Naples Florida Chiropractor

Welcome to Carter Chiropractic and Wellness!

2010-09-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled that you chose Carter Chiropractic and Wellness to provide your Chiropractic Care. Chiropractic offers a great, conservative, alternative, and cost-effective approach to your health care. Our goal at Carter Chiropractic and Wellness is (CCW) is to provide you with the best Chiropractic Care we possibly can. We want you to have a great experience so you can confidently refer us your friends, family and co-workers.

Here is what you can expect when you become a patient at Carter Chiropractic & Wellness:

1st Visit: Every new patient will have an examination. Depending on the outcome of the exam, the patient may be sent for X-rays. Some exceptions are:

The patient is currently under the care of an out of state Chiropractic Physician and Dr. Carter can communicate with the Chiropractic Physician.

The patient can provide X-rays, MRIs, or reports that are less than a year old and related to their complaint.

Please note that diagnostic studies such as X-rays or MRIs are ordered for diagnostic purposes and your safety. We currently send our patients to Naples Diagnostic Imaging Center (NDIC), which is one block West of CCW. NDIC will burn a copy of the X-ray or study on a disc on a CD and the patient can bring the X-ray to the office the same day if they want treatment or the next visit. Most X-rays take about an hour and are covered by insurance. If the patient does not have insurance, NDIC offers competitive rates and discounts if you pay the same day of the service.

We are able to begin treatment in most cases before the X-ray is taken, but it will be low key , including gentle therapies to help start to reduce pain and inflammation.

2nd Visit: You can expect a Report of Findings. This means that the doctor will give you an accurate, and detailed explanation of her findings. This includes a plan of treatment and the time it should take for you to start feeling better. Treatment goals and plans vary due to the condition, severity of the complaint, and the individual. A financial report of findings will also be discussed on the second visit if needed. Carter Chiropractic & Wellness will do their best to give you an explanation of your benefits and the estimated out-of-pocket expense you will incur.

Non-Insured Patients: We understand that health and wellness is at the top of every one's priority list. This is why we participate in a network called ChiroHealthUSA, which offers discounts on our rates for those whose care is not covered by insurance. Please visit http://www.chirohealthusa.com/ for more information.

Insured Patients: For your convenience, we will bill and receive payment from your insurance company. Many insurance companies will cover a portion of your Chiropractic Care. However, the process can be confusing because the rules and policies of insurance change on an almost daily basis. We will do our best to keep you informed and up to date with your specific situation.

Some concepts of insurance to keep in mind are:

Deductibles: Most insurance plans have a deductible, which is the amount of money you are responsible for per year before an insurance company will cover any of your health care costs. Most deductibles start at the beginning of the year, and the average deductible we encounter is approximately $1000. This means if you visit our office or any other doctor's office or hospital and they bill (let's say) $200. The insurance company will "allow" a certain amount of that $200. (The amount "allowed" is a set number per procedure per geographical region that insurance companies pay a specific type of physician). For example, the insurance company may allow $100 of the $200 billed, which you are typically responsible for paying the treating doctor's office on the same day of treatment. This $100 will go towards your deductible, and you will have $900 to pay on your deductible for the rest of the calendar year. When you have satisfied your deductible, you will only be required to pay your co-pay and co-insurance for the rest of the calendar year.

Co-Pays: This is an established amount that you and your insurance company have worked out. We see co-pays that range from $5 to $65 to date. You will be responsible for the amount of your co-pay at the time of your treatment. Your co-pay is often listed on your insurance card.

Co-Insurance: This is the percentage of the allowed amount that insurance companies will cover. For example, you have met your deductible and we billed $200 for a visit. The insurance company allows $100, your co-insurance is 80%, and your co-pay is $10. The insurance company will pay us $80 and you will owe us $20. Some good news is that the co-pay is sometimes included in the c0-insurance. So, of the $20 that you owe us, you have already paid $10, and you will owe us a remainder of $10 for the remainder of the visit. (We are using the amount of $100 because it is easier to understand as insurance companies typically allow less than $100 for a standard visit.)

In-Network Physicians: Your insurance company will typically provide better coverage if you visit a doctor who is In-Network. Please visit http:www.drsusancarter.com/html/insurance.html to see if Dr. Carter is In-Network with your insurance plan. Some common insurances Dr. Carter is In-Network with are: Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Medicare, United Health Care, Cigna, Great West, Humana, Golden Rule, Principle Life, Meritain, First Health Network, GHI New York, Collier County Insurances, Beechstreet, NCH Healthcare System, Marriott, Aetna, Multiplan, etc.

Out-of-Network Physicians: Insurances we are Out-of-Network with work the same way as in-network insurances. You still have an amount that is allowed, a deductible, a co-pay, co-insurance and we still bill the insurances for you. Many of the insurances that we are Out-of-Network with have a service called Multiplan. Look for the Multiplan symbol on your card as Multiplan will negotiate better rates for you if you want us to provide your Chiropractic Care. Out-of-network insurances still provide great coverage in most cases.

Medicare: Pays only for the adjustment. Medicare does not pay for the exam by Dr. Carter, which is required for every patient to diagnose and create a treatment plan. If needed, Dr. Carter will use other therapies to get you out of pain and back to maximum health in the shortest amount of time. The cost of these therapies are your responsibility, and in most cases, if you join ChiroHealthUSA, are $40 per visit. Supplemental policies or secondary insurances, such as AARP, are also common with Medicare and we do accept them. Secondary insurances typically cover what Medicare does not pay. For example, you get an adjustment. We bill Medicare $70 for the adjustment. Medicare "allows" $35 and pays 80% co-insurance of the allowed amount, which is $28. If you have a secondary policy, they will cover the $7 that Medicare did not cover.

What we ask for: Follow directions. We will explain and even email you specific directions for your treatment plan which can include exercise, diet, physical limitations, ice or heat in a given area. How well you do with your "homework" will also affect your short and long term results.

General Instructions: We strive to be a paperless office and we have electronic medical records. Please bring glasses to see the computer screen if you need them. We have readers available if you need them. Please wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing. Please park in the back of the building. On Saturdays, the bank keeps the doors locked and we will have to buzz you in. Please look up Carter Chiropract in the call box and call to let us know you are here.

Communication: We are big fans of email. We will send you appointment reminders by email, and we are happy to answer any questions you have by email. Of course, please feel free to call us at any time and we will call or text you appointment reminders if you do not use your email. If you would like some help setting us a free email account accessible from any computer, please let us know.

Scheduling: Our hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 8:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00pm. We typically break for lunch from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. Wednesday afternoons are by appointment only. Our office number is our personal cell phone number and you can always get in touch with us. We will do our best to get you a same day appointment if needed. We ask that you do call or email if you are running late or if you cannot make your appointment.

You are likely to be sore (not in pain) after an adjustment, especially after your first adjustment. Ice the area (20 minutes on/40 minutes off) and drink plenty of water to help relieve the discomfort. This will go away after a couple of adjustments. Getting adjustments is like starting a workout plan for the first time in awhile. You are likely to be sore until we can get your joints in shape and help you start on the journey to feeling the best that you have in years.

You will not need to see a chiropractor every day for the rest of your life! At Carter Chiropractic & Wellness, we practice outcome based care. We will refer out for further testing and opinions if you have not shown any improvement in two weeks. Once your initial complaints are improving, your treatment plan will decrease. While we believe and and recommend maintenance care once a month, your health care is always your decision.

Feedback: We want you to have a great experience with our office, and we know that Chiropractic Care is a different experience than traditional medical care. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to bring them up. Please keep in mind that earning your trust and introducing you to Chiropractic Care is what we have dedicated our lives to and WE WANT YOU TO FEEL GREAT!

Thank you and please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/ for more information.

National Health Care Reform

2009-06-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hello!
Hope this blog finds everyone doing great! I have a favor to ask of you. Can you go to http://www.chirovoice.org/signup/signup_form.cfm and sign up? Chirovoice has been set up like a petition to show that there are millions of chiropractic patients that want Chiropractic Care to be a priority in the National HealthCare reform. Your support will help make sure that Chiropractic is still a covered benefit for insurances. Hopefully change will allow insurance coverage of even more services that we are able to provide for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call or send an email.
Thanks so much!

Dr. Susan Carter
http://www.drsusancarter.com/

Wii Injuries

2009-04-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

As the spring holiday season comes into focus, lots of families are spending time together at parties and gatherings. One activity that has become increasing popular as of late is playing games on the Nintendo Wii. Wii is really fun because it is indoors, requires less physical exertion, and does not require buying or finding the proper equipment to play a particular sport. You just use the controller (as the particular equipment) that the Wii comes with to play sports like bowling, tennis, baseball, golf, and many more.

As competition increases trying to beat your family members, it is easy to get carried away and hurt yourself. I have done this myself, and so have many of my new patients. I have seen a lot of injuries lately from playing Wii. My sister suggested I rename my practice to Carter Chiropractic and Wiihab (instead of rehab:)). People have injured their necks, shoulders, elbow, mid and low backs in the throws of competition.

In order to avoid injury, here are a couple of tips....When you play a new sport, you are going to use muscles that you do not normally exert. This will make them sore. Make sure to warm up before you play with some light cardiovascular activity and some stretching. ONLY play one or two games, and then wait a day or two before playing again. Then, depending on how sore you are, play two or three games. Build up SLOWLY the amount of games you play and the effort you use to play.

If you feel you are straining yourself at all when you are playing, then STOP. If you know that you "overdid it", put ice on the injured area and give my office a call. Make sure to stay out of the hot tub. That will usually make you worse.

To get in contact with my office, please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/.

Activator Technique and Osteoporosis

2009-04-02T06:25:00.001-07:00

A great technique used to adjust patients that have low bone density or osteoporosis is the Activator Technique. The Activator is a tool that delivers a light, specific force to the vertebrae in your low back that are mis-aligned.

It is gentle, safe if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, and effective in restoring proper function to the nerves. Pain and stiffness in your joints will decrease over a series of adjustments. For more information about the Activator Technique, please visit http://www.activator.com/.

Please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/ for more information.

Intersegmental Traction

2009-04-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

Intersegmental Traction is a therapy that is offered at Carter Chiropractic and Wellness. Intersegmental traction mobilizes and stretches each individual joint in the spine. This helps increase your range of motion and relax your muscles. Intersegmental traction also helps with misalignments, fixations, restrictions, and/or subluxations in your spine.

Intersegmental traction is a very popular treatment modality. Nicknamed the roller table, all the patient has to do is lay on the table facing up. A large, smooth roller will slowly and gently travel up and down the spine. It is a very comfortable and relaxing treatment, especially if you are having neck, mid, and/or low back pain and stiffness in your joints.

Please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/ for location and contact information for Carter Chiropractic and Wellness.

How Heavy Purses Can Cause Back Pain

2009-03-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

Large purses look great and are very popular, but carrying a heavy purse can lead to misalignments in your neck, mid back, and low back that could cause pain, soreness, stiffness and chronic problems. A good rule of thumb is that purses or brief cases should not be more than 5 % of your body weight. This means that a 100 pound women should be carrying a purse that weighs less than 5 pounds, and a 200 pound man should be carrying a brief case that weighs less than 10 pounds.

Put your purse on your shoulder and take a look in the mirror. Does one shoulder look higher than the other? If it does, imagine standing in a line for 20 minutes with your purse on your shoulder. I hope you agree that this is going to put some stress on your muscles and spine.

Please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/ for more information on Dr. Susan Carter and Carter Chiropractic and Wellness.

High Heels and Low Back Pain--My Four Hour Rule

2009-03-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

I love to wear high heels just as much as every women out there, but there is a problem. Wearing high heels causes misaligments in your feet that lead to misalignments in your low back that lead to severe low back pain over time. When you wear high heels your feet are in constant flexion, which increases the curve in your low back. Imagine how the constant pressure wears out your low back.

The experts recommend you should not wear high heels for more than 2 hours at a time. I have developed a compromise that is actually effective. I call it the Four Hour Rule. Do not wear high heels for more than four hours at a time. These four hours would best be spent when you are socializing and want to dress up. If you must wear high heels for that morning presentation in the office, bring a pair of flats with good support with you to change into.

Please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/ for more information.

I have to dedicate this Blog to one of my awesome patients that is in severe low back pain and continues to wear her heels. She is such a great dresser, and my mission is to convince her to wear flats during the day:)

How to Fight Osteoporosis

2009-03-11T13:06:00.001-07:00

Osteoporosis is a gradual weakening of your bones as you age, which affects 28 million Americans. It is a huge issue, particularly among post menopausal, Caucasian females. Osteoporosis takes years and years to develop and does not have any symptoms. Early detection is important. One in two women over the age of 65 risk having a fracture caused by poor bone density. If a female has osteoporosis and has a fall, she risks fracturing her hip. Statistics post hip fracture are not promising.

As a Chiropractic Physician, osteoporosis is a huge concern. When I perform chiropractic adjustments on patients, I am releasing joints. Joints are the connection area of 2 bones. If the bones are weak due to osteoporosis, there is a risk of fracture. Awareness is key. Bone Density tests, which measure the strength of your bone, are recommended for women after the age of 65. Bone density tests are easy and painless.

The results of bone density tests arrive in four categories, and the number that is assigned to the bone density is called a T score. The first category is normal, which is a T score of zero or higher. The second category is low normal, which is a T score of 0 to -1.0. The third category is a T score from -1.0 to -2.5. This range is consider to be osteopenia, which is not as bad as osteoporosis. A T score of -2.5 or lower is considered to be osteoporosis.

Weight bearing exercise, sunlight, and including foods rich in calcium in your diet are extremely important to fighting osteoporosis. Developing these practices long term will help keep your bone density up. Bone is always being remodeled, which means that it is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. Constant nourishment is important because as people age, their ability to absorb calcium and other materials needed to rebuild bone decreases.

Supplementation is very important in preventing osteoporosis, especially in the low normal bone density and osteopenia categories. What is used as supplementation is very important. The aim is to get the material that will be most absorbed by your bones. For example, calcium carbonate, which is found in tums, is the cheapest source of calcium. However, it is not a complete bone food, it may be malabsorbed by people with poor digestion, and the antacid effect may interfere with digestion and cause gas. Calcium Citrate is a much better option. It is well absorbed, it reduces the risk of kidney stones, and it is absorbed by people with poor digestion. The BEST form of calcium supplement is Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Concentrate. It is a well absorbed Calcium source, it provides comprehensive bone support, and is provides organic constituents and mineral components.

A comprehensive supplement that contains Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Concentrate is available at Carter Chiropractic and Wellness in Naples, FL.

Please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/ for more information.

A Natural Treatment Option for Arthritis

2009-03-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

Xymogen (http://www.xymogen.com/), a company that makes excellent, quality nutriceuticals, has recently created a wonderful, natural solution for supporting healthy joint function. Artriphen is a high grade combination of Glucosamine Sulfate, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Manganese, Vitamin E, and Selenium. The dose is 6 capsules per day, 2 with each meal. People with allergies to shellfish should not take this product.

One of the main ingredients in Artriphen is Glucosamine Sulfate, which protects your cartilage and helps the body to continue to manufacture the components that cartilage is made up of. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the body. Chondroitin Sulfate attracts water to cartilage, which helps make cartilage strong and flexible. Hyaluronic Acid helps to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. It also supports and creates a watery cushion for your joints. Vitamin C is a key ingredient in making collagen, which is the baseline component of your skin, cartilage, muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. Manganese is a key ingredient in normal bone development and growth and also helps the body to make the ingredients for cartilage. Vitamin E and Selenium help to protect tissues from everyday wear and tear.

These ingredients are an army that take on the everyday stresses in your body that lead to degeneration or arthritis.

For more information about Artriphen, which is carried by Carter Chiropractic and Wellness, please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/.

Did you know there are natural alternatives for Advil, Aleve, and Ibuprofen????

2009-03-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

Who among us, with our busy schedules, and occasional stressful days have time to deal with annoying pain such as a headache or pain in the low back? What do we do? We do the easiest, quickest, cheapest thing we can possibly do. We take over the counter pain killers. NSAIDS, which stands for Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs, are the category in which Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Advil fall under. They dull the pain and you can move on with you life.

Of course, there is a catch....Long term use of NSAIDs causes many health complications such as severe digestive issues.

Bethesda, Maryland (Jan. 3, 2005) – According to a study published today in the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, chronic users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have an increased risk of bleeding and visible damage to their small intestine.

Xymogen, a nutriceutical company, makes a great product called DolorX that can be used in place of NSAIDs. DoloroX is for moderate to severe joint pain and low back pain. It also protects your cartilage. DoloroX does not create the digestive issues that NSAIDs do. This is a herbal product that contains an effective combination of Devil's Claw, Black Currant, Green-Lipped Mussel, Willow Bark, Feverfew, Meadowsweet, and Birch. The precautions are do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, on blood thinners, on anti-arrhythmic medications, have allergies to shellfish, and are sensitive to salicylates. The dosage is 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules in the evening. You can visit http://www.xymogen.com/ for more information on DoloroX.

All of the ingredients in Dolorox have therapeutic effects. Devil's Claw has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving benefits. Black Currant decreases pain and joint tenderness. Green-Lipped Mussel is a shellfish that contains 20% omega 3 fatty acids, which is excellent. The omega 3 fatty acids and other materials available in Green-Lipped Mussel help to reduce joint pain. Willow Bark helps to reduce joint pain by getting in the way of the release of pain causing substances by the body. Feverfew also slows the release of pain causing substances by the body. Meadowsweet is high in antioxidants, which help counteract pain causing substances, and it has been used for centuries as a pain numbing agent. Birch is used to help heal sores and relieve pain. Birch also helps decrease inflammation and muscle spasm.

There are numerous natural pain relief options in the market. It is important to use the most reputable companies in the market in order to get the best and most effective product. Xymogen only dispenses it top quality products to physicians. DoloroX is available at Carter Chiropractic and Wellness as a natural option for pain relief.

Please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/ for more information. Stay tuned for the next Blog about another Xymogen product excellent for arthritis.

Stretches for Your Neck--The Sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM)

2009-03-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

The Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Muscle is a big name for a muscle that starts behind your ear and ends up attaching to your chest. If you have ever head of someone who has "wry neck", then this muscle is definitely involved. The SCM can also get injured in whiplash injuries in car accidents.

How to stretch the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle:

1.) Lay on your back on a surface, for example, your bed.

2.) Let your head slightly hang off of the edge.

3.) Rotate your head as far as you can towards the floor.

4.) You should feel a stretch in the front of your neck.

5.) Hold for 20 seconds.

6.) Repeat for the opposite side.

These are 6 great stretches for your neck that stretch all the major muscles and many more. Doing these stretches on a regular basis will keep your neck in great shape.

For more information: please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/.

Stretches for Your Neck--Suboccipital Stretch

2009-03-03T07:38:00.001-08:00

The subocciptial muscles are a group of muscles known as the "headache muscles." The suboccipital muscles are a group of muscles that include the rectis capitus posterior major and minor and the obliquus capitus superior and inferior. When these muscles get tight, they can refer pain from the back of your head to your temples. Three out of the four of these muscles start at the back of your head and attach to the upper vertebrae in your neck. These are not the easiest muscles to stretch because they are so small.

If you feel a headache starting, sometimes it helps to press the 2 bumps at the back of your head that these muscle attach to for 60 seconds with your index fingers. This may help to relieve the headache.

I found a good pic of the suboccipital muscles from www.thiemeteachingassistant.com.

How to stretch the suboccipital muscles:

1.) Sit down with good posture.

2.) Tuck your chin down into your neck.

3.) Find the 2 bumps on the back of your head and touch them with your fingers.

4.)Push up towards the ceiling.

5.) Hold for 20 seconds.

Pleased stay tuned for my next Blog to learn how to stretch a muscle that strarts behind your ear and ends up at the front of your chest.

Please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/ for more information.

Stretches For Your Neck--Posterior Scalene Muscle

2009-03-01T12:56:00.001-08:00

Your posterior scalene muscle starts at the neck at the C4-C6 levels and attaches to your second rib. It will get tight or damaged in whiplash injuries. Also, a chain of lymph nodes lies under your posterior and other scalene muscles. When you get sick, like when you have a cold, you might notice a bump under these muscles, which could be an enlarged lymph node.

How To Stretch The Posterior Scalene:

1.) Bend head down towards floor
2.) Keeping head bent down, bend head to side
3.) Hold for 20 seconds
4.) Repeat for opposite side

The next Blog will teach you how the stretch the suboccipital or "headache" muscles.

For more information, please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/.

Stretches For Your Neck--Anterior Scalene Stretch

2009-03-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

Your Scalene Muscles are in the front of you neck. There are 3 muscles that make up the scalenes. They are the anterior, middle, and posterior scalenes. The anterior scalene attaches to the front of your neck at the C3-C6 levels and goes to the first rib. In addition to your lymph nodes, a group of nerves called your brachial plexus runs under the anterior scalene muscle. If this muscle gets too tight, it will compress the nerves and cause thoracic outlet syndrome.

How To Stretch the Anterior Scalene:

1.) Rotate head 45 degrees or almost as much as you can
2.) Look up toward ceiling
3.) Should feel stretch in front of neck
4.) Hold for 20 seconds
5.) Repeat for opposite side

Stayed tuned for the next Blog: How to stretch the Posterior Scalene Muscle....

For more information, please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/.

Stretches For Your Neck--Levator Scapulae Muscle

2009-02-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

The Levator Scapulae Muscle

The Levator Scapulae Muscle is always involved in neck and shoulder pain because it attaches to the neck on the first four cervical vertebrae and shoulder on the scapula. The translation of the name of this muscle literally means to "lift the scapula." This muscle is also involved with whiplash injuries.

How To Stretch the Levator Scapulae

1.) Pull arm (behind you) to side
2.) Bend head straight down towards floor
3.) Bend head to side you are pulling
4.) While holding positions 2 and 3, rotate head to floor of side you are pulling
5.) Hold for 20 seconds, do not bounceRepeat 1 through

My next Blog will teach you how to stretch your anterior scalenes or "star-gazing" muscles.

Please check out http://www.drsusancarter.com/ for more information.

Stretches for Your Neck--Trapezius Stretch

2009-02-27T06:31:00.001-08:00

Getting into a daily habit of stretching will keep you out of trouble. I see many cases of neck and shoulder pain that could be drastically improved with simple stretching. I am going to teach you 6 of the best stretches I could find for your neck. I like these stretches because they do a great job of isolating the many muscles in your neck. I only teach one stretch at a time to my patients. I would rather make sure you know exactly what to do so you will be able to use these stretches for years to come.

So, the first stretch is the Trapezius Stretch:

The Trapezius Muscle goes from the top of your neck down to the middle of your back and out to your shoulder on both sides of your back. This muscle is the most superficial, which means it is closest to your skin. If you touch the area between your neck and shoulders, you are probably touching the Trapezius Muscle. This muscle frequently gets tight when you are stressed or angry. If you sit at a desk looking at a computer for most of the day and have poor posture, then the trapezius muscle will be affected.

How to Stretch the Trapezius Muscle:

1) Pull arm (behind you) to side
2) Bend head to side you are pulling
3) Rotate head to opposite ceiling hold for 20 seconds
4) Repeat 1 through 3 for opposite side

My next Blog will teach you how to stretch the Levator Scapulae Muscle, which is ALWAYS involved in neck pain.....

Please go to http://www.drsusancarter.com/ for more info.

Detoxification Program

2009-02-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

Detox programs are all the rage right now. However, they have been around early in our history and in many cultures. We as humans are not as healthy as we were 50 years ago. The air we breathe, the pesticides in our food, and the chemicals in our environment are decreasing our quality of life. Toxins are the bad guys that are converted to free radicals in our bodies.

It is the liver's job to get rid of all the toxins that we are constantly exposed to on a daily basis. However, these days the liver is over burdened. Toxins are brought to the liver where they go through 2 phases that make them harmless. After this process in the liver, they are simply excreted from your body.

What happens is that the liver gets backed up. When the liver is backed up it desperately stores these toxins or free radicals into our fat. Then when we burn a little more energy than normal and use our fat stores, the toxins are released into the blood stream where they attack our organs. This causes our body to undergo oxidative stress, which some theorize can lead to cancer.

The idea of a detoxification program is the cleanse the liver to make it more efficient. Supplements are used to release all of the junk that is backed up into the liver. Other supplements, known as antioxidants, find these free radicals and turn them into the harmless substances they were supposed to be in the first place. Antioxidants are the good guys and free radicals are the bad guys.

It is important to put as little load on the liver as possible while it is being cleaned out. Therefore, a strict diet must be followed. There are many different types of programs that are recommended. Some involve only liquids over a short period of time. I prefer a less demanding program that allows a reasonable variety of foods. You just follow the plan for a longer amount of time.

I have to warn you. If you decide to undergo a detox program, you will probably lose weight and be healthier. Your skin will probably clear up, your aches and pains will decrease, and over time you will have more energy. The first 2 weeks are usually not very fun, but once you get over the hump, you will probably suffer some of the above side effects.

For more information on Detox Programs and Dr. Susan Carter, please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/.

Ultrasound

2009-02-19T12:28:00.001-08:00

Ultrasound therapy is another great therapy that is used in a chiropractic office. What makes ultrasound so great is how deep it's effect can go to create healing. Ultrasound works by using sound waves that penetrate deep to the area of injury. Different settings allow treatment of acute, sub-acute, and chronic injuries. Blood flow increases and new nutrients are brought to start healing. Inflammation and pain are decreased and range of motion is increased. Ultrasound is a great treatment option for arthritis, neuromas, adhesive scars, and many other conditions.

The procedure is easy. The area of skin needs to be exposed so sometimes you will be asked to wear a gown to protect your clothing, and all jewelry needs to be removed. Sound waves are delivered through a wand and a gel is used to transmit the sounds waves. You should not feel anything other than some slight warmth and the gel being spread around in a circular motion. The only occasional problem is the gel makes a mess:), but it worth how much better you feel.

For more information on Dr. Susan Carter and Carter Chiropractic and Wellness, please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/.

Electrical Stimulation

2009-02-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

I have many treatments available to help patients who are in pain. A common treatment used in a Chiropractic office is Electrical Stimulation or Interferential Current. Sticky pads are placed on areas of muscle spasm that contribute to low back pain. A light current is administered through wires into the pads. It feels really good, and hot moist heat packs or ice are placed on top of the pads depending on the condition. When your muscles are tight or in spasm, they are inflammed. Electrical stimulation works your muscles at a sub-cellular level (you won't feel this) until your muscles fatigue and give up. When your muscles give up, the inflammation drains from the muscle. Inflammation takes up space and puts pressure on your nerves, which causes pain. Electrical stimulation also interferes with nerve conduction velocity, which is the rate at which you feel pain signals from the brain. It slows it down and therefore reduces the amount of pain you are feeling.

Please check out http://www.drsusancarter.com/ for more treatments offered.

Cold Laser and Sinus Problems

2009-02-17T12:39:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased an Erchonia Cold Laser (http://www.erchonia.com/) to use in my practice. It has been amazing! Cold Laser is a beam of coherent light. Coherent light is light that completely focuses in the same direction and wavelength. When light is able to focus in harmony it is very powerful. Cold laser works at a wavelength of 635 nanometers. Within that wavelength, I can program different frequency combinations that have therapeutic effects. The light goes through the skin layers and into the cell membrane. At the cell membrane, which is like the gate to get into the cell, the light from the laser (which is the 635 nanometer light with specific frequency combinations within), alters cell membrane permeability or opens the gate for the cell membrane. When the cell membrane is easier to enter, specific enzyme cascades are able to get into the cell, which creates healing effects. Some of the effects are decreased pain and inflammation and increased range of motion.

Cold Laser is different than Hot Laser. Hot Lasers use a wavelength of 800 nanometers or above, they have a thermal effect. They are used to cut and cauterize tissue. When you hear of Laser Surgery, they are referring to Hot Lasers. Cold Laser is used to stimulate tissue, not destroy it.

I found a sinus treatment protocol thanks to my husband. We were married last November, and a couple of weeks before the wedding he came down with a bad sinus infection. He went to the doctor and was prescribed antibiotics and a steroid nose spray. The antibiotics helped with the infection, but he was still congested in his sinuses after the steroid nose spray ran out. I was too busy with wedding preparations to notice, but he started using Afrin a daily basis because he was congested. The doctor suggested Afrin, but did warn him not to use it on a long term basis. Three months later, he was complaining that he could not taste or smell very well. He finally got my attention.

I found a sinus protocol for the Erchonia Cold Laser. I treated him 3 times a week for 3 weeks. It is a very easy and quick treatment. Cold Laser is painless. Cold Laser has been around for 26 years and not one side effect has been reported since it has been in use. I purchased my Cold Laser from a company called Erchonia because it was the first laser to gain FDA approval in 2002 and again in 2007.

Back to my husband, he did great with treatment. He is no longer using Afrin and he can taste and smell again. I feel like a bad wife for not paying attention to this in the first place:)

Word got out about how well my husband did with Cold Laser Treatment for his sinus problems and several people wanted me to use the protocol on them. Results have been remarkable. All have seen decreased congestion, decreased sinus pain, and decreased sinus pressure. They describe that their sinuses "drain" as early as a half hour to a day later after the treatment. They also report that they feel air in their sinus passages, which a lot of people with chronic sinus problems do not feel.

For more information on Carter Chiropractic and Wellness and Dr. Susan Carter, please visit http://www.drsusancarter.com/.

Dr. Susan Carter, Chiropractor, Naples, FL, Background Continued

2009-02-16T05:53:00.001-08:00

Blogging is really fun. I have to thank my great friend, Shannon Lefevre www.shannonlefevre.com, for introducing me to this new world. Of course, since I am new at this, I accidentally posted the first blog before I was finished.

I opened Carter Chiropractic and Wellness in October 2008. My website with my practice information is www.drsusancarter.com. I am a graduate of National University of Health Sciences in Chicago, Illinois.

After graduation from Chiropractic School, I started my first position at Allied Health and Chiropractic located at Lutheran Hospital. As I described in my first blog, I loved working in a hospital environment. This experience helped me to see how, as a Chiropractor, I could offer an alternative approach to patients suffering from spine related issues. I see myself on the dividing line between the alternative world and the medical world. I am able to determine if patients can benefit from conservative care and I will tell the patient if I feel they need further opinions and testing because their condition is more advanced.

After practicing at Allied Health and Chiropractic for over 2 years, I decided to move to Ypsilanti Michigan. I took a position at Belleville Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Belleville Michigan as a Chiropractic Associate. Dr. Harold Gable was the head Chiropractic Physician in the practice. I really enjoyed learning from him because he had a completely different perspective than what I had learned in Chiropractic School and at Allied Health and Chiropractic. Dr. Gable believed that misalignment in the spine caused most of the health problems in the body, and adjusting a patient would correct them over time. He did not use many physical therapy modalities. It was amazing to see him at work. He helped so many people, and through adjusting alone the patients healed.

Moving to Florida was always my goal. I have family all along the west coast, and I loved visiting them growing up. Florida administers it's own state board exam, which would be the fifth set of boards I have taken. Florida's test is rumored to be the most difficult board exam to pass in the United States for Chiropractic. I had a great time studying for it, and I passed it with flying colors. I also was able to meet many smart and talented Chiropractor's in the process.

After earning my Florida State Chiropractic License, I decided to work at Naples Chiropractic Center. This was a unique challenge because I had to basically start my own practice within someone else's practice. I did not realize how much fun it was going to be also. I learned a lot. Dr. Homayoun Bidabadi was the owner of the practice. He is very knowlegdable in the area of nutrition, and he taught me so much about how important nutrition is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid diseases. I implemented his nutritional suggestions in my lifestyle, and I have never been healthier. He influenced me to start learning more about nutrition, and I have begun the process of earning my Diplomate in Nutrition through the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

As my patient base in Naples grew over a couple of years, I decided that I needed my own space to be able to open more hours to serve their needs better. The Orion Bank Centre on Immokalee Road was a great place to start. My practice is in a great location in North Naples near Greentree Plaza. There is plenty of parking in the back of the building, and easy elevator access to my office for people who are having difficulty walking in because they are in severe pain. I have implemented the latest treatment and administrative technology, which I will decribe further in more detail.

My name is Dr. Susan Carter, a Chiropractor, who recently opened my own practice. I would like to introduce myself to the Naples, FL community.

2009-02-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

My name is Dr. Susan Carter, and I am a Chiropractic Physician. I recently opened my own practice in Naples, Florida in October 2008. I married Billy Carter in November 2008. My maiden name is Dr. Susan Jankowski, which some of my patients may know me as. The name of my new practice is Carter Chiropractic and Wellness. Check out my website: www.drsusancarter.com

I have been practicing for over 5 years. I attended Chiropractic School at National University of Health Sciences in Chicago, Illinois. After graduation from Chiropractic School, I returned home to Cleveland, Ohio to take a position as a Chiropractic Associate at Allied Health and Chiropractic at Lutheran Hospital working with Dr. Ty Dahodwala. Lutheran Hospital is home to Cleveland Orthopedic and Spine Hospital, and Lutheran Hospital is also part of the Cleveland Clinic Health System. The opportunity to work as a Chiropractor in a hospital practice was awesome. I really found the environment to be cooperative and welcoming. I was able to gain some experience as a Chiropractic Physician while collaborating with other medical practitioners (including spine surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapist, hand and upper extremity surgeons) in a patients care. This opportunity gave me an education and appreciation for all of the options available to treat spinal conditions and the common symptoms that arise from spinal conditions such as neck pain, headaches, mid back pain, shoulder pain, decreased range of motion in the neck, low back pain, leg pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and/or feet, and sciatica to name a few.