Category Archives: Staying Healthy

How Diet Contributes to Arthritis Pain

Posted on April 24, 2013 | Leave a comment

How Diet Contributes to Arthritis, from The Back Care Center of Dumont, NJThere are many different types of arthritis but most of us don’t care if it is degenerative or autoimmune arthritis. It’s the pain and stiffness that gets our attention. As the condition goes on, joints become swollen and inflamed and any type of movement or activity can become difficult

Medical treatment has been the same for years. Treat the swollen joints with drugs like steroids or “NSAIDs” and hope for the best. The problem is that nobody tries to find out why the problem has happened and, over time, the effects of those drugs can make the problems worse.

So why do your joints get swollen? One reason is that many people have hypersensitive immune systems. Your own defense system is so revved up that the slightest irritation triggers a very strong reaction. Since about 95% of your immune system is in your gut, your diet is an important key to controlling the problem.

Eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables will nourish your body and improve healing. However, eating the wrong foods like wheat, processed sugar and dairy can irritate your immune system causing inflammation and lead to joint and muscle pain. You don’t even have to be suffering with belly problems for it to happen.

In our office we correct mechanical problems of the spine by using chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises. Fixing the mechanical cause of irritation helps to get rid of your pain and restore your health. But looking at what foods (and sometimes drugs) patients are putting into their body is an important part of treatment and is why our arthritis patients get great results.

If you are having problems with arthritis and want help, call The Back Care Center today.

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Posted in Chiropractic Adjustments, Exercise, pain, Services, Staying Healthy, The Back Care Center

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Your Spine Is Not Static

Posted on March 20, 2013 | Leave a comment

Spine and back pain at The Back Care Center of Dumont, NJNothing about your health stays the same. It is in a constant state of flux, improving or degrading, depending upon both internal and external factors. This continuous change can be frustrating for people. So many times I have been asked by both patients and friends, “Why is my back hurting again? I thought we fixed it!”

The big answer is that nature doesn’t allow anything to stay static. Everything is constantly in motion. The world around you and the one inside you are always changing. On a personal level, if those changes are positive, they will create an improved state of health. That means less pain and illness. But if they are destructive changes it can lead to illness, pain and breakdowns in your ability have the type of life you want.

To those of you who have done something for your spine but it doesn’t seem to be enough, I would encourage you to be patient. Keep doing the things which lead to better health and you will see the results.

To those of you who have worked on your health before, seen positive changes but then stopped doing what was working (exercise, regular chiropractic adjustments, changes in your diet), don’t be surprised. The work needed for being healthy doesn’t stop when you feel good. It goes on for a lifetime.

If you would like to know how we can help you keep your health keep moving in a positive direction, please give us a call here at The Back Care Center of Dumont, NJ.

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Posted in Back Pain, Chiropractic Adjustments, Exercise, Staying Healthy, The Back Care Center

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My Commitment To You For 2013

Posted on January 8, 2013 | Leave a comment

Let’s face it, 2012 was a bit of a rough ride! Between the weather, a difficult economy and a disappointing showing of our local baseball and football teams, most of us aren’t going to be too sad to see last year go into the history books.

So bring on 2013! I am personally committing this year to do what I can to make it better for all of my patients!

MOST IMPORTANTLY, we are going to keep being the best place for you to come to get out of pain fast, without taking drugs. But I promise, we are not stopping there. This year I am going to make it a point to be in touch more often with the most up-to-date information about your health.

Besides continuing with our Facebook Page, Twitter and this blog , we also have added a whole lot more. First thing for you is our “Weekly Update”. This one page quickly gives you six different snippets of advice at a glance. To receive the “Weekly Health Update” every Monday by email, click here and enter Doctor Code: 07628SCHWA.

We also have our monthly “In Good Hands” newsletter. This piece is filled with information by contributors like Dr. Michael Roizen, M.D., chief wellness director of the Cleveland Clinic and co-author with Dr. Oz. Not only is this publication filled with interesting stories, but it gives you multiple tips on dealing with some of the most commonly faced health issues. To sign up for our monthly email newsletter, click here and enter Doctor Code: 07628SCHWA.

Finally, check out our new, second blog at DrDavidSchwartzBlog.com. Every week we update that blog with an article about a specific condition like lower back pain, neck pain or headaches.

You are probably wondering why I am providing you with so much information. Well, I’ve said it many times in the past and I am not changing my tune in 2013: the government and the insurance companies don’t care if you are sick or in pain! It is up to you to know how to stay healthy and pain-free. By providing you with the most up-to-date and practical information available, I want to help you do just that.

I am looking forward to this coming year and wish for it to be healthy and prosperous and pain-free.

Best Wishes,

Dr. David Schwartz, D.C.
The Back Care Center of Dumont, NJ

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Posted in Dumont NJ, Staying Healthy, The Back Care Center

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Life goes on after the pain is gone!

Posted on October 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

People never stop surprising me. Some patients wait in pain for days, weeks or even months before they come to me for help. When they finally make an appointment, the reason for their delay was that someone had told them, “Once you start seeing a chiropractor, you have to go forever!”

I can tell you that no two patients are really alike, but we can group them into three general categories. The first group wants nothing more than to get out of pain fast. The second group is looking for an overall improvement in their vitality. They not only get adjusted but also work on all other aspects of their health. The third group is a combination of the first two. They want to get out of pain but also want to enjoy the benefits longer-term chiropractic care can provide. They come in periodically to check and maintain their spine.

I take care of all three types of patients. While certain issues like a herniated disc may require longer term care, typically patients get out of pain relatively fast. If they are in the first group I described and want to stop after their pain is relieved, there is no “penalty.” They go back to their life and hopefully back to doing the things they love. I am thrilled to have helped them get what they wanted, and if they ever need me again, they are always welcome to come into the office.

If you are suffering with neck pain, back pain or sciatica, or know someone else who is, please let us help. Give us a call today. The sooner we get started, the sooner the pain will be gone.

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Posted in Back Pain, Neck Pain, Staying Healthy, The Back Care Center

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Imagine Being Pain Free for the Holidays!

Posted on October 16, 2012 | 1 Comment

It is amazing how fast the year is passing. Autumn is here and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. The worst way to spend the holidays is in pain. I get so many last-minute calls asking me to help with severe back pain or neck pain during this time of year. People tell me it has been bothering them for a while but now they just want to feel good enough to enjoy their time with friends and family. The shame is they have waited too long and their holidays are often spent in pain.

Getting better usually takes some time. While every condition is not the same, generally even our most difficult back and neck pain patients get great results within about 6 weeks. Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not saying that they are “cured” or that their conditions have miraculously disappeared. But we are different from many offices because we use a combination of chiropractic methods, spinal decompression, cold laser, massage therapy and exercises to fix the problem at the source.

Imagine, just 6 weeks to have less pain, more mobility and feel good enough to enjoy the holidays. If you or anyone you know is putting off taking care of your back or neck, remember time is running out! Give us a call today to start your journey back to health.

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Posted in Back Pain, Neck Pain, Staying Healthy, The Back Care Center

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What patients get wrong about their pain

Posted on October 8, 2012 | Leave a comment

After over 25 years of practice I am still amazed at the way some people think about their pain and where it comes from.

A patient came to my office and told me that she had lower back pain that started recently. She insisted that the only thing it might be from was lifting a heavy bag a few months ago. I examined and x-rayed her spine. We found that she had a huge amount of damage to the bones and discs in her lower back. It was obvious that picking up a single bag didn’t cause all of the damage. I explained my findings and showed her the films but she insisted that the x-rays couldn’t be right because she “never had any problems before this pain.”

Another patient came to me complaining of numbness in her leg. The examination indicated many signs of severe spinal problems that were probably affecting the nerves going into her leg. I sent her for an MRI of her lower back and it confirmed my suspicions. She had two very badly damaged discs that were compressing the nerves going into her leg and causing the numbness. When we spoke about the findings she maintained that her numbness was not due to the discs but was only because she had been standing in front of her sink and doing the dishes.

It is hard for people to understand that most spinal problems are not because of a single event – they develop over a period of years. Pain is from a lifetime of small injuries and changes that add up and finally get to the point where your body is screaming for help.

Taking care of your injury isn’t as simple as not doing the thing that hurts. It takes time and work on both the part of the doctor and the patient. In our office we use a combination of chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, laser, massage and exercise to get you back to where you want to be. Instead of focusing on limiting what you can do, we work with you to give you your life back.

If you are having back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches or some other type of injury, this is the office for you. Give us a call at 201-387-7463 and let’s start working on it together.

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Posted in Back Pain, Neck Pain, Staying Healthy, The Back Care Center

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You’re never too young to train like a pro – or get injured like a pro

Posted on September 20, 2012 | Leave a comment

Recently I read an article in the NY Times about injuries among professional football players. Because of the fiercely competitive nature of the game, long-lasting injuries affecting the brain, spine and peripheral joints are common. Not only is arthritis a common occurrence, but also conditions like Parkinson’s disease, dementia and multiple sclerosis occur at higher rates.

A game with such serious consequences might be considered unacceptable to most of us, but professional athletes know that there is a price to be paid for the extreme levels of success they achieve – it is often paid with their health.

As a father, I know that the example the pros set serves to inspire young children to reach for their own dreams of fame and success. Parents, of course, just want to help their children work towards reaching their goals. They sign them up for organized sports at very early ages. These days it’s common to see young children out on a field practicing not only football but also baseball, soccer, basketball or even lacrosse as often as 5 times a week.

We are training our children harder than ever. And like the pros, they are getting hurt more severely and frequently than in the past. It is not uncommon for young athletes in high school to have undergone multiple surgeries or be suffering with severe arthritis.

As a chiropractor I want to encourage parents to pay very close attention to the health of their young, future stars. The bangs and bruises that they “walk off” may be just the thing that starts them towards a more permanent and potentially career ending injury.

One way to prevent subtle, less obvious problems from turning into chronic, irreparable injuries is through regular chiropractic check-ups and adjustments.

If you would like any more information about protecting your children from getting hurt or having them evaluated, please contact the office.

 

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Posted in Chiropractic Adjustments, Staying Healthy, The Back Care Center

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Don’t ignore family health problems – even if they’re difficult to talk about

Posted on September 7, 2012 | Leave a comment

Every doctor knows that the worst type of patient to treat is a family member. I tend to ignore their problems, rather than giving advice that would almost certainly be disregarded. Even when one of them suffers a herniated disc injury, one of the things I treat in my office, I still may not become involved since many of my family are some type of health care providers themselves and we tend to have differing opinions.

This past holiday weekend, I got to see some of my extended family and began noticing how badly they were being affected by untreated back and disc injuries. I saw significant changes in their posture, loss of mobility and even atrophy (wasting away) of their muscles.

Honestly, I shouldn’t have been surprised. Untreated disc injuries may not cause constant pain but frequently will affect health in other ways. Many people have come to my office looking for help with the same types of things I saw in my family members. It was just shocking to see it in the people I have known my whole life.

After seeing the results of my silence, I have committed myself to making certain my patients know how dangerous it is to leave these types of injuries untreated. If you, a friend or family member are suffering with a herniated disc, please make sure to get the necessary care.

My office uses a unique combination of mechanical spinal decompression therapy, soft chiropractic instrument adjustments, cold laser and rehabilitative exercises to get the best possible results without surgery or medications. Call us today at 201-387-7463 for help.

And as always, have a great and healthy day.

Dr. David Schwartz, DC
The Back Care Center of Dumont, NJ

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Posted in Alternatives to Surgery, Back Pain, Chiropractic Adjustments, Spinal Decompression Therapy, Staying Healthy

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Is Talking About Spinal Decompression Therapy Scaring Patients Off?

Posted on July 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

I received a phone call from a marketing firm this past week. It was a typical call, trying to solicit business. The man said that he had “investigated” my practice and I needed to change my approach to speaking with my patients.

He told me patients were scared of chiropractors and spinal decompression therapy, and that if I hoped to be successful in the “New World of Health Care” I needed to stop focusing on those things and start looking at providing other types of services.

I mentioned that statistics repeatedly have shown that the services I provide are:

  • much safer than typical medical care
  • more effective in the long run than surgery
  • less costly that other approaches.

He wouldn’t be deterred and insisted that letting people know what I did was keeping them out of my office.

After thanking him for his advice, I hung up and shook my head. For over 25 years I have been helping people get better without medications or surgery. I know that by telling people about the benefits of chiropractic care and spinal decompression I have helped hundreds of people avoid using dangerous drugs and undergoing risky surgeries.

Maybe some people are scared because I talk to them about chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression therapy. And maybe I am not going to make it big in the “New World of Health Care” but I will keep doing what I do because I know it is the best way to safely keep people healthy — and that is what matters the most to me!

 

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Posted in Alternatives to Surgery, Chiropractic Adjustments, Spinal Decompression Therapy, Staying Healthy, The Back Care Center

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Why Is Your Back Like A Toilet?

Posted on July 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

The other day I found myself answering a very familiar question. A patient wanted to know how he could have done so much damage to his spine for so many years but still not feel any back pain until just recently.

After over 25 years in practice, I am used to patients asking me this question. I explained to him that spinal damage often accumulates over time but doesn’t become apparent until it can affect function. It isn’t the final and often small event, like bending down to pick up a piece of clothing off the floor, which caused the problem, although that is when you finally become aware of the problem and suddenly realize you have back pain or neck pain.

As I said, this was a familiar conversation and I have had to think of many different ways of illustrating this fact to my practice members. However, this patient, after hearing what I had to say, gave me something new to think about.

“OH,” he said, “so your back is like a toilet!”

I had never heard this analogy and the confusion must have shown immediately on my face. “How is that?” I asked. He went on to explain that toilets frequently flood because of pipes that become blocked over time. You usually don’t know it is happening until one day you flush and the toilet overflows all over the bathroom.

I thought about it and had to laugh. He was right, your back is like a toilet and here was a man who truly understood chiropractic adjustments!

If you’re feeling a little clogged, why not call the Back Care Center of Dumont, NJ and make an appointment? Better to deal with the problem now, before it turns into something really messy.

 

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Posted in Back Pain, Chiropractic Adjustments, Dumont NJ, Neck Pain, Staying Healthy, The Back Care Center

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