Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Have you ever felt an unexplained pinch in your lower back and/or hip that becomes irritated when you move from the sitting-to-standing position? If so, then you may be experiencing sacroiliac joint pain. The sacroiliac (SI) joints are formed by the connection of the sacrum and the right and left iliac bones. The function of this joint is to transfer weight and forces due to movement of your upper body through the pelvis, to your legs and vice versa. When this joint becomes injured and/or moved out of place, Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC can fix the problem.  

The primary role of the sacroiliac joint is to provide stability for the pelvis and to bear the upper load of the body. It acts as a shock-absorbing structure and does not have much motion, but it can cause pain once it’s moved out of its groove. While it is not clear how the pain is caused, it can develop because of too much movement or too little movement. If you feel inflammation in this area, the longer you wait to find relief, the longer it will take to correct the problem.

If you think you may benefit from chiropractic care, please give us a call.  To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Tips for Proper Posture

Sit up straight! Don’t slouch! If your mother ever shouted these commands at you, they probably didn’t stick, but they should have. Posture refers to the body’s alignment and positioning with the respect to the ever-present force of gravity. Good posture not only affects your physical body, it provides a boost for your emotional and mental well-being. By positioning the body correctly while sitting and standing, there is even pressure on the spine, its muscles and ligaments, leaving you to feel more pain-free. To help you stand tall and maintain good posture, Dr. Doug Forsstrom thought to share the following tips with you.

• Imagine that a string is attached to the top of your head and pulling you upwards. The idea is to keep your body in perfect alignment, maintaining the spine’s natural curvature, neck straight and shoulders parallel with the hips.


• To stand correctly, you should always keep your shoulders back and relaxed while pulling in your abdomen and keeping your feet about hip distance apart.


• Balance your weight evenly on both feet and try not to tilt your head forward, backward or sideways. Finally, you should always keep your legs straight, but your feet relaxed.

If you have questions about correct posture, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Backpack Misuse Can Lead to Spine Problems

While settling into the school year, kids and adults who carry heavy backpacks may not realize that the substantial weight distributed from heavy textbooks can provoke spinal complications and strain the back, neck, or shoulders. At Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC, Dr. Doug Forsstrom wants patients to learn how to carry their items in a practical way, distributing the heavy load across the strong back and shoulder muscles.

When walking through the hallways, it is important to consider some tips. Always use both shoulder straps and wear the backpack on the back rather than over one shoulder. Pack heaviest objects into the backpack first so they are carried lower and closest to the body. Fill compartments so that the load is evenly distributed throughout the backpack and items do not shift during movement. If a child complains of discomfort, reduce the weight in the backpack immediately consider applying a guideline backpack weight limit as a percent of the child's body weight. The American Physical Therapy Association suggests 15-20%; the American Chiropractic Association advises 5-10%.

If you or your child experiences any back pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, call us to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Benefits of Chiropractic Massage Therapy

Many types of massages offer benefits beyond simple relaxation. Throughout the years, massage therapy has been known to fight a large number of conditions. Some of the benefits of this therapy include relief from joint and muscle pain, increased blood circulation, as well as stress and depression reduction. With this type of therapy utilized at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC, Dr. Doug Forsstrom, and staff can help bring your body back to its natural state.

There is a wide variety of massage therapy styles with a wide variety of pressures, movements, and techniques. These all involve pressing, rubbing, or manipulating muscles and other soft tissues with hands and fingers. Chiropractic massage therapy is recommended for a number of conditions and illnesses. Some of the conditions it is recommended for include: arthritis, TMJ disorders, immune system issues, muscle spasms, insomnia, fibromyalgia and many others.

If you believe you will benefit from chiropractic massage therapy, wait no longer and give us a call today! To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Spinal Degeneration

We all age, unfortunately, and as we get older our spines start to degenerate. Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the vertebrae that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist. Spinal degenerative disease refers to any disease of the spinal column that results from the aging process and wear-and-tear that occurs to the bone and soft tissues of the spine. If you notice yourself losing a bit of inch in height, this may be the reason why. If suspect that’s the case, you should give Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC a call.

The term degenerative spine disease does not refer to any one condition of the spine. It is a general term that encompasses many types of disorders that can occur simultaneously in the same patient. Disc degeneration is actually a natural part of aging, and over time all people will exhibit changes in their discs consistent with a greater or lesser degree of degeneration. However, not all people will develop symptoms. However, if you’re wondering what the symptoms are, these include lower back pain that is generally made worse with sitting, some back pain intensified by bending and lifting, and a desire to change positions frequently to alleviate pain. Treatment for degenerative spine disease varies considerably depending on the specifics of each case.

To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Chiropractic Adjustment Goals

A chiropractic adjustment, also known as a chiropractic manipulation, manual manipulation, or spinal manipulation, is a common therapeutic treatment for lower back pain. To complete the adjustment, Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC will apply manipulation to the vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. In addition to relieving your back pain over time, people have reported that chiropractic adjustments benefit headaches, ear infections, neck pain, joint pain, and arthritis. 

At Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC, we pride ourselves on taking a natural, drugless approach to helping our patients reach their health goals. Essentially, the basic principle of chiropractic itself is that the body has the amazing ability to heal itself (under proper conditions). The objective of a chiropractic adjustment is to reduce the subluxation with the goals of increasing range of motion, reducing nerve irritability and improving function.

If you think you may benefit from a chiropractic adjustment, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Auto Injury Treatment

Being in a car accident is a very difficult situation on a number of levels. Your mentality is shaken, you worry about the financial aspect of the automobile damage and because of this, you forget about your own physical wellness. Chiropractic treatments are the right step toward restoring the body. This is why Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC prides himself on fast, outstanding results from all types of accidents and injuries to make you feel good as new.

It is critical that chiropractic care is sought immediately after an automobile accident since allowing the effects of whiplash to go untreated can induce long-term pain. Whiplash destabilizes the spine and causes blurred vision, neck pain, headaches and much more. The seriousness of the physical effects of an accident is not always known or felt immediately following. It can take days, weeks or even months for major symptoms to show up, which is why chiropractic care is essential to maintaining the health of a spine that has been through a trauma. Early care and treatment mean full healing and quicker recovery.

If you’ve recently been injured in an auto accident, please call us to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Workers Compensation Injuries

Whether you’re on the road, playing a sport, or at work, accidents happen. Fortunately, at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC, if you injure yourself on the job Dr. Doug Forsstrom, is trained to deal with underlying issues that potentially could be missed by medical doctors. In addition to uncovering underlying issues, he also handles the healing process without the need for addictive pain pills and potentially risky surgery. If you aren’t sure what type of injury is a work-related injury, allow us to inform you.  

A work-related injury is one that happened while you were doing something on behalf of your employer or otherwise in the course of employment. Most injuries that can be classified as work-related are those that occur at the workplace, but also may occur in company-owned trucks and other locations as long as the employee was doing something related to his or her job. Chiropractic is an excellent way of dealing with workers compensation issues. Locating the source of your injury could be the difference between fixing an issue and living with something for a long period of time.  

If you’ve recently been injured at work, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Our focus here at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC, is to provide superior care for each patient to achieve full recovery from aches and pains. In many cases, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care may be the primary method of treatment.

At Forsstrom Chiropractic Center PC, we determine the cause of your symptoms and relieve your pain with gentle, effective, drug-free and evidence-based practices. Your spinal column, made up of 24 independent vertebrae, is what allows your body to move, twist, and bend through every motion of your busy day. It also encases and helps protect the delicate central nervous system that controls and coordinates every muscle, tissue, and organ of the body. This is why we believe the first step to an active lifestyle is a properly functioning spine. Other benefits of chiropractic care include:

• Improved physical function and performance


• Improved posture


• Relief from stress and tension disorders


• Relief from joint discomfort


• Relief from chronic injuries

If you are interested in giving chiropractic care a try, give us a call! To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Self-Care for Back and Neck Pain

Almost everybody who experiences tight shoulders and neck accompanied with tension headaches knows how unpleasant the pain can be. Here at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC we offer a variety of treatments to treat your back and neck pain. However, when you can’t make it to the office, here are some self-care tips to keep your discomfort under control.

1. Take it easy – contrary to popular belief, studies on acute back pain actually show that a few days of restricting your activity, and taking the appropriate over-the-counter medication, is all that many people need to allow the strained muscles to relax and unwind.


2. Ice, then heat – Ice and heat can alleviate local pain that comes from muscle and ligament strain. Ice slows swelling and inflammation and using heat after increases blood flow to the deep tissues and relaxes muscle spasms.


3. Massage -- if you have a willing companion, gentle massage may provide some relief by stretching tight muscles and ligaments.

If you are suffering from back and neck pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Cryotherapy: Icing an Injury

An injury benefits from ice days following the trauma. However, if your pain worsens, you should visit Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC immediately. The icing method – cryotherapy – is an essential management skill that is also a cheap, effective, and drugless method for relieving the pain of injuries. Safe application of ice to your skin can relieve symptoms from sprains, strains, bruises, and virtually any situation in which superficial tissues are inflamed by trauma.

Cryotherapy is an excellent way to heal muscle spasms in the body. The method of icing is well known to help numb painful areas as well as provide a cooling relief to affected soft tissues. Applying cold compresses to the skin effectively reduces the temperature of the skin and constricts blood vessels in the area to promote healing. It can be done right at home, or we can offer the service to you right here in the office.

If you’ve recently suffered an injury, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

The Proper Lifting Technique

Summer is a popular time for moving residences. This often means you or someone you know is moving and will need help. If you do not know how to properly lift, this is for you. At Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, we want our patients to stay safe and practice smart lifting.

The incorrect lifting of an object is one of the most common ways to injure your back.  It is important to be aware of the proper technique so you can avoid an injury. If you do experience pain after lifting, be sure to schedule an appointment with us.

To properly lift:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with one of your feet slightly in front of the other. Squat down to the level of the object, keeping your back straight. You should only bend at your hips and knees. Keeping your chest out and shoulders back help. Also, keep your head up and looking straight forward. Grip the object and lift it slowly by straightening your legs. Your back should still be straight. Important: Never twist your body when you are lifting. Only lift things straight up. When carrying or holding the object, keep it close to your body at the level of your belly button. To set the object back down, do so by squatting; keeping your spine in line.

Ignoring a back or neck injury could lead to chronic pain down the road. If you feel you may have injured yourself, do not put off setting up an appointment with us. To schedule an appointment at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call us at (303) 770-5666 or visit our website, www.forsstromchiropractic.com. 

Proper Sleeping Posture

Sleeping is our body’s way of recharging and restoring. Believe it or not, bad sleep posture can prevent this process. At Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC of Centennial, CO, we want our patients to do everything they can to facilitate a healthy spine and a healthy life.

Back Sleepers

One of the most important parts of good sleep posture is your pillow. Back sleepers will want a thicker pillow that comfortably fills the space between the back of the head and the mattress. It should support the head so that the neck is in neutral position. This means the cervical spine (in the neck) is completely aligned with the rest of the spine. If there is a kink in the neck, nerve passages cannot send messages to and from the brain properly. It is also smart to place a pillow underneath the knees to take pressure off the lower back.

 

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers will also want a thicker pillow. It should fill the space between the ear and the mattress while keeping the cervical spine in line with the rest of the spine. Place a pillow between the knees to keep the hips from causing pressure on the spine.

 

Stomach Sleepers

Sleeping on the stomach is not a recommended position. It puts stress on the back in multiple areas and can result in a kink in the neck while sleeping and pain after waking up. However, for those who feel they can only sleep if they are on their stomach, choosing a very thin pillow or no pillow at all will help. This is so the neck is not bent upward at an awkward angle. Also, place a pillow under your pelvic region to take stress off of the rest of the back.

 

Making sure you are resting in a comfortable and neutral position will ensure your body can get the rest and replenishment it needs. To schedule an appointment with Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC, call our Centennial, CO office at (303) 770-5666 or visit our website, www.forsstromchiropractic.com. 

Chiropractic and Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is an ongoing pain that persists beyond an expected time frame and it doesn’t respond to the typical pain management techniques. Chiropractic care may be a treatment option for you if you have chronic pain. Here at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC we utilize a variety of non-surgical treatments, such as spinal manipulation, to address chronic pain symptoms, such as inflammation and muscle tension.

There are three basic components to the perception of pain: the sensory effect, which involves the electrochemical perception of pain by the brain; the emotional effect, which is our immediate response to pain; and the sensory-emotional effects of chronic pain. At Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC Dr. Doug Forsstrom will conduct a physical exam as well as some tests to diagnose your type of pain. Once you’re diagnosed with a pain condition, Dr. Forsstrom will develop a treatment plan. Your treatment plan may include manual therapies and therapeutic exercises in addition to spinal manipulation.

If you suffer from chronic pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Performing a Chiropractic Adjustment

A chiropractic adjustment, also known as chiropractic manipulation, manual manipulation, or spinal manipulation, is a common therapeutic treatment for lower back pain, shoulder pain, sacroiliac joint pain, and much more. The adjustment itself refers to Dr. Doug Forsstrom of Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC applying manipulation to the vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. We understand that our patients may feel slightly apprehensive to be “adjusted” by another human being, which is why we wanted to take this time to provide you with insight on how a chiropractic adjustment is performed.

The goal of chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is to correct structural alignment and improve your body's physical function. The adjustment itself typically involves a high velocity, short lever arm thrust applied to a vertebra. During the adjustment, you may be asked to lie on a specially designed table while Dr. Doug Forsstrom manipulates your arms and legs to prepare you for sudden movement. You may hear your body “crack” once this is done, but it’s important to know that this is caused by the release of pressure in the joints. When Dr. Forsstrom places his hands in precise locations, using controlled movements, he works on individual joints to improve mobility and relieve discomfort.

If you think you may benefit from a chiropractic adjustment, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Defining Whiplash and Treating the Condition

Whiplash is a generic term applied to injuries of the neck caused when the neck is suddenly and/or violently jolted in one direction and then another, creating a whip-like movement. Whiplash is most commonly seen in people involved in motor vehicle accidents, but it can also occur from falls, sports injuries, work injuries, and other incidents. Because each individual case of whiplash is different, Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC will not administer treatment until he completes a chiropractic exam on the patient.

Soon after whiplash occurs – in the acute phase – Dr. Doug Forsstrom will work on reducing neck inflammation using various therapy modalities such as ultrasound, manipulation, muscle relaxation/stimulation, various exercises and/or ergonomic lifestyle changes. The primary whiplash treatment for joint dysfunction, spinal manipulation, involves Dr. Forsstrom gently moving the involved joint into the direction in which it is restricted.

If you’ve recently been injured in an auto accident, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Therapeutic Exercise Benefits and Goals

Therapeutic exercise is defined as a bodily movement prescribed to correct impairment, improve musculoskeletal function, or maintain a state of well-being. At Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC if you suffer from shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain and hip pain, Dr. Doug Forsstrom guarantees to provide an exercise method that will heal you in no time.

Therapeutic exercise seeks to accomplish the following goals: enable ambulation, release contracted muscles, tendons, and fascia, mobilize joints, improve circulation, improve respiratory capacity, improve coordination, reduce rigidity, improve balance and promote relaxation. In addition, therapeutic exercise helps improve muscle strength and exercise performance. No matter which types of exercise may be needed to remedy a patient’s specific condition, the final goal of rehabilitation is to achieve an optimal level of mobility by the end of the treatment procedure.

If you think you may benefit from therapeutic exercise, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Cold Laser Therapy

Cold Laser Therapy

If you are troubled by neck or back pain or you have inflammatory disorders like tendonitis, arthritis and sprains, we can help you with cold laser therapy here at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO with cold laser therapy. Cold laser therapy has been used for the above conditions above as well as a number of other issues like muscle and joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and shoulder injuries, and wound management.

How Cold Laser Therapy Works

During this therapy, our Centennial, CO chiropractor, Dr. Doug Forsstrom, uses specific light wavelengths to interact with your tissue and expedite the healing process. He uses a handheld device, typically no bigger than a flashlight, and places it directly over your affected area for 30 seconds to three minutes.

The length of time the device is used depends on the dose and area being treated. He emits non-thermal photons of light that pass through your layers of skin (epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue) and penetrates around two to five centimeters under your skin.

Cold Laser Therapy Advantages

This is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't require a surgical incision or lengthy recovery time. You don't need any medications and there have been no reported serious side effects when performed correctly.

Call us at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC at 303-770-5666 to learn more about cold laser therapy and to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure. During your initial consultation, Dr. Forsstrom sits down with you to discuss the procedure and what you can expect from it. He then plans your course of treatment.

www.forsstromchiropractic.com

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

There are many different types of headaches with a multitude of symptoms including achy, throbbing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness, blinding, noise, light and/or odor sensitivity, and more. Thankfully, Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center PC can alleviate your symptoms through non-surgical techniques such as spinal adjustments and manipulation.

Headaches have many causes, or “triggers.” These may include foods, environmental stimuli (noises, lights, stress, etc.) and/or behaviors (insomnia, excessive exercise, blood sugar changes, etc.). If you suffer from constant headaches, Dr. Doug Forsstrom may suggest one or all of the following as a treatment option:

• Spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system.


• Nutritional advice, recommending a change in diet and perhaps the addition of B complex vitamins.


• Improve posture, ergonomics (work postures), exercises and relaxation techniques. This advice should help to relieve the recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

If you experience severe headaches and think you may benefit from chiropractic care, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.

Chiropractic Diagnosis

At Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, it doesn’t matter if you’re suffering from back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, or have recently been injured in a car accident because we are here to provide you with relief whatever the cause. Once you schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom, he will need to assess what is causing you strife. He does this by classifying your injury into one of three categories. These categories of chiropractic diagnosis include: 

• Potentially serious: tumor, infection, fracture, major neurological problem, local open wound or burn, prolonged bleeding, artificial joint implant problems, pacemaker problems, joint infection


• Nerve problem: when the nerve root in the low back is pinched or compressed, causing a radiculopathy (sciatica). Typical causes of nerve root pinching include a lumbar herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis


• Non-specific: mechanical back pain in the lumbar spine. This type of lower back pain is the most common presentation and includes pain for which there is no identifiable cause.

To learn more about the conditions we treat as well as the services we provide at our office, visit www.forsstomchiropractic.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Forsstrom at Forsstrom Chiropractic Center, PC in Centennial, CO, call 303-770-5666.