Chiropractic Health & Wellness Blog

Sleeping is very important - take care of your neck and back

January 10, 2018

Sleeping is very important since you should be sleeping at least eight hours a night.  Sleeping on a soft bed or couch can strain your neck and back muscles during the 8 hours you should be sleeping. Your spine is not adequately supported. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended since it can cause additional strain on your neck and back. Make sure you have a mid to firm mattress that keeps the spine supported and helps maintain your spinal curvatures. 

 The best sleeping positions are on your back or side.  A pillow can be placed under the knees when lying on your back to take pressure off of the lower back. A good pillow that supports the curve of your neck is almost if not more important, if you sleeping on your side make sure the pillow is keeping your neck supported.

We get patients coming with neck pain and Quick read more or view full article back pain after sleeping, one of the first few questions we ask is what type of mattress they sleep on and what about the pillow.  It’s amazing how many people tells us they know they need a new bed or pillow but after we get them out of pain and correct the spine we try to help them decide what is a good supportive bed for them and what type of pillow will work best for everyone.  Regards to pillows, start slow - we don’t think you need to go out a buy an expensive pillow with all the bells and whistles, but a pillow you feel is right for you. 

We would be glad to have you come and we can help you figure out what type of bed or pillow you might or should have. Remeber regular chiropractic care is always very important to take care of your spine.

Remember To Lyn Lake Chiropractic Regularly-Especially if you are ill, under a lot of stress, pregnant or in an accident or trauma. Remember, it is much easier to prevent having an injury or a problem than it is to correct or fix the issue.

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Some Often Unexpected Benefits of Chiropractic Care

March 24, 2016
Some Often Unexpected Benefits of Chiropractic Care


While many of our Minneapolis chiropractic patients come to Lyn Lake Chiropractic for better health in regard to their backs, necks, and extremities, many report that their health has improved in other areas as well thanks to their regular spinal manipulations. Oftentimes, it is in ways that they hadn’t even expected.

Fewer Digestive Issues

If you frequently have a troubled tummy, irritable bowel, or some other type of digestive issue, then chiropractic may help as research has found that chiropractic adjustments to the middle and lower back can help relieve pressure that may be placed on nerves in this region. These are the same nerves responsible for making sure your digestive organs function as they should, resulting in fewer digestive problems for you.

Better Heart Health

Many studies, such as one published in the Quick read more or view full article Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, have discovered that, starting from the very first visit, some chiropractic patients experience a lower heart rate as a result of an adjustment. That makes this form of treatment beneficial to people who struggle with heart-related issues, potentially bringing their stats to normal, healthier ranges.

Improved Reproductive Health

Are you trying to conceive a child, but are having a tough time getting pregnant? The problem may lie with the function of your nervous system, which is what chiropractic is all about improving and enhancing. That’s why reputable agencies and organizations such as the American Pregnancy Association promote chiropractic care with helping diminish fertility issues. And once you do get pregnant, chiropractic is also great for expectant mothers!

More Balance

This issue is a concern for many, especially as we grow older. While strengthening leg muscles, performing balance-based activities like tai chi and dance, and getting adequate sleep are often helpful to diminishing this problem, studies have also found that chiropractic can help as well. One even noted that, in addition to experiencing fewer issues with balance, some chiropractic patients also reported having less dizziness and reduced neck pain. Bonus!

Chiropractic offers many advantages beyond just spinal health. To find out what it can do for you, contact our Minneapolis chiropractic office today and schedule an appointment. Our staff at Lyn Lake Chiropractic will do what we can to help you improve your total body health! Read Less

How to Deal With Neck Pain Between Chiropractic Visits

March 21, 2016
How to Deal With Neck Pain Between Chiropractic Visits


If there’s one concern that we hear a lot from our Minneapolis chiropractic patients it is how to effectively deal with pain in and around the neck area. 

Sadly, this type of issue is prevalent for a number of people as one survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that, after back pain and headaches or migraines, neck pain was the third most common type of chronic pain reported. So how can you deal with this issue effectively (between chiropractic visits), if this is a concern for you?

For starters, you want to limit the activities that aggravate your neck pain, making it worse and causing the area to become even more inflamed. This doesn’t mean doing nothing as that can actually hurt more than help. Quick read more or view full article It just means slowing down a bit and doing less of those activities until your neck starts to feel better.

Depending on the cause and extent of your injury, light stretching to the muscles and soft tissues in and around the neck area can sometimes help reduce the pain as well. Two to try include a corner stretch and the levator scapula stretch. (Click here to see how to do each of these.)

Additionally, when you’re able, you might want to apply a cold or hot compress to your neck to help reduce swelling, relax any stiffness, and lessen the pain. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then remove it for a minimum of 40 minutes before reapplying. And never put the hot or cold source directly against your skin; buffer with a towel instead to prevent any type of external damage that could further instigate your pain.

Finally, if you have less-than-stellar posture which could be contributing to your sorer than normal neck, simply sitting, walking, and standing straighter can oftentimes help. This means paying attention to your spine no matter what you’re doing, making any necessary adjustments if you notice that you’re slumping forward or otherwise leaning.

Neck pain may be common, but that doesn’t mean that you have to just accept it. Here at Lyn Lake Chiropractic, our number one goal is to help our Minneapolis patients become and stay pain-free. If you want that for yourself too, then call our office and schedule your appointment today! Minneapolis Chiropractic at 612-879-8000

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Fun Ways to Increase Spine Health This Winter

November 27, 2015

Fun Ways to Increase Spine Health This Winter 

 

Most of our Minneapolis chiropractic patients realize that physical activity is important when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing your risk of disease. However, getting in enough regular movement is also beneficial to your spine. This makes finding fun ways to burn excess energy critical to lessening the chances that you’ll experience back pain, neck pain, or any other issues commonly associated with an inactive and inflexible spinal column. 


Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to stay physically active during the winter months if you’re an outdoors person because of the snow and ice we tend to get in this region, but that doesn’t mean that you have to hibernate until Quick read more or view full article spring to benefit your spine either. In fact, there are several fun ways to stay active (and healthy) this colder time of year. 


For instance, although fresh fallen snow may stop you from hitting the trails if you’re concerned about slipping and falling, you can still get in a great workout (and create some amazing memories) by joining your kids or grandkids in building a snowman or a snow fort. You can even use colored water in spray bottles to create a beautiful finished product. 


And if it isn’t the type of snow that packs well, shoveling the walkway or drive can be enjoyable if you prefer to engage in physical activities that also have a purpose. Certainly, it may be easier to pay someone else to do it, but the sense of accomplishment you feel when you look at all of the progress you’ve made is often worth the effort. 


Winter weather is also great for many fun sports ranging from skiing to sledding to ice skating, and more. So, grab the family or a friend and find a local hill or frozen pond and test your skills while having some laughs at the same time. That way, you can stay active this winter AND have fun while doing it, giving you a healthier body and spine. 


Don’t forget to keep up with your chiropractic visits too. Call our Minneapolis Chiropractic Clinic today at (612) 879-8000 to schedule your next appointment with our Minneapolis Chiropractor.


(As a side note: It’s always recommended that you consult with your physician before taking part in any new or higher intensity physical activity than you’re used to in order to ensure that you can do so safely.)

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Sports Injury? See Your Minneapolis Chiropractor!

September 29, 2015

Want to Prevent or Treat a Sports Injury? See Your Minneapolis Chiropractor!

 

While having any type of injury is obviously no fun, sports injuries can seem ten times worse. This is largely because, in addition to the pain and aggravation they usually cause, sports injuries can also keep you from engaging in the one activity that makes you smile and brings you joy. 

Quick read more or view full article style="font-size:14px;">So, preventing these types of injuries helps you live a happier life and one way to achieve that goal is to make (and keep) regular appointments with Lyn Lake Chiropractic, your Minneapolis chiropractor. How does chiropractic help you avoid sports injuries?

Chiropractic as a Sports Injury Preventative

The main reason chiropractic is such a great preventative for sports injuries is that keeping your spine aligned allows your brain to effectively communicate with the rest of your body via your central nervous system, which is housed in your spinal column. This means better muscle response, improved performance, and a whole host of other sports-related benefits in addition to fewer sports injuries.

In fact, research published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders confirms chiropractic’s injury prevention effect on the lower body. In this particular study, 59 semi-elite Australian Rules footballers were split into two groups. Both received medical and sports management, but only one (the intervention group) received sports chiropractic treatments—first weekly, then bi-weekly, then monthly—for a period of 7 ½ months.

Each athlete was assessed prior to the study, as well as at the end. Based on a comparison between the groups, researchers concluded that chiropractic helped lower the number of lower-limb injuries these elite athletes endured, primarily when it came to strains and non-contact knee injuries.

Chiropractic Also Beneficial Should An Injury Occur

Of course, in addition to chiropractic helping prevent sports injuries, it is also beneficial should an injury occur. That’s why an estimated one-third of all American NFL football teams have a chiropractor on staff with three-quarters of the teams having referred a player to a chiropractor, even if one wasn’t immediately available. 

The types of sports injuries that can often be treated with a visit or two to your Minneapolis chiropractor include: neck pain, headaches, sprains, knee injuries, tendonitis, shin splints, elbow injuries, and more.

To prevent or treat your sports injury, make an appointment with Lyn Lake Chiropractor today. We’re here to make all of our Minneapolis chiropractic patients feel better before, during, and after participating in their sport of choice!

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If I Need a Chiropractor After An Auto Accident?

September 13, 2015

How Do I Know If I Need a Chiropractor After An Auto Accident?

 

Here at Lyn Lake Chiropractic, we’ve had a number of Minneapolis chiropractic patients who have been involved in some type of auto accident, ranging from minor fender benders to crashes that have resulted in major physical trauma, at some point or another in their lives. Unfortunately, this really comes as no major surprise since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “motor vehicle crashes Quick read more or view full article are the leading cause of injury and death in the U.S.” 

However, the one question that is asked quite often is how to know if you need a chiropractor after being involved in an auto accident. So, let’s examine that more in-depth now.

When you’re in a car crash, sometimes it is immediately evident that something is wrong. For instance, you may notice that there is pain present in various areas of your body (such as back pain or neck pain associated with whiplash), which is a clear sign that something just isn’t right.

Or, you might begin experiencing headaches or dizziness, start to have difficulty sleeping, or are feeling just overall irritable. In these cases, even if there are no physical marks present, making the decision to seek medical treatment via chiropractic care is typically an easier one. Obviously, something is going on internally and it’s best to find out what it is so it can be treated effectively and the pain and other possible symptoms minimized.

Yet, when there is no pain present, and no other signs at all that you may be injured externally or internally, you are less inclined to get yourself checked out and assume that you’re 100% okay. While this may seem logical, the reality is that you could have actually sustained an injury in the accident and don’t even realize it.

The reason this can happen is that sometimes pain and other symptoms don’t come to the surface for days, weeks, months, or even years to come. Furthermore, not seeing a doctor because of a lack of symptoms can greatly impact your ability to overcome the injury at a later point in time as some studies have confirmed that delayed treatment can negatively affect positive outcome capabilities.

Now, some people believe that minor accidents (like the ones that don’t leave any marks on the vehicles or involve super-slow speeds) aren’t capable of creating injury that requires chiropractic treatment. But one study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found otherwise. 

In this case, the researcher found “a lack of relationship between occupant injury, vehicle speed and/or damage.” Specifically, even when crash speeds were as low as 2.5 miles per hour, physical injury could result. So, it doesn’t matter how minor the auto accident is, you may have an injury that needs medical attention to resolve it effectively.

In short, any time that you’re involved in a car accident, no matter how minor it may seem and how good you feel afterward, you still want to follow up with your Uptown Minneapolis chiropractors to ensure that you’re okay and that your spinal discs and vertebrae are still in their proper and healthy place. With a quick exam, Drs. Schreifels, Eckstein, and Jones will be able to tell what injury, if any, exists or if further testing needs to be conducted to make sure you weren’t hurt in any way.

We even have a 24-hour answering service which allows you to call no matter when you have an auto accident and get your appointment scheduled to come in. Remember…the sooner you get in to see us at Lyn Lake Chiropractic in Minneapolis, Minnesota after a car crash, the sooner you will start to heal and the better your chances of recovery!

 

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Success in the Business World With Better Posture!

March 25, 2015

Success in the Business World With Better Posture!

 

Harvard Business School recently distributed an article entitled, "The Power of Posture" stating that your stance, broadly speaking, signals to the world how energetic, confident, and powerful you are. Slumped shoulders, a slow pace, and a sagging belly are taken by the world to mean that you lack confidence, that you don't have much energy, and that you are probably less important, successful, and powerful as a result. 

 

These impressions may be neither accurate nor fair, but they are the inevitable results of the fleeting impressions. Before your next meeting, take a couple of Quick read more or view full article minutes to "power pose" by standing with your feet apart, hands on your hips, and breathe deep while you visualize a successful outcome to the meeting.

 

Depression and Energy Can be Contolled by you!

 

In the journal Biofeedback, a study found that simply choosing to alter body posture to a more upright position can improve mood and energy levels. The subjects walked down a hallway in a slouched position and then skipped down the hallway.

 

The whole group reported slouched walking decreased energy levels while skipping increased energy. The participants were also asked to rate their general depression levels. Those generally more depressed noted far lower energy levels after slouched walking than those who were generally not experiencing depression.

 

Increase energy throughout the day. Try the 50/10 rule if you sit a lot at work or at school. For every 50 minutes you sit, get up and move around for 10 minutes. Walk the halls with a colleague while discussing a project, take the stairs outside for a quick breath of fresh air or stand up and stretch.  

 

Aging - Your future risk of Disability and neck pain and back pain!

 

Did you know that your posture can predict your future risk of disability? According to a Japanese study just published in Journals of Gerontology Series A the shape of a person's spinal column may be an indicator of their need for home assistance later in life. If you knew you could do something now to change things down the road, would you do it? No one wants to require help with bathing, feeding, dressing, going to the bathroom and other simple activities of daily living later in life. 

 

To check your posture look in a mirror, watch the windows when your walking down the street, take a look and see how your posture is doing.  Some people tell us poor posture is from having neck or back pain, they feel better when the slouch or lean.  If you feel your having posture issues and would like some help correcting your posture with the help of chiropractic please feel free to call us or reach out to a chiropractor near you!

http://www.lynlakechiropractic.com/Chiropractic-Clinic-Care-Minneapolis-MN   Lyn Lake Chiropractic Minneapolis, MN 612-879-8000

 
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Chiropractic can help with stress.

January 14, 2015

Work, family, bills and other issues in your life can cause a great deal of daily stress. So why is it some people deal with these stress situations better than others?   Stress can cause your muscles to tighten up causing your spine to twist and roate out of place casuing neck pain and back pain - depends on where you carry your stress. Most people carry their stress in their shoulders and neck, some in their lower back, everyone is different.

You might be surprised to find that chiropractors are full of sound good advice on ways to deal with stress in your life.  When you are receiving regular chiropractic care and massage you will begin to learn that improving nerve and spinal function has a positive affect on your emotional, mental, and physical function in your life.

Chiropractors and Massage Therapist understand that problems with your spine and nervous system Quick read more or view full article come from 3 primary stresses:  Physical, Chemical & Emotional.  

If stress is taking its toll on your life, call your local chiropractic clinic.  Chiropractic care can help. We see many patients everyday with neck pain, headaches and upper back pain. It’s amazing how many of these patients tells us they didn’t do anything streneous to cause their pain.  We ask them if they have extra stress at work or home, and they usually tells us yes!  Our thought is, why not keep your body and spine working at 100% function so you can deal with the stress that comes at us daily!  Try Chiropractic!

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I just woke up with neck pain.

November 30, 2014

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints patients have when they come to a chiropractic clinic for the first time, second only to lower back pain. Neck pain affects all of us at some point in life.

Some patients come in and tell us they just woke up with neck pain. If you wake up with neck pain with very limited range of motion, this may be due to torticollis, or Wry Neck. Feels like muscle spasms in your neck. Torticollis (I just woke up with neck pain.) can be caused by exposure to a draft, changes in weather, trauma, stress, hard work out or after a cold or flu. When in doubt, seek chiropractic care to speed up your healing and get rid of the neck pain. 

Chiropractic care can help reduce the pain quickly, it's better than just thinking I'll just wait for a Quick read more or view full article couple of days, the sooner you get in the faster you'll heal. Why not is my thought, if you're in pain why not try chiropractic.

If you have any questions please feel free to call Lyn Lake Chiropractic and just speak to one of our chiropractors or make an appointment and see if we can help.

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Minneapolis Chiropractic Care for Neck pain

June 12, 2014

Minneapolis Chiropractic Care for Neck pain is a non-surgical treatment option that can help reduce your neck pain symptoms.

Some neck conditions that can improve with chiropractic care are:

  • cervical intervertebral disc injuries that don’t require surgery
  • cervical sprain injuries
  • degenerative joint syndrome of the neck
  • facet joint sprain
  • Whiplash

How Does a Chiropractor Diagnose Neck Pain?

Your chiropractor will evaluate your spine as a whole because other regions of the spine may be affected as well—not just your neck. Along with treating the spine as a whole, Minneapolis chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic treat the “whole person,” not just your specific symptoms. 

Before deciding which approach to try for your pain, the our chiropractor will do a thorough examination to diagnose the specific cause of your neck pain.

He will determine any areas of restricted movement and will look at how you walk as well as your overall posture and spinal alignment. Doing these things can help your chiropractor understand your Quick read more or view full article body mechanics.

In addition to the physical exam, you’ll also go through your past medical history with the chiropractor, and he or she may take x-rays or order imaging tests (eg, an x-ray or MRI) to help him or her diagnose the exact cause of your neck pain.

All these steps in the diagnostic process will give your chiropractor more information about your neck pain, which will help your chiropractor create a treatment plan customized for you.

Your chiropractor will also rule out a neck pain condition that will require surgery—if he or she believes your neck pain would be better treated by surgery, then you’ll be referred to a spine surgeon.

Chiropractic Treatments:

Your chiropractor may use a combination of spinal manipulation, manual therapy, and other techniques as part of your treatment plan for neck pain.

Below are some spinal manipulation techniques your chiropractor may use.

  • Flexion-distraction technique is a gentle, hands-on spinal manipulation that involves a pumping action on the intervertebral disc instead of direct force.
  • Instrument-assisted manipulation also known as Activator - a hand-held instrument to allow your chiropractor to apply force without thrusting into the spine.
  • Specific spinal manipulation helps restore joint movement using a gentle thrusting technique.

Your chiropractor may also use manual therapies to treat your neck pain to help relax your muscles, relieve muscle spasm and hopefully relieve your pain.

  • Graston or Active Release Techinque ( ART ) uses special instruments to diagnose and treat muscle tension which helps resore injured muscles, tendons and ligaments. 
  • Manual joint stretching and resistance techniques can help reduce neck pain and other symptoms.
  • Therapeutic massage can help relax tense muscles.
  • Trigger point therapy is used to reduce tight, painful points on a muscle.

Other therapies may also be used to ease neck pain symptoms.

Therapeutic exercises may also be recommended—these can help improve overall range of motion in your neck and prevent neck pain from progressing.

The treatments listed above are simply examples of possible chiropractic treatments for neck pain; your actual treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis. Your chiropractor should thoroughly explain your treatment options so that you know what will happen. If you have any questions please always feel free to ask questions and ask you chiropractor doing the exam to explain what and why they are deciding on your treatment plan or options.

Most chiropractors are there to help people and enjoy making people feel better with working with your body.  If needed medication and pain meds might be needed, conatct your medical doctor but for sure follow up with a chiropractor or P.T. to correct what is causing your pain.

If your reading this blog or posting and would like a Free Consulation at  Lyn Lake Chiropractic please call anytime 612-879-8000.  Or if you would like us to help refer you to a chiropractor in your area, call us we will help find you a chiropractor near your home.

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Car Accident Whiplash Injury And Treatment

January 17, 2014

Although whiplash is a very common occurrence in car accidents, whiplash injuries can also occur in sports, where impacts from behind are common. As a matter of fact, any activity or accident which involves the head being snapped forward and backward suddenly and rapidly can result in whiplash. Whiplash injury is a very serious reality for those victims.

Whiplash refers to an injury to the soft tissues of the neck and upper back including the ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness amongst many others. Upper back and shoulder pain can also occur. Depending on the severity Quick read more or view full article of the whiplash injury and the health of the person involved in the accident, whiplash injuries can heal within weeks or can linger and turn into chronic conditions that last for years and lead to pain and sometimes disability.

If you have been involved in a car accident and have sustained whiplash injury, it’s important to see a minneapolis chiropractor or medical doctor for a diagnostic evaluation and determination of the extent of your injuries. Most injuries are similar to those of muscle strains and include soft tissues injuries to the muscles and ligaments. Whiplash is a more complex injury because there may be damage to the cervical discs as well as soft tissue damage. Your chiropractor can refer you to a physician should the extent of your injuries fall outside of chiropractic alternative care.

Recent studies have shown that early movement and activity, rather than immobilization, helps reduce the symptoms of whiplash as well as encourage recovery of the upper back and neck. Your minneapolis chiropractor or physician may recommend the use of a soft cervical collar to help support the head and relieve pressure on the neck while ligaments heal. More readily available treatments for whiplash include plenty of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Ice may be applied for the first 24 hours, followed by gentle active movement. Over the counter pain medications are also helpful to reduce inflammation and pain. They are reliable and effective when used appropriately for moderate pain relief.

Neck pain and upper back injuries are one of the most common problems resulting from a car accident. Car accident neck injuries can result in symptoms such as pain in your neck, headaches, pain in your shoulders, arms or hands, reduced range of motion in your neck, numbness, weakness and slower reflexes in your arms and hands, and muscle spasms in your neck.

To understand car accident neck injuries, you have to know something about the anatomy of your spine. This is why working with doctors of chiropractic to correct whiplash type injuries makes so much sense. Chiropractors are specifically trained to deal with spinal issues resulting from impact trauma and much more. Through diagnostic examination, digital x-rays and hands on manipulation, your local chiropractor can diagnose, treat and adjust you back to optimal health.

Chiropractor focus on the treatments for different neck injuries using alternative methods of rehabilitation including adjustments, physical rehabilitation, lifestyle changes and wellness programs. However, given the severity of the neck injury your chiropractor can refer you to a medical doctor who can then assist recovery and alleviate inflammation and pain with medications and in the most serious cases surgery.

Typical neck injuries include neck sprains - whiplash where injury to the ligaments has occurred by virtue of being stretched or torn in the neck, resulting in a neck sprain, which can cause pain and stiffness. Then there are neck strains where the muscles in the neck are stretched or torn. Neck pain are typically called “pulled muscles” and often occur when the muscles are suddenly and powerfully contracted or when they stretch outside their normal range of motion. This can be the case in a car accident or even sporting accidents and collisions.

Lyn Lake Chiropractic -  Chiropractors specializing in car accident, workers compensation, whiplash injury, back pain, and much more.

Contact our Chiropractor for more information.

Contact us for a free evaluation.

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Posted by Best Chiropractor in my mind!

Active Release Technique - Lyn Lake Chiropractic

May 4, 2013
ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
 
How do overuse conditions occur?
Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:
  • acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc),
  • accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
  • not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia).
Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, Quick read more or view full article and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.
 
What is an ART treatment like?
Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.
 
These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.

Chiropractor Dr Ryan Jones at Lyn Lake Chiropractic is a Certified Active Release Technique Specialist. Lyn Lake Chiropractic is always trying to offer more treatments that may help their patients.

ART can help with:
Shoulder pain, neck pain, hip pain, back pain and more...
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Posted by Dr Kevin Schreifels

Whiplash Commonly Occurs - Chiropractor

May 31, 2012

Whiplash commonly occurs as a result of a motor vehicle collision when (typically) there is a sudden stop or slow down that occurs so fast a person cannot adequately brace himself or herself, even when aware of the impending collision. This is because the “whiplash” effect is over in about second and we cannot voluntarily contract a muscle quicker. The injury effect is worsened by several other factors including: 1. Small target / large “bullet” vehicle; 2. Too much seat inclination; 3. Improper headrest position; 4. A “springy” seat back; 5. A tall slender neck (females > males); and 6. Head rotation at the time of impact. Suffice it to say, in many cases, there is little one can do to avoid injury. So, how do x-rays help?

Let’s use a classic “rear-end collision” as our example. The driver (female) is seat-belted, in a small compact car, and her car Quick read more or view full article is stopped in traffic. All of a sudden, the car is struck from behind by a ¾ ton pickup truck (“bullet vehicle”). Just before impact, the driver, startled by the squeal of the tires breaking suddenly, turns her head to look behind the car via the rear view mirror. Upon impact, the car is propelled forward and she feels her head accelerate back initially, ride over the headrest (because it was set too low) and then accelerate forwards, without striking the steering wheel. Her head returns back to an upright position and the she reports being “shaken up.

” She visits her chiropractor and an examination reveals neck pain at the endpoints of forward and backward bending, headaches, numbness into the left arm to the thumb side of the hand and weakness in certain arm and wrist muscles. The chiropractor orders a flexion-extension cervical spine x-ray as shown below:

The x-rays are explained to the patient as follows: “…The middle image shows a reversed cervical curve when bending forwards but notice how little the spine and head have moved forwards? It hurts because the ligaments that hold the bones together have either over stretched or tore, which is called a “sprain.” If the head and neck are forced far enough forwards, then something has got to give. Either bones will fracture or, ligaments will tear, or both. When ligaments tear, the bones separate or open up greater than the levels above and below (see the 2 arrows). This creates a rather acute angle, like someone broke a stick (see the 2 arrows). Looking closely on the x-ray, the vertebra above appears to be sliding forwards (C4 over 5), which again supports torn ligaments and loss of stability.”

We realize you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for whiplash, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future. Read Less

Injured Workers Back To Work FAST

May 26, 2012

Injured Workers get back to work fast with chiropractic care.

Many workers’ compensation studies have shown chiropractic care to be superior to medical care in the treatment of on the job back injuries. Chiropractors have been able to get their patients out of pain and back to work faster and with lower treatment costs. For employers, this means that increased use of chiropractic care can reduce premium costs for benefits and contribute to improved productivity.

Injury in the workplace, following an auto accident or at home can be a serious matter. For your health and well-being, do not assume that immediate freedom from back pain or neck pain after an accident means you are fine. Too often, auto accident victims suffer ongoing symptoms years after the auto accident injury and insurance claims have been settled.

Employees may choose their health care provider for treatment of a work Quick read more or view full article injury. The Minnesota workers’ compensation statutes entitle an employee to reasonable and necessary medical treatment or supplies to cure or relieve the effect of the work injury.

Our equipment is the latest technology so that we can help you recover quickly and efficiently. We are totally committed to providing you the most comprehensive rehabilitation care.
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Another Happy Chiropractic Patient

March 6, 2012
John Farrell wrote: 3/6/2012 3:11 PM


Thanks for another round of outstanding services. When I walked in on Monday morning I was experiencing significant neck pain and dramatic decrease in flexibility (couldn't turn my head). One treatment put me 85% of the way back. It's now Tuesday and I feel even better. Looking forward to my treatment on Thursday. I expect that will do it.

I'm 51 years old and still quite active. The aches and pains from running, strength training, and dance send me to Lyn Lake Chiropractic 2-3 times per year. The treatment is always first rate, professional, and effective. If you want to feel better, do yourself a favor and come to Lyn Lake Chiropractic!

Patient satisfaction rate was 94%

March 5, 2012

Acute Neck Pain (Torticollis), Disability
 and Chiropractic:
Patient Satisfaction Results


The overall patient satisfaction rate was 94%

By
Mark Studin DC, FASBE (C), DAAPM, DAAMLP
William J. Owens DC, DAAMLP


 

"Acute neck pain means immediate neck pain.  Neck pain that just started. This type of pain comes on suddenly and affects the ability to properly move your head in its proper range of motion. One serious type of acute neck pain is whiplash - the sudden jarring motion of your head going backwards and forward. This often occurs with a rear end collision. Acute neck pain can also be the result of a fall, sleeping awkwardly, a trauma or even a fall.. Often times when someone has just strained or irritated their neck in some way the pain is Quick read more or view full article most severe. There is usually inflammation, immobility, and muscle tenderness. Often with acute neck pain, the muscles or ligaments are involved".
 
The “real life” issue for the patient who either wakes up with this debilitating pain or is in an accident that causes it, is that taking drugs without narcotics is insufficient for relieving the pain. With the narcotics, one can be severely hampered and may not be able to go about his/her life. It is often a double-edged sword; take strong drugs and compromise your life or don't take drugs, receive no chiropractic care and suffer.
 
A 2006 study examined "...the extent to which a group of patients with acute neck pain managed with chiropractic [adjustments]...and the degree to which they were subsequently satisfied...A total of 115 patients were contacted, of whom 94 became study participants, resulting in 60 women (64%) and 34 men. The mean age was 39.6 years...The mean number of visits was 24.5...Pain levels improved significantly from a mean of 7.6...before treatment to 1.9...after treatment...The overall patient satisfaction rate was 94%" (Haneline, 2006, p. 288).
 
"There were reductions in disability recorded during the study that were statistically significant. Approximately 84% of the patients related that their activities were restricted before chiropractic treatment because of their neck pain, whereas only 25% still had activity restrictions at the time of the interview. Furthermore, 57% of those with physical restrictions described their disabilities as moderately severe or greater before treatment, whereas at the time of the interview, just 12% did (Haneline, 2006, p. 294).

"When comparing trauma with no-trauma cases, Trauma cases received more than 3 times as many visits. This difference may be related to tissue damage that often accompanies trauma, which, many times, heals imperfectly. In addition, patients with this type of problem may have ensuing long-term pain and physical impairment, which further shows that trauma complicates the recovery of acute neck pain (Haneline, 2006, p. 294).
  
This study along with many others concludes that a drug-free approach of chiropractic care is one of the best solutions to acute neck pain and returning to a normal life.

Lyn Lake Chiropractic would like to share this research with you since we see a great deal of neck pain.  Many patients come in with pain neck especially when they wake up with neck pain.



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Neck Pain and Chiropractic Treatment

November 13, 2011

Female patient presented with neck pain that had been present for 2 months. The pain came on gradually and without a specific cause. Her vocation is answering the phone for a busy mail order store. She works 40 hours a week, 5 days per week and never weekends. Pain worsens with work, especially by the end of the 8 hour shift. Other pain producers include driving more than 30 minutes, reading more than 30 minutes, and washing hair with the head back. Pain improves with resting the head on a chair or pillow, moving the head in circles, 600 mg of Ibuprofen (repeated 3x/day), and a hot shower. She describes the pain as an ache with intermittent sharp pain that is becoming more frequent, “…when I move the wrong way.” There is no shooting pain into the arms or hands.

Sound familiar? This is a “typical” neck pain patient that Quick read more or view full article presents to chiropractic offices around the world. What is different is that every person is unique and each case must be individually managed. For example, some patients “hate doctors” or are extremely anxious about going to any doctor. This might stem back to a prior “bad experience” with a health care provider at a very young age or perhaps even a more recent event. None-the-less, the approach used in this type of presentation may be best if it is very methodical, reassuring, and fully explained. A “low-force” type of manipulation may be best suited for this type of person as “cracking” of the neck may be too frightening for this patient. On the other hand, a different patient may not be happy unless there is a “good crack” and will not be satisfied until a chiropractic adjustment is performed.

It is equally important in both cases that a complete explanation of,

  1. What is the condition causing the symptoms?
  2. What can be done to treat it (that is, “what are my treatment options”)?
  3. Will the proposed treatment “fit” into my busy schedule, financial situation, and my philosophy about health care?

Providing answers to these questions will usually end with the best results, as the patient will understand the issues most important to them and will have confidence that those issues are understood and appreciated by the doctor. In both cases, management may include

  1. modifying the work station by switching to a head set rather than pinching a phone between the neck and shoulder;
  2. evaluating the patient at their work station to check for proper posture at the desk, proper computer monitor positioning, etc. and making modifications as needed;
  3. teaching the patient cervical range of motion exercises and other stretches that can be done at the work station, multiple times a day, that only take a minute or two;
  4. cervical traction (if this “feels good” when tested during the exam);
  5. use of a cervical or contoured pillow;
  6. neck / upper body strengthening exercises;
  7. the use of ice as needed;
  8. an anti-inflammatory diet (for example, a gluten-free diet);
  9. nutritional supplementation, as indicated. Of course, most of the time, all of these approaches do not have to be included, but are options.

Neck pain, headaches, and upper back pain are conditions are commonly treated by chiropractors. If you, a family member or a friend require care, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our service. We are proud that chiropractic care has consistently scored the highest level of satisfaction when compared to other forms of health care provision and we look forward in serving you and your family presently and in the future.

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Whiplash Minneapolis - Lyn Lake Chiropractic

May 24, 2011
Did you know Lyn Lake Chiropractic Specializes in treating whiplash injuries. Due to Lyn Lake Chiropractic chiropractors are the Official Chiropractors of The Twin Cities Marathon and specialize in treating running injuries. People don't know we do Specialize in treating car accident injuries, whiplash injuries and bicycle accidents.

Whiplash Injuries Minneapolis - Auto Accidents MN. Our Chiropractors are Here to Give You Pain Relief!

Whiplash injury occurs when the body reacts to a deceleration or acceleration force by hyperflexion or hyperextension of the neck. Lyn Lake Chiropractic Clinic specializes in treating whiplash injuries, auto accident injuries and bicycle accident injuries. Whiplash injuries are very common in car accidents. Whiplash injuries occur, in part, due to the fact that the muscles do not have enough time to brace themselves.

If you have been involved in a car accident, whiplash injuries Quick read more or view full article need to be taken very seriously. Because symptoms of a whiplash injury can take weeks or even months to manifest, it is easy to be fooled into thinking that you are not as seriously injured as you really are. Symptoms from a car accident and whiplash can include anything from radiating pain into the shoulder, elbow pain, wrist pain or hand pain, lower back pain, headaches and more.

Injuries from Whiplash Trauma
Whiplash injuries can manifest themselves in a wide variety of ways, including neck pain, headaches, fatigue, upper back and shoulder pain, and low back pain. Due to the fact that numerous factors play into the overall whiplash trauma, such as direction of impact, speed of the vehicles involved, as well as sex, age and physical condition, whiplash symptoms commonly have a delayed onset, often taking weeks or months to become evident.

A number of conditions those who have suffered from whiplash trauma experience include:

Neck pain
Neck pain is the single most common complaint reported by our patients who have experienced whiplash trama. Often the pain radiates across the shoulders, up into the head, and down between the shoulder blades. Whiplash injuries tend to affect all of the tissues in the neck, including the facet joints and discs between the vertebrae, as well as all of the muscles, ligaments and nerves.

Disc injury is also a common cause of neck pain, especially chronic pain. The outer wall of the disc can be torn during a whiplash trauma.

Headaches
After neck pain, headaches are the second most common complaint from those suffering from whiplash injury. While some headaches are actually the result of direct brain injury, most are related to injury of the muscles, ligaments and facet joints of the cervical spine, which refer pain to the head.

TMJ pain
A less common, but very debilitating disorder that results from whiplash, is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). TMJ usually begins as pain along with clicking and popping noises in the jaw during movement. Our Minneapolis chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic are specially trained to treat TMJ problems. If we think you need additional care, we will refer you to a TMJ specialist outside our Minneapolis chiropractic clinic.

Lower back pain
Most people consider whiplash to be an injury of the neck. However, the lower back is also commonly injured as well. In fact, low back pain is found in more than half of rear impact-collisions in which injury was reported, and almost three-quarters of all side-impact crashes. This is mostly due to the fact that the low back still experiences a tremendous compression.

Healing from Whiplash Injury
With proper care, many mild whiplash injuries heal within six to nine months. Whiplash is a unique condition that requires the expertise of a skilled health professional specially trained to work with these types of injuries. The most effective treatment for whiplash injuries is a combination of Minneapolis chiropractic care and rehabilitation of the soft tissues .

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care utilizes manual manipulation of the spine to restore the normal movement and position of the spinal vertebrae. It is by far, the single-most effective treatment for minimizing the long-term impact of whiplash injuries, especially when coupled with massage therapy, trigger point therapy, exercise rehabilitation and other soft tissue rehabilitation modalities by Minneapolis chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic.

If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident, please get checked out by a good chiropractor!  We always recomend you to see your Medical Doctor and a Chiropractor since they both offer something different that can help you.

If needed we will refer you to other healthcare providers - Neurologist, Orthopedist and more.  When you come to Lyn Lake Chiropractic we'll make sure you get the best care possible. Read our testimonies for more reference either online with Google or checkout our testimonies on our website.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us anytime at 612-879-8000, we do have a 24/7 answering service.  If needed they will contact the chiropractors anytime to call you back.


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Kare 11 News Snow adding injury to insult

February 21, 2011
Snow adding injury to insult in Twin Cities

Kare 11 News: Report on 2/21/2011

MINNEAPOLIS -- Through all the snow that started Sunday morning, the accidents aren't just happening on the roads.

One hospital alone reported treating some 75 patients since Sunday due to snow-related mishaps. Those in the emergency room at Regions Hospital are seeing back injuries, heart attacks, frosbite and a whole lot more.

If you found yourself digging out, you're in good company, and a lot of company as well.

Shoveling can be an exhausting task, and considering the density of the snow, a back-breaking one at that. While every inch means that much more to shovel, it also means more weather related injuries.

"We've seen about 60 patients in the last 24 hours. Since the snowstorm started, we've seen a lot of injuries to the extremities, we've seen fractures, dislocations. Sprains is the majority of what we're seeing," said Andrew Zinkel, a Quick read more or view full article doctor with Health Partners Medical Group.

At Hennepin County Medical Center, they've received 23 patients to the emergency room with injuries from falls, frostbite, back pain, shoulder pain, cold exposure, hip pain, arm pain, knee pain, abrasions and head lacerations.

Visits to Lyn Lake Chiropractic heated up, literally.

"A lot of people coming in with shoveling injuries, whether it's low back and neck, sore arms and shoulders, hips, anything where people aren't used to getting out and shoveling every day," said a worker at the clinic.

Most people's muscles just aren't prepared for all of the twisting and the turning, not to mention the weight.

And while this may be the heaviest to date, despite our hopes, it's likely not the last considering we have to contend with March.

If your having any low back pain, neck pain, arm pain from shoveling give
Lyn lake Chiropractic a call at 612-879-8000 Read Less

My Fox News - ASK THE EXPERTS - Chiropractor

March 3, 2010
Chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic Clinic Provide Minneapolis, MN, Resource As Official MyFoxTwinCities.com ASK THE EXPERTS Sponsor

Lyn Lake Chiropractic, located in Minneapolis, MN, has become an official sponsor of myFOX9.com’s ASK THE EXPERTS Online consumer resource. Their chiropractors now provide information and answer questions about common chiropractic topics ranging from back and neck pain to massage therapy and sports injuries for residents of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) February 4, 2010 -- Lyn Lake Chiropractic clinic has become an official sponsor of www.myfoxtwincities.com 's ASK THE EXPERTS, providing people in the Minneapolis, MN, and surrounding twin cities metro area with valuable information on common chiropractic topics and questions.

We are proud to be able to partner with such a respected media outlet as Fox to provide people in the Minneapolis area with the information they need to make informed decisions regarding their health and wellness ASK THE EXPERT was Quick read more or view full article developed in 1995 to provide consumers with access to information in the areas of health, legal, financial, and home improvement. Currently, more than 50 media outlets across the country bring consumers this relevant information on over 100 topics. ASK THE EXPERTS is a community resource that is free to consumers thanks to local sponsorship from businesses such as Lyn Lake Chiropractic.
“We are proud to be able to partner with such a respected media outlet as Fox to provide people in the Minneapolis area with the information they need to make informed decisions regarding their health and wellness,” says Dr. Kevin Schreifels, Doctor of Chiropractic and owner of Lyn Lake Chiropractic. “We know that many people in the community trust ASK THE EXPERTS to answer questions they have about important life topics and feel that our years of experience allow us to offer valuable chiropractic insights.”

Lyn Lake chiropractic currently provides information on general chiropractic care, back pain, neck pain, auto accident injuries, headaches, sports injuries, pain management and massage therapy for Hennepin County and Ramsey County. Consumers can also submit questions to Lyn Lake’s team of chiropractors directly via ASK THE EXPERTS’ online e-mail form.

“Lyn Lake Chiropractic clinic emphasizes improving your health in an effort to reduce the risk of pain and illness,” says Schreifels. “We hope that the information we provide through ASK THE EXPERTS helps people find pain relief and tips for avoiding injuries in the first place.”

Lyn Lake Chiropractic clinic has a talented team of experienced chiropractors, massage therapists and personal trainers. They also offer a breadth of other services such as chiropractic for children and the elderly, chiropractic for pregnant women, treatments for headaches, running injuries, sports injuries, and other special add-on services such as nutritional counseling, lifestyle advice, and massage therapy.

To schedule your free consultation call the clinic’s 24-hour answering service at (612) 879-8000 or visit Lyn Lake Chiropractic at 2937 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis MN. The clinic also accepts walk-ins and “just driving by” appointments.

For more information about Lyn Lake Chiropractic visit www.lynlakechiropractic.com. Read Less

Headaches helped by Chiropractic

January 3, 2010
Most people with headaches treat themselves with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and naproxen (Aleve). If these fail to provide more than short-term relief (which they often do), other supportive treatments are available. It is important to remember that OTC medications may have side effects and potential interactions with prescription medications. This can lead to a whole host of problems and emphasizes the value of alternatives to drugs. Here are some of the most important (and effective) nonpharmaceutical options for dealing with headaches:


A Minneapolis Chiropractor:  I have never seen a headache patient who did not have some type of misalignment of the bones of the neck (cervical spine). It is amazing how much muscle spasm and tension can be caused by misaligned bones. When bones are even slightly out of alignment, the muscles attached to them become stressed, so they become tight. Tight Quick read more or view full article muscles restrict the flow of information through the nerves and circulation through the blood vessels. This can contribute to all sorts of problems, including headaches and neck pain.

Having your chiropractor adjust those spinal bones back into their normal alignment will reset your system. The joints will have better movement, the muscles can begin to relax on their own and the circulation and nervous systems can start to flow again. The spine and the bones of the extremities really do hold the key to feeling good for the long term.

Massage Therapy: A good therapeutic massage by a certified massage therapist can relax muscle tissue, improve circulation, and clear out the toxins that are trying to drain (lymphatic system). It is astonishing how much muscle tension accompanies any type of headache in the body. The muscles of the neck and upper back are among the most powerful in the body. After all, they have to hold up the head, which can weigh as much as a bowling ball.

When chiropractic and massage work together, patients will respond especially well to care. Consider having chiropractic and massage treatments within 36 hours of each other. This way, the adjustments and the muscle relaxation can work together.

Ergonomics:  Daily habits and body positions are extremely important when it comes to preventing headaches. For example, for many people, headaches start with something as simple as their pillow. In general, sleeping on your back is best with a pillow under your neck and head. If you are going to sleep on your side, the pillow needs to be wide enough to span the distance between your shoulders and neck. Custom-made pillows are now available to help give you the proper support you need. Ask your chiropractor for guidance in this area to help ensure you get the pillow that's best for you.

Your computer desk or workstation and telephone setup also need to be examined. Improper keyboard and monitor placement can cause eye strain and make you crane your neck for hours on end. A chair that is not adjusted properly or fit to your body type can stress the entire body, including the neck. All of these factors can contribute to headaches.

Exercise: Performed correctly, specific exercises can help strengthen upper back and neck muscles and improve posture, which will reduce the risk of muscle tension and poor-posture-related dysfunction that can contribute to headaches. Exercise also reduces emotional stress, which often goes hand in hand with a headache. Remember, make sure that the exercises you are performing do not strain any of your neck and upper back muscles. Consult with your doctor about the exercises you are doing to make sure they are not stressing your body too much and creating further problems.

Which Type(s) of Headache Do You Get?

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and yet their causes aren't well-understood. A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain that many people describe as feeling as if there's a tight band around their head. As many as 90 percent of adults will suffer one or more tension headaches. Tension headaches are more common among women than men.
Migraine headaches - are the second most common type of headache. An estimated 28 million people in the United States (about 12 percent of the population) will experience migraine headaches at some point in their life. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty, more females than males are affected. An estimated 6 percent of men and up to 18 percent of women will experience a migraine headache during their lifetime.

Cluster headaches are so named because the attacks come in groups. The pain arrives with little, if any, warning, and has been described as the most severe and intense of any headache type. It generally lasts from 30-45 minutes, although it might persist for several hours before disappearing. Unfortunately, the pain can recur later in the day. Most sufferers experience one to four headaches a day during a cluster period.

Cluster headaches frequently surface during the morning or late at night; the cluster cycle can last weeks or months and then can disappear for months or years. It is estimated that less than 1 percent of the population are victims of cluster headaches. More men (about five to one) than women suffer from cluster headaches.
There is no doubt that headaches of all types affect quality of life. Some people have occasional headaches that resolve quickly, while others are debilitated. Tension, migraine, and cluster headaches are not life-threatening. However, due to the quality and intensity of the pain, people often have trouble concentrating, and their work and home life suffer. In many cases, you hear of people having to go to sleep in order to make the headache disappear, which can be difficult to do when you're in pain.

What You Can Do to Get Rid of Headaches?

Most people with headaches treat themselves with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as asprin (Motrin, Advil), (Tylenol) and  (Aleve). If these fail to provide more than short-term relief (which they often do), other supportive treatments are available. It is important to remember that OTC medications may have side effects and potential interactions with prescription medications. This can lead to a whole host of problems and emphasizes the value of alternatives to drugs.

Here are some of the most important (and effective) nonpharmaceutical options for dealing with headaches:

Chiropractic: I have never seen a headache patient who did not have some type of misalignment of the bones of the neck (cervical spine) which can cause neck pain and headaches. It is amazing how much muscle spasm and tension can be caused by misaligned bones. When bones are even slightly out of alignment, the muscles attached to them become stressed, so they become tight. Tight muscles restrict the flow of information through the nerves and circulation through the blood vessels. This can contribute to all sorts of problems, including headaches and neck pain.

Having your chiropractor adjust those spinal bones back into their normal alignment will reset your system. The joints will have better movement, the muscles can begin to relax on their own and the circulation and nervous systems can start to flow again. The spine and the bones of the extremities really do hold the key to feeling good for the long term.

Massage Therapy: A good therapeutic massage by a certified massage therapist can relax muscle tissue, improve circulation, and clear out the toxins that are trying to drain (lymphatic system). It is astonishing how much muscle tension accompanies any type of headache in the body. The muscles of the neck and upper back are among the most powerful in the body. After all, they have to hold up the head, which can weigh as much as a bowling ball.

When chiropractic and massage work together, patients will respond especially well to care. I suggest to my patients that they should have their massage and chiropractic treatments within 36 hours of each other. This way, the adjustments and the muscle relaxation can work together.

Ergonomics: Daily habits and body positions are extremely important when it comes to preventing headaches. For example, I have found that for many people, headaches start with something as simple as their pillow. In general, sleeping on your back is best with a pillow under your neck and head. If you are going to sleep on your side, the pillow needs to be wide enough to span the distance between your shoulders and neck. Custom-made pillows are now available to help give you the proper support you need. Ask your chiropractor for guidance in this area to help ensure you get the pillow that's best for you.

Your computer desk or workstation and telephone setup also need to be examined. Improper keyboard and monitor placement can cause eye strain and make you crane your neck for hours on end. A chair that is not adjusted properly or fit to your body type can stress the entire body, including the neck. All of these factors can contribute to headaches.

Exercise: Performed correctly, specific exercises can help strengthen upper back and neck muscles and improve posture, which will reduce the risk of muscle tension and poor-posture-related dysfunction that can contribute to headaches. Exercise also reduces emotional stress, which often goes hand in hand with a headache. Remember, make sure that the exercises you are performing do not strain any of your neck and upper back muscles. I often recommend my patients who are starting a fitness routine for the first time to consult with a personal trainer or physical therapist for at least 3-5 sessions to learn the proper techniques for exercises. For those of you already exercising, consult with your doctor about the exercises you are doing to make sure they are not stressing your body too much and creating further problems. Call your local Minneapolis chiropractor.

LYN LAKE CHIROPRACTIC
2937 LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55408 
612.879.8000 

www.lynlakechiropractic.com Read Less

Whiplash, auto injury - minneapolis chiropractic

November 11, 2009
Auto Injuries:

According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 1/3 of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA's) seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic. This is an impressive number given that the National Safety Council (NSC) has determined there to be more than 12 million MVA's annually involving
more than 20 million vehicles.

The reason individuals like yourself choose chiropractic care for treatment of injuries sustained in MVA's is simple - chiropractic care is exceptional in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, especially of the spine. Since the most common injuries associated with MVA's are sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and ligaments, it's only natural that chiropractic be the treatment of choice.
Many studies have also found individuals injured in MVA's prefer chiropractic care for the treatment of their injuries. One such study evaluated 190 whiplash injury victims and found those who received chiropractic care reported treatment satisfaction of 100%.

1.Balla Quick read more or view full article JI, Iansek R. Headaches arising from disorders of the cervical spine. In: Hopkins A, ed. Headache: Problems in Diagnosis and Management. London: WB Saunders; 1988.

Minimum Accident Speed to Cause Injury:

Minimum Accident Speed to Cause Injury:Studies involving live humans have demonstrated that a motor vehicle accident of as little as 5 mph can induce cervical (neck) injury. However, other studies have shown that cars can often withstand crashes of 10 mph or more without sustaining damage.
Motor vehicle accidents can result in a number of very diverse and complex injuries and symptoms. This is due to the diversity of factors involved with the each MVA - i.e. vectors of the collision, size of the vehicles involved in collision, preexisting health conditions of victims, age of victims, size and strength of victims, etc.

Whiplash:

The Forwards-flexion and/or backwards-extension of the neck essentially
results in a soft tissue sprain/strain injury to the structures within the cervical
and upper thoracic spinal regions. When the initial impact occurs and the head
is forced in either excessive flexion or excessive extension, protective
reflexes cause the muscles of the neck to forcefully contract which "whips" the
head back in the opposite direction. The resulting injury often leads to
numerous symptoms, many of which are confusing and poorly understood.
Symptoms following a "whiplash" accident include:

  • neck pain, tenderness, achiness and stiffness
  • cervical muscle spasms
  • tenderness and nodules in superficial cervical musculature
  • cervical reduced range of motion
  • post-traumatic headaches (including migraine and muscle-tension headaches)
  • shoulder and interscapular pain
  • hand and finger pain, numbness and tingling
  • blurred vision
  • difficulty swallowing/feeling of lump in throat
  • dizziness and balance problems
  • lightheadedness
  • post-traumatic depression and cognitive problems

    Headaches:

    Headaches are the second most common complaint following motor vehicle accidents (MVA's). Like the many other MVA symptoms, headache may not be present immediately following the accident and may take several weeks and often months to eventually surface.

    Most post-traumatic headaches are thought to originate from the soft tissues and facet joints of the neck as well as injury or irritation to the nerves of the upper cervical spine.

    Back Pain:

    In addition to whiplash/neck pain and injuries, the mid and lower back are also frequently injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA's).

    Mid Back Pain:

    The mid back or thoracic spine is most commonly injured as a result of the asymmetry of most seat belt designs. As the torso moves forward the seat belt locks and the torso is forced to stop at the end of the shoulder strap. Because the shoulder strap crosses only one shoulder (usually the left), the side without a strap (usually right) is able to travel forward further which results in a forward flexing and twisting injury to the mid back.

    Lower Back Pain:

    The lumbar spine is also frequently injured, but the mechanism differs from the above. As the torso and pelvis move forward the pelvis is stopped by the lap belt. However, the torso continues to move forward which producing a shearing force in the lumbar spine. These injuries often result in lumbar disc injuries.

    Chiropractic care is a safe, natural, noninvasive, and addresses the cause of the symptoms. Our treatments also include active patient participation, and in some cases, lifestyle modifications. While we do focus on eliminating pain early on, we realize that in addition to pain - optimal tissue healing, restoration of normal function, and prevention of future recurrences and reinjuries - are equally important.

    Our treatments at Lyn Lake Chiropractic are highlighted by our use of many gentle and highly effective spinal adjustive techniques. When used properly, these techniques allow us to safely and effectively reduce pain levels, reduce muscles spasms, eliminate inflammation, restore normal joint motion and biomechanics, prevent or minimize degenerative processes, and minimize the likelihood of future recurrences.

    We also incorporate many natural and safe adjunctive therapies into our treatment plan to further assist in the healing process. Some common adjunctive therapies include ice therapy, heat therapy, physical therapies like therapeutic ultrasound and muscle stimulation, spinal traction, soft tissue mobilization, spinal exercises and stretches, and nutritional supplementation.

    Don't Delay! Call Today!

    If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, call (or have them call) our office immediately. The quicker you receive the care you need, the quicker your injuries will heal and the faster you can get on with your life. Don't delay, call today! Lyn Lake Chiropractic 612-879-8000 Read Less
  • Minneapolis Chiropractor- Pain Relief for whiplash

    October 27, 2009
    Minneapolis Chiropractor Provides Pain Relief for Whiplash & Other; Car Accident Injuries

    WEBWIRE – Monday, October 26, 2009

    Citizens of Minnesota no longer have to live with the pain of whiplash symptoms. Lyn Lake Chiropractic, a state-of-the-art Minneapolis Chiropractic clinic, has over the years developed highly-specialized knowledge and experience in healing patients of whiplash.

    With a staff of professional and experienced Minneapolis chiropractors led by Dr. Kevin Schreifels and Dr. Jill Field, Lyn Lake Chiropractic operates on the notion that life is motion and that you cannot let things like whiplash injuries hinder you from going ahead and doing what you love.

    Whiplash injuries, which are commonly caused by car accidents, are different from other types of injuries. Whiplash symptoms usually take some time before they begin to manifest themselves and when they do appear they usually take the form of neck pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, headaches, upper back and shoulder pain, lower back Quick read more or view full article pain, and fatigue.

    Chiropractic is known to be a very effective long-term treatment for this unique type of injury. The chiropractors at Lyn Lake use a special combination of manual spinal manipulation, massage therapy, trigger point therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and other soft tissue rehabilitation modalities to restore the patient's health and mobility.

    Ben, a Certified Personal Trainer, relates his experience for whiplash treatment at Lyn Lake: "They gave me the full treatment at Lyn Lake Chiropractic for my whiplash auto injury. They gave me adjustments, massage, ultrasound, laser treatment, traction, and a great rehab program which helped my body finally returned to me as it was before my car accident."

    Ben was not only happy with the high quality of chiropractic treatment he received from Lyn Lake, he was also thankful for the way the clinic's staff treated him personally, saying, "The amount of energy the staff, Dr Kevin Schreifels, and Dr Jill Field gave me was outstanding. The loft-like clinic is great and had a caring atmosphere. They made me feel like a family member, they cared about how I was doing and if I was getting better."

    Lyn Lake also offers other services, such as chiropractic for children and the elderly, chiropractic for pregnant women, treatments for headaches, running injuries, sports injuries, and other special add-on services such as nutritional counseling, lifestyle advice, and massage therapy.

    Lyn Lake Chiropractic is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and the Official Chiropractors of the Twin Cities Marathon.

    To schedule a free consultation, call the clinic's 24-hour answering service at (612)879-8000 or visit Lyn Lake Chiropractic at 2937 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis MN. The clinic also accepts walk-ins and "just driving by" appointments.

    For more information about Lyn Lake Chiropractic visit http://www.lynlakechiropractic.com  Read Less

    Lyn Lake Chiropractic - Torticollis, Neck Pain

    October 26, 2009
    Neck pain comes from a variety of sources.  We will go into the most commonly seen  problems here:
     
    Acute Torticollis ( sore neck ):  You and I have both had the problem at least once in our lives.  You know it when you get it, too!  You didn't sleep very well and you woke up to realize you can't move your head because your neck is so stiff and painful.  You may even have to hold onto your head to lift it off the pillow.  Wow, talk about waking up on the wrong side of the bed!  Well, as I said, you are not alone, and we can help.  Torticollis is the fancy word for my head doesn't want to move.  It is caused by the tightening of the muscles of the neck and, in the acute case, oftentimes associated with misalignment of the spine.  Torticollis usually lasts up to two Quick read more or view full article weeks.  None of us has time for that, so come in as soon as you can.  We will get you adjusted, on physical therapy modalities and massaged.  By the time you wake up the next morning you will be at least 50% better.  Usually it takes 3 consecutive days of adjustments to get you back to feeling yourself again.  Some cases are tougher than others, but we will do our best to get you back as quickly as possible.
     
    Chiropractors offers a treatment option for neck pain that is utilized by millions of patients. Chiropractors are doctors who specialize in the care of non-surgical conditions of the neck pain with gentle, time-saving approaches that address the mechanical (how the spine moves) and neurological (nerve-related) causes of sore neck pain.
    Why Consult a Chiropractor? ?Chiropractors are rigorously trained to diagnosis the different types of neck pain conditions and to then recommend specific treatment approaches for those conditions.
    Your local chiropractors are specialists in spinal manipulation—an active, hands-on care that returns motion to the spine. With a return of normal spinal mechanics, muscles relax and pain is resolved. Restricted spinal motion—meaning that the spine doesn't move as easily as it should—can cause some pretty sore neck pain.
    If you wake up with that neck pain call your local chiropractor or Lyn Lake Chiropractic and get out of pain. Read Less

    Neck Pain, whiplash, Lyn Lake Chiropractic

    October 9, 2009
    Neck Pain, whiplash and Chiropractic: Conservative Care of Cervical Pain, Injury and treatment at Lyn Lake Chiropractic

    Your neck, also called the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae. Incredibly, the cervical spine supports the full weight of your head, which is on average about 12 pounds. While the cervical spine can move your head in nearly every direction, this flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury.

    The neck's susceptibility to injury is due in part to biomechanics. Activities and events that affect cervical biomechanics include extended sitting, repetitive movement, accidents, falls and blows to the body or head, normal aging, and everyday wear and tear. Neck pain can be very bothersome, and it can have a variety of causes.

    Here are some of the most typical causes of neck pain:

    Injury and whiplash due to Auto Accident Injury: A sudden forced movement Quick read more or view full article of the head or neck in any direction and the resulting "rebound" in the opposite direction is known as whiplash. The sudden "whipping" motion injures the surrounding and supporting tissues of the neck and head. Muscles react by tightening and contracting, creating muscle fatigue, which can result in pain and stiffness. Severe whiplash can also be associated with injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerve roots. Car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash.

    Growing Older: Degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease directly affect the spine.
        
  •     Osteoarthritis, a common joint disorder, causes progressive deterioration of cartilage. The body reacts by forming bone spurs that affect joint motion.
        
  •     Spinal stenosis causes the small nerve passageways in the vertebrae to narrow, compressing and trapping nerve roots. Stenosis may cause neck, shoulder, and arm pain, as well as numbness, when these nerves are unable to function normally.
        
  •     Degenerative disc disease can cause reduction in the elasticity and height of intervertebral discs. Over time, a disc may bulge or herniate, causing tingling, numbness, and pain that runs into the arm.

    Daily Life: Poor posture, obesity, and weak abdominal muscles often disrupt spinal balance, causing the neck to bend forward to compensate. Stress and emotional tension can cause muscles to tighten and contract, resulting in pain and stiffness. Postural stress can contribute to chronic neck pain with symptoms extending into the upper back and the arms.
    Chiropractic Care of Neck Pain?During your visit, Lyn Lake Chiropractic will perform exams to locate the source of your pain and will ask you questions about your current symptoms and remedies you may have already tried. For example:
        
  •     When did the pain start?
        
  •     What have you done for your neck pain?
        
  •     Does the pain radiate or travel to other parts of your body?
        
  •     Does anything reduce the pain or make it worse?

    Chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic  in Minneapolis MN will also do physical and neurological exams. In the physical exam, your doctor will observe your posture, range of motion, and physical condition, noting movement that causes pain. Your doctor will feel your spine, note its curvature and alignment, and feel for muscle spasm. A check of your shoulder area is also in order. During the neurological exam, your doctor will test your reflexes, muscle strength, other nerve changes, and pain spread.

    In some instances, the chiropractor might order tests to help diagnose your condition. Our Digital
    x-rays can show narrowed disc space, fractures, bone spurs, or arthritis. A computerized axial tomography scan (a CT or CAT scan) or a magnetic resonance imaging test (an MRI) can show bulging discs and herniations. If nerve damage is suspected, your doctor may order a special test called electromyography (an EMG) to measure how quickly your nerves respond.

    Lyn Lake Chiropractic are conservative care doctors; their scope of practice does not include the use of drugs or surgery. If your chiropractor diagnoses a condition outside of this conservative scope, such as a neck fracture or an indication of an organic disease, we will refer you to the appropriate medical physician or specialist. He or she may also ask for permission to inform your family physician of the care you are receiving to ensure that your chiropractic care and medical care are properly coordinated.

    Neck Adjustments:  A neck adjustment (also known as a cervical manipulation) is a precise procedure applied to the joints of the neck, usually by hand. A neck adjustment works to improve the mobility of the spine and to restore range of motion; it can also increase movement of the adjoining muscles. Patients typically notice an improved ability to turn and tilt the head, and a reduction of pain, soreness, and stiffness.

    Of course, our Lyn Lake Chiropractic chiropractors will develop a program of care that may combine more than one type of treatment, depending on your personal needs. In addition to manipulation, the treatment plan may include mobilization, massage or rehabilitative exercises, or something else.

    Research Supporting Chiropractic Care:  ?One of the most recent reviews of scientific literature found evidence that patients with chronic neck pain enrolled in clinical trials reported significant improvement following chiropractic spinal manipulation.

    As part of the literature review, published in the March/April 2007 issue of the Journal of?Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the researchers reviewed nine previously published trials and found "high-quality evidence" that patients with chronic neck pain showed significant pain-level improvements following spinal manipulation. No trial group was reported as having remained unchanged, and all groups showed positive changes up to 12 weeks post-treatment. Read Less
  • Neck pain - Lyn Lake Chiropractic

    September 8, 2009
    I just want to say how great of a day we had at Lyn Lake Chiropractic.  We had many new patients thanks to patients telling their friends and family about our caring clinic.  

    We had someone come in with severe neck pain, she went to another minneapolis chiropractor this morning but he decided to take x-rays and gave her an ice pack and said to return tomorrow?

    I know this was a pitch to hook the patient. But why in the world would you not want to help this person in severe neck pain at present time ??- for petes sake. She came in for help.  I just want to say I'm sorry about people out there that feel it more important for the patient with severe neck pain to send them through more pain by telling them to go home and come back the next day so they can Quick read more or view full article toss the bigger pitch on how much you really need them......got me!  It's like going in for a hair cut and you pay them when you first walk in, but they give you a comb and say come back tomorrow and pay me again - maybe you'll get that hair cut???

    Best part of the story, she walked out of Lyn Lake Chiropractic 90% pain free today ( same day ) and she was able to turn her head. When she was leaving, you know you did your job!  "Now I can turn my head when I'm driving and go to work tomorrow ".  

    If you're reading this, if someone is giving you the pitch...run, let them see the back of your head when the door slams. This goes for all professions!!

    Lyn Lake Chiropractic will not give you a pitch. Read Less

    If you were in a car accident and starting to have symptoms

    With the weather changing and the roads are getting icy and slippery, there seems to be a number of auto accidents. If you were in a car accident and starting to have symptoms such as whiplash type pain - headaches, neck pain, increased neck pain when you're turning your head or if you have some new odd lower back pain, any of these symptoms could mean it's time to seek out some medical care and just get checked out.

    Our Chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic serving Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota know what it takes to help get you back to how you felt before the car accident.  

    Remember when the temperatures drop and there’s ice or snow on the road, allow more time to travel and for sure, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, giving you plenty of time to stop.  Quick read more or view full article Always wear your seatbelt. 

    Our Minneapolis chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic are specially trained and have years of experience in treating car accident injuries.  We treat St. Paul Chiropractic patients and surrounding suburbs.  

    If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please give us a call. 

    612-879-8000 Uptown Minneapolis or  612 - 378-1050 Northeast Minneapolis

     

    Lyn Lake Chiropractic Minneapolis, Lyn Lake Chiropractic Northeast Minneapolis and  Lyn Lake Chiropractic St. Paul, Minnesota. 

     

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    Having these amazing CCEP Chiropractors,

    Dr. Kevin Schreifels started Lyn Lake Chiropractic in 2000 located in Uptown Minneapolis just a few blocks from the four inner city lakes we have in the Minneapolis, which is a Mecca for runners. Anyone that is a runner, or training for a marathon, 1/2 marathon or one of the many 5k or 10k races that Minneapolis offers have ran around these lakes.

     Dr. Kevin Schreifels has finished 12 marathons, at least 10 1/2 marathons and many shorter races.  With his personal experience with Minneapolis running injuries and treating himself he felt with the growing city of athletes it was very important to add two more amazing chiropractors to help with healing our athlete’s.  Lyn Lake Chiropractic is the Official Sponsor of the Twin Cities Marathon for more than 18 years, meaning in 18 years with TCM we have seen and treated many runners.

    Quick read more or view full article /> Dr. Ryan Jones and Dr. Travis Shermer are both Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner. 

    Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner aka: CCEP -  Dr. Ryan Jones and Dr. Travis Shermer attended postgraduate education in understanding extremities and to better diagnosis and provide better treatment involving each joint. This postgraduate program is very intense with 105 hours , 7 weekend seminars with 7 written tests and then a final practical exam to be certified as a Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner, CCEP.

    Many patients that first seek out chiropractic care are looking for help with spine issues, neck pain, upper back pain and lower back pain.  But, once they walk into Lyn Lake Chiropractic and the chiropractors not only surprise our patients with the amazing care we can offer in helping with spine issues, but when they realize we also specialize and are highly trained in helping not only spine issues but extremities issue, these patients feel like they won the lottery.   We usually hear, this is amazing I didn't know chiropractors work on extremities. 

    With the combined 20 years in practice and having these amazing CCEP Chiropractors, Lyn Lake Chiropractic know they have the tools to help anyone that walks or limps into our clinic.  We can help with neck pain, back pain, headaches, knee pain, foot pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, TMJ pain and more.

    Lyn Lake Chiropractic chiropractors offer Active Release Techniques (ART), Graston Technique, Kinesio Taping - RockTape, dry needling, and other advanced rehabilitation offer better care to our patients. 

    We just want to say thank you to Dr. Ryan Jones and Dr. Travis Shermer for all the extra-long hours they have done to better themselves and Lyn Lake Chiropractic in turn helping every patient that comes in our clinics. 

    If you are looking for a chiropractic clinic that can help keep you healthy, or help get you back to being healthy give us a call.

    Lyn Lake Chiropractic Uptown Minneapolis       Call:  612-879-8000
    Lyn Lake Chiropractic Northeast Minneapolis   Call:  612-378-1050
     
     
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    Did you know we now have five Lyn Lake Chiropractic locations? If you're on the North side of Minneapolis, look us up! Or in the St Paul area, check us out!