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Chronic Neck Pain? Why Chiropractic & Acupuncture may be just the help you need!

Posted on 2012-02-08 09:03:34

Neck Pain Patients in Kansas City get Relief with Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Is that same spot in your neck hurting again today? Or are you one of the lucky ones that woke up with neck pain for the first time today? Tired of taking muscle relaxers, pain pills, and anti-inflammatories, only to have it all hurt just as bad 4 or 6 hours later?
This article is for you!
How can Chiropractic help Neck Pain?
Chiropractors are extensively trained to detect misalignments in the spine that cause neck pain and other symptoms. A Chiropractor can determine after a history and examination whether Chiropractic care can make a difference for your neck pain. Misalignments in the spine increase pressure on the joints and activate pain receptors. These pain receptors get your attention and tell you that you have neck pain. Chiropractors perform adjustments of the spine and joints that reduce the misalignment in the joints, which results in reduced irritation to your pain receptors, and you guessed it, decreased neck pain. Doctors of Chiropractic can use a variety of methods to perform these adjustments for neck pain including using a small hand held instrument, or using their hands to gently relign the joint. Sometimes when a Chiropractor uses their hands to adjust you (also known as a Manual or Diversified Adjustment) you can hear a clicking or popping sound, which is just nitrogen gas escaping from the joint space.
How fast will my neck pain feel better?
Each patient's body is different. I have many patients that report immediate improvement in their neck pain after their first adjustment, in some cases before they even leave my office. Other patients will start to see noticable results in 4 to 6 visits. It depends on several factors including:
-hydration
-sleep quality and quantity
-diet
-stress level
-how long you have experienced neck pain
-history of accidents or injury
I had one patient come into my office with such severe neck pain that she was taking 20 Tylenol a day, and it still wasn't helping. After her first visit, she only needed 6 Tylenol a day, and within a few more visits she was completely off the Tylenol for her neck pain! She didn't have a Tylenol deficiency, she was trying to mask the pain signals her body was sending her letting her know something was wrong with her neck! Finally her body complained loud enough and she found a Chiropractor!
I know I have arthritis in my neck. Is it safe to get Chiropractic Adjustments if I already have arthritis?
In the vast majority of cases, it is completely safe to receive Chiropractic Adjustments if you have arthritis. I work on patients with arthritis in my practice on a daily basis and they find that Chiropractic helps their body function better even in the areas they thought would never improve because of a diagnosis of arthritis. It is always important to have a thorough history and examination to make sure that you are a good candidate for Chiropractic Care. Chiropractic Adjustments help increase range of motion in joints. Joints get their nutrition by movement. If a joint is stuck, it no longer receives all of its nutrition. What happens to anything that doesn't get proper nutrition? It starts to wear down, get sick, or show signs of degeneration. Arthritis is a sign that the body has had increased stress in a joint with decreased joint motion. If you can increase joint motion with Chiropractic Care, then guess what happens? Chiropractic Adjustments slow down or in some cases even stop the progression of arthritis!!!
How does Acupuncture help neck pain?
Acupuncture is a system of healing that balances the energy in your body. Anytime you have pain, illness, discomfort, fatigue, it is a sign of energetic imbalances in the body. Energy may be too high, too low, or out of balance between the left and right sides of the body. I use a tool called Acugraph to measure the energy in your 12 main Acupuncture meridians, which helps me get a picture of how your body is out of balance. By combining the treatment recommendations from the Acugraph readings with Acupuncture points for neck pain, my patients see improvement at an even faster pace. After all, I could see 10 neck pain patients, all of which have a different energy pattern in their body. If I treat them all with the exact same points without customizing the treatment to their body, their treatment could potentially not be as effective. Many patients with neck pain also report an increase in their stress level or poor sleep quality in conjunction with their neck pain. I will also add in Acupuncture points that will help with those issues as well as their neck pain.
Will I need Acupuncture and Chiropractic Adjustments to help with my neck pain?
Each patient is different and depending on your history and examination results, as well as your personal preference, I will discuss different treatment recommendations with you before we start your treatment plan. Some patients would prefer to start with just Acupuncture or just Chiropractic, while other patients understand the exponential benefit of combining treatments and want to start with both right away. I am flexible in regards to having your input and preferences shape your care...after all, it is your body and your health! I strive to empower my patients to listen to their body and start to understand the signals their body is sending them, including when it is time for another treatment. If I can help you understand your body's signals, then you are better able to take care of yourself, and chances are you won't wait until you are in severe pain to get your Adjustment or Acupuncture session in the future for your neck pain!
What else can I do for myself to help ease my neck pain until my appointment?
-Increase your hydration to 1 quart of water per 50 pounds of body weight per day (unless you have water restrictions due to kidney, heart, or other diseases that limit your water intake)
-Eat protein several times per day, and eat something (preferably protein, vegetables or fruit) every 2 to 3 hours. It doesn't have to be a full meal, but just enough to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Low blood sugar, or drastic swings up or down in blood sugar will increase pain and inflammation in the body.
-If there is inflammation or heat in your neck where you have pain, ice 20 minutes of every hour can be helpful as well. Please do not use a plug in heating pad for your neck pain, as it increases inflammation, which increases pain.
Note: While these suggestions may help reduce your pain, they will not fully address the problem. Please do not use these suggestions as a substitute for proper evaluation and treatment of an underlying condition.
I am in a lot of pain now. Should I come in now or wait until the neck pain has subsided?
I always recommend treatment to begin sooner rather than later. The longer you wait to address the problem, the longer it usually takes to fully heal. Think about it this way...if your car didn't have proper alignment, would you wait until your tires showed uneven wear or an exposed cord before you took your car in for an alignment? You can buy new tires, but you can't buy a new neck! Take good care of yourself now to prevent permanent damage and long term chronic neck pain and arthritis!
If you have any questions, please call me!

Better Health Is Only a Phone Call Away!
Dr. Kristine Baker
816-256-3603

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Stressed and Anxious? Can't relax or sleep through the night? Six tips for you

Posted on 2012-02-01 14:37:10

Chiropractor in Kansas City Helps Patients with Stress, Anxiety, and Trouble Sleeping

Most of us have been there...Tired but can't relax.  Waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble falling back asleep.  Here are six tips to help get that rested, relaxed, just had a great nights sleep feeling back!

1.  Drink WATER!  I recommend one quart per 50 pounds of body weight to properly hydrate my patients.  If you are severely ill, you may need to add another quart of water to that total.  For example, if you weigh 175 lbs, you should drink 4 quarts/4 liters/1 gallon of water a day.  A clue that you are dehyrated is that you wake up in the middle of the night and you feel really thirsty.  Dehydration can rob you of a good nights sleep, adding to your stress and anxiety.

2. Eat to balance your blood sugar metabolism.  During a consultation I discuss eating patterns, and the most ideal way to keep your blood sugar balanced.  This includes eating every 2-3 hours a protein snack or meal which also includes vegetables, and possibly a small amount of fruit.  I recommend avoiding most bread and sugary items as these food items tend to bring on a blood sugar high followed quickly by a low, and a craving for more carbs or sugar!  If you do want to eat something with a small amount of carbohydrates, I recommend eating it with a decent sized meal including protein Low blood sugar or spikes in blood sugar can contribute to or worsen feelings of stress, anxiety, and insomnia Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia can also wake you from sleep.  For patients that have dinner around 6 or 7pm, I recommend a snack before bed consisting of protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates which will give your body the fuel it needs to run all night long without waking you up!

3. Chiropractic Adjustments to balance your nervous system.  After a patient's first visit, I always ask if their sleep was any better after their first adjustment.  I would estimate that nearly 90% of my patients report an improvement in their sleep pattern including sleeping all night, waking more rested, and falling asleep with more easeChiropractic Adjustments help reduce interference in the communication pathways in your nervous system.  Since your nervous system coordinates EVERYTHING in your body including sleep, having increased irritation on this body system can have a profoundly negative impact on your sleep.  When your nervous system is irritated so are you!  I have personally experienced less anxiety and better sleep after my Chiropractic Adjustments as well, and I have been getting adjusted for almost 32 years!

4. Acupuncture to balance your energy meridian system Acupuncture is a well known treatment commonly used to help patients that feel stressed, anxious, or have difficulty sleepingAcupuncture is a system of treating blocks in energy, and balancing the energy in the body which results in an overall improved function.  There are many good Acupuncture points for stress, anxiety, and insomnia including points on the top of the head and inside of the elbow.  For my female patients, there are also hormonal points that can help with sleeping, stress, and anxiety as well.

5. Exercise - I cannot stress enough how helpful exercise can be for stress, anxiety and insomnia!  Even a 15 minute walk can stimulate feel good chemicals to be released in your body.  Movement helps release pent up energy, and I find that most patients feel more relaxed, peaceful, and sleep much better when they incorporate exercise into their daily routine.  If you aren't sure how to start, think of ways to add some walking into your routine.  Can you park further away at the store?  Fill up your water glass more often? Take the stairs?  Adding exercise into your routine doesn't require a gym at all!  I personally like to walk around my neighborhood because it gets me outside in the fresh air...and my dog likes it too!

6. Mineral Supplements.  When I know a patient deals with stress, anxiety, or sleep disruption, I always ask about their mineral intake.  Many patients that deal with chronic stress are depleted in minerals, and supplementing with Calcium, Magnesium, and/or Potassium can be very helpful.  I have seen patients with long term high blood pressure improve their blood pressure readings and be able to reduce, and in some cases completely eliminate, their blood pressure medication.  A note of caution:  If you are currently on a blood pressure medication, it is important to take a mineral supplement at least 4 hours away from your medication.  Each patient in my office gets customized recommendations for supplements and their proper dosages when indicated.  It is important to discuss adding supplements with a Doctor familiar with mineral supplementation to ensure that you are not taking anything that could interact with another supplement or medication. 

I hope that these six simple tips to help decrease stress and anxiety & improve your sleep are helpful for you or someone you care about. 

If you have any questions, please call me!

Better Health Is Only A Phone Call Away!

Dr. Kristine Baker

816-256-3603

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Woman with Endometriosis and Severe Menstrual Cramps Has First Pain Free Period in Ten Years After Six Visits to the Chiropractor

Posted on 2012-01-19 13:44:07

Kansas City Chiropractor Helps Women with Endometriosis and Severe Menstrual Cramps

Do you suffer with Endometriosis or Severe Menstrual Cramps?

Would you like to have pain free periods without medication?

Keep reading to hear the story of one of my patients who just had her first pain free period in TEN YEARS!!!

I had a new patient come into the office seeking help with endometriosis. She started having symptoms of endometriosis 14 years ago but was constantly being misdiagnosed and put on all different kinds of birth control, all of which made her symptoms worse.

Eventually she was bleeding every day, and a simple sneeze could even start some bleeding.

After two laparoscopic excision surgeries (aka Lapex) still had very severe cramping the first two days of her period that were minimally helped with heavy duty medication. She was looking to get to the bottom of the problem without needing surgery every few years of her life…and she is wanting to get pregnant later this year!

How can a Chiropractor help someone with Endometriosis and Painful Menstrual Cramps?

There are several techniques that I incorporate into a patient’s treatment plan when they have Endometriosis and/or Painful Menstrual Cramps.

Chiropractic Adjustments are essential due to the two way communication between the nerves and the organs and the organs back to the nerves. A woman who has problems with her uterus and periods often has tenderness and spinal misalignments in their low back and pelvis. By realigning the spine and pelvis, a Chiropractor improves the communication between the nerves and organ tissue, which usually results in improved and more normal functioning of the body organs. I have had so many women tell me that their periods are less painful after having Chiropractic Care, even if they were getting treated for another unrelated condition!

I also incorporate a technique called Total Body Modification into the treatment protocol for all women with Endometriosis, Severe Menstrual Cramps, and Infertility. Specifically I check for a tilted uterus and endometriosis with specific body points. In all cases of female reproductive problems I find a tilted uterus, and many times endometriosis as well. By performing specific soft tissue corrections on the body I can untilt the uterus and balance its function.

Specifically with the patient mentioned above she reported immediate improvement in her symptoms after her first treatment with Chiropractic & Total Body Modification. She did experience minor spotting after her corrections, but after that day, her body would stop spotting all together. After a few treatments she would only have minor spotting after exercise. After treatment number 4 she could exercise without any spotting. When she returned for her 7th visit she was so happy to report that she had just experienced her first pain free period in TEN YEARS!!!

She is very excited about having pain free periods and never thought she would have this kind of improvement in only six visits. Her biggest motivation for seeking out care for her Endometriosis and Painful Menstrual Periods is because she is very committed to preparing her body for pregnancy. She knows that given her history of Endometriosis she could have had a very long emotional struggle with getting pregnant, but now looks forward to having a much better chance of getting pregnant easily.

I feel so blessed to be able to help my patients with different health conditions that impact their life in such a big way. I have a huge passion for helping women with Infertility, Menstrual Cycle Problems, Pregnancy, and adjusting their newborns to give them the best start in life.

Please call me if you have any questions about your specific situation and I would be happy to share my knowledge.

Better Health is Only a Phone Call Away.

Dr. Kristine Baker

816-256-3603

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Sinus Headaches and Sinus Pain...Chiropractic & CranioSacral Therapy can Help!

Posted on 2011-12-27 12:39:18

Chiropractor in Kansas City Helps Patients with Sinus Headaches and Sinus Pain

If you have ever had a sinus headache or sinus pain, you know how miserable all of that pressure and discomfort can be! 

Many of my patients have discovered that Chiropractic Adjustments and CranioSacral Therapy can quickly help reduce their sinus pain and headaches

How does Chiropractic help Sinus Headaches?

When I examine my patients that are suffering from sinus headaches or sinus pressure, most of them have misalignments in their neck and upper back.  These misalignments, also known as subluxations, increase the pressure on the nervous system resulting in pain, pressure, muscle spasms, and limited range of motionChiropractors are Doctors that specialize in detecting and correcting these misalignments with Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic Adjustments can be done with a variety of different techniques.  For example, in my office I have an instrument called the "Equalizer" that gently realigns the spine using a light tapping pressure.  I also use a traditional Chiropractic Technique called "Diversified Technique" that most people associate with the "popping" sound.  This "popping" sound is nothing more than nitrogen gas escaping from your joints under pressure.  I also can use "Basic Technique" which involves light pressure and allowing a joint to relax literally underneath my fingertips.  I use a variety of these techniques in the office as patients with different body types, flexibility levels, degree of joint arthritis and degeneration need different techniques to feel their best.

How fast can I notice a difference in my sinus headache or sinus pain?

Each patient with sinus pressure or a sinus headache is different, however, it is pretty common that patients will leave the office after their appointment already noticing improvment.  Most patients will have significant improvment in their sinus headache or sinus pain within 4 to 6 visits.  The longer you have dealt with sinus headaches or sinus pain, the longer it can take to see noticable improvement.

A couple of weeks ago, a patient came in for her neck pain and upper back pain, and just happened to be recovering from a cold with congested painful sinuses.  She was blown away when she stood up after her appointment and could already breathe through one side of her nose!

How soon after I notice sinus pain or pressure should I get a Chiropractic Adjustment?

I always recommend that patients call at the first sign of any sinus pain or sinus pressure.  The sooner I can start to take pressure off the nervous system, the faster you will feel better!

How can CranioSacral Therapy help sinus headaches or sinus pain?

CranioSacral Therapy is a very gentle technique designed to improve the movement of the bones of your head.  It reduces pressure in the head, and can increase the ability of your body to naturally drain clogged sinuses, which allows the body to heal itself.  CranioSacral Therapy can be also be used throughout the body and is not limited only to the bones of the skull.  It is a highly effective addition to a Chiropractic Adjustment for sinus conditions.  Patients report having a drastic decrease in their sinus pain and symptoms, and feel so much more relaxed after their treatment.

I would like to see if Chiropractic and CranioSacral Therapy can help me.  Will you treat me on the first visit?

After a thorough consultation and exam, I will discuss treatment options with you.  Unless you have a condition or injury that would require x rays or other diagnostic evaluation before starting treatment, we can certainly treat you at your first visit.

If you have any questions about how I can make a difference for you or someone you know, please call me at 816-256-3603.

Better Health is Only a Phone Call Away!

Dr. Kristine Baker

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5 Tips to Help Anxiety and Stress

Posted on 2011-10-17 14:36:20

5 Tips to Help Anxiety and Stress

Have you noticed that you just can't relax anymore?  Is there too much on your To Do List and you barely have the energy to start?  Here are some tips to help you with Anxiety and Stress.

1. Sleep 7-9 hours a night without waking up or tossing and turning

That's right, get enough sleep!  One of the most important things you can do is to make sure you get enough sleep.  Your body heals during your sleep cycle, and if you do not get enough sleep without interruption, it has drastic effects on your ability to focus and react to your day.  If you toss and turn at night, or wake up to use the restroom, your body is not getting the quality of deep sleep that it needs in order to awaken restored.  It is important to make sure that you aren't having caffeine late at night, watching TV just before bed, and that you are sleeping in a cool, dark, quiet room.  It is so much easier for stress and anxiety to get to you if you are tired!

2. Eat Breakfast

Breakfast is just that...breaking the fast.  Your body needs fuel in the morning to be able to focus on the day ahead of you.  This is important for each person, and not just the kids.  Your blood sugar will stay more balanced if you eat breakfast, and you won't be spacing out in your mid-morning appointments.  It is critical that you eat protein for breakfast (eggs, lean meat, greek yogurt, etc) as protein helps balance your blood sugar and stays with you longer than carbohydrates.  Please avoid sugary drinks and breakfast cereals in the morning, as these tend to spike blood sugar quickly and can result in tiredness about an hour after eating.  People with anxiety and that are under a high level of stress especially need to make sure they are stabilizing their blood sugar with proper eating habits.

3. Get Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a way of balancing the energy in the body.  I have used it successfully on many patients to help reduce their feelings of stress and anxiety.  Acugraph is a diagnostic tool that I use in my office to see exactly where each patients energy is imbalanced.  This allows me to give each patient a customized accurate up-to-date treatment at each visit, based upon their body right now, and not how they were feeling three weeks ago.  It is amazing to watch the Acugraph chart improve as the patient's stress and anxiety improves.  There are also Acupuncture points that are classically known to help stress and anxiety, and I include them in a patient's treatment in addition to the Acupuncture points indicated on their Acugraph chart.

4. Regular Chiropractic Adjustments

I can't even begin to count the number of patients I have helped with stress and anxiety with Chiropractic Adjustments.  Commonly, patients with stress and anxiety have misalignments in their upper neck, lower neck, upper back, and between the shoulder blades.   I also find a lot of muscle spasms and tension in these areas as well.  Using a combination of Chiropractic techniques, patients leave their appointments feeling more relaxed with an increased sense of well being and ability to focus.  Oh, and if they were having neck and back pain, most of the time that has improved as well!  Chiropractic Adjustments help reduce interference and pressure in the nervous system so your body can function at its max!

 5.  Nutritional Supplementation

When a patient comes into my office we thoroughly discuss their history, which includes eating habits, nutrition, and water intake.  There are a few supplements that I find are key in helping patients get a grip on their stress and anxiety, and if indicated, I recommend them as additional support.  If someone is not putting the proper fuel into their body, how can they possibly expect to get the maximum performance in return?

There are many different factors that contribute to a persons' stress and anxiety level.  It is vital to seek out a Doctor that can thoroughly evaluate you from a holistic perspective and make recommendations that can help you potentially for the rest of your life.

I have personally helped so many people increase their ability to manage stress and anxiety by teaching them how to take care of themselves in combination with natural healing methods like Chiropractic Adjustments, Acupuncture, CranioSacral Therapy, and Total Body Modification.

It is amazing to watch people go from frazzled and exhausted, to rested and able to handle life!

Better Health is Only A Phone Call Away

Dr. Kristine Baker

816-256-3603

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Neck Pain Ruining Your Day? Chiropractic may be the answer!

Posted on 2011-10-11 14:38:05

Kansas City Chiropractor Helps Neck Pain

Are you sitting at your computer and your neck hurts as you read this?  It could be a sign of subluxation or misalignments in your neck.  Over time your body will also tighten muscles to help stabilize the misaligned areas of your neck, and all of a sudden....it HURTS!

Chiropractors are extensively trained in detecting and correcting these misalignments in your neck!  In addition to Chiropractic Adjustments, many times I also use CranioSacral Therapy to help unwind the soft tissue tightness that is commonly present in the misaligned areas of your neck. 

How fast can a Chiropractor help my neck pain?

I have patients tell me all the time how much better their neck feels immediately after their Chiropractic Adjustment and CranioSacral Therapy session.  Making a difference for my patients is the most fulfilling part about being a Chiropractor.  I love seeing patients sit up after their appointment, and move their neck further and with less pain that when they walked in my office.  The smile on their face is priceless!  Many of my patients will have instantaneous improvement, while others may notice improvement within the first 48 hours after their appointments.  Patients with the best response feel better immediately after their Chiropractic Adjustment and CranioSacral Therapy session, and improve even more within the few days following their initial appointment.

How would a Chiropractor know if they can help my neck pain?

Chiropractors are trained to thoroughly examine each patient, which helps us determine if Chiropractic Adjustments are right for your particular situation.  If a Chiropractor believes that you can be helped with Chiropractic Adjustments, they will suggest a treatment plan that would be appropriate for your individual needs.

 How many visits will it take to help my neck pain?

There is not one answer for all people.  In simple cases of neck pain, most patients will respond and feel considerably better within 3-6 visits.  If a patient has had neck pain for years, and also has a history of some severe trauma, it may take considerably longer for them to feel back to normal.  I cannot stress enough that each person's neck pain is different, and will respond at varying speeds.  It is important to be seen by a Chiropractor as soon as possible after the onset of neck pain because the longer you wait, the longer it will take to feel better and stay that way.

 Do you do the types of adjustments where you "pop" my neck? Or do you use an instrument?

I can do both.  Depending on the patient's neck, and prior Chiropractic experience, I customize each person's adjustment to their comfort level.  I have some patients who really like the traditional "popping" style of adjustments, which are called Diversified Technique Adjustments.  Other patients do not respond well to that type of adjustment, and I have two very simple hand held instruments that gently realign the body with great results.  After discussing your concerns during your history and consultation, you will be given different options for your Chiropractic Adjustment.  I am known for my gentle adjustments that make a huge difference quickly. 

If you have any questions, call me!

Better Health is Just a Phone Call Away

Dr. Kristine Baker

816-256-3603

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Is your face numb on one side? Bell's Palsy and Acupuncture

Posted on 2011-10-06 14:27:04

Kansas City Chiropractor uses Acupuncture to Help Patients with Bell's Palsy & Facial Numbness

Have you ever seen someone walking around with one side of their face numb and swollen?

I just took care of a new patient today that been numb on the left side of his face for one week!

Bell's Palsy is one of the most common reasons for a sudden onset of one-sided face paralysis.  I often find that Bell's Palsy is triggered by stress or exposure to a cold draft (ceiling fan, air conditioner, cold weather).  This usually results in a sudden onset of numbness and puffiness on one side of the face.  If the person tries to smile, they can't on the affected side.  Sometimes the eye can't close either. 

How does Acupuncture help Bell's Palsy?

Acupuncture is a system of treating energetic imbalances in the body along pathways called meridians.  This imbalance of energy can be detected with a tool called Acugraph.  I use this diagnostic tool to evaluate each patient before their Acupuncture session to see where there body is out of balance.  In the case of Bell's Palsy, we usually see imbalanced energy in meridians that course through the face and neck.  I use specific Acupuncture points to balance the energy in each patients' body and monitor them for changes at each visit.  After an Acupuncture treatment, the body will continue to move energy into a more balanced state for the next 48 hours.  This is why some patients will continue to improve even after they have left my office. 

Where do you put the Acupuncture needles to help with Bell's Palsy?

First, I always evaluate each patient with Acugraph before I treat them.  This ensures that I am getting a fresh picture of their body's energy at each visit.  I treat them according to where their body's Acupuncture meridians are out of balance, as well as treating points on the face and scalp that are known to be beneficial for Bell's Palsy

 How soon would I notice a difference from the Acupuncture treatment?

Some patients notice an improvement before they leave the office during their first visit.  Other patients may not notice improvement for several days or after a few Acupuncture sessions.  How quickly a patient responds depends on several factors:

-length of time they have had the problem

-how much water they drink

-diet

-stress levels

-sleep quality and quantity

I coach my patients from a holistic perspective and always discuss changes they could make in their daily routine to increase the benefits they receive from their Acupuncture sessions.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

I never tell a patient that Acupuncture never hurts.  It really depends on your sensitivity to pain, possible fear of needles, and how sore your body already may be.  I have patients that tell me that some of the needles they could feel be inserted, while others they could not feel at all.  Having received Acupuncture treatments myself for over 20 years, I strive to make each patient's Acupuncture session as comfortable and pain-free as possible. 

How many Acupuncture sessions will it take to help Bell's Palsy?

Typically, Bell's Palsy patients are significantly improved in 4-8 sessions, and in some cases completely resolved.  Each patient is different and will respond at their own speed.

It is always important to be examined before starting any treatment, to ensure that your particular case can be helped by Acupuncture.  Any time someone experiences facial paralysis, they should be evaluated to determine the cause. 

If you have any questions, please call me!

Better Health is Only a Phone Call Away!

 Dr. Kristine Baker

816-256-3603

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I can't turn my head to one side...time to call the Chiropractor!

Posted on 2011-10-04 15:44:56

Can't Turn Your Head To One Side? Kansas City Chiropractor Helps Patients with Neck Pain and Back Pain

It's that time of year again...I start getting phone calls from patients that all of a sudden can't turn their head to one side without neck pain or stiffness.  

 This kind of neck pain is common in the fall season as the weather starts getting cooler, and people start sleeping with the windows open and the fan on.  The cool air hits the neck and upper back and all of a sudden the neck starts to stiffen while you are sleeping, and the next morning you wake up and "Oh no!".  Your head moves okay to one side, but every time you turn your head the other way you get a sharp or stabbing pain in your neck or upper back.  Try looking down.  Sometimes that irritates your neck pain.  Most commonly turning your head to one side, or tilting your head back really causes some neck pain or upper back pain.

What causes the neck pain?

Vertebrae in the neck and upper back are misaligned and jammed, and when you turn your head in a direction that increases the jamming, you have neck pain or back painChiropractors are trained to detect these misalignments, and correct them with safe and gentle Chiropractic Adjustments to the spine.  A Chiropractic Adjustment is a specific directed small thrust on the body (with either hands or a small hand held instrument) that increases the range of motion of a particular joint.  Chiropractic Adjustments can be given in any joint along the spine, pelvis, arms, and legs and help a wide variety of problems. 

How fast will my neck pain or upper back pain get better?

After I examine a patient, I can usually tell if their particular neck pain can be helped with Chiropractic Adjustments.  If they are a good candidate for Chiropractic care, most of the time my patients will leave the office seeing some instant improvement.  The majority of patients will feel significantly better in 3-6 visits, and some patients will be back to 100% improved after 6 visits.  Each patient is different, and that is why it is critical to get a thorough history and exam by a Chiropractor so that they can make appropriate recommendations for care.  A patient that has had difficulty turning their head for 48 hours will often respond much faster than someone who has had this problem for weeks or months.  It is critical to see a Chiropractor as soon as you notice this type of neck pain, so that you can feel better quickly. 

How do I schedule an appointment?  And how soon can I be seen?

The best way to schedule an appointment is to call my office at 816-256-3603.  I would be happy to answer any questions you have.  If you are unable to make a phone call, there is also an online form you can fill out here to request an appointment or a phone call.  In most situations, I can see you the same day.  I take call of my patients by appointment, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Better Health is Only a Phone Call Away.

 Dr. Kristine Baker

816-256-3603

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Five Reasons You Want to Have a GREAT Chiropractor...

Posted on 2011-10-03 13:30:16

Five Reasons You Want to Have a GREAT Chiropractor

1. You want to perform at your best.

Chiropractors are trained to notice where your body has misalignments which can decrease the performance level of your body.  Regular Chiropractic Adjustments improve the capacity your body has for dealing with all kinds of stress including work, home, school, exercise and more.  Chiropractic Adjustments remove interference from your nervous system, which allows your brain and body to communicate via "broadband" speeds vs. clunky "dial up".  I take care of athletes that are constantly wanting to improve their performance in soccer, running, track, and swimming.  Did you know that most professional athletes have a Chiropractor to help improve their performance on the job?

2. You want to recover faster when you have an injury.

Injuries are one of the most common ways to misalign the spine and joints in your body.  Most Chiropractic patients know that it is critical to get adjusted as soon as possible after a car accident, fall, or slip.  Getting adjusted within 8-24 hours of an injury can cut weeks to months off of your recovery timeChiropractic Adjustments realign the injured joints and help promote relaxation of the muscles, helping reverse the damage before the pain and swelling can really set in.  Of course, it is always important to be properly examined after a fall or injury to rule out any need for emergency medical treatment.

3.  You want to like the people you spend time with at work and home.

If your neck or back hurts all the time, how friendly are you to those around you?  Not very.  When your body is giving you signals like pain, headaches, sinus congestion, tingling, or numbness, those signals start using up your resources and you are much more likely to be irritable.  Chiropractic Adjustments as well as Acupuncture help relax your body, get to the source of the problem, and leave most patients with an increased sense of well being.  I have even had patients say that suddenly everyone seemed nicer after their Adjustment or Acupuncture session. 

4. You would rather be retired on the beach in Florida walking around instead of in a wheelchair.

Chiropractic Adjustments decrease inflammation and help increase range of motion in joints.  It can also slow down or stop the progress of arthritis.  How?  Joints get their nutrition by movement.  If a joint is stuck (aka misaligned), it no longer gets as much nutrition.  What happens to anything that doesn't get the proper nutrition?  It gets sick or dies.  Regular Chiropractic Adjustments help keep those joints moving so that you can be active and moving around with greater ease well into your retirement years. 

5.  You'd like to have as few trips to the surgeon as possible.

Chiropractors are thoroughly trained in detecting problems with joint motion.  We see patients that are having first-time back pain, as well as patients who have struggled for years with chronic pain.  It is part of our job to not only correct the obvious joint problems are patients tell us about, but to also be constantly checking out their body for small problems that can be taken care of easily.  I am constantly examining my patients during their Chiropractic Adjustment to see if there are any other areas that need to be addressed, even if the patient hasn't noticed a problem yet. Why wait until its a debilitating issue?  Having an established relationship with a Chiropractor is an investment that really pays off in the long run.

 Whether you are looking to find a GREAT Chiropractor for a short term problem, or to develop an established relationship with a Chiropractor to keep you feeling great for years, please call me.  I am a 3rd generation Chiropractor that has a huge passion for making a difference through Chiropractic Health Care.

 Better Health is Only a Phone Call Away.

Dr. Kristine Baker

816-256-3603

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Waking up with Tingling Fingers? Try Chiropractic

Posted on 2011-09-29 09:26:26

Kansas City Chiropractor Helps Patients with Tingling & Numbness in Fingers

Have you ever woken up with tingling in your fingers?  Often this is a sign that there are misalignments in the upper back and neck.  These misalignments put pressure on the nerves that travel from your spine down to your fingers.  The first sign of compression on the nerves is often tingling in the fingers.  

Chiropractors are trained to detect and correct these misalignments in the spine.  By gently adjusting the spine, we take pressure off of the joints in your body, allowing the nervous system to communicate easier.

Commonly I find that tingling in the fingers is due to a misalignment of the spine in the upper back or neck.  I have also found that some patients have misalignments in their elbows and wrists as well.  It is important to get a thorough exam by a Chiropractor to see if Chiropractic can help you!

 How many visits will it take?

Each patient is different but in most simple cases, you will notice a significant difference in 3 - 6 visits.  I have even seen patients have instantaneous improvement the moment they stand up after their adjustment.

 Chiropractors have helped many patients with tingling and numbness in their fingers.  It is a drug free approach that gets to the source of the problem!

Better Health Is Only a Phone Call Away!

Dr. Kristine Baker

816-256-3603

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