If your feet and ankles roll inward (pronate), you could be headed over the cliff. Foot pronation, especially overpronation, can lead to various risks and complications. Overpronation occurs when the arches of the foot collapse excessively inward during the gait cycle, and even when standing still. While some degree of pronation is common, pronation can cause problems. Here is a partial list of the risks associated with foot pronation. They are common enough, that if you are experiencing any of them, you should have your feet and ankles assessed by a professional. You may only be a new pair of shoes away from relief of symptoms and less stress on your body. Foot Pain: Pronation can lead to pain in the feet, especially around the arches and heels. Plantar Fasciitis: Pronation can strain the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This can result in plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, arch pain, and difficulty walking. Sometimes plantar fasciitis will lead to cramping in the bottoms of the feet. Achilles Tendonitis: The excessive rolling of the foot can also put added stress on the Achilles tendon, potentially causing inflammation and pain....

The debate over barefoot shoes vs. arch support shoes is a sweaty one. When it comes to choosing footwear, the options seem endless. One common debate revolves around barefoot shoes and shoes with arch support. These two types of footwear cater to different needs, expectations, and preferences. In this post, we’ll explore the cases made for each and help you decide which might be the right fit for you. Barefoot Shoes: Embrace Natural Movement Barefoot shoes, as the name suggests, aim to replicate the sensation of walking or running barefoot. Here’s why they might be a great choice: Natural Movement: Barefoot shoes are designed with minimal cushioning and no arch support. This design encourages your feet to move more naturally, allowing your muscles to work as they were intended to. Improved Balance and Posture: By mimicking the natural gait of barefoot walking, these shoes may enhance your balance and posture. They encourage a more stable and aligned foot placement if your consciousness overrides any abnormal biomechanics, potentially reducing the risk of certain foot and joint problems. If the biomechanics and integrity of your feet is excellent, which for most is not the case, then you may reap the benefit...

What is causing my muscle spasms? You will find a list of more common causes of severe muscle spasms below. It is important to rule them out from least consuming to most, unless your symptoms are very extreme. For example, starting with electrolyte replenishment and ending with a trip to the neurologist. Leg Cramps and Muscle Spasms are different, but often confused as the same thing. If you are experiencing cramps (Charley Horses), watch the video below.   Muscle spasms occur for various reasons and can range from mild discomfort to more severe cases that lead to immobility. Some of the potential causes of muscle spasms that could lead to immobility include: Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Lack of proper hydration and imbalances in essential electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium can lead to muscle cramps and spasms. Severe imbalances can result in more intense and prolonged spasms that may affect movement. Great options for electrolyte replenishment are products like G2 and other gatorade products, and coconut water. Eating more vegetables is always a great idea. Water alone will not provide you with the electrolytes you need.  Overuse or Fatigue: Excessive physical activity, especially if muscles are not conditioned...

Read This List Of Chiropractic Dangers! The following is a list of the 20 most common accident-related causes of death in the United States. It’s important to note that the ranking and specific causes can vary depending on different years and data sources. The list below provides a general overview: (Source: ChatGPT) Motor Vehicle Accidents: Including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. Drug Overdose: Involving both prescription and illicit drugs. Falls: Particularly among older adults. Accidental Poisoning: Including unintentional drug poisoning and exposure to harmful substances. Drowning: Involving both natural bodies of water and swimming pools. Fires and Burns: Including residential fires and workplace incidents. Firearms: Accidental shootings and unintentional firearm injuries. Suffocation: Often related to choking or unintentional strangulation. Pedestrian Accidents: Involving pedestrians being struck by vehicles. Bicycle Accidents: Involving cyclists being struck by vehicles. Medical Errors: Mistakes made in healthcare settings. Workplace Accidents: Including falls, machinery accidents, and exposure to hazardous substances. Accidental Poisoning by Carbon Monoxide: Often due to faulty heating systems or generators. Accidental Injuries in Construction: Falls, machinery accidents, and structural failures. Accidental Falls from Heights: Particularly in construction and industrial settings. Accidental Injuries from Machinery: Including industrial accidents and equipment malfunctions. Accidental Electrocutions: Due...

What is the Y-Strap? The chiropractic Y-strap is a device used by some chiropractors during spinal adjustments to relieve tension in the neck and upper back. It consists of a padded strap that is placed around the patient’s head, with a handle at the end for the chiropractor to pull on. During treatment, the chiropractor will typically ask the patient to lie on their back while they hold the Y-strap handle and gently pull upwards. This action is thought to help decompress the spinal joints and stretch the neck muscles, which may provide relief from pain or discomfort. It is important to note that the use of the Y-strap is controversial within the chiropractic community, with some practitioners advocating for its use and others cautioning against it. Patients should consult with their chiropractic provider to determine if the Y-strap is an appropriate treatment option for their specific condition. Why is the Y-Strap Controversial? The y-strap is controversial because of how it “appears”. YouTube popularity of y-strap videos is very high, and these videos are extremely lucrative for those who post them. Many times, the videos do not show the back story, the evaluation, or the explanation for care, which...

Don’t spend the weekend in bed! Back pain can be pretty scary when it it strikes you hard. Incredibly painful, sometimes immobilizing, and often elusive with regard to the cause, it also affects as many as 80% of Americans during their lifetime. I’ve spent the past 21 years specializing in the diagnosis and resolution of back pain, back dysfunction, back and spinal rehab, neurological disorders, and poor human function and healing. Back pain is a prevalent condition that can be caused by various factors. Some of the most common causes of back pain include: Muscle or ligament strain: Poor posture, overuse, or sudden movements can strain or sprain muscles and ligaments in the back, leading to back pain and discomfort. Herniated or bulging discs: The discs that cushion the vertebrae can rupture or bulge, putting pressure on nerves and causing pain. Arthritis: Inflammation in the joints of the spine can cause back pain and stiffness. Osteoporosis: The bones in the spine can weaken and become more susceptible to fractures, leading to pain. Spinal stenosis: The spinal canal narrows, causing compression of the nerves and leading to pain and numbness. Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine can cause back pain...

Have you heard the term “Dysautonomia”? If you are feeling completely out of sorts, maybe you have IBS, heart palpitations, and fatigue? Maybe it’s high blood pressure, brain fog, and hot flashes? Read below and see if these facts about dysautonomia sound or feel familiar. Here is a list of 11 interesting facts about dysautonomia: Dysautonomia (autonomic dysregulation) is a medical condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls many of the body’s automatic functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. Because chiropractors have a direct impact on the autonomic nervous system with their adjustments of the spine, they believe that information on dysautonomia will be helpful to you. Dysautonomia is a broad term that encompasses several different types of autonomic dysfunction, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), neurocardiogenic syncope, and pure autonomic failure. Dysautonomia can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in young women. Symptoms of dysautonomia can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the condition, but they may include lightheadedness, fainting, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, and difficulty regulating body temperature. Dysautonomia is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed, as its symptoms can...

Dr. Lou has two ears and only one mouth, for a reason. Having a doctor who listens and takes the time to understand your concerns and questions is crucial for your health and wellbeing. Here are some reasons why: Accurate diagnosis: A doctor who listens to your symptoms and takes the time to understand your medical history is more likely to make an accurate diagnosis. Rushing through appointments can lead to missed or misdiagnosed conditions. Effective treatment: By taking the time to listen to your concerns, a doctor can develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. This can improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of side effects. Better communication: When a doctor takes the time to listen, it fosters better communication between you and your healthcare provider. This can lead to increased trust, better compliance with treatment plans, and improved health outcomes. Patient satisfaction: Patients who feel that their doctor is listening to them and taking their concerns seriously are more satisfied with their healthcare experience. This can lead to increased patient retention and positive word-of-mouth referrals. To boil it all down, having a doctor who listens and does not rush, is essential for accurate...

Sailing and back pain in Maine. Sailing off the coast of Maine is a fantastic activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It offers a unique experience that can be both exhilarating and relaxing, and allows you to connect with the water in a way that few other activities can. However, like any sport or physical activity, sailing can also come with its own set of risks and challenges. One such challenge is back pain. Back pain is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world. Over 80% of Americans experience severe back pain at least once in their lifetime, often more. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, and even stress. While it can be a minor inconvenience for some, for others, it can be debilitating and significantly impact their quality of life. For sailors, back pain can be a particular concern, as the nature of the activity can put significant strain on the back muscles and spine. Chiropractors are spine and nerve experts that use gentle adjustments to optimize function and performance in the spine, nervous system and everything that the nerves...

Pubic Bone Pain During Pregnancy Symphysis pubis pain (SPD), also known as pelvic girdle pain, or pubic bone pain, is a common condition during pregnancy that causes pain in the pubic area and sometimes radiates to the thighs and lower back. It is caused by the stretching and loosening of the ligaments that support the pelvic bones, which can lead to instability and pain. Chiropractic care can be a helpful treatment option for pregnant women with SPD. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions, and they use a variety of techniques to help alleviate pain and improve joint function. During pregnancy, perinatal chiropractors may use gentle spinal adjustments or other techniques to help restore proper alignment and relieve pressure on the pelvic joints, which helps to reduce inflammation in the pubic bone. They may also recommend exercises or stretches to help strengthen the muscles that support the pelvic area and improve overall posture (see video below). It’s important to note that not all chiropractic techniques are safe for pregnant women, so it’s important to seek out a chiropractor who has experience working with pregnant patients and who understands the unique needs and concerns of pregnant women. Like...