optimal fetal positioning and promoting easier childbirth. The Webster technique and regular chiropractic adjustments can also help to reduce back pain, relieve stress, and improve overall comfort in labor and delivery.

What does chiropractic have to do with my baby’s positioning?
Your body’s external alignment (your bones and muscles) have internal attachments to your uterus and cervix, and when there's external misalignment, it puts unnecessary tension on the inside that can affect the shape, and tension on your uterus in a way that prevents your baby from being able to move into the position that they need to.

How do you know if your alignment is affecting their positioning?
If you are having any of the following, there is a good chance we can help you. 
-one sided pelvic pain (sciatica, low back, hip, etc.)
-pubic bone pain
-baby always sitting way over to one side of your body
-baby always sitting way out in front
-history of pelvic injury

When do we consider them breech?
Our office takes the baby’s positioning seriously at 32-34 weeks.  We like to have confirmation from your provider that they are head down by 34.  It is common procedure from other birth providers to not consider them breech until about 36 weeks, but we find the earlier the Webster is administered the higher the likely hood of the desired result, so we actively manage as a breech presentation.  

How often do I need to come?
Generally speaking, we usually see patients for prenatal Webster chiropractic adjustments starting in month 2-3.  Appointments are scheduled the same frequency as your OB or Midwife.  If you are referred later in your pregnancy with a confirmed breech presentation from 24-34 weeks along, our office will schedule twice a week.  If you're in late third trimester or are scheduled for an ECV, an external cephalic version, or have a cesarean section scheduled, we try to schedule daily visits or multiple visits in one day depending on the Webster Indicators.  

Imagine waking up in the morning. You roll over to turn off your alarm clock, throw off the covers, stretch, and sit up, but just as your set your feet on the floor, pain like fire spreads from your heels and across your feet. That’s the experience of many during pregnancy. This is also a condition that is common with athletics in children and adults. You're not alone, 1 in 10 people will experience plantar fasciitis in their lifetime and many treatments can be ineffective.

Symptoms and Causes

Plantar fasciitis is heel pain that can extend into the arch of the foot. This pain is often worst when you get up in the morning, at the end of a long day, or after some form of activity. Plantar fasciitis occurs when your plantar fascia (a ligament in the foot that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes) is damaged or torn, causing inflammation and pain. When you sleep, your plantar fascia naturally shortens and when you take those first few steps in the morning, it creates a sudden tension in the ligament, causing pain and discomfort.

Plantar fasciitis is considered an overuse syndrome, meaning that it is typically caused by increased workload on the feet. Starting a new job that requires you to be on your feet all day, a sudden weight gain or even pregnancy can increase the workload on your feet and lead to plantar fasciitis. Those with plantar fasciitis describe soreness on the bottom of the heels, which can impact a person’s mobility in a number of ways.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

If You Have Had Other Treatments for plantar fasciitis such as orthotics, physical therapy, splints, braces stretching and over the counter anti-inflammatories there may be another option:  Shock Wave Therapy.

What is Shock Wave Therapy?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment that involves delivery of shock waves to injured soft tissue to reduce pain and promote healing. Dr. Josh has utilized this on many patients who present with chronic tendinopathy that hasn't responded to more-conservative treatments. Often difficult to treat, chronic tendinopathy is characterized by localized pain and pathological changes to a tendon. The condition affects athletes and nonathletes alike.

Who is a candidate for ESWT?

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of ESWT for the treatment of plantar fasciopathy. Multiple high-quality randomized clinical trials have provided substantial evidence that ESWT is a safe and effective noninvasive option for treating tendinopathy throughout the musculoskeletal system.

• Rotator cuff
• Lateral epicondyle
• Medial epicondyle
• Greater trochanter (gluteus medius and minimus)
• Proximal hamstring origin
• Rectus femoris
• Distal quadricep
• Patellar tendon
• Posterior tibial
• Peroneal
• Achilles
• Plantar fascia

What to do next?

​The practice of assigning a specific due date to a pregnancy can have negative effects on both the expectant mother and the child. While it is important to have a general estimate of when a baby will be born, the current emphasis on a precise due date can create unnecessary stress and pressure for pregnant women and may even lead to negative health outcomes.

One of the main problems with due dates is that they are often based on a one-size-fits-all model that does not take into account individual variations in pregnancy. It is normal for babies to be born within a range of two weeks before or after the due date, but many women feel pressure to have their babies on the exact due date. This can lead to unnecessary medical interventions, such as inducing labor or scheduling a cesarean section, in an attempt to meet the due date. These interventions can carry risks for both the mother and the baby and may not be necessary if the pregnancy is allowed to progress naturally.

Another negative effect of due dates is the way they can create unrealistic expectations for pregnancy and childbirth. Many women feel pressure to have a "perfect" pregnancy and childbirth experience, but the reality is that every pregnancy and delivery is unique and unpredictable. This pressure can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for expectant mothers and may even lead to feelings of failure or inadequacy if the pregnancy or childbirth does not go according to plan.

Instead of focusing on a specific due date, it might be more beneficial to adopt a due month approach to pregnancy. This would allow for more flexibility and recognition of the individual variations that can occur during pregnancy. It would also take the pressure off of expectant mothers to have their babies on a specific date and allow for a more natural and healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience.

​

Growing a tiny human comes with its fair share of physical aches and pains, sometimes in places you didn’t even know existed. There are a few different ways to cope with pregnancy pains, including over the counter medication, massage and chiropactic care. But those aren’t your only options: Acupuncture, a form of treatment that involves inserting tiny needles into specific spots in the body, is another method worth giving a go if you’re looking for some relief.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional East Asian medicine practice that uses very thin needles inserted at specific points on the body to rebalance the circulation of blood, qi, and fluids throughout your body to bring you better health and balance, which also helps relieve pain and stress. Thus, making it a popular treatment for those experiencing pregnancy aches and pains.

How does acupuncture work?

Here’s how it works. An acupuncturist will strategically place thin needles so that they “stimulate certain acupuncture points, [essentially] activating your body’s ability to heal itself,” by activating your central nervous system, immune system, circulatory system, and lymphatic system.”

And what are acupuncture points anyway?

Practitioners of acupuncture believe that there are around 2,000 such points in the body and that they’re connected by pathways. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “ These pathways create an energy flow (qi) through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease.” When needles place pressure on those particular points, it’s believed to improve that flow, which can alleviate symptoms you may be feeling.

What does acupuncture feel like?

The answer to this question will change based on who you ask.  Some people experience a tiny pinch with the needle insertion, while others will feel no sensation at all.  Although you may see that there are needles involved and think that it must be painful, that’s not really the case, many find it’s a gentle and relaxing experience.

What are the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy?

There are many benefits to acupuncture during pregnancy, including relieving morning sickness and stress. Many people seek out acupuncture during pregnancy to help alleviate aches and pains as well as other symptoms, like fatigue and heartburn. 

What pregnancy symptoms can acupuncture treat? Some of the pregnancy-related symptoms that acupuncture helps to treat are:

• Morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum
• Fatigue
• Depression and anxiety
• Stress
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Pain (hips, pelvis, back, shoulder, pubic symphysis)
• Gestational diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (Intrauterine G R)
• Bleeding in pregnancy
• Breech baby position
• Hemorrhoids
• Swelling
• Labor Preparation

Is it safe to get acupuncture while pregnant?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, acupuncture is generally thought to be safe for pregnant people. “All licensed acupuncturists are trained to avoid certain points that are not safe to use during pregnancy,” says Ruiz, so it’s essential to find someone who is properly trained and has experience working with people who are pregnant. If you’re someone who is interested in more holistic prenatal care, acupuncture may be a great option for you due to its rather noninvasive, whole-body wellness approach. 

A holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth includes a team of providers including Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Acupuncture.  

EXPERT SOURCE
Aimee Ruiz, L.Ac., FABORM is an acupuncturist and herbalist in Oakland, CA at East Bay Acupuncture and specializes in fertility, prenatal, birth, and postpartum care.

 
There is an 87% chance that you are sitting while you are reading this. How do I know? Because, in our culture, we sit to do everything! Think about it. We get up in the morning, sit down to eat breakfast, check Facebook and drink coffee. Then we sit down to drive to work (unless you own a Segway in which case there are other issues we should talk about), sit down to work, sit down to eat lunch, sit down to use the restroom and sit down again to check Facebook. Then, we sit down to drive home, sit down to eat dinner, sit down to watch TV and sit down to check Facebook again. Then at last, we go to bed and FINALLY get to lie down and relax. Welcome to the average American daily grind. Except the only things grinding in this scenario are your cheeks on the seat.

Sitting is the new smoking, only studies show that it is worse! In her book “Move Your DNA: Restore Your Health Through Natural Movement,” Katy Bowman explains: “Every single thing our bodies do requires movement—initiated by our musculoskeletal system—to be performed with ease. Digestion, immunity, reproduction—all of these functions require us to move. You can eat the perfect diet, sleep eight hours a night, and use only baking soda and vinegar to clean your house, but without the loads created by natural movement, all of these worthy efforts are thwarted on a cellular level, and your optimal wellness level remains elusive.”
The health benefits are many, this is a short list of them:
1. Standing keeps your joints healthy.
2. Standing helps prevent injuries.
3. Standing decreases compression on spinal discs.
4. Standing burns calories.
5. Standing maintains stability in hip joints.
6. Standing prevents neck tension and keeps shoulders stable.
7. Standing helps keep nutrients moving through the body and to the brain.

A body in motion is a beautiful thing, but through poor lifestyle choices, injuries, and general aging our range of motion can diminish to the point that we can barely bend over to pick something up off the floor. Everyone seems to take their flexibility and ease of movement for granted when they are younger. However, as time goes by those simple movements become more challenging and you are more prone to tightness and injury. South Tahoe Chiropractors help patients with range of motion issues on a daily basis, and they can help you too.
Range of Motion for Daily Activities
Activities like brushing your teeth or hair, tying your shoes, or backing the car into the driveway all require joints in your body to move. Whether it is your shoulders, elbows, wrists, cervical and lumbar spine, knees, or neck; joints have to move freely in order to complete basic daily activities. Most of the time, you’ll never even notice these joints working. But if you have an injury or degenerative condition in even one of these joints, you’ll often feel the pain everyday and simple tasks will become a challenge.
The Spine and Range of Motion
Your spine is one the primary areas of treatment for San Jose chiropractic doctors and when your spinal range of motion is reduced, it affects many areas of your life. Issues with your spine are responsible for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, debilitating back pain, and even infant colic.  As your spinal range of motion continues to decrease, it's likely you’ll be able to do less and less and experience greater discomfort. Having your spine in alignment is crucial for free and easy range of motion. There are so many ways that your vertebrae can become misaligned that visiting a chiropractor is a good idea even if you still feel good.
Chiropractic Help
Dr. Joshua Welch at Safe Haven Chiropractic can work wonders when it comes to increasing range of motion in your spine and other areas of the body. Even if you’ve been out of commission for years, a few sessions with a reputable chiropractor can help restore blood flow, improve nerve impingement, and get your discs back in alignment.  Chiropractic treatment for range of motion issues may include spinal adjustments and possibly manipulation to other parts of the body. You might also be given specific stretches or exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and lengthen tendons and ligaments in the affected areas. Once your range of motion is restored and you’re feeling good, you should be able to get back to normal activities without any pain or restriction.
At Safe Haven Chiropractic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.  

 With the 2018 Winter Olympics mere days away, athletes of all kinds have landed in PyeongChang, South Korea for their chance at Olympic gold. As we watch these athletes compete, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the two weeks of international competition and forget that these athletes have trained nearly their entire lives for this chance. For many of them, chiropractic care plays an integral role in being able to compete at the highest level. Sports chiropractic emphasizes injury prevention, injury recovery, and health and performance care – all of which are vital for Olympic athletes.

How DCs Help Olympic Athletes Reach Peak PerformanceConsidering the prominent role of chiropractors in today’s Olympics, it is surprising that it has been less than 50 years since the days of the first-ever team chiropractor. US Track and Field stand-out Dwight Stones credited chiropractic care with his Olympic performance on national television, bringing instant attention to Leroy Perry, DC, then the team chiropractor for Antigua in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Shortly after, in 1980 Dr. George Goodheart became the first official US Olympic team chiropractor for the Winter Olympics held at Lake Placid.

More recently, Dr. Kevin Rindal, a DC out of Seattle, served as the official chiropractor for the 40-member USA Swimming team in Rio in 2016. Regarding his experience, Dr. Rindal stated that “It was very evident that U.S. athletes from multiple sports appreciate having access to chiropractic care. On a larger scale, it was very encouraging to see chiropractic incorporated into the scope of care provided for the athletes of so many other countries, in the polyclinic, and by their own sports-care staff.”
Even more prestigiously, a chiropractor served as the managing director of sports medicine for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and as Olympic Games Chief Medical Officer for Team USA in Rio. William Moreau, DC, DACBSP became the first DC in the world to do so. Dr. Moreau says that “Chiropractic plays an important role in preventive, maintenance or injury specific care, and contributes to enhanced clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction levels among all athletes.”
Chiropractors like Perry, Goodheart, Rindal and Moreau use chiropractic adjustment to enhance range of motion, flexibility, balance, muscle strength and more for athletes in all category of sports. Graston Technique is one such tactic that chiropractors employ to assist athletes with recovery; in fact, Olympian Michael Phelps credited Graston Technique with his recovery after tough workouts in the pool.

Today, chiropractors aren’t just handling adjustments at the Olympics – some are even competing. Dr. Seun Adigun is competing in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics as a member of the Nigerian bobsled team. Adigun is not only the driver for the historical first-ever Nigerian bobsled team, she also recently completed a dual degree program for a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Texas Chiropractic College and a Master’s of Science in Exercise Health – Sports Science from University of Houston – Clearlake. Adigun believes that “it is not always the most talented athlete who finishes on top, but the healthiest.” She also states that chiropractic “…is the keystone to revolutionizing sports medicine.”
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an Olympian, sports chiropractic care is a tried and tested technique that helps athletes to continue to train and compete at peak performance. Dr. Welch has worked with many competitive athletes in may sports including cycling, swimming, ultra running, triathletes, World Cup rock climbing, and Olympic snowboarders. The integrated care at Safe Haven Chiropractic will help ensure that you, as an athlete, are prepared to compete at your best for any race, big game or tournament.
​Call 530-577-5433 to make your next appointment.
http://www.vannesschiro.com/2018/02/01/chiropractic-care-olympics-dcs-help-olympic-athletes-reach-peak-performance/

 We are a full-service chiropractic center. We offer our patients the utmost level of professionalism and treatment possible. We apply different styles of treatments including: posture screens, chiropractic care, corrective exercises and lifestyle and nutritional advice that will address your needs.

Chiropractic is a medicinal practice and discipline that deals with the disorders to the musculoskeletal system, as well as the treatment and prevention. The part of the musculoskeletal that your South Tahoe chiropractor will be most concentrating on is the spine, with the treatments of chiropractic being more in the manual therapy area, like manipulation of the spine and other joints.

Chiropractic methods and techniques have improved greatly in the past years. There are many methods your chiropractor can use to treat the cause of your condition. Below are some of the treatments that we specialize in.

Contrary to popular belief, Chiropractic is not a simple discipline. There are actually many methods as to how the practitioner will choose to treat you, the most common one being spinal manipulation. Taking note of the spinal manipulation methods of a chiropractor, is essential to finding one that suits you better.

For patient's who have been diagnosed with a lumbar spine disk condition either described as herniated, ruptured, bulging or slipped (without neurologic complications such as progressive neurologic loss or cauda equina syndrome) modern chiropractic techniques can:

1. Improve lumbar intervertebral disk height to reduce disk bulging and improve circulation.

1. Reduce lumbar intradiscal pressure, reduces pressure on spinal nerve roots and restores
   normal motion.

1. Relieves irritation on spinal nurse from bulging disks.

1. Improves intervertebral joint motion.

1. Improves posture, relieves pain and wellness.
   
   
   
   

Common conditions treated by Chiropractors

• Lumbar disk herniation
• Spondylolisthesis
• Uncomplicated spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disk disease
• Facet syndrome
• Pelvic pain
• Reduced lumbar range of motion
• Lumbar subluxation
• Patients' who cannot tolerate side posture lumbar spine manipulation
• Neurological diseases such as sciatica (buttock or leg pain)
  
•  

Conservative therapy including chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture and massage therapy can effectively treat all theses conditions, it is not a guarantee of resolution.  But it can, when surgery is necessary, dramatically improve the outcomes of surgical intervention. 

Dr. Joshua Welch, DC


It’s fall. It’s football season. It’s knee injury time. This is certainly not the only time of year knee injuries are seen, but it’s common to see more of them in autumn because of the sports season. The degree of injury dictates the degree of treatment rendered. Most knee injuries respond well to conservative care. Chiropractic care is an excellent option that has great success with certain types of knee injuries.
Anatomy and FunctionThe knee joint is complex. There are three bones, two menisci, four ligaments, and numerous tendons and muscles. Because there are a number of different structures, there are a number of different ways in which to hurt the knee itself. The primary movement of the knee is flexion and extension. The joint does allow for minimal rotation to right or left.
Common InjuriesBecause there are numerous structures involved with this joint, there are a plethora of injuries that can occur. Common injuries are:

• IT band syndrome - Pain that occurs on the outside/lateral aspect of the knee resulting from a tight tendinous muscle along the outside/lateral aspect of the thigh
• Mensicus tear - A tear or irritation in the fibrous cushioning within the joint
• Runner’s knee - Tight quadriceps causing pain in the front of the knee because of the pulling
• Patello-femoral pain syndrome - A general term to describe knee pain from a variety of causes

Treatment
First and foremost, chiropractic is about the health and optimal functioning of the body’s nervous system, the master control system. If an injury occurs anywhere in the body, it’s wise to first get the spine checked by a chiropractor and, if appropriate, adjusted to restore spinal motion and health. This in turn allows the nervous system, the master communication system, to function optimally, thus facilitating proper repair and healing to the injured areas.

A chiropractor can also manipulate the knee joint. Restricted knee joint range of motion can contribute to the actual injury itself and/or it can be a result. Restoration of proper range of motion is important in both the prevention of, and the healing from, knee injuries. Full range of motion will require the workload of the joint be distributed as it is intended. In turn, this allows for assessment of needs such as muscle/tendinous stretching, muscle strengthening or proprioception (joint position) training.
Chiropractors can recommend engagement in certain stretches or exercises to promote proper joint function and healing. Should you find yourself dealing with a knee injury or looking to prevent one because of your activity level, let Dr. Josh help you and your knees this fall.

Just because you love sports doesn’t mean you have to become a statistic. Or spend more time than necessary on the sidelines.

If you have anyquestion please give us a call at 530-577-5433

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.

 Melatonin synchronizes the brain and nervous system and biological functions to most of the internal organs including: fetal adrenal gland, pancreas, liver, kidney, heart, lung, fat, gut, etc.   Then, various physiological effects of melatonin are reviewed, including detoxification of free radicals and antioxidant actions, bone formation and protection, reproduction, and cardiovascular, immune or body mass regulation. Given these physiological effects, potential benefits of melatonin use is especially useful with regard to brain or gastrointestinal protection, psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases and oncostatic effects.  Melatonin has many diverse effects with clinical, preventative and therapeutic applications.
This is the brand of Melatonin I recomend. 
https://www.npscript.com/drtahoe/melatonin-20mg/VN0128PAR

Curr Neuropharmacol. 2016 Dec 28. Melatonin: pharmacology, functions and therapeutic benefits.  

 Recently, many clients have comme in complaining of a reoccurring sharp stabbing pain coming from her rib area. After examination, the diagnosis was costochondritis or Tietze’s syndrome. Luckily, chiropractic treatment can help. 

What is Costochondritis?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum or breastbone. The condition most often affects the cartilage where the upper ribs attach to the breastbone (sternum). This area is referred to as the costosternal joint.
The symptoms include sharp, stabbing pain, and is often worse when taking a breath or coughing. If the cause is near an upper rib, the pain can radiate to the arm, which can be quite alarming.
What causes costochondritis?The cause of costochondritis can often be a mystery. The patient mentioned above found it was her new work station. She had recently added two larger screens, and found she was moving between screens by moving her torso, instead of her entire body.
Many other activities have the potential to cause this kind or rib injury. You are at higher risk if you

• Regularly lift heavy items
• Perform manual labor
• Have allergies
• Have recently had pneumonia
• Have arthritis

As was the case with this patient, the rib pain turned into an ongoing chronic situation. This is most often seen in people who have:

• Poor thoracic core muscles
• Sedentary occupations
• Women with large breasts
• People who carry loads for prolonged times
• Increased thoracic curvature (kyphosis)
• Scoliosis of the mid-back

It is key to identify the underlying problem and work to address it.

Treatment for Rib Pain

Chiropractic treatment is a natural effective treatment for costochondritis. A National Institutes of Health study found chiropractic management of Tietze syndrome (costochondritis) was successful in reducing pain levels.

Many times, the rib itself will out of alignment (a rib subluxation) causing increased inflammation with each breath in and out. I recommend an adjustment, which can be a bit uncomfortable, but the relief is generally instantaneous if this is the cause of the irritation.

Keeping the entire body in alignment, will help the ribs remain in place and heal faster.
Additional treatment recommendations:

• Applying cold packs to reduce swelling
• Anti-inflammatory over-the-counter drugs, like ibuprofen
• Support, like a rib belt, Ace bandage or another support like athletic tape
• Avoid strenuous activities
• Support your ribs if you feel the need to sneeze or cough

Rib Friendly Living

For those who want to improve their condition and avoid it in the future, here are some everyday living guidelines:

• Have good posture
• Keep your back straight when you bend
• Avoid twisting your back
• Keep activities between your knees and shoulders and close to your body.
• Use a lumbar support cushion when sitting
• Adjust your chair height as to avoid forward bending
• Avoid reaching forward beyond an arm’s length
• Avoid repeatedly twisting your back.

Extending your arms and body too far when lifting and reaching can re-injure or irritate it. Many common household chores, like vacuuming your house, call for you to keep your back straight and avoid twisting.
Once you are on your way to recovery, we can discuss therapeutic strengthening exercises to build strength and help to avoid re-injury.

Please remember, all chest pain is an emergency. If you think you may be having a heart attack, it is best to go to the emergency room. This article is meant to discuss other types of injuries and how chiropractic can help.

Now on to healthy living!

Image By Henry Vandyke Carter - Henry Gray (1918) Anatomy of the Human Body (See "Book" section below)Bartleby.com: Gray's Anatomy, Plate 390, Public Domain, 

Bedwetting is an issue that millions of families face every night. It is extremely common among young kids but can last into the teen years.

All the same, bedwetting can be very stressful for families. Kids can feel embarrassed and guilty about wetting the bed and anxious about spending the night at a friend's house or at camp. Parents often feel helpless to stop it.

Bedwetting may last for a while, but providing emotional support and reassurance can help your child feel better until it stops.

How Common Is Bedwetting?

Nocturnal enuresis (the medical name for bedwetting) is involuntary urination that happens at night during sleep after the age when a child should be able to control his or her bladder. It's a common problem in kids, especially those under 6 years old. About 13% of 6-year-olds wet the bed, while about 5% of 10-year-olds do.

Bedwetting often runs in families: many kids who wet the bed have a relative who did, too. If both parents wet the bed when they were young, it's very likely that their child will..

No one knows for sure what causes bed-wetting, but various factors may play a role and is not a sign of any deeper medical or emotionsl issues.  :

• A structural problem in the urinary tract or nervous system. Bed-wetting is related to a interference within the child's neurological system related to the bladder and urinary system.
  
• A small bladder. Your child's bladder may not be developed enough to hold urine produced during the night.
• Inability to recognize a full bladder. If the nerves that control the bladder are slow to mature, a full bladder may not wake your child — especially if your child is a deep sleeper.
• A hormone imbalance. During childhood, some kids don't produce enough anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) to slow nighttime urine production.
• Stress. Stressful events — such as becoming a big brother or sister, starting a new school, or sleeping away from home — may trigger bed-wetting.  This can be related to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system or A.D.D. 
• Urinary tract infection. This infection can make it difficult for your child to control urination. Signs and symptoms may include bed-wetting, daytime accidents, frequent urination, red or pink urine, and pain during urination.
• Sleep apnea. Sometimes bed-wetting is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the child's breathing is interrupted during sleep — often due to inflamed or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Other signs and symptoms may include snoring, frequent ear and sinus infections, sore throat, or daytime drowsiness.
• Diabetes. For a child who's usually dry at night, bed-wetting may be the first sign of diabetes. Other signs and symptoms may include passing large amounts of urine at once, increased thirst, fatigue and weight loss in spite of a good appetite.
• Chronic constipation. The same muscles are used to control urine and stool elimination. When constipation is long term, these muscles can become dysfunctional and contribute to bed-wetting at night.

In our office we have treated many children with bedwetting or constipation issues and find it to be a neurological issue that can be resolved quite readily with a sacrum adjustment.  This painless adjustment helps to reset the autonomic nervous system in the sacral plexus.  This helps to reset the fight or "flight response" to a "rest and digest" response.  This reset allows the bladder and sphincters to remain shut during deep sleep and resolves the issue in 3-8 visits. 

 

• Bed Wetting; Two Case StudiesCase #0991: Five year old female who had been wetting her bed for six months. She was prescribed antibiotics for what MDs diagnosed as a bladder infection. After the second chiropractic adjustment, she stopped...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/bed-wetting-two-case-studies.html
• Bed Wetting May be Related to Dairy IntakeBed-wetting, or enuresis affects an estimated 7 million children over the age of five. There is a strong correlation with bed wetting and milk consumption. View extensive links on the subject
  http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Research/bed-wetting-may-be-related-to-dairy-intake.html
• Chiropractic Care Resolves Bed Wetting in Asperger's ChildThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of chiropractic care for two children with long-term nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting).   Bedwetting is highly prevalent amongst young children with approximately 15% of children experiencing...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/chiropractic-care-resolves-bed-wetting-in-aspergers-child.html
• Chiropractic Resolves Constipation and Bed WettingThe prevalence of constipation in children ranges from 4-36%.  Research has shown the peak incidence of constipation in pediatric patients is during toilet training when the child is 2 or 3 years old.  Nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting) tends to be...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/chiropractic-resolves-constipation-and-bed-wetting.html
• 10-Year-Old's Bedwetting Resolves After Chiropractic CareBedwetting is defined as wetting the bed at a frequency of 3 or more nights per week.  Bedwetting affects approximately five to seven million children in the United States and 200,000 in Canada with a higher percentage in younger children.   ...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/10-year-olds-bedwetting-resolves-after-chiropractic-care.html
• Functional Nocturnal EnuresisTo discuss a patient with primary nocturnal enuresis whose symptoms resolved following manipulation. Clinical Features : An 8-yr-old boy with a history of primary functional nocturnal enuresis was under ...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/functional-nocturnal-enuresis.html
• Chiropractic Care of Children with Nocturnal Enuresis: A Prospective Outcome StudyChildren with a history of persistent bed-wetting at night received eight chiropractic adjustments. Number of wet nights fell from 7/week to 4. At the end of the study, 25% of the children were classified ...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/chiropractic-care-of-children-with-nocturnal-enuresis-a-prospective-outcome-study.html
• Additional Case StudiesNocturnal Enuresis by Claudia Anrig, DC Two Cases ..What I enjoy the most when the boys come in for their adjustments is being aware that their quality of life has improved. Chiropractic ...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/additional-case-studies.html
• Epileptic Seizures, Nocturnal Enuresis, ADDThis is an eight year old female with a history of epilepsy, heart murmur, hypoglycemia, nocturnal enuresis and attention deficit disorder. The child had been to five pediatricians, three neurologists, six...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/epileptic-seizures-nocturnal-enuresis-add.html
• ADD/ADHD Chiropractic Case Studies1. Larry Webster, D.C. International Chiropractic Pediatric Association Newsletter. January 1996. "After examining several diagnosed ADHD children, we find an upper cervical subluxation that can lead to neurotransmitter involvement." 2. A Mother's...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/additional-chiropractic-case-studies.html
• ADD, Enuresis, Toe WalkingA six year old boy with nightly nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), attention deficit disorder and toe walking. He walked with his heels 4 inches above the ground. The medical specialist recommended that both Achilles'...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/add-enuresis-toe-walking.html
• Chiropractic Management of Enuresis: Time Series Descriptive DesignCase of a 14-year-old male with a long history of continuous bed-wetting that was alleviated (not completely cured) by adjustments.Gemmell HA, Jacobson, BH J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1989 (Oct);12...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/chiropractic-management-of-enuresis-time-series-descriptive-design.html
• Chiropractic Management of Primary Nocturnal EnuresisThis was a controlled clinical trial of 46 enuretic children that were placed under chiropractic care. The children were under care for a 10 week period preceded by and followed by a 2 week nontreatment period.Participants: Forty-six nocturnal...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/chiropractic-management-of-primary-nocturnal-enuresis.html
• Nocturnal Enuresis: Treatment Implication for the ChiropractorA comprehensive review of the literature concerning the etiology, diagnosis, and the natural history of primary nocturnal enuresis is presented. Contemporary treatment options are discussed ...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/nocturnal-enuresis-treatment-implication-for-the-chiropractor.html
• Neurogenic Bladder and Spina Bifida Occulta: A Case ReportExamination found fixation in L3 and both SI joints, following the restoration of SI function the patient's mother reported the patient was now aware of bladder distention approximately 30 minutes before it ...
  http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/neurogenic-bladder-and-spina-bifida-occulta-a-case-report.html
  

 
Fall is a time of change and renewal, which makes it a great time to revisit your running habits and switch things up as we head into the chillier months.  Winter skiing and snowboarding is not here yet!  Keep fit with these tips.
We’ve collected some tips to help keep you on track and enjoy the season to the fullest.

Keep Running (and maybe change) your shoes

A common rule of thumb is to change your running shoes every 500 kilometres, depending on various factors like running style and body weight. You’ll know that it’s time to replace them if you’re feeling more aches and pains than usual and if you can see that the tread is completely worn.  Alta running has a great shoe to decrease many running injuries.  “It was a game changer! says Ryan W. a long distance runner.  Check it out.  https://www.altrarunning.com/

Layer up when biking

It’s a lot cooler now than it was even a month ago, so dig that cold-weather  gear out of the closet. Base layers, long-sleeved shirts, hats and gloves go a long way in keeping your body warm.  You will sweat a lot going up and cool off when going down, so use wicking material. 
But don’t get too carried away. You should still feel a little cold at the start of your trip because your body will heat up as you get going. 

Get reflective

Waking up in the dark? Yes, the days are getting shorter and shorter and that means your morning and evening walks will likely start or end in the dark. It’s important for your safety to make sure that you’re visible to traffic (which includes cars, bikes and other runners).
A lot of the new gear has reflective layers built into it, but you can also consider using a light. This could be anything from a headlamp to small lights that can clip on to your clothing or running belt. If your jacket doesn’t have lots of reflective tape, consider wearing a reflective vest. The most important thing is to be seen out there.

Keep on hydrating and using sunscreen

Many people think that because it’s not as hot out there they can skimp on hydration and sun protection—not true!
While we do sweat less in cooler temperatures, your body still needs water to remain hydrated. That goes for using sunscreen as well. The sun’s rays aren’t as severe during fall, but the UV rays can still damage your skin if you’re exposed for longer periods of time.

Change up your route

Fall is a time of change, from changing leaves to schedules to appetites. That means it’s also a good time to switch up your running, biking or walking route and check out new trails in the basin.
We’re fortunate in South Lake Tahoe to have so many awesome multi-use paths, single track and Forest Service Roads that look particularly beautiful in autumn, so get outside and explore somewhere new. Why not head down to Hope Valley and get some fall colors along with your hill training? https://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/health-benefits-of-running.html

Try something new
Other resources:
Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association
http://www.tamba.org/
Lake Tahoe Bouldering and Climbing.
http://www.tahoebouldering.com/meyers-competition-guide.html
6 Great Hiking Trails:
http://tahoesouth.com/blog/six_great_hikes_in_tahoe_south/
Disc Golf Courses:
http://southtahoedga.com/

"Is it BAD to Crack my own neck?
It's one of the most common questions we hear!

A great question, excellently explained by a Chiropractor.

"Why do I always feel like I have to crack my own neck?" & "Is it bad if I do crack my neck?"
Check out the video and share with your friends who you KNOW do this all the time!

2.  Avoid headache-inducing substances. Some substances are more likely to cause headaches than others. You can prevent headaches by limiting your intake of these substances:
 
    Nitrates and nitrites. Nitrates and nitrites are found in processed meats and in monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is used to enhance the flavor of some foods. Nitrates can also be found in some heart medicines.[4]

    Phenylethylamine, which is found in some chocolate and cheeses.[4]
    Tyramine, which is sometimes found in nuts and fermented meats, cheeses, and soy.[4]
    Aspartame, an artificial sweetener found in many foods.[4]
    Caffeine and alcohol can also trigger headaches in some people.[4]
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20538298_11,00.html 

 3. Chiropractic Care & Posture
 
One of the best things about chiropractic care is that it’s a drug-free and surgery-free path to healing naturally.
 
Several clinical trials indicate that spinal manipulation therapy may help treat headaches. In one such study, 22 percent of those who received chiropractic manipulation reported more than a 90 percent reduction of headaches; meanwhile, 49 percent reported that the headache intensity was significantly reduced after receiving chiropractic treatment. (5)
 
Chiropractic adjustments or spinal manipulation helps to alleviate the stress of your system. Studies suggest that chiropractic manipulation reduces tension and migraine headaches. The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College conducted a study involving 729 subjects, of whom 613 received chiropractic care and their outcomes ranged from good to excellent, indicating that it’s a positive and beneficial headache remedy. (6)

Walk-Ins Available Mon-Fri at Safe Haven Chiropractic.

5. Stay Hydrated

Most Americans simply aren’t getting enough water, which in itself can relive headache pain and symptoms. This simple (and free) remedy will keep you feeling full, energized and headache-free.
You can also quench your thirst and stay hydrated with fruits and veggies – some even have a water content that’s over 90 percent. Try adding these nutritious fruits and veggies to your diet in order to stay hydrated throughout the day:
 
    cucumbers
    celery
    radishes
    green peppers
    cabbage
    zucchini
    cauliflower
    eggplant
    spinach
    watermelon
    strawberries
    grapefruit
    cantaloupe
    oranges
 
A study done at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery concludes that there is indeed a water-deprivation headache. The study notes that while water deprivation is common and recognized by the public, it’s not described in medical literature. The research indicates that headaches from a lack of water include impaired concentration and irritability, too! (9)
So if you feel a headache coming on, consider your water intake and drink up. 

 6. Detox Bath to Reduce Tension
 
A detox isn’t just for cleaning your body, but also for ridding your body of toxins that will make you sick and can be one of the best preventative headache remedies . To bring toxins to the surface of your skin, make the water as hot as you can tolerate; then, as you sit in the cooling water, the toxins will be released.
 
You can dress up your detox bath to boost its tension-reducing capabilities:
 
    Add a cup of baking soda to hot bath water. Baking soda kills bacteria, leaves your skin clean and smooth, and minimizes skin irritability – making it a handy and inexpensive product.
    Add essential oil to your bath water – there are so many surprising essential oil uses and benefits. The soothing, calming, invigorating and cooling qualities of these oils will release any pent-up tension that your body is holding on to. Try lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, frankincense or sandalwood oil.
 

7. Stretching and Moving
 
Staying in one position for an extended period of time, like sitting at your desk or computer, can lead to body tension and create headache symptoms.
 
Plus, let’s face it, many of us spend hours a day hunched over, such as peering at your smartphone. This position, with your head sticking out, puts an extra 20-30 pounds of pressure on your neck!
 
Doing yoga is a great way to relieve built-up tension. Yoga clears your mind and loosens your muscles – it improves respiration, vitality and muscle strength, and it’s great for the circulatory system. If you feel a headache coming on, try a few yoga poses like the downward facing dog or child’s pose.
 
A 2012 study done by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Finland measured the results of a stretching program for 60 women. The 12-month program resulted in a 69 percent decrease in headache frequency and symptom intensity. In addition to stretching, the results were even better when participants added muscle endurance and strength training exercises to their routines. (10) 

8. Cayenne Muscle Rub
 
Cayenne pepper can stimulate your body’s circulation and reduce acidity – and it makes for one of the most surprising headache remedies. The capsaicin in cayenne is good for treating pain and inflammation — cayenne depletes the bodily element that makes us feel pain, called substance P, by stimulating a pain response in another area of the body.
 
When there is less substance P, the pain messages no longer reach the brain, and you feel relief. When applied topically, cayenne has the ability to relieve headache symptoms and relax your muscles. (11)
 
In the U.S. today, cayenne pepper is mostly used as a spice, but in many societies and parts of the world, it goes far beyond just flavoring food. For Native Americans as well as ancient Chinese, cayenne pepper is consistently used for therapeutic reasons.


 
Homemade Muscle Rub
 
Try this homemade muscle rub, it really works! It penetrates deep into the muscles, bringing both a soothing and relaxing sensation. This is one of my favorite things to use after I’ve done my morning high intensity interval training workout, and it’s especially helpful in reducing headache pain and tension.
 
Total Time: 20-30 minutes
 
Serves: 30
INGREDIENTS:
 
    1/2 cup coconut oil
   2 teaspoons cayenne powder
    2 teaspoons ginger or turmeric powder
    15 drops peppermint essential oil
    15 drops lavender essential oil
    Glass jar
 
DIRECTIONS:
 
    Mix all ingredients  in a jar in a saucepan with water over low heat and allow contents to melt.
    Stir to combine.
   Pour mixture into metal tins or storage containers and allow to set.
 

 In summer our thoughts turn to South Lake Tahoe’s great outdoors, and pursuits such as golfing, running, cycling hiking, rock climbing and swimming.

Being active can help you maintain a healthy weight, flexibility and good posture, build strong bones, and relieve stress. Recreational activities are a great way to enjoy these benefits while having fun. Whether you pick up a golf club or pound the pavement in running shoes, the important thing is to get moving.

Keep your back in mind, as you gear up for a fun-filled summer. Here are some tips to keep your back healthy as you exercise and enjoy the great outdoors this summer.

1:  Warm Up:  Before hitting the links or even the back garden, make sure you warm up. Do gentle stretches to limber up muscles and joints before lifting, climbing or swinging that golf club.  Give Jennifer a call at Club 100 for advice.  http://tahoeclub100.com/

Learn the Proper Technique:  Learn the correct technique for your activity, right from the beginning. Poor technique can cause injury to joints and muscles. For example, be sure to kneel, not bend, when lifting. For golfers, take professional lessons to rid yourself of bad habits in your workouts or lifting that could hurt your back.  Get in a free intro class at Crossfit 6250.   http://crossfit6250.com/free-personal-1-on-1-training/

Maximize Your Flexibility:  Maintaining good mobility for muscles and joints will contribute to your athletic ability and help prevent injury. Restrictions in muscle and joint function can hamper your technique and lead to strains and sprains. If you are a runner, take the time to stretch out calf and thigh muscles before hitting the road.  Try a class of aerial yoga.  http://www.thestudiolaketahoe.com/

Drink Fluids:  Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after physical activity. Remember that once you are thirsty, you are already starting to dehydrate. Dehydration affects your energy level and your physical functioning.  After your work out try brewed Kombucha or Natural Soda at Moon House Brew House.  http://www.moonhousebrew.com/index.html

Don’t Overdo It:  Don’t do too much, too soon or too fast. Take your time and work up your activity level slowly before pushing yourself too hard. This is especially true if you have been inactive all winter.  Training hard is necessary, but recovery needs to be even more important.  Take a rest day and enjoy the Lake and Rivers.  Check out Ski Run Marina for a relaxing day. https://www.facebook.com/SkiRunMarina

Cool Down:  Cooling down after any physical activity is just as important as warming up. Take 20 minutes for a brisk walk or a slow jog, and stretch out your muscles and joints before heading for the shower.  Better yet use the foam roller or get a massage with at Holly's Bodyworks.  https://www.massagebook.com/South_Lake_Tahoe~Massage~HollysBodyworks

Treat Injuries Promptly:  If you suffer an injury or experience pain from your summer recreational activities, ice the area to reduce swelling and inflammation.  Topical Magnesium, Pain relieving gel, arnica, ice and rest are always recommended after injuries or repetitive stress.  Check out Elevate Wellness. http://www.elevate-wellness.com/home. 

Seek Professional Help:  If pain persists, consult a chiropractor or health care professional to help you with your recovery.  Pain, Prevention, Performance are all affected positively with chiropractic care.  Myofascial release and kinesio taping are also utilized with adjustment to create healing in as little as one visit.  Give Dr. Josh a visit at www.safehavenchiropractic.com.