The Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care vs. Medical Care

With a shaky economy and the unknown future of healthcare in the US, consumers need better options in relieving pain and promoting health. A visit to a medical office for neck or low back pain can quickly progress to medication dependence and thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Chiropractic care is growing in popularity due to its approach to wellness and prevention healthcare, not reaction medicine. As more research reveals the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care for treating neuromusculoskeletal complaints such as neck and low back pain, more insurances are including it as a covered benefit, and more medical doctors are referring their patients to chiropractors for relief.

Medical care is expensive!

An average visit to a medical office ranges from $60 to $300+ depending on the doctor and nature of the visit. Even with insurance coverage, a deductible or large co-pay can quickly add up to a deep hole in your wallet. You leave the office only to go to a pharmacy to purchase prescription medications that may be harmful and/or addictive. By the end of it all, you owe about $1000 to the medical office because you hurt your back gardening last weekend. The pain medication eases the pain, but does not address the underlying injury by masking it. Once the medication is gone, the pain comes back, and long story short you become addicted to medication. This may sound all too familiar to you or someone you know. For many people this is their current situation, the insurance companies continue to pay pharmaceutical companies to keep producing chemicals to keep up the addiction rates, a vicious cycle.

The opposite view of healthcare

Same situation, but instead of seeing your family doctor for the pain, you decide to see a chiropractor. A typical visit at a chiropractic office costs between $30 and $60. Many chiropractors offer a free or discounted examination and x-rays, something you will never see at a medical office. TOTALHEALTH of Naples offers a $75 initial consultation, examination, x-rays and treatment for new patients - visit www.totalhealthnaples.com for the special pricing.  The chiropractor's goal is to get you out of pain AND fix the underlying issue so the pain doesn't return. Since chiropractors do not use harmful medications, the pain relief may not be instantaneous, and can be discouraging to those looking for a "quick-fix." Initial treatment periods may last a few weeks but the overall cost of care still remains much less than going to see a medical doctor.

Chiropractic care saves you money and takes it away from Big Pharma

Recent research has been examining the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care among other natural alternatives (physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage) versus conventional medicine. A 2012 systemic review found spinal manipulation therapy to be more cost-effective for neck and low back pain when compared with general practitioner care, physiotherapy or exercise. A study in 2007 compared care costs of a patient under the direction of a chiropractor as their primary care physician (PCP) versus a medical doctor. After 70,000 member-months spanning a 7-year period, hospital admission costs were decreased by 60.2 percent, cost of days spent in the hospital were decreased by 59.0 percent, and outpatient surgeries and procedures were down by 62.0 percent. If these numbers were not astonishing enough, the costs associated with pharmaceuticals decreased by 85 percent when compared to conventional medically driven care. All of these comparisons were done in the same time frame, geography, and health maintenance organization product.

Get the big picture?

The message would seem to be clear, but only recently have insurance providers and the medical industry began accepting chiropractic care as a viable and cost-effective treatment for neck and low back pain. If you haven't been to a chiropractor in Naples, it's time you started. Ask friends and family to refer you to a trusted chiropractor or look-up reviews online for someone in Naples. The next time you need to see a doctor, help out your body and your wallet by going to your chiropractor in Naples, FL.

Dr. Michael J. Paralovos is a chiropractor at TOTALHEALTH of Naples located in North Naples, FL.  If you would like more information about how chiropractic can help you (and save you money!), visit www.totalhealthnaples.com or call 239.260.1426.

Article courtesy of Dr. Daniel Zagst and www.naturalnews.com

Long-term Benefits of Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression is a catchall phrase for back pain treatments that include nonsurgical options, such as traction, or operative procedures such as endoscopic decompression and laminectomy. The desired effect is the same for all three - to remove pressure from the affected discs of the spine. The long-term benefits of the spinal decompression will vary depending on prior spinal health, age, weight and the type of procedure.

 

Dr. Michael J. Paralovos, Chiropractor at TOTALHEALTH of Naples offers spinal decompression as well as traditional chiropractic care in his North Naples office at the Greentree Professional Center.  To find out if you may benefit from spinal decompression or traditional chiropractic care visit www.totalhealthnaples.com or call 239.260.1426 to schedule an appointment.

 

SYMPTOM RELIEF

 

Herniated discs, sciatica, and failed back syndrome are painful diseases. Symptoms elicited by spinal compressive disorders include radiculopathies, or nerve-generated pains, muscle weakness and numbness of the arms or legs. A long-term benefit of spinal decompression is the reduction of these adverse symptoms, namely pain relief, by removing pressure from the nerve roots. The Mayfield Clinic found that leg pain was reduced by 80 percent after spinal decompression.
 

Increased Mobility

Spinal disease is compounded by obesity, but people with chronic back and neck pain cannot workout without distress. Weeks following the decompression will entail rest and physical therapy, but the long-term effect is to increase mobility. A 2002 study featured in Neurosurgery highlighted the benefits of decompression, stating that 94 percent of patients either returned to full, painless mobility or mobility with minimal restrictions.
 

Decreased Debility

A commonly shared fear is that of being dependent on others as the years pass. Spinal disorders, such as herniated disc, can lead to muscle weakness and atrophy and incontinence, which preclude the ability to remain in the work force. Low back pain has been cited as the second most common reason people miss work. Decreased pain and mobility will lead to the long-term benefit of the ability to continue working.

 

Dr. Michael J. Paralovos, Chiropractor at TOTALHEALTH of Naples offers spinal decompression as well as traditional chiropractic care in his North Naples office at the Greentree Professional Center.  To find out if you may benefit from spinal decompression or traditional chiropractic care visit www.totalhealthnaples.com or call 239.260.1426 to schedule an appointment.

 

Article courtesy of www.livestrong.com and Juliet Wilkinson

Chiropractic Care Versus Doctor of Chiropractic

There are many misconceptions about what chiropractic is or what a chiropractor does.  To be specific, chiropractic care is one of the treatment services provided by a doctor or chiropractic (chiropractor/chiropractic physician).  This article, written by Dr. Michael J. Paralovos, Naples chiropractor, explains the differences.

Chiropractic care is best recognized as the adjustments (spinal manipulations) applied to vertebral subluxations of the spinal column.  A vertebral subluxation is best defined as fixation, stiffness or misalignment of at least one vertebra of the spine resulting in aberrant nerve impulses and spinal motion.  These adjustments come in different forms and application.  Traditionally the diversified/ manual adjustment is what people commonly think of when they hear the term chiropractic.  This maneuver can be thought of being aggressive and accompanied with an audible sound.  Other adjustments can be applied via computerized instruments, drop tables and low force manual adjustments.  The chiropractic adjustment is a powerful modality to help alleviate spinal pain, increase spinal range of motion and reduce subluxations.  Though it’s efficacy, the chiropractic adjustment is just one specialty that the chiropractor utilizes.

On the other hand the doctor of chiropractic has the privilege to work as a portal of entry provider, perform work and school physicals, provide chiropractic adjustments and perform physical therapy, make nutritional recommendations, order MRIs and other advanced diagnostic tests, order labs and refer to other healthcare providers when necessary to name but a few services.  With this being said, not all chiropractors perform exactly the same treatment.  All chiropractors have the patient’s best interest in mind but have different approaches to achieving results.  At TOTALHEALTH of Naples, chiropractic · functional rehab, we utilize traditional chiropractic adjustments along with physical therapy rehab procedures to help maximize treatment outcomes.  We also encompass spinal decompression therapy, which helps heal damaged/spinal discs without the use of chiropractic adjustments.

So the next time you hear chiropractic or chiropractor, don’t assume you’ll automatically be adjusted.  As mentioned above the chiropractor is capable of performing more than just chiropractic treatments. As research continues to validate non-allopathic healthcare expect much more from your chiropractor.

TOTALHEALTH of Naples is located in North Naples in the Greentree Professional Center.  Our chiropractor, Dr. Michael J. Paralovos is accepting new patients from the Naples area.  Please visit our website www.totalhealthnaples.com or call 239.260.1426 to schedule your appointment today. 

*For more info on the scope of practice lookup Florida statute 460.00

7 Bad Habits That Cause Back Pain

This is a great article from www.everydayhealth.com.  It discusses the 7 bad habits to kick to prevent back pain. You may also visit a Naples chiropractor for preventative and rehabilitative back care.  TOTALHEALTH of Naples can help with lower back pain through chiropractic treatment. Visit www.totalhealthnaples.com or call 239.260.1426 to schedule an appointment today.  When you're in the throes of back pain or simply want to ward it off, avoiding these habits will help protect and strengthen your back and your entire body.  The numbers are astounding: Back pain will affect 80 percent of us at some point in our lives. And whether it's a dull ache or a sharp stabbing sensation, back pain comes in all shapes and sizes.  But if you don't yet have back pain, you might be surprised to learn that an obvious injury isn't the only cause. Often it can result from repeated behaviors that stress your body.  If you're battling back pain now — or if you want to take steps to prevent an achy back — make the effort to undo these seven bad habits: Not exercising. "The failure to perform any exercise, particularly abdominal strengthening exercises, may lead to poor posture and increased low back pain," says Nancy E. Epstein, MD, chief of neurosurgical spine and education at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y. and clinical professor of neurological surgery at The Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, N.Y. Good exercises for back pain prevention include pilates or other trunk or "core" strengthening activities that can increase stability in the back muscles. Cardiovascular exercises such as swimming, walking, and bicycling are also recommended, along with movements that improve flexibility. Bad posture. "Poor posture can add strain to muscles and put stress on the spine," says Tae M. Shin, MD, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Los Angeles. Over time, he adds, the stress of poor posture can actually change the anatomical characteristics of the spine. To avoid back injuries, try to stand with your knees slightly bent and one foot forward to take pressure off the lower back and reduce back strain. When sitting, Dr. Shin advises sitting with your hips slightly higher than your knees. Lifting incorrectly. Often back injuries occur when we try to lift heavy objects and do so incorrectly. Bend your knees and use the power of your legs, keeping the weight close to the body. Also, be sure to avoid twisting. Being overweight. Keep your weight under control for back pain prevention. "Being overweight, especially in the mid-section, shifts your entire center of gravity forward and puts additional strain on your back muscles," says Shin. Try to stay within 10 pounds of your ideal weight to avoid experiencing unnecessary back pain. Exercise and a healthy diet can help toward this goal. Smoking. Nicotine restricts the flow of blood to the discs that cushion your vertebrae and increases the rate of degenerative change, says Shin. Cigarette smoking also reduces calcium absorption and prevents new bone growth, leaving smokers with double the risk of an osteoporotic fracture compared with non-smokers. Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential for bone strength. If you don't get enough calcium and vitamin D in your daily diet, discuss the possibility of supplements with your doctor. Being sedentary. Limiting activity as a means of pain management when you're experiencing back pain can be counterproductive. Activity increases blood flow to the affected area, decreasing inflammation and reducing muscle tension, says Shin. When you're in the throes of back pain or simply want to ward it off, avoiding these habits will help protect and strengthen your back and your entire body.  You may also visit a Naples chiropractor for preventative and rehabilitative back care.  Total Health of Naples can help with lower back pain through chiropractic treatment.  Visit www.totalhealthnaples.com or call 239.260.1426 to schedule an appointment today.  By Kristen Stewart Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH http://www.everydayhealth.com/back-pain/7-bad-habits-that-cause-back-pain.aspx

 

 

Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Right For You?

Dr. Michael J. Paralovos, chiropractor at TOTALHEALTH of Naples Chiropractic and Functional Rehab discusses the different spinal decompression options most commonly available in Naples, FL.

To find out if you are a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression and you live in the Naples, FL area, please call TOTALHEALTH of Naples to schedule a consultation 239.260.1426 or visit our website www.totalhealthnaples.com

Non-surgical spinal decompression is an optimal alternative approach to helping sufferers of low back and neck pain caused by herniated/bulging discs and the consequences of spinal stenosis (neuroforaminal and central canal).  Currently chiropractors tend to be at the forefront of this technology and advancement in healthcare.  This is likely due to the fact that chiropractors are the leaders in non-pharmalogical/surgical spinal health and wellness.   

So what is non-surgical spinal decompression?  This technology utilizes a computerized traction system to target damaged/herniated spinal discs that are limiting the patient from normal everyday activity.  The system is programmed to affect the disc lesion at a particular level, ie. if your herniation is at the level of the fifth lumbar disc then the decompression table will be set to that area, whereas traditional traction would give a non specific stretch in the entire lumbar region.  Once programmed, the patient will undergo intermittent loading and unloading cycles over the course of 15-30 minutes.  This repetitious protocol allows for nutrients to be pumped into the damaged disc and allow for waste by-products to be expelled.  The protocol is also designed to prevent any muscle spasticity from occurring.  Treatment plans can range anywhere from daily to weekly sessions for 2-4 weeks.

Now that you are familiar with the concept non-surgical spinal decompression, let’s focus on the differences of the types of tables that are commonly used in Naples, FL.  Though there are many manufacturers of this technology these are the big three: Vax-D, DRX 9000 and the Triton DTS. 

Vax-D was the first device on the market.  The Vax-D is diverse as it allows for treatment of the cervical and lumbar discs.  It also has the capability to perform the lumbar decompression prone and supine.  Through the years it continues to show progress and continues to attract people based on its reputation and effectiveness.  Generally this service is not covered by most insurance therefore the cost to the patient can range from $2500-$5000 on average.

The DRX-9000 is yet another big player in the spinal decompression arena.  Based on a similar concept to the Vax-D, the DRX-9000 comes with more features that can WOW the patient.  It comes with a built in DVD player to help pass the time by and it is equipped with bright flashing buttons to make it appear hi-tech.  The best feature of this device is it’s capability to lower the patient from a standing to recumbent position, this is ideal for the extreme acute cases.  Unfortunately the DRX-9000 is not diverse with its patient positioning and has limited program settings.  Due to the high cost of the device and limited insurance coverage the patient can expect to pay anywhere from $3000 and up.

The third decompression device is the Triton DTS.  This machine is manufactured by Chattanooga, one of the leading physical rehab companies in the industry.  Like the Vax-D the Triton DTS allows for cervical and lumbar decompression and also has the capability to perform the lumbar decompression prone or supine.  This is the most diverse table of the three as it can swivel to target a specific side, this is a key feature as most disc herniations are not symmetrical and are usually one sided.  It can raise or lower to assist with patient mounting and dismounting.  The Triton DTS is also diverse as it has multiple programming which can be beneficial to the patient depending on their degree of pain, limitation and prognosis.  Besides the effectiveness of the device on spinal disc problems, the Triton DTS tends to have shorter treatment time as it has advanced non-surgical spinal decompression with improved technology.  Triton DTS treatment has some insurance coverage but typically is more cost effective to the patient than most non-surgical spinal decompression units on the market.

You now have some information on the different types of non-surgical spinal decompression devices that are available in Naples FL.  Dr. Michael J. Paralovos, chiropractor at TOTALHEALTH of Naples has chosen to use the Triton DTS to help his patients with back and neck pain because he believes it is superior to the competition and more cost effective.  To find out if you are a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression and you live in the Naples, FL area, please call TOTALHEALTH of Naples to schedule a consultation 239.260.1426 or visit our website www.totalhealthnaples.com

Also, check out TOTALHEALTH of Naples YouTube channel for a video demonstrating spinal decompression http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1P2Qed-f5c&feature=g-all-u as well as other videos on health and chiropractic.

Today's Fashion Can Be Tomorrow's Pain

High Heels and Back Pain

Mar 10, 2011 by Madeleine Edgar

PrintPrint

We all like to look tall, sexy and glamorous and we wear high heels to achieve that effect, but we don’t feel the effects on our bodies until later in life and don’t believe that we will suffer from those effects, even though our mothers had back pain and warned us about them!

What are those effects? Let’s start at your feet

• High heels throw the weight of your body forward onto the heads of your metatarsal bones. Your toes are continually extended and cannot contact the ground in the way they were meant to. Eventually this will lead to corns, a dropped metatarsal arch and even pinching of the nerves between your toes.
• Next come your ankles. They are continually plantarflexed (the foot is pointed downward) and this prevents the heel contacting the floor first, as it is meant to do. Your calves will be tight and this can lead to rupture of the Achilles tendon when unexpected strain is put on it, in sports or walking on uneven ground in bare feet. The ankle is in a very unstable position laterally (sideways) as the base of the high heel is often narrow and this can lead to sprained ankles.
• Your knees will be slightly flexed, not extending at the point of weight bearing to transmit the body weight directly down through the leg bones (more likelihood of developing osteoarthritis) and not getting the required extension at the hip joint.
• The hip joints do not move through the range of movements needed for walking, so all the strain falls on a small area, which tends to wear out more quickly (osteoarthritis again!)
• The pelvis. High heels tend to exaggerate the position the pelvis is already in-tilted up or down, which in turn increases the lordosis (inward arch) in the lower back or makes the lower back too flat contributing to spasms of the back muscles, back pain and uneven wear on the discs and facet joints of the vertebrae. It is very difficult to find the optimum position for the pelvis in high heels.
• The rest of the spine has to compensate often by rounding the upper back (kyphosis) to rebalance the body and the head often pokes forward to correct the centre of gravity, creating neck pain.                 
• Your brain will be thoroughly confused. The normal walking pattern is to put alternative heels to the ground first. When your toes touch the ground first, the right and left hemispheres get the wrong messages and this upsets the communication between the two hemispheres.
• Your skeleton cannot support you efficiently so your muscles will struggle to hold you up (often causing pain) let alone being free to allow to you do all the other things you do 

If you are suffering from back pain or neck pain, (possibly from your high heels!) chiropractic can help.  Please call Total Health of Naples and book an appointment with Dr. Michael J. Paralovos, chiropractor in Naples, FL. 

239.260.1426

www.totalhealthnaples.com

Article written on Mar 10, 2011 by Madeleine Edgar  source is http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/high_heels_and_back_pain

• 
  

4 Treatments For Low Back Pain

4 Treatments For Low Back Pain...
Check out this great article from O Magazine written by Dr. Oz.  It discusses the benefits of chiropractic, physical therapy and stress relief to help ease low back pain.

http://www.oprah.com/health/Dr-Oz-Treatments-for-Low-Back-Pain

If you or someone you know is suffering from low back pain, please call Total Health of Naples to see if chiropractic can help!  Dr. Michael J. Paralovos of Total Health of Naples is a licensed chiropractor in Naples, FL. 

239.260.1426

www.totalhealthnaples.com

5 Tips for Choosing the Best Chiropractor in Naples, FL

5 Tips for Choosing the Best Chiropractor in Naples, FL

Chiropractic is a profession with a large variety of practice philosophies and techniques, so selecting a good chiropractor can be a challenge.  Total Health of Naples Chiropractic and Functional Rehab can help you select a chiropractor in Naples by giving you a few helpful tips.

 1.     Competency and Experience:

When searching for a chiropractor in Naples, it is a great idea to check the credentials of the chiropractor.  Though all chiropractors receive the same education and are required to hold a state license, they must also complete continuing education every 2 years.  Many chiropractors go above and beyond the required continuing education.  They may hold post doctorate certificates or specialties that keep them current with the latest research and protocols.  You should be able to find their resume / Curriculum Vitae on their website.

 2.    Ask Your Friends and Family: 

A recommendation from a friend or family member is a great resource when choosing a chiropractor in Naples.  If your friend or family member has been completely content with the service and results that they received from their chiropractor, you may want to call their chiropractor for an appointment.  A referral is always a great way to choose the best chiropractor for you in Naples! 

3.     Meet the Doctor: 

It is a great idea to schedule a meeting/consultation with the chiropractor to determine whether you are a good match.  Is the chiropractic office clean and inviting?  Does the chiropractor look like he/she leads a healthy lifestyle?  Do you “click” with the chiropractor and staff members?  These are important questions to ensure you are making the right decision for your health. 

4.     Things to Look For: 

·         A chiropractor who performs a thorough examination and gives you a diagnosis

·         A chiropractor that will refer you to another physician if they are unable to help your condition

·         A chiropractor who has access to MRI, Bone Scans, CT and other diagnostic tests if necessary

·         A chiropractor that sets goals for treating your condition and re-evaluates during the course of treatment

·         A chiropractor who will dismiss you when your condition has been properly treated

5.    Things to Watch Out For: 

·         A chiropractor that uses scare tactics to sell you a extensive chiropractic care plan

·         A chiropractor that isn’t up front with you about your insurance or finances

·         A chiropractor that doesn’t sufficiently answer any questions that you have

·         A chiropractor that neglects to refer you to another physician if your problems don’t improve
 

Michael J. Paralovos is a chiropractor in Naples at Total Health of Naples.  Give us a call at 239.260.1426 or visit our website for more information www.totalhealthnaples.com

Neck pain study reinforces use of chiropractic, other conservative options

If you suffer from neck pain, TOTALHEALTH of Naples at 239.260.1426 or visit us online at www.totalhealthnaples.com

A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine finds spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and exercise more effective at relieving neck pain than pain medication. The research reinforces the use of conservative care options like chiropractic as a first line of defense against pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

The study was conducted at Northwestern Health Sciences University.
The study divided participants into three groups that received either SMT from a doctor of chiropractic (DC), pain medication (over-the-counter pain relievers, narcotics, and muscle relaxants) or exercise recommendations.
After 12 weeks, about 57 percent of those who met with DCs and 48 percent who exercised reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain, compared to 33 percent of the people in the medication group.
After one year, approximately 53 percent of the drug-free groups

The study also found that despite experiencing limited pain relief, people in the drug group continued using a higher amount of medication more frequently throughout the follow-up period. This finding underscores concerns raised in an April 2011 government report that indicated prescription drug abuse in the U.S. has reached crisis level.

still reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain; compared to just 38 percent pain reduction among those who took medication.

"Doctors of chiropractic have long cautioned against the overuse of medication to treat musculoskeletal pain," said ACA President Keith Overland, DC. "We continue to promote drug-free, conservative interventions for neck pain patients before referral for medical management that may result in side effects. Patients deserve to know that there are natural, drug-free options when it comes to pain relief."

Source: American Chiropractic Association

Back pain sufferers show quick response to chiropractic

If you suffer from Low Back Pain, please call TOTALHEALTH of Naples at 239.260.1426 or visit us online at www.totalhealthnaples.com

Patients with low back pain (LBP) undergoing chiropractic treatment who respond to treatment are likely to improve very quickly, study findings show.

This appears to be true for those with acute (<4 weeks) and chronic (>3 months) pain.
The researchers found that treatment response on the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale 1 week after treatment was a good indicator of outcome.

Indeed, patients with chronic and acute LBP who were "much better" or "better" on the PGIC scale at 1 week were four to five times more likely to be improved at both 1 and 3 months after treatment than patients who had not improved at 1 week.

The team also points out that "an important and unique finding in this current study is that although 123 (23%) of the patients with acute LBP and 71 (24%) of the patients with chronic LBP were diagnosed by their chiropractors as having radiculopathy, this finding was not a negative predictor of improvement."

Cynthia Peterson (University of Zurich, Switzerland) and colleagues investigated the outcomes of 523 patients with acute LBP and 293 with chronic LBP receiving chiropractic treatment.
After 1 week of treatment, 65% of patients with acute pain and 32% of patients with chronic pain reported that they were either "much better" or "better." The respective rates were 81% and 59% at 1 month and 88% and 69% at 3 months.

The most consistent factor predicting outcome was self-reported improvement at 1 week, which was independently associated with improvement at 1 month (odds ratio [OR]=2.4 for acute LBP and 5.0 for chronic LBP) and 3 months (OR=2.9 and 3.3, respectively).

Among the patients with chronic pain, other prognostic factors included trauma onset as the reason for LBP, a history of LBP episodes, and the Oswestry baseline score ‑ for every 1-point increase in the baseline Oswestry score, patients with chronic pain were 6% less likely to improve at 1 month.
These findings could help practicing chiropractors "make more confident decisions about patient prognosis based on how quickly individual patients respond to their treatment," the researchers report in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

"Chiropractors can also expect most of their patients with acute and chronic pain to continue to improve at least up to 3 months after the start of treatment, even if they are no longer being treated."

If you suffer from Low Back Pain, please call TOTALHEALTH of Naples at 239.260.1426 or visit us online at www.totalhealthnaples.com

Article written by Lucy Piper, Senior MedWire Reporter

The source of the article is from Medwire news with permission from Springer Healthcare Ltd. ©Springer Healthcare Ltd.

Non Surgical Spinal Decompression        

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a revolutionary new technology used primarily to treat disc injuries in the neck and in the low back. This treatment option is very safe and utilizes FDA cleared equipment to apply distraction forces to spinal structures in a precise and graduated manner. Distraction is offset by cycles of partial relaxation. This technique of spinal decompression therapy, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning, has shown the ability to gently separate the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. This "vacuum effect" is also known as negative intra-discal pressure. The negative pressure may induce the retraction of the herniated or bulging disc into the inside of the disc, and off the nerve root, thecal sac, or both. It happens only microscopically each time, but cumulatively, over four to six weeks, the results are quite dramatic. The cycles of decompression and partial relaxation, over a series of visits, promote the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal. For the low back, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back or stomach on the decompression table, with a set of nicely padded straps snug around the waist and another set around the lower chest. For the neck, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back with a pair of soft rubber pads behind the neck. Many patients enjoy the treatment, as it is usually quite comfortable and well tolerated. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is very effective at treating bulging discs, herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, radiating arm pain, degenerative disc disease, leg pain, and facet syndromes.  Dr. Michael J. Paralovos of Total Health of Naples offers spinal decompression - call today to book your appointment for non surgical spinal decompression - 239.260.1426. www.totalhealthnaples.com Source:  American Spinal Decompression Association

10 Reasons Parents Take Children To Chiropractors

10 Reason Parents Take Children To Chiropractors

Check out this great article and call TOTALHEALTH of Naples to book an appointment for your child today!  239.260.1426 www.totalhealthnaples.com

$20 School and Sports Physicals

In support of local youth, sports, and education, TOTALHEALTH of Naples is proudly offering $20 sports and school physicals.  Give us a call today to book your appointment!

239.260.1426

totalhealthnaples.com

TOTALHEALTH of Naples will be at the North Naples Green Market tomorrow from 8am to 1 pm. It is located at Our Savior Lutheran Church - 1955 Curling Ave. - just south of Immokalee Road off of Airport Pulling Road (behind Sam's Club). Stop by and say hi...we hope to see you there! www.greenmarketflorida.com www.totalhealthnaples.com

Chiropractic Tips & Advice To Improve Your Golf Game & Save your Back

July is family golf month!  Here is a great article from the American Chiropractic Association on how to improve your golf game & save your back http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=71.

Dr. Paralovos at TOTALHEALTH of Naples is a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute.  Call us at 239.260.1426 or book an appointment online http://www.totalhealthnaples.com/ to see how Dr. Paralovos can improve your golf game and save your back.     

TOTAL HEALTH of Naples is now OPEN!!!

TOTALHEALTH of Naples is now OPEN!!! 

The hours are as follows:

Monday        8:00 a.m. - 12 noon  /  2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday       2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday  8:00 a.m. - 12 noon  /  2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday      2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday           8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Saturday       by appointment

Please call us at 239.260.1426, visit us online www.TotalHealthNaples.com or email us info@totalhealthnaples.com to schedule your appointment.  Please mention this ad to receive the $75 internet special pricing.

We are conveniently located in the Greentree Professional Center - stop in to see the new state of the art office!

"Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases." -Hippocrates

Chiropractic Care in Naples, FL

Total Health of Naples will be offering Chiropractic Care in Naples, FL - Opening May 2012!
Visit our website at http://www.TotalHealthNaples.com