Chiropractic Care at JCA and COVID-19 in Maine
Dear Patients, families of patients and future patients, Our office is dedicated to health and safety. During this time of heightened precaution, we will be following guidelines set forth by the CDC and local and national government agencies. We are certain that with proper precautionary measures and safe practices in general, your care at this office will need no interruption unless you are experiencing symptoms of illness. Until healthcare facilities like ours, dentist offices, podiatrists, physical therapists, and private medical facilities are forced by the government or CDC to close, our office will remain open to serve in clinically appropriate capacities, both in-person and online. To be clear, our office will remain open only as long as we feel it is safe for our staff and you and your family to drive here, receive care and get home with the most minimal risk of exposure to anything. We understand that there is a great deal of panic, stress, and misinformation right now over this issue. Our goal is not to add to that panic, stress or misinformation, but rather, to let you know that you are safe with us and that our office is here to promote your health...
read moreDr. Lou’s story about his EMG.
Dr. Lou’s EMG experience. Dr. Lou’s New & Improved Empathy. Recently, in an effort to rule out serious neurological disease, I finally had an appointment today with a neurologist, who performed an exam and EMG on me. For many, the thought of this test makes them stressed, scared, concerned and fearful of the outcome and pain of the test. I was extremely concerned about the results. I now have a new appreciation, understanding and empathy for those who need this, and other tests for serious disease. What does the test consist of? During the test, one or more small needles (also called electrodes) are inserted through the skin into the muscle. The electrical activity picked up by the electrodes is then displayed on a monitor. EMG measures the electrical activity of muscle during rest, slight contraction and forceful contraction. Muscle tissue does not normally produce electrical signals during rest. When an electrode is inserted, a brief period of activity can be seen on the oscilloscope, but after that, no signal should be present. (Source: www.hopkinsmedicine.org) Depending on the results of conductivity, the doctor may be able to diagnose and/or rule out, certain conditions of the nervous system. When indicated, I...
read moreWhy Is Healthcare In Maine So Expensive?
The Cost Of Healthcare Is Too High In Our Country. Few people will argue otherwise. The cost of average care (the U.S. is ranked very poorly among developed nations) in the U.S. is out of control, and nobody seems to be able to prevent rising costs. If high costs equated to better care, that might mean something, but Americans are less healthy than ever. You work hard and pay a lot of money for your health insurance. You should be able to use it to stay healthy. Our office is about to revolutionize chiropractic care in Maine. A few years back, while traveling in Europe, I came down with a stomach bug after drinking tap water. It was bad. Eventually, I landed in a private clinic, with an English speaking doctor, who evaluated the situation over the course of 30 minutes and prescribed a medicine to kill the bug. Cost for the appointment? $18. Cost for the medication? $6. Was I her patient? Not established until that day. How long did it take me to get in to see her? Less than a day from call to appointment. The same appointment in the U.S., with the prescription, would have been over...
read moreDriving for UBER or LYFT with back and shoulder pain, headaches.
Uber Driver With Back Pain & Headaches 5 Prevention Strategies And Solutions Dear Dr. Lou, I drive for Uber and Lyft full time, it’s a great job, but my back is killing me and I have recently started having headaches. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks, Andrew T. Dr. Lou’s Solution Andrew’s problem of back pain and headaches while driving for a living is more common than most people think. Historically truck drivers and cab drivers have had a lot of back and nerve pain, sometimes so severe that it forces a career change. From the standpoint of prevention and self-care, there is a lot that can be done in a short period of time, without causing much disruption to your busy driving schedule. Take regular breaks – Short ones. Get out of the car, walk and jump around, get back in the car, get back to work. Sitting still for too long is bad. If your car is empty and stopped, get out for 1-2 minutes and move. This is great for prevention and relief. Heat your seat. If you have heated seats, use them! Heat relaxes muscle and your mind and is a good preventive and relief...
read moreAre Your Symptoms “All In Your Head?” Anxiety And Panic
Anxiety and Panic are as American as apple pie. You’ve probably been told at some point in your life that your symptoms are all in your head. That anxiety and panic are leading you to feel the way that you are feeling. As it turns out, the people who told you that may be right. A google search for anxiety and panic U.S.A. turned up this result regarding adults: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. Over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder. There are tens of thousands of lists online describing what you might feel as a “symptom” of anxiety and panic. Nausea Twitching, cramping, and achy limbs Numbness Insomnia Shaking and trembling Feeling of hot or cold, sweating Difficulty focusing Digestive issues Fear of dying, losing control or “going crazy.” Irrational fears. Fatigue Muscle spasms or pain Depression High blood pressure These are pretty common symptoms that could also be related to other issues. But what if they are all due to anxiety and panic? What if your stress level has been deceptively high, sustained and for a great deal of time? The result could overwhelm...
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