Dr Davis' Back & Wrist Pain Blog

Lung Cancer Killed 160,390 People in 2007 and Tobacco Was Reponsible for 90% of those Deaths

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments on Lung Cancer Statistics from the Lung Cancer Alliance:

  If you are a smoker and there was one lifestyle change you could make to start the New Year...it would have to be quitting.

Sure,  it's easy for me to sit here and write this compared to someone trying to kick a nicotine habit...but it still doesn't change the fact that it's the best thing you could do for your health.

And...you will probably see benefits right away. Yes, depending on how long you have been smoking and how much...they call these "pack years" there will most likely be some permanent damage. But you might not even notice it on a day to day basis. In fact, I have read stories about people that gave up smoking after 20 years only to go on and win a marathon race.

I think we all know people that smoked for a long time that are healthy now.

There is never not a good time to quit.

The good news is...lung cancer rates have been declining in men since 1991, and has leveled off in women...but it's still the #1 cancer killer in the US.

Anyway, check the link out above for the full article...it's eye opening.

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco.

Starting the New Year with Back Pain? Executive Express Chiropractic can Help

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

I have been practicing chiropractic in the San Francisco Financial District for 17 years now. Every year,  January is usually our busiest month...just like health clubs and other services that have to do with regaining ones health.

It makes sense...the New Year offers us the opportunity to make a fresh start and work on problems we have been putting off...like chronic back and neck pain...or losing weight...or getting in shape...or back into sports.

Heck...they all go hand in. It's hard to workout with back pain...and it can be hard to lose weight if you can't workout. This is why fixing chronic back or neck pain is usually pretty high on the list come the New Year.

Well...we know this and we stand ready at Executive Express Chiropractic at the SF Embarcadero Center. We make it easy to get rid of your back pain with our no appointment, no waiting, no hassles policy.

That's right...you can just walk-in any time during open hours (M-F 9-6 & Sat 9-1) and be seen in a jiffy. Sure, it's probably a good idea to make an appointment for your first visit...because you can save time by filling out our secure online intake form, which will save you even more time and allow our doctors to check out your health information before your appointment. We can also check your insurance benefits before you come.

So beat the rush...give Executive Express Chiropractic a call today at 415-392-2225...and start the New Year off right...with a healthy back. 

Because You Just Can't Afford To Be In Pain!

Chiropractic is good for all ages

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

Most of the back problems that adults present with started when they were young. After-all...how many times did you fall when you were learning how to walk or ride a bike?

What about all the spills and falls you had learning to play sports or engaging in normal childhood activities...could they have knocked a bone out of place? Is it still out of place?

I know my first visit to the chiropractor was when I was about 8 years old. I had a bad kink in my neck and Dr. Frank fixed it in just a few sessions.

The time to start getting chiropractic adjustments is when we are young...then stick with it throughout our life's. Taking care of your spine should be like taking care of your teeth...it's ongoing.

And,  chiropractic care is great for the elderly also. Sure...we can't do some of the treatments we can do on younger folks...but there is plenty we can do...it can really help reduce pain and increase function...when nothing else will.

Chiropractic is also very safe...and gentle too.

The bottom line is this: Chiropractic is good for all ages. Yes, there are exceptions...and some patients should not have adjustments...but this is rare. And you don't need to wait until you are in pain either. Regular maintenance adjustments are just like brushing your teeth. Do you wait until you have a cavity?

So...if you haven't already...consider chiropractic for the entire family...it's what the smart people do.

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropracticin downtown San Francisco. He can be reached at 415-392-2225.

Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression: Will it work for me?

San Francisco Chiropractor and Spinal Decompression Doctor Comments:

I have been practicing chiropractic in the SF Financial District for over 17 years now. About 4 years ago...after quite a bit of research, I decided to add nonsurgical spinal decompression to my treatment protocols for herniated lumbar discs. The machine I purchased is the DRX9000.

A while later I purchased a DRX9000c so I could help patients with cervical disc herniations.

We were already quite successful dealing with most of the cervical and lumbar neurovascular compression syndromes we dealt with...but there was definitely a subset of chronic neck and back pain patients that we could not help.

In fact...these are the patients we first contacted when we acquired our DRX9000. Patients that had tried chiropractic with limited success. Patients that did not want low back surgery. And patients that for the most part had tried everything under the sun...pain meds, cortisone, acupuncture, physical therapy...you name it.

Right away we knew we were on to something special. Yes, it was a lot of hard work...and patients had to pay out of pocket because insurance does not cover nonsurgical spinal decompression (it's still considered experimental)...but it was working...when nothing else would.

NO...it was not working on every single herniated disc patient that did it...and that was a bummer...just most of them.

And here we are 4 years later. We have a new clinic at the San Francisco Embarcadero Center called Executive Express Chiropractic. We have a DRX9000 and a DRX9000c...and we have successfully helped hundreds of chronic back and neck pain patients...patients that felt they had no where else to turn.

So...will nonsurgical spinal decompression with the DRX9000 or the DRX9000c work for you?

There's only one way to find out...saddle-up. Sure, there is a very convincing Spinal Decompression Special Report out there based on preliminary research studies done at the Mayo Clinic, Duke University, and John Hopkins...but you still wont know until you try.

Anyway...you can go to www.axiomworldwide.comto find a DRX9000 near you. Or...you can visit our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center in downtown SF. WE offer a complimentary DRX consultation. Simply call 415-392-2225. 

Happy Holidays From Executive Express Chiropractic

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

Well...it hasn't exactly been a great year financially for our Country. And, it has effected us just like everyone else. But you know what...it is what it is. Tides come in and out. Markets go up and down...and life goes on.

All we can do is move forward and focus on the things we have control over...like taking care of our health, our families, and making ourselves more valuable to our employers and business partners...and in our case...our patients. Because if we do this...we know we give ourselves the best chance to survive these turbulent times and even thrive...so that's what we do.

We really appreciate all of the patients, friends, vendors, business partners, and supporters...who have helped make all of us at Executive Express Chiropractic so grateful and excited about the future.

One thing for sure...we will be there for you...because nothing is more important to us than keeping you healthy. So thanks again...and enjoy these Holidays with your friends and family. Better times will come...they always do.

 Dr. Eben Davis & Staff  

Can Executive Express Chiropractic Help My Posture?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

Your Posture is an outward manifestation of the position your spinal bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons are in. When you have abnormal spinal curves, you will most likely have abnormal posture.

When we check posture at Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco...we look for the ears, shoulders, and pelvis to be level from the front. We also draw an imaginary line from your ear lobe, through your shoulder, knee, and the front of your ankle (the plumb line).

There are many other chiropractic posture analysis methods also...such as uneven leg length and bi-lateral weight scales...and of course x-ray analysis.

But here's the deal...you have to know how to correct bad posture not just detect it...not all chiropractors do.

At Executive Express we incorporate Biophysics mirror image adjusting techniques and exercises into our treatment methods. We also use Active Release Techniques (ART) to re-balance muscle imbalances that are contributing to poor posture patterns. 

Then...we teach you the proper way to sleep, sit at your desk, and care for your spine...so the changes last.

So,  yes...chiropractic care can help correct your posture...especially at Executive Express.

Come find out for yourself. For a complimentary consultation and posture exam at Executive Express Chiropractic at the SF Embarcadero Center...call 415-392-2225. 

Back Pain That Comes and Goes?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

If you have back pain that comes and goes...and it's always in the same spot...chances are it's because of pressure on the nervous system. The source of the pressure is most likely a vertebral subluxation, a bulging or herniated disc...or degenerative disc disease...or spinal stenosis.

How do you know this...couldn't it be tight muscles or something else?

Yeah...I guess it could...but in my (17 years as a San Francisco Chiropractor) experience that's usually not the case. Yes...there are muscle spasms associated with any of the neurovascular compression syndromes listed above...but the muscle spasms are not the primary cause.

Sure, you can pull a muscle in your back doing something...then it goes away...that's not what we're talking about here. We are talking about the same kind of back pain, in the same location, that keeps reoccurring.

Don't get me wrong...muscle spasms, scar tissue, and fibrosis must be addressed also...we do this with Active Release Techniques (ART). 

Typically...when a neurovascular compression syndrome is left uncorrected...it continues to get worse over time...so the frequency of episodes increases, as does the intensity of the pain...and the duration of each episode.

So...what should I do if this is happening to me?

Well...you should find yourself a good chiropractor. The best way to find a chiropractor is word of mouth or online research. I write this blog as an educational tool for my existing patients and staff...and to help give prospective chiropractic patients information that they can use to help understand the benefits of modern chiropractic care. 

Sure...if you live or work in the SF Bay Area, we would like you to see us. We are located at the Embarcadero Center in downtown San Francisco. The name of our clinic is Executive Express Chiropractic. To schedule an appointment with one of our San Francisco Chiropractors please call 415-392-2225.

Dr. Eben Davis

Chronic Low Back Pain?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

Do you suffer with Chronic Low Back Pain (LBP)? If so, you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, just about everyone has had (at some point) back pain that interferes with their life somehow. Back Pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States...headaches are #1.

Men and women are equally affected, and low back pain occurs most often between age 30-50. The risk of low back pain from degenerated discs, herniated discs, or spinal arthritis, increases with age.

Chronic low back pain is defined as back pain that persists for 3 months or more. It is often progressive and the cause can be hard to determine.

Check out the link above for some very good information and insight on LBP.

My opinion is that nothing beats traditional chiropractic care for acute or chronic LBP. When chiropractic fails to deliver there is nonsurgical spinal decompression.

Your lifestyle choices also matter...especially your food choices and exercise habits...even the amount of mental stress you have in your life.

So yes...chronic low back pain can be hard to diagnose and treat...but at the same time, it just depends on your treatment choices and willingness to make lifestyle changes...you have more control than you think.

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropracticin downtown San Francisco. He can be reached at 415-392-2225.

Animal Products, Inflammation, and Back Pain

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

Not many people consider the connection between what they are eating and their chronic back pain...but they should.

Animal products such as meat, poultry, and dairy are pro-inflammatory...and inflammation of the spinal joints is a primary cause of back pain.

Plant foods on the other hand are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce inflammation in the body...and in my opinion help reduce back pain.

Besides the not so obvious animal foods-inflammation-back pain connection...animal foods are highly concentrated with fat, cholesterol, and calories...which contribute to weight gain..which is also a primary cause of low back pain.   Not to mention heart attacks and strokes...and other degenerative disease processes.

Animal foods are good for animals not humans. We are the only species that drinks another species milk. Heck...cows don't even drink their own milk after they are weaned...why should we?

So...if you have chronic back pain and you feel like you have tried everything...and nothing is working...there just might be too much inflammation.

You might want to give a plant based diet a chance. Hey...it's not as bad as you might think...it's the way I eat. I'm never hungry...I eat all the time...and I never gain weight. This is coming in handy as I get older.

When I see some of my old high school buddies I see the price they have paid for eating so much animal food...they are wearing it...it's just not worth it.

The best resource I know of for information on plant based nutrition is www.drmcdougall.com.

Not what you want to hear around the Holidays...but it's good stuff.

Is Your Leg Pain or Numbness From Your Back?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

We have been helping patients with leg pain and numbness for over 17 years at our San Francisco Chiropractic Center.

The nerves that control your legs and feet exit from in between bones in your low back. Any kind of pressure on these nerves from say a misaligned vertebrae (vertebral subluxation), bulging or herniated lumbar disc...or degenerative disc disease (DDD), can cause pain down the leg (sciatica), numbness or tingling in the leg or foot...leg weakness or abnormal gait.

And...there may or may NOT be any low back pain. Yes...you can have a herniated disc in the low back and not have any back pain...strange...but true. 

This is why it is very important to have your low back examined if you are experiencing leg pain, numbness, or weakness. A good chiropractor is probably your best bet.

Chiropractors can treat subluxations, disc bulges, pinched nerves, and often times disc herniations.

Some chiropractic centers, such as ours...Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco, offer nonsurgical spinal decompression for patients with herniated lumbar discs. The machine we use is the DRX9000.

The reason we have a DRX9000 is because there are some patients that do not respond to chiropractic. And after all...not everyone wants or needs back surgery.

Anyway...first things first...Lets find out what the problem is, and go from there. Chiropractic is a great first stop.

For a complimentary consultation at Executive Express Chiropractic at the SF Embarcadero Center...call 415-392-2225.