Steven Wachs, D.C.

How many times have you heard, “I have a pinched nerve in my neck and have to have surgery.”? Though there certainly are cases where surgical intervention is required, surgery should ONLY be considered after ALL non-surgical treatment approaches have first been tried (and failed). It is alarming how many cases of cervical radiculopathy (i.e., [..]

WebMD says, “chiropractic care is considered a safe, effective treatment for acute low back pain, neck pain, headaches, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.” A large literature review from the UK published in 2010 (The Bronfort Report) reported “moderate to high-quality evidence” for manual therapy for the following conditions: acute low back pain, chronic low back pain (>3 [..]

From the earliest moments of his life, Joe was an extremely active boy. He would attempt to climb up on to everything he could, often falling off: furniture, vehicles, rocks, trees, etc. When he began school, he was constantly involved in every sport available to him: football, baseball, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and more. Joe particularly [..]

Low back pain (LBP) and its relationship to balance has been a recent topic on this site, and an initial discussion regarding specific balance exercises was introduced last month. This month’s article will complete the discussion about what you can do to preserve your current balance skills or better yet, improve them! Remember, wear your [..]

Low back pain (LBP) and its relationship to balance has been a recent topic on this site, and an initial discussion regarding specific balance exercises was introduced last month. This month’s article will complete the discussion about what you can do to preserve your current balance skills or better yet, improve them! Remember, wear your [..]

“Whiplash” is considered a non-medical term that encompasses a range of injuries. These injuries typically affect the neck and are caused by a sudden movement of the neck associated with extension or forceful backward bending. The medical term “cervical acceleration-deceleration” (CAD) is considered to be a more accurate description of what happens during a car [..]

Fibromyalgia (FM) management can be as difficult as making a definitive diagnosis. FM is characterized by generalized body aches and feeling exhausted, and yet, in spite of the exhaustion, the inability to sleep is a “classic” FM complaint. FM sufferers, as well as the caregivers, know how physically and mentally difficult it is to manage [..]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) results in numbness, tingling, and sometimes weak grip strength due to pinching of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. There are many conditions that are similar to CTS, many of which we have discussed in the past. The following is a list of “13 [..]

Last month, we looked at the published evidence that overwhelmingly supports the use of cervical traction. As promised, this month’s focus is the proper methods of applying it. The type of traction that this discussion will address will be limited to the kind that can be purchased and then used in the home, usually multiple [..]

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is basically “heartburn.” This, of course, does NOT arise from the heart, but rather, is usually the reflux of the stomach’s acidic contents into the esophagus (the tube that runs between the mouth and stomach). GERD has been reported to be the most common cause of heartburn and affects up [..]

Phases of Healing Improvements in Timing and Quality of Healing Problems and Residual CharacteristicsThere are many published journal articles and books pertaining to the topic of “Soft Tissue Injury and Repair.” My favorites include:Studies on development of connective tissue in transparent chambers in rabbit’s ear; American Journal of Anatomy; 1940.Orthopaedic Medicine, Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Lesions; 1982.Acute [..]

Last month, we discussed car safety features, proper headrest position, how to prepare for a crash, and seeking immediate treatment as ways to minimize the chances of suffering from whiplash in the event of an accident. Here are four more ways to avoid or minimize whiplash:PAY ATTENTION WHILE YOU DRIVE. Too often, we get distracted [..]