Chiropractic Care Delivers!

Merry Christmas to all!

Chiropractors are leading the way with real health care that’s designed to keep you well.  We know that regular utilization of chiropractic can reduce the need for hospitalization, pharmaceutical usage and overall global health costs!  The Alternative Medicine Integration Study was updated in 2007, covering the years 2003-2005.  The results of the original study were confirmed; take a look at these demonstrated decreases:

• 60.2% decrease in in-hospital admissions
• 59% decrease in hospital stays
• 62% decrease in outpatient surgeries and procedures, and
• 85% decrease in pharmaceutical costs.

Source:  Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, May 2007

Chiropractic care delivers, as one of our patients, Trish Anderson, tells us.

“I have spent most of my working career in dentistry.  After years of bending over patients, my back and neck were a mess.  I was recommended to Dr. Fico.  I thought, “Why not?”  I had tried everything else!  When I walked in the door, I knew he and his wonderful staff were my “angels” on earth.  This past year, I have survived a serious medical condition, moved and started a new job – no stress there!  I continue to see  these very special people who keep me going not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well.  They are the best!  We’re so fortunate to have Dr. Fico in our area.  I now know I was led to him for a reason beyond what I realized!  And as an added benefit, I’ve lost 25 pounds!”       ~Tish Anderson~

As we approach Christmas, what better gift to give than the gift of health!  Consider giving a friend or family member a gift certificate for chiropractic care or massage therapy.  Give us a call at 843-979-2273 (CARE) to purchase your Christmas gift certificates for friends and family.  They will love you for it!

God bless us every one!

Tips to Maintain Good Posture

Hello all!

Good posture is essential for good health, and we recognize poor posture when we see it. But only a few people have a real grasp of the importance and necessity of good posture.

What is posture?

According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture is the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity.

Typically, we do not consciously maintain normal posture; certain muscles do it for us.  Several muscle groups, including the large back muscles and hamstrings, are critically important in maintaining good posture. While the ligaments help to hold the skeleton together, these postural muscles prevent the forces of gravity from pushing us over forward when functioning properly. Postural muscles also maintain our posture and balance during movement.

Why is good posture important?

Correct posture is important because it:

• Helps us keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that our muscles are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain.
• Reduces the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimizing the likelihood of injury.
• Allows muscles to work more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy and, therefore, preventing muscle fatigue.
• Helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain.

To maintain proper posture, you need to have adequate muscle flexibility and strength, normal joint motion in the spine and other body regions, as well as efficient postural muscles that are balanced on both sides of the spine. Additionally, you should recognize your postural habits at home and in the workplace and work to correct them, if necessary.

What are the consequences of poor posture?

Poor posture can lead to excessive strain on our postural muscles and may even cause them to relax, when held in certain positions for long periods of time. You can typically see this in people who bend forward at the waist for a prolonged time in the workplace. Their postural muscles are more prone to injury and back pain.

Several factors contribute to poor posture, most commonly, stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak postural muscles, abnormally tight muscles, and high-heeled shoes.  In addition, decreased flexibility, a poor work environment, incorrect working posture, and unhealthy sitting and standing habits can also contribute to poor body positioning.

How do I sit properly?

• Keep your feet on the floor or on a footrest, if they don’t reach the floor.
• Don’t cross your legs. Your ankles should be in front of your knees.
• Keep a small gap between the back of your knees and the front of your seat.
• Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips.
• Adjust the backrest of your chair to support your low- and mid-back or use a back support.
• Relax your shoulders and keep your forearms parallel to the ground.
• Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time.

How do I stand properly?

• Bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet.
• Keep your knees slightly bent.
• Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart.
• Let your arms hang naturally down the sides of the body.
• Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward.
• Tuck your stomach in.
• Keep your head level; your earlobes should be in line with your shoulders. Do not push your head forward, backward, or to the side.
• Shift your weight from your toes to your heels or one foot to the other if you have to stand for a long time.

What is the proper lying position?

• Find the mattress that is right for you. While a firm mattress is generally recommended, some people find that softer mattresses reduce their back pain. Your comfort is important.
• Sleep with a pillow. Special pillows are available to help with postural problems resulting from a poor sleeping position.
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
• Sleeping on your side or back is more often helpful for back pain.
• If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your legs.
• If you sleep on your back, keep a pillow under your knees.

Can I correct my poor posture?

Yes, but remember that long-standing postural problems will typically take longer to address than short-lived ones, as often the joints have adapted to your long-standing poor posture. Conscious awareness of your own posture and knowing what posture is correct will help you consciously correct yourself. With much practice, the correct posture for standing, sitting, and lying down will gradually replace your old posture. This will help you move toward a better and healthier body position.

Dr. Fico can assist you with proper posture, including recommending exercises to strengthen your core postural muscles.  Give us a call at 979-2273 (CARE) to schedule a posture analysis.

Decompression Therapy Success!

Hello everyone!

Spinal decompression therapy has helped so many of our patients.  This is the story of one such patient who was experiencing cervical pain and loss of range of motion.

“Before coming to the Strand Spine Institute, I had been experiencing neck pain for over 5 years.  Initially my neck was stiff occasionally, and the pain was mild.  Eventually I began to lose range of motion and the level of pain increased.  By the time I arrived at the Institute, I could not move my head to the left or right without an extraordinary amount of pain.  Along with the pain came a great deal of anxiety.

Dr. Fico reviewed my x-rays and indicated that I was a candidate for Spinal Decompression Therapy.  I was pleased that there was a non-surgical option.  The Decompression machine is a bit intimidating but Donna Cook explained the process thoroughly and provided everything I needed to make me comfortable.   I found the time on the machine to be relaxing and refreshing.

I have had amazing results since completing the Decompression Therapy.  I have recovered ALL of my range of motion, and I no longer have any pain.  I am stronger and my posture is returning.  The quality of my day-to-day life has improved greatly.

Overall my experience with the Spinal Decompression Therapy and the Strand Spine Institute could not have been better.  If you are a candidate for this Therapy…take it.  This is an excellent, proven opportunity to heal your injuries without surgery and the staff at Strand Spine Institute is caring, compassionate and knowledgeable. “    ~Krista Stox~

If you are interested in finding out more about Spinal Decompression Therapy, give us a call at 979-2273 (CARE) to schedule a free consultation.

Backpack Smarts for Back to School

Hello all!

Back pain is widespread among American adults, but a new and disturbing trend is emerging.  Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).  This new back pain trend among youngsters isn’t surprising when you consider the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks, often slung over just one shoulder.  One study performed in Italy found that of those children carrying heavy backpacks to school, 60 percent had experienced back pain as a result.

According to Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the American Chiropractic  Council on Occupational Health, preliminary results of studies being conducted in France show that the longer a child wears a backpack, the longer it takes for curvature or deformity of the spine to correct itself.

The ACA offers the following tips to help prevent the needless pain that backpack misuse could cause the students in your household.

• Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.
• The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
• A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back.
• Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry and the heavier the backpack will be.
• Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.
• Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child’s shoulders.
• The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
• If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks.
• Although the use of rollerpacks – or backpacks on wheels – has become popular in recent years, the ACA is now recommending that they be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack. Some school districts have begun banning the use of rollerpacks because they clutter hallways, resulting in dangerous trips and falls.

If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use,  give us a call at 979-CARE (2273).  Dr. Fico has been trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Hello everyone!

Dr. Neil Fico and his team have earned a solid reputation among Grand Strand patients and referring physicians for their proven success in non-operative care of spine-related  problems.  Strand Spine Institute of Pawleys Island is redefining healthcare with its highly effective treatment of back and neck pain, headaches, muscle or joint pain, sports injuries and aches of all kinds.  Barnie Slice, one of our patients, explains the benefit he has derived from chiropractic care.

What first brought me to a chiropractor was when I injured my back, and I was tired of my MD giving me muscle relaxers and other medications that did not help much.  Even though I was a little hesitant, I decided to try a chiropractor; and, after the first session, my back felt much better and continued to feel better with each additional session.  For the first time in many weeks, I was out of pain.  I was sold on chiropractic care from then on.

When I moved to Pawleys Island in 1998, I began looking for a chiropractor because I wanted to know that one was near if needed.  A year or so later, I found Dr. Neil Fico and decided to try him because I was having difficulty with my back again from my first injury.  Dr. Fico made some adjustments to my lower back, and the pain quickly went away.  He understood my problem, was sympathetic with my complaints, and did something to help me.  He not only helped me, but he explained what he was doing and what the outcome would be.  I have been going to him since for a monthly adjustment and each time I feel renewed energy and healing in my body.

For those who don’t believe in chiropractic care, I feel sorry for you.  Medications are not always the answer to your health issues, and you may needlessly live for years with pain that can make your life miserable.  Many medications have harsh side effects and can cause more problems than the ailment.  In many cases, chiropractic care can relieve that pain and make life much easier.

I am very happy that I am under the care of a good chiropractic doctor like Dr. Fico for it has relieved me of much pain and discomfort and in general made life a lot easier for me.  It is something I highly recommend to any who have joint pain, back pain or pain in other parts of your body.

I have learned that, through chiropractic care, my health issues have improved significantly and my life is much better for it.  If you have never visited a chiropractor, I suggest you give it a try.  You may find less pain and more happiness in your life through chiropractic care.

Give us a call at 843.979.CARE (2273) to schedule a free consultation to find out how chiropractic care can help you.

First Step to a Healthy Foundation – Start with Standard Process

Imagine yourself in the retail aisle at your local vitamin store.  You look around at the sea of supplements.  Where do you start?  Do you try the latest fad, or do you stick with the basics?

You may be new to whole food supplements.  The ingredients are simple, and they contribute the full complexity of vitamins and minerals from foods – something you won’t find in most retail supplement brands.  The formulas for our supplements supply what the body needs in a form that’s easily used by the body.

At Strand Spine Institute, we have a simple, convenient solution that will help you build a foundation for a healthier lifestyle.  This trio of products provides the vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids you need every day:

CATALYN

• Supplies multiple vitamins and minerals from whole foods for complete, complex nutritional supplementation
• Designed to bridge the nutritional gaps in your diet

TUNA OMEGA-3 OIL

• Delivers essential omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA
• Supports normal lipid profiles
• Supports the body’s natural inflammatory response
• Provides antioxidants
• Supports cognition and emotional balance
• Supports healthy skin and hair

TRACE MINERALS-B12

• Contains a spectrum of trace minerals (iron, iodine, zinc, copper, and manganese) that support a healthy body
• Provides iodine, which is required for healthy thyroid, spleen, and red blood cell functioning
• Among other functions, trace minerals support:  1. Ligament, cartilage, and bone structure; 2. Immune and thyroid function; 3. Fat Metabolism; 4. Calcium utilization

We now offer two options to fit your lifestyle.   We continue to offer these supplements for individual purchase, and we now also offer daily fundamentals convenience packs.  Each box of convenience packs contains a 30-day supply of Catalyn, Tuna Omega-3 Oil, and Trace Minerals B-12 – maintenance made easy.

At our office, we believe that given the proper nutrition, your body has the amazing capability of keeping itself healthy.  We also believe that nutrition should be individualized to meet each patient’s needs.  For these reasons and many more, we proudly recommend Standard Process whole food supplements.

Give us a call today to schedule a nutritional consultation to find out how Standard Process whole food supplements can benefit you!

Do you Suffer from Back & Neck Pain?

Hello Everyone!

Are you looking for back and neck pain treatment that is effective and gentle?  Then Spinal Decompression using the DRX9000 may be your answer!  It is an effective non-invasive treatment for herniated or bulging discs and degenerative disc disease.  The discs in your spine act as shock absorbers.  Disc herniation or “bulging” may occur due to wear and tear – one of the most common reasons for low back pain.  Disc degeneration is caused when the disc begins to dry out and the space begins to narrow; and over time, injury can occur causing muscle tension and pain.  Through decompression, the pressure on your disc is relieved, allowing for the disc to heal.

The DRX9000 utilizes state-of-the-art technology to gently spread apart the bones of your spine, which relieves the pressure on your discs and nerves, allows nutrients and oxygen to flow back into your disc, and promotes healing.

Decompression therapy is a very passive treatment and each patient relaxes on a padded bed throughout the duration of the session.  Over the course of 6 weeks, each patient will have 20 treatments lasting 30 minutes each.  Following each session, ice and electrical stimulation are applied to help restore muscle tone to the area.

While progressing through the treatments, patients find they experience reduced stiffness/soreness, reduced tingling/numbness, reduced back and neck pain, and an increase in the ability to return to normal activities.  By following the protocol and the doctors’ strength and exercise program, we work toward you being pain-free and active once again.

The DRX9000 works without surgery or injections to relieve the pain and disability caused by herniated discs, degenerative discs, sciatica, neck, arm, back and leg pain.  We have a stringent selection process to ensure that the majority of our patients who quality for this type of care get real and lasting results.  We blend a variety of treatments – with a major emphasis on rehabilitation and exercise therapy – to provide our patients with a depth of care that is difficult to match.

Call us today at 843.979.2273 for a FREE consultation to find out how Spinal Decompression can help you live an active, pain-free lifestyle!.

Successful Spinal Decompression for Avid Runner!

Runners ultimately put enormous stress on the lower back.  The constant pounding of the feet causes shock waves to be vibrated to the spine and hips.  A limb length discrepancy, a pelvic imbalance, flat feet, spinal curvature or a degenerative disc between the vertebrae can lead to back pain.  Following is the story of one of our patients who was potentially facing surgery and how she successfully avoided it.

“I came in as a “candidate for surgery” as Dr. Fico put it.  Leading a healthy and very active lifestyle, this was not an option for me.  Instead, I chose to commit to rehabilitation a natural way that included adjustments and decompression therapy.  Not only did this treatment allow me to walk again but also to run again and maintain my vigorous daily sports routine without having any invasive surgery or using any serious medication.  I believe I have become healthier through decompression therapy and become stronger through the treatments.  I will continue to benefit from this positive life change and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Fico and the staff at Strand Spine Institute are always positive and friendly.  I know they genuinely care about my health and recovery.  They have developed a lifelong with me as a patient, and I look forward to my visits.”       Susan Flak

Spinal decompression may be the answer to your back pain.  Give us a call at 843.979.2273 to schedule a free consultation to find out if you are a candidate for decompression therapy.

Samento . . . amazing immune system support

Hello all!

From deep within the rain forest and refined by scientific knowledge, comes Samento. Samento is a proprietary extract of what is commonly known as cats claw, in an easy-to-take full-spectrum liquid extract; and it’s the pentacyclic (POA) form of cats claw that has been shown to support immune function.

Because of the difficulty of successfully treating Lyme disease with standard antibiotic therapy, Samento extract is a welcome, alternative treatment that is natural, nontoxic, well-tolerated, effective, and can be taken orally for as many months or years as needed.

Samento extract is more than pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POA).  The natural compounds found in Samento provide safe and significant direct antimicrobial effects on Lyme disease and have also shown antiviral activity against rhinoviruses (cold viruses) and vesicular stomatitis virus (oral cold sores).

Samento also contains ingredients shown to have liver-protective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-ulcer, immunostimulating/modulating and blood sugar-lowering properties.

John Kule, M.D., began using Samento in his practice in March 2002. After treating 60 patients with it, he wrote a report for the British Naturopathic Journal. He used it to treat a broad range of conditions, including chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, candidiasis, gastritis, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, Lyme disease and benign prostatic hypertrophy. Fifty-nine out of 60 showed distinct clinical improvement.

Frequent findings were increased energy, enhanced sense of well-being, lifting of “brain fog,” decreased inflammation, decreased blood pressure in hypertensives, decreased fasting blood sugar in diabetics, reduced fluid retention, and reduced blood pressure medication in hypertensives.

Give us a call at 843-979-2273 to find out if Samento should be part of your regimen.

Nutrition Advice for a Healthy New You

There is no better way to rejuvenate your health than by eating more nutritiously.  In fact, even a few simple changes in your diet and lifestyle can have a positive impact on your health and can also prevent a variety of health problems in the future.

The traditional coffee and doughnuts for breakfast; a hamburger for lunch or no lunch; candy, cookies, and a soft drink for a snack; followed by a huge dinner with more protein than a person needs are unhealthy dietary choices.  As a result, younger people are starting to suffer from heart disease, not only because of poor diet but also because of an epidemic of inactivity.

To reverse this alarming trend, many doctors of chiropractic urge patients to stop smoking, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and augment their balanced diet with appropriate nutritional supplements.

The ACA offers the following prevention and wellness advice:

Lifestyle Changes

• Exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes three or four days a week.
• Eat out more sparingly.  Food preparation methods in restaurants often involve high amounts and and the wrong types of fat and sugar.
• Brown-bag your lunch to control your fat and sugar content while adding nutritious fruits, vegetables, and grains.
• Limit your intake of alcohol and quit smoking.  Drinking alcohol excessively and/or smoking hinder your body’s ability to absorb nutrients from your food.

Dietary Changes

• Eat more raw foods.  Cooking and canning destroys much of the nutrition in foods.  With the exception of canned tomatoes, which can help prevent prostate cancer, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables always have more natural vitamins and minerals.
• Select organically grown foods when possible because they have lower amounts of toxic elements, such as pesticides and heavy metals.
• Consume 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day.  Whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, nuts, and some fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber.  High-fiber diets can help prevent digestive disorders, heart disease, and colon cancer.
• Drink eight to ten 8 oz. glasses of water a day.  Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcohol are dehydrators.  Don’t substitute them for water.

Supplements

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, dietary supplements are not substitutes for foods, nor can a person sustain good health by just taking vitamin and mineral supplements.  When taken properly, supplements can play an important role in achieving maximum health.  If you are considering nutritional supplements , keep the following tips in mind:

• Remember to consume dark green vegetables, oils, nuts, and seeds which are good sources of magnesium, fatty acids, and many other vitamins and minerals.
• Remember that nutrition plays a role in disease prevention, and may help even when the disease has manifested itself.  It is best to only take the supplements that the body needs.
• Always consult a health practitioner or nutritional consultant to determine what supplements are best for you.

March is National Nutrition Month and it is a great time to refocus on your health and well-being starting with the foods you eat.  Knowing how to make the right food choices is essential to good nutrition.

**Celebrate National Nutrition Month in March by stopping by today to speak with our nutritional consultant and find out which supplements are right for you!**