Better Bodies Health

Menu

Does Your Child Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Better Bodies Health on April 19, 2020

Does Your Child Need Orthodontic Treatment?

As your child’s teeth grow in, you may wonder if they are going to need orthodontic treatment. The answer depends on a number of factors, and it’s practically impossible to determine this on your own.

What Does Your Dentist Say?

Your family dentist is often the first to notice the signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment. You should be taking them for periodic cleanings and exams, and during this process, your dentist will see the progress that your child’s juvenile and adult teeth are making as they grow in. It may be premature to adjust teeth that are just growing in, but on the other hand, it may be necessary to avoid problems, either now or in the future.

Does Your Child Have Trouble With His or Her Bite?

Orthodontics is often thought of as a cosmetic procedure to achieve perfectly straight teeth. But in some cases, it can be much more profound than that. Your child may be experiencing serious issues with his or her bite, or even the alignment of his or her jaw. This can have serious implications and can lead to problems that are easy to fix now but may get more difficult to fix as your child gets older. If orthodontics now can help you avoid jaw surgery later, it’s worth it, even if further work is needed when your child is older.

Does Your Child Have Issues With Their Baby Teeth?

Orthodontics is usually considered something to worry about with adult teeth, but the issues often begin with the baby teeth. Losing them early, having them stay in later than expected, or baby teeth that are growing in at extreme angles are all factors that may disrupt the proper formation of your child’s adult teeth.

An Orthodontist Can Help You Decide

An orthodontist can help you understand your options and the pros and cons of each. They aren’t automatically going to recommend braces or other orthodontic treatment for your child. Rather, they will take X-rays and examine your child’s teeth and jaw formation. Initial evaluations are often free or at a very reasonable cost. They can help you determine if your child needs immediate orthodontic treatment or will need it later. They often suggest coming back for another look in a year or more if the situation is uncertain.

You should not wait it out or try to figure out the situation on your own if your child’s teeth are coming in crooked. Get the advice of your dentist and an orthodontist to be sure.

For more information about orthodontic care, for a consultation, or to answer any questions you may have, contact an orthodontist, like an orthodontist in San Clemente, CA, today.

Thank you to the experts at San Clemente Orthodontics for their input into orthodontic care.

Can Chiropractic Care treat TMJ?

Better Bodies Health on April 18, 2020

The most common reasons for visiting a chiropractor are to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more. Chiropractors are so good at it that it surprises many that they can get rid of other ailments as well. Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ is one such ailment that chiropractic care can treat and reduce. Before we start on the treatment, it is important to know all about the ailment itself.

Defining TMJ

TMJ is the short version of the name: Temporomandibular joint disorder. The proper way to describe it is as a group of disorders. In the case of these disorders, there is a joining point in the middle of your jaw as well as the skull. When you are diagnosed with TMJ, the connecting point in the middle of your jaw and skull widens while you experience a rising pain. 

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of the disorder greatly vary from one person to the other. However, there are quite a few problems that patients commonly experience when diagnosed with TMJ. The most common symptom is the feeling of pain in your jaw. It is followed by difficulties in chewing, headache as well as neck pain.

There are a few examples of the patients feeling somewhat dizzy as well. If you experience any problems that are similar to these, then it is vital to visit your local chiropractor.

The Role Played By Chiropractors

The job of your chiropractor is to alleviate tension. It aims to eliminate the dysfunctions on your spine as well. When the chiropractor alleviates the spinal dysfunction, it helps to diminish the pressure you feel on different nerves. As a result of it, the pain people associate with TMJ starts to get alleviated.

There are quite a few patients suffering from TMJ who are in need of constant care. If they have someone to care for them continually, they will be able to keep the pain away. However, they should seek help from a chiropractor beforehand.

Now, if you have jaw pain, then chiropractors deal with it a bit differently. They keep their focus limited to just three muscles: the masseter, temporalis and pterygoid. Some chiropractors are likely to focus on the suboccipital muscles as well as the jaw joint. There are quite a few other soft tissue techniques which can be done at home by the patients themselves.

You can take the challenge of the soft tissue work on the pterygoid for yourself. However, you will still have to consult the chiropractor beforehand. In order to release the pterygoid, you need to strongly grip the cheek. 

When they complete the soft tissues work for jaw pain, it can be adjusted. Afterward, an assessment is carried out for the jaw and another adjustment needs to be done. You also have the option of receiving TMJ treatment by using dry needling for a tight jaw.

To conclude, chiropractic care is a fine solution for TMJ patients. So, if you think you might have TMJ, just pay a visit to your chiropractor in Mesa, AZ to fixe your ailment!

Thanks to Lifecare Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care and TMJ treatment.

Caregiving and Coronavirus

Better Bodies Health on April 13, 2020

It’s an understatement to say that these are strange times for all of us. Yet, for those who provide care for elderly loved ones, this current moment can feel immensely more stressful. For those currently navigating caregiving and coronavirus, the following is a simple guideline for caregivers in the midst of COVID-19. 

Check In With Employed Caregivers

If you are worried about the safety of your loved one, you can always check in with a nursing agency or other caregiver service that you are using. Ask them specifically what measures they are taking to combat the spread of the virus. Make certain to ask what the cleaning regimen is and how regular sanitations are done. If you have a home health aide, ask them if they have enough PPE and social distancing strategies to ensure the safety of your loved one. 

As with all health care discussions, make certain to take notes on the conversation. If something isn’t clear to you, ask a question! These open and honest moments of communication will allow for better foresite on caregiving strategies, and help you navigate moving forward. 

Make A Plan for Temporary Lapses in Care

If you are your relative’s sole caregiver, it’s important to plan for the possibility that you may not be able to help in the event of your own sickness. This may not be the most fun discussion; but, as always, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

It’s imperative to explore the options of a back-up plan in the event of you getting sick. Ask your community, friends, and relatives for availability to fill a potential care giving gap. You can also consider employing a home health care agency, who will watch over your loved one while you get better!

Protect Yourself From Burnout

As always, when caregiving for someone else, it’s only natural to suffer some form of caregiver burnout. According to an article by Aging in Place, nearly three quarters of children who care for an elderly relative “found it to be stressful, and more than half [of children] found it to be overwhelming.” 

It should be noted that aforementioned data was collected prior to the pandemic occurring. Thus, these feelings of being overwhelmed can only be exacerbated by the current situation. To protect yourself from the mental toll of overwork, it’s important to find time to take care of yourself. 

Ask for help when you need it. Create a caregiver network that can take on some of the financial, medical, and personal tasks remotely. You can even consider joining a caregiver support group. Remember, we are not alone in this crisis, and you are not alone in this moment. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it!

Top Questions for a Chiropractor

Better Bodies Health on April 11, 2020

Many people suffer pain from an injury or an unknown source, and receiving chiropractic treatment can be one way to alleviate some of it. A chiropractor works with a patient’s joints and muscles as a gateway to positive nervous system function. It is a popular treatment for those who have tried other options or are not yet interested in medication for their pain. Here are some of the top questions you may have about chiropractor work.

Do You Need a Referral?

Fortunately, you don’t need a referral from a professional to see a chiropractor. If you feel a chiropractor will help fix your pain problems, you can call one of your choosing and make an appointment.

What Does Chiropractic Care Treat?

Chiropractic work focuses heavily on back pain, neck pain, and headaches, as those can be problems that haven’t been fixed by other treatments. However, chiropractors will see people with all kinds of issues depending on the area of pain and the individual. They may also work with patients who have suffered injuries. A chiropractor can be a good person to seek advice from on lifestyle choices, too, like diet and exercise to get you back to your old self.

Is Chiropractic Safe?

This treatment has been proven to be one of the safest forms of non-medication options for pain. As with all medical treatments, underlying health issues could create problems during a chiropractic visit, so it’s essential to inform the professional of your exact pain. Treatments are based on each individual’s needs.

Is Chiropractic Okay for Children?

It is perfectly fine for kids to see a chiropractor. They may be even more susceptible to injuries from playing with friends or in sports, and seeing a chiropractor can be a great way to ensure they get the proper aid as they continue to grow and develop.

Are There Insurance Plans for Chiropractic?

Chiropractic care is included in most insurance plans, like private individual plans and employer workers’ comp plans. You may want to call your insurance agency to confirm that an office visit is covered in your plan. Some plans hold you to certain requirements before you can see a chiropractor, like getting a specific referral.

Not all treatments work for everyone. Looking into all the potential options to alleviate your pain may be important in treating it. Contact a chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Baltimore, MD, for a consultation to see if they can fix what no one else has yet been able to.

Thank you to the clinicians and experts at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care.

What Can I Expect After Hair Transplant Surgery?

Better Bodies Health on April 7, 2020

Since hair transplantation is a surgical procedure performed by a licensed medical professional, what to expect post-operatively will depend on your adherence to the instructions given after surgery. Shortly after the procedure, small scabs will begin to form on the scalp at the graft sites. These scabs generally disappear in seven to ten days. Shampooing the hair can typically be resumed about 48 hours after surgery. 

As for appearance, the suture (stitch) used to secure the graft in the donor area is undetectable, since it is covered by your existing hair entirely, in most cases. The sutures are typically removed in a follow-up appointment about 12-14 days after surgery. Many hair treatment doctors recommend taking a couple of days off work after surgery. You can wear a baseball cap to cover the area at any time after surgery. 

Hair transplant patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for about five days after surgery. In most cases, the newly-grafted hair will shed in six to eight weeks. Then, new growth begins in about four to six months, and the length of the hair will increase approximately one-half inch per month with full density taking around 12-18 months.

What is shock loss after hair transplant surgery, and why is it a concern?

“Shock Loss” after hair transplantation is a well-known phenomenon that occurs as existing hair is lost at the recipient site. In most cases, shock loss is only temporary and is reversible. Whether or not it is entirely reversible depends on the cause or causes. The possible causes of shock loss include:

  • Existing hair being accidentally cut above the surface during the incision-making process. This is basically like a hair cut, and 100% reversible.
  • The appropriate time is not taken to preserve existing follicles while making the incisions for grafts. If a great deal of existing hair is present before the transplant and adequate care is not taken, these hair follicles can be damaged with the physician’s instruments. This direct trauma can cause permanent follicular loss.
  • Sometimes, hairs that would normally shed in the future are pulled out on the day of surgery. Hair follicles normally cycle in and out of the telogen (resting) phase. Spraying and wiping during surgery can pull out these hairs. This is completely reversible.
  • Anesthetic with vasoconstrictor injected into the scalp may also increase the amount of shock loss. This cause of shock loss is more on the theoretical side, and it’s not possible to say whether it’s permanent or temporary.

Applying minoxidil, a hair loss treatment medication, topically before and after hair transplantation can reduce the occurrence of shock loss. However, when there is full and care taken during the preparation of recipient sites, the patient should experience little to no shock loss.

As you can see, hair transplantation can be a bit involved, but the result—an attractive, free-flowing head of hair—is well worth it in many instances. To discuss the type of hair restoration treatment that is right for you, contact a hair treatment doctor and schedule a consultation with to discuss your circumstances. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will see results. Reach out today!

Resource: Hair Transplant

Dr. Robin Unger, Hair Transplant Surgeon in Manhattan

How Chiropractors Treat Pregnant Patients

Better Bodies Health on April 2, 2020

Pain and discomfort know no bounds. People of all ages and walks of life can succumb to a variety of physical issues. Pregnant women understand this as well as anyone. The nine months of pregnancy can be an exciting time of anticipation and joy. The effects on the woman’s body can also be difficult to bear. As the woman’s body changes, there can be a lot of pressure on her hips, pelvis, knees, and back. These feelings intensify as the weeks go on and the delivery date draws closer. While a pregnant woman may never be pain-free, a chiropractor’s treatment can help considerably.

Safe and Effective

There has long been debate over the usefulness and safety of treating pregnant women with chiropractic adjustments. Some women worry about how the visits will affect their well-being and health of their developing fetus. However, no definitive evidence exists that shows that this treatment is dangerous to the patient or her baby. Chiropractors do not use drugs or surgery with these treatments, so women don’t have to worry about any side effects that could result.

Adjusting The Adjustments

Typical chiropractic treatment includes a spinal adjustment. This is the most common method to relieve pains in the back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, and hands. The chiropractor has the patient lie down on a table to do this. Next, the chiropractor places his or her hands on the patient’s back. Using direct, controlled pressure, the doctor will manipulate the person’s spine and move it into the right place. The doctor will customize the treatment for pregnant women. In this situation, the woman may sit in a chair rather than lie down. A chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Silver Spring, MD, will also adjust the pressure and may even use an instrument. The doctor may provide a cushion or pillow for comfort.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Adjustments are good for pregnant women whose posture is suffering. It may also be effective at correcting a curved back or changes to the patient’s pelvis. Adjustments can make it more tolerable for the woman to be on her feet for long periods of time. The treatment may also reduce the severity and frequency of headaches and lower back pain.

Some Exceptions

There are times when a pregnant woman shouldn’t visit the chiropractor. Women who have an ectopic pregnancy or who have vaginal bleeding should wait until after labor and delivery to make an appointment.

If you are expecting, chiropractic visits can be complementary to your doctor’s office checkups. You can better manage your pain level during your pregnancy.

Thanks to AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into pregnant women going to see the chiropractor.