Arbor Vitae Wellness Center

Did you know that the Forward Head Position reduces blood flow in the spine up to 40%? Awareness of good vs bad posture is the first step to building better habits! Let our chiropractors know how we can help you achieve better posture with your everyday activities!

Disc Degeneration? What the heck is that? If you are having a hard time visualizing the your x-ray or MRI reports, I hope this post helps you understand what is going on with your spine! Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is not really a disease, it’s a age related condition that occurs when the discs between the vertebrae breaks down; think of It as wear and tear! DDD can be seen with x-rays Bulging discs are ‘contained’. They are protruding discs! The bulged disc doesn’t alway...s affect the disc’s entire perimeter! You can have a bulging disc and be asymptomatic. They can be seen with a MRI or a CT scan! A herniated disc is where the outer layer cracks and agitates the inner space layer! They are more susceptible to pinching the nerve root! They may cause weakness, pain, numbness, tingling or burning! Again some people have disc herniation and are completely asymptomatic while some people can be in terrible pain! The thinning of a disc simply indicates degenerative disc disease. Disc fragments can block the openings, called foramina, between vertebrae where nerve roots travel from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Osteophytes are also known as bone spurs. They are small, smooth bony growths that may develop near the edges of a vertebral body’s end plates or the spine’s facet joints where cartilage has worn. This is age related and is caused by wear and tear and is often triggered in response to degenerative changes. They can lead to numbness down the arm or neurological deficit in the spinal cord. Osteophytes can be detected with X-rays but best seen if with MRI or CT scan. Call us to Schedule an appointment today!

The bridge exercise is one of the most simple exercises you can perform to start training the glutes to extend the hip. As you progress and learn to master the glute bridges on both legs, the next step in the glute exercise progression is to work on stabilizing the core while training the hips to extend. Dr Mina demonstrates stabilizing the core in both glute bridges and single leg progressions. This is a very important component of core control and a key in preventing low back injuries. The lumbar spine should be able to stabilize while the lower extremity extends, minimizing the stress on the low back. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mina in Santa Monica on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Call 310-829-7339.

This is a great start if you want to begin a daily practice of health in your life! What are some of your own tips for healthy living?

Relieve Lower Back Pain with Massage Therapy (http://ow.ly/43bk30n40Vn) Massages are one of the most relaxing spa treatments, but they can also be therapeutic. Specifically, massages can help provide relief for lower back pain. At Arbor Vitae Wellness Center, you'll have your choice of several different types of massages including deep tissue, therapeutic, and trigger point massage. If you have back pain and would like to find out if massage therapy is right for you, contact ...us using the link provided. #backpain #massagetherapy #SantaMonica The providers of Arbor Vitae Wellness Center are proud to offer holistic healthcare services to individuals in Santa Monica, California. Call 424-235-6592 or visit the website to book your appointment today! (http://ow.ly/dcKo30n40Vo)

Happy New Year! Now is a great time to reflect on changes, set goals, and plan the future. Whether it’s taking time out for yourself, learning a new skill, or hitting the gym we support you! Here’s to a great 2019 make it yours. #NewYearNewYou #NewYearsResolutions #Happy2019