Patient Appreciation Day Success!

Helton Chiropractic would like to thank all the patients who helped us make our Patient Appreciation Days a success. Drs. Helton and Wolf were able to see almost 100 patients on that Tuesday and together we raised $1000 for the Texas Boys Ranch. Once again, we were happy to have SelectComfort out to demonstrate their Sleep Number bed to the waiting patients. We also had Keva Juice supplying delicious drinks. River of Life Health food store also provided great information free to waiting patients. Again, we'd like to thank the patients, staff, and other businesses for helping us have a truly wonderful day.

Patient Appreciation Day

As part of our way of "giving back," Helton Chiropractic is having our annual PATIENT APPRECIATION DAYS. The great thing about this time is that you can help yourself AND a needy boy during the holiday season. On November 11, we will be donating a free chiropractic adjustment to any of our existing patients who set up an appointment that day. The adjustment is free with a $5 (or more, remember it's the Holidays!) donation to the Texas Boys Ranch. On November 13, we will be giving away New Patient exams with a $5 donation. This is a great time to find out if Chiropractic may be able to help you live life to its fullest. The Boys Ranch is a home for abused and neglected boys who've been removed from their homes. The folks out at the Boys Ranch do a wonderful job turning these boys into productive men. Last year, Drs. Helton and Wolf saw over 100 patients and raised $1500 for the boys. We hope this year to be able to make an ever bigger donation to the Texas Boys Ranch and help these boys have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Not only do you get to feel better due to better health but you also get to do something for a child in need. So mark these dates and let your friends and family know:

• What: Patient Appreciation Days
• When: Existing Patients free adjustments on Tuesday Nov. 11
• New Patients free exams on Thursday, Nov. 13
• What time: Call 797-4000 to set up your appointment
• How much: $5 donation ( or more is always welcome)
• Who: Helton Chiropractic's Doctors Jason Helton and Lorin Wolf benefiting the Texas Boys Ranch.

Please come out and help us support the Texas Boys Ranch!!!

Helton Chiropractic Crew at the 2008 Red Raider Road Race

Helton Chiropractic of Lubbock was proud to sponsor a team for the Red Raider Road Race on October 11, 2008. We had 13 members running and had a great time. The day of the race was cloudy, cool, and a little breezy. Thankfully, the rain held off until just after the races ended. Running in the 5K race (3.1 miles) were Dr. Jason Helton, office manager Tiffany Gotsis, therapy assistant Becca Moreno, office assistant Jenee Taylor, Dr. Wolf's wife KayLee Wolf, and Jenee's husband Bodie. Patients running the race were Criss Cleavinger, Cindy Harrison, David Duran, and Logan Harrison (Top 5K finisher of the group.)

Running in the 10K race (6.2 miles) were business manager Mandy Helton, Dr. Lorin Wolf, and Cassidy Duran. Dr. Wolf was the top 10K finisher of the group and all 3 finished in under 1 hour. On the sidelines cheering us on were Mike "Pops" Cleavinger and Ella Cade Helton. I was very proud of our group and am happy to support the office and patients in a healthy lifestyle. This is the 2nd time Helton Chiropractic has sponsored a running team and we hope that everyone involved this year can participate next year. Hopefully all of us will beat our race times next year.

Turbosonic Whole Body Vibration

Helton Chiropractic is pleased to announce the arrival of our newest piece of advanced equipment. The Turbosonic Vibration Therapy Trainer is now in the office and available for use.

Through TurboSonic exercise, you can improve your strength, endurance, stability, and flexibility without the constraints of conventional exercise.

General Training: Improving body balance, flexibility and circulation Using TurboSonic, the same effect of regular aerobic exercises can be accomplished with a maximum effect of exercise with a minimum amount of time, compared to other exercise methods.

Strength Training : Increasing muscle strength TurboSonic stimulates fast twitch muscle fiber to produce powerful muscles. Proportion and ability of such fast-twitch muscle fiber acts as an element that helps to decide the outcome of a race for athletes requiring extra power for a short amount of time, such as athletes at running, jumping and throwing sports. Exercise using TurboSonic also improves endurance of muscle, which is caused by stimulating the production of growth hormone to improve the function of slow twitch muscle fiber.

Diet and Beauty Clinic: Easy-to-use and effective for people who dislike exercising TurboSonic accelerates blood circulation and lymph drainage, strengthens collagen and stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH), ultimately, helping in the fight against cellulite. Whole body vibration prompts intestinal movement and improves the overall function of the intestinal tract. WBV also reduces excessive body fat by increasing the recruitment of body fat during exercise and maintains the elasticity of the skin by enhancing the function of the connective tissues and the body’s circulatory system.

Rehabilitation : Minimizing stress on the body TurboSonic prevents the loss of muscular strength that occurs after surgery, which is generally due to lack of exercise during recovery period. WBV maintains the physique and improves lymph and blood circulation to promote recovery. TurboSonic is being widely used by many athletes in their rehabilitation process to maximize their recovery and because it also enables a total body workout, for a maximum rehabilitation treatment.

Revitalization : Anti-aging TurboSonic promotes secretion of serotonin (a hormone that gives a sense of happiness), Neurotrophine (a hormone that stimulates brain activity), Testosterone (a male hormone), HGH and IGF-1 (growth hormones). This can help the elderly achieve a healthy recovery and a more active lifestyle. TurboSonic helps prevent ageing (removed elderly) by improving blood circulation, digestion and flexibility, while delaying the progress of various illnesses, such as, degenerative arthritis, back pain and osteoporosis. All this helps to promote a more active lifestyle.

The sessions are done fully clothed, take only 10 minutes and are in a private room. If you are under care for a musculoskeletal condition, your insurance may cover all or part of the treatments. Come experience the latest in exercise in Lubbock.

ADHD helped with chiropractic

In the October 2004 issue of the peer-reviewed research publication, the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT), comes a case study of a child with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), who was helped with chiropractic.
The case was of a 5 year old boy who had been diagnosed with ADHD at age 2. The child’s pediatrician prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin), Adderall, and Haldol for the next 3 years. The combination of drugs was unsuccessful in helping the child.
At age 5 the child was brought to a chiropractor to see if chiropractic care would help. The history taken at that time noted that during the child’s birth, there were complications during his delivery process. The results of this trauma and complications resulted in a 4-day stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. The child’s mother reported no other incidence of trauma.
The chiropractic examination and x-rays showed noticeable spinal distortion including a reversal of the normal neck curve indicative of subluxations. Chiropractic care was begun and the child’s progress was monitored.
According to his mother, positive changes in her son's general behavior were noticed around the twelfth visit. By the 27th visit the patient had experienced considerable improvement.
The child was brought by the mother to the medical doctor for a follow up visit and questioned the usage of the Ritalin. The medical doctor reviewed and examined the child and based on that assessment and his clinical experience, the MD felt that the young boy was no longer exhibiting symptoms associated with ADHD. He then took the boy off the medications that he had been taking for 3 years.
The conclusion of the author of the JMPT case study noted, “The patient experienced significant reduction in symptoms. Additionally, the medical doctor concluded that the reduction in symptoms was significant enough to discontinue the medication.”

*The above was taken from http://www.chiropracticresearch.com/

Even more research has been published in the Journal of Vetebral Subluxation Research that show Chiropractic care can improve the symptoms of learning disabilities.

Red Raider Road Race

Helton Chiropractic is proudly putting together a race team for the Red Raider Road Race on October 11. Don't worry, we are not worried about setting any records. We just want to get a group of people together to run and have some fun. We will pay your entry fee and provide you with a shirt that says "Helton Chiropractic Race Team." It will be at the Tech campus and they will have a 5K and 10K course. Please contact us at 797-4000 if you are interested in this. That way we can get enough T-shirts ordered. Hope to see you there.

Shoulder Pain and Chiropractic

One of my most intriguing and sometimes frustrating conditions to treat is shoulder pain. Doing post doctoral training in extremity adjusting has helped me make greater strides in helping more patients but there are so many different aspects of shoulder pain. The shoulder's flexibility and range of motion is its biggest downfall too. The scapula, clavicle, humerus, ribs, and even the neck can make up part of shoulder pain. The muscles of the shoulder, and more specifically, the rotator cuff muscles can also be a frustratingly painful part of shoulder pain. Rarely is just one part of the shoulder involved in pain. I've noticed that most people have a muscle imbalance along with a joint fixation causing loss of motion and pain in the shoulder. Chiropractors such as myself use specific adjustments to restore motion. But, if the muscle imbalance is not addressed properly, pain will return fairly quickly. In my office, I use a combination of targeted exercises, specific manipulations, and deep tissue/myofascial release to fully address the complex issues of the shoulder.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Chiropractic

This week in our office, the spotlighted condition on our discussion board is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS. Twelve years ago, a lecturer said that the personal computer would revolutionize the Chiropractic office. After 10 years in practice, I've noticed that the computer not only makes the office work easier but it's also brought in an evergrowing number of people with hand and wrist problems. As we've become more connected to our computers, the hands shortcomings become apparent. The median nerve, which innervates the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, must pass through the carpal tunnel. The tunnel is made up of the carpal bones and the tendons holding the wrist together. The position of typing causes the tunnel to collapse onto the nerve causing pain and numbness in the 1st 3 digits and part of the palm.

As a Chiropractic Doctor, I've gotten post graduate training in extremity adjusting. Using specific manual adjustments to the carpal bones and the forearm bones (radius and ulna,) I'm able to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The treatments are quick, effective, and extremely affordable when compared to carpal tunnel surgery. The treatments are often covered by insurance. Better yet, there are no side effects. Most patients notice improvement in their condition with a few treatments. In our clinic, we also utilize the Vectra Laser Therapy. This laser therapy is applied to the site and is very effective in decreasing pain and promoting soft tissue healing. What is frustrating is that I have patients who've seen their MD and are given a nerve conduction velocity test. When the NCV test is negative, they often say wait until it gets worse and then I'll send you to a surgeon. When treated early and non surgically, it is much easier to get relief. Plus, as I always tell my patients, if this doesn't work, there is always the surgical alternative. But, once the surgery is done, there's rarely anything more that can be done.

What's Holding Me Back? Understanding your condition.

During my 10+ years of practice, I've had a chance to treat many different patients with many different conditions. A vexing part of practice is when you have a patient who doesn't respond as expected. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. Part of the process with patients is trying to convey, to the best of your ability, what kind of results a particular patient can expect. Some factors that patients may not realize that affect the outcome is what kind of condition THEY are in. Factors that affect success at relieving pain are the same things that make anyone better able to get over illnesses. Conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, smoking, substance abuse or history of it, advanced age, lupus, fibromyalgia, and even depression can slow down the healing process. On the flip side, patients who are "super athletes" push their bodies so hard that the bodies ability to heal is being used to repair muscles and ligaments damaged with hard workouts or games.
People who are stressed out, overworked, sleep deprived, eating a fast food diet in their car, and unwinding every night with a couple of drinks and sleep meds, suffering from acid reflux and popping ibuprofen for pain aren't going to get over sinus infection very well, much less a complex spinal condition. Getting healthy is a vital part of getting well. If you are under care, realize that it doesn't mean you aren't going to get well, but it may take much longer than other people with the same type of problem. As I've told many patients, I'm not a miracle worker, I'm doing my best with what skills I've been given. But, I also have to do my best with what you as a patient have brought me to work with. Being patient while being a patient is the most important thing to do. Remember, most problems didn't get that way in 1 day and they rarely resolve in 1 day of treatment.

What do Chiropractic Doctors Treat?

Many people think of DC's as treating low backs only. Or, they think of them as only treating necks and low backs. People are oftentimes surprised to know that DC's treat conditions such as

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist/hand pain),


2. Foot and ankle pain including heel spurs and plantar fascitis,


3. Headaches-Migraine, TMJ, and Neck related


4. TMJ Dysfunction (Jaw pain)


5. Knee pain


6. Nutritional disorders


7. Bulging discs and pinched nerves

While not only treating the spinal and muskuloskeletal disorders, Chiropractic Doctors have had patients note relief with the following disorders while under a DC's care:

1. GERD or Heartburn


2. Colic in infants


3. Enuresis or bed-wetting


4. Sinus congestion


5. reduction in severity of Otitis Media or middle ear infections


6. Difficulty sleeping


7. Painful periods and lack of periods in women

Surprised? Most people are! Doctors of Chiropractic not only treat a multitude of conditions, they are trained to diagnosis and detect other conditions that might warrant the need for a referral to a specialist. In my practice, I've found tumors, diabetes, severe hypertension, gallstones, and kidney stones that needed to be seen by their respective medical specialists.

Patient Education

Last night, I spoke at our weekly New Patient Orientation Class. What I realize every time I give the class, is that there is a profound lack of knowledge in the general public about Chiropractic and Doctors of Chiropractic. Whose fault is this? Certainly not the patient. They just want to feel better. The finger points squarely at us. The doctors and staff of chiropractic clinics. Ask a typical person what they think about Chiropractors and you'll get a ton of different answers but usually nothing definitive other than "they pop backs." Our class is designed so that patients not only know what we do, but why we do it and how that makes them achieve health. As a professor of mine in school once said, " You have to give them a reason to think you're more than just a glorified wrestler." What I have found since we started doing these classes over a year ago, is that patients get more satisfaction from their care, they understand their condition better, and are better able to relate what we do to their family and friends. Ask someone what a dermatologist does or a dentist. That person can probably say several sentences on the finer points of both professions. Unless we make a concerted effort to educate patients on the benefits of chiropractic care, we'll always be relegated to second class status and sometimes open disdain. What I try to impress upon my patients are these 4 things. 1. We're extremely safe. No matter what anyone says, we rarely hurt anyone and even more rarely kill someone. The New England Journal of Medicine has stated that over 180,000 people are killed each year from medical errors. Believe me, if DC's killed just 180 people per year, we'd all be run out of town. 2. We're extremely effective. For low back pain, study after study shows we have better patient satisfaction. 3. We're very cost effective. Sometime do some asking around about medical procedures. Ask how much a steroid injection costs. One procedure is the same price as 12 weeks worth of typical care in my office. and finally, #4. How healthy you are is mostly dependent upon how well you treat yourself. If you don't work at making yourself healthy, no one else can do it for you. Do patients know this? Rarely. Do your patients know this? Ask them. See if they do. If your a patient reading this. Does your doctor of chiropractic explain these things? If not. Ask him or her why not. Or find someone who will.

Certified Kennedy Decompression Technique

In November 2007, I received my certification in Decompression Therapy. Having done the Non -Surgical disc decompression for approximately 18 months and seeing good but not great results, I realized that I may need more training than the standard Chattanooga training on the DTS. Dr. Kennedy's course is a condensed version of his 20 years of using this therapy on disc patients. Simply put, it made me much more effective in not only identifying who would benefit from the Decompression therapy, but also who wouldn't and what might help the other types of patients. His course laid bare some of the failures of the Chiropractic dogma as it relates to treating most cases with only manipulation. It's a fact, not every patient benefits from the adjustment. No matter your philosophical leanings, every DC has had cases that absolutely did not respond to adjustments. Dr. Kennedy reveals why certain patients are like this and what would best benefit. He also explained why all the hype from different Decompression table companies such as the DRX 9000, Chattanooga DTS, Vax D, et. al. is simply fluff. People "drink the kool-aid" as he puts it. The table is not magic. There's no hocus pocus or space age technology. The tables are just vastly different in price but not in function. The difference is the skill of the Doctor. The classification of the patient regarding disc compression, motion disorders, facet syndrome, core instability or a combination of the whole bunch is essential to getting patients out of pain. Since taking the course and becoming certified, I've become a better clinician with better outcomes and better patient satisfaction. I've become more confident that when I put a patient with a disc problem on the table, they are going to see results. Not every time of course, but much more often than previous. I've seen the greatest results in severe headache pain with a referred pain into the shoulder or rhomboid area. I've dealt with these patients for years with limited success. Since November, I've had 10 patients or so with debilitating headaches and severe neck pain and pain in the shoulder blade area have almost complete resolution in pain after 1 treatment. This relief lasts for a day or 2 initially, but, after a series of treatments, relief has been measured months. Surprisingly enough, the majority of these patients have not received any chiropractic adjustments. Their problem isn't a chiropractic subluxation problem. It's a disc compression syndrome that, once treated properly, responds very quickly and efficiently.

Welcome to the Lubbock Chiropractic Blog

Welcome to the first installment of what I hope becomes a place to get information about Chiropractic, health and wellness. The Chiropractic profession has been at fault for not educating patients about the science and art of Chiropractic. Thus, we have the "believers" and "non-believers" camps instead of the informed and mis-informed. Chiropractic isn't a belief system. Much like gravity, it doesn't care whether you believe or not, it simply works. And, like anything, it only takes a few bad apples to spoil the bunch. My goal is to give people an understanding about what Chiropractic is, but, more importantly, what we can treat safely and effectively.

The first thing I want to get straight is: yes, we are doctors. My doctoral degree is accredited by the same association that accredits the other schools in the region including Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, and University of Texas. I earned that degree with hundreds of hours of classwork. My professors were PhD's, MD's, DC's, and even a DDS, and a DVM. Attached is a link of course hours of an MD and a DC. http://healthandwellnesspdx.com/Articles/How%20well%20educated%20is%20your%20chiropractor.pdf

So, that being settled, I won't reference again the validity of my credentials. I do acknowledge the sad fact that people rarely "try a Chiropractor" but rather "try Chiropractic." When a patient sees a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) and has a bad experience, statistics show that they rarely will try a different DC. They've determined in their head that "Chiropractic" isn't going to "work" for them. Everyone has had a bad haircut or gotten a bad steak but that doesn't keep them from trying a different stylist or a different restaurant. Why is that the status quo for the Chiropractic profession? My only guess is lack of education by the Chiropractic community. My words of advice for a potential patient is to ask around. Find out where people are going. Ask for a consultation. Meet with the Doctor. We're all different. We're trained the same just like cosmetologists are trained the same but each doctor has his or her own style. I encourage you to look for the fit for you. And, if you haven't had a good experience, look elsewhere. There is a DC right for you and your family.