Ocean Chiropractic Center of Aventura

Dr. Kaler's 30 Years of Clinical Observations

2026-07-15

Clinical Observation #2

Your Feet May Be Causing Your Neck Pain (And You'd Never Know It)

After More Than 30 Years of Practice, One Thing Continues to Surprise My Patients

Most people are convinced they know where their pain comes from.

If their neck hurts, they assume the problem is in the neck.

If they have headaches, they blame stress.

If their shoulder hurts, they think they injured it.

After treating patients for more than three decades, I've learned something very different.

The location of your pain is often not where your problem actually begins.

One of the most fascinating examples of this is the relationship between your feet and your neck.

It sounds unbelievable at first—but once you understand how the body works, it makes perfect sense.

Your Body Was Designed as One Connected System

Think about building a house.

If the foundation shifts even half an inch, the roof doesn't stay perfectly level. Tiny changes begin to appear throughout the structure. Doors don't close correctly. Windows become uneven. Cracks begin showing up in completely different rooms.

Your body works much the same way.

Every joint is connected to the one above it and the one below it. When one area loses proper alignment or movement, the rest of the body begins making small compensations to keep you upright and balanced.

Most of these changes happen so gradually that you never notice them—until something finally starts to hurt.

Every Step You Take Begins at the Ground

Every time your foot contacts the ground, forces travel upward through your entire body.

Feet → Ankles → Knees → Hips → Pelvis → Low Back → Mid Back → Shoulders → Neck → Jaw

This is known as the kinetic chain. If one link changes, every link above it must adapt.

A Simple Example

Imagine your right foot slowly loses some of its natural arch.

That tiny change causes your ankle to roll inward slightly. Your knee follows. Your hip rotates. Your pelvis tilts. Your lower back compensates. Your shoulders become uneven. Finally, your head shifts forward to keep your eyes level with the horizon.

Months—or even years—later, you begin experiencing neck pain, headaches, shoulder tightness, jaw discomfort, or muscle fatigue.

Most people understandably focus on where they hurt, but the body may have been compensating long before symptoms appeared.

Your Body Is Brilliant at Compensating

Your brain constantly works to keep your eyes level, your balance steady, and your body moving efficiently. It will happily sacrifice perfect alignment if that's what it takes to keep you functioning.

The problem is that compensation works... until it doesn't.

Pain often develops only after months or years of accumulated stress.

Why Treating Only the Neck Doesn't Always Solve the Problem

This doesn't mean neck pain always starts in the feet. Sometimes the neck truly is the primary source.

But over the years, I've found that many patients improve more completely when we evaluate the entire body rather than focusing only on the area that hurts. Pain is often the final destination of a much larger mechanical pattern.

This Is Why I Developed the 17-Point Alignment System™

After more than thirty years in practice, I wanted a better way to evaluate how the entire body works together.

That's why I developed the 17-Point Alignment System™.

Rather than examining only the painful area, I evaluate seventeen key regions—from the TMJ to the feet—to identify structural imbalances and movement restrictions that may be contributing to the problem. It provides a comprehensive view of how your body functions as one interconnected system.

Dr. Kaler's Clinical Observation

“Pain is often the last symptom to appear and the first symptom people notice—but rarely where the problem actually begins.”

- Dr. Craig Kaler

Generation Neck

2026-07-07

Dr. Kaler's Guide to Saving Your Neck Despite Your Phone

In over 30 years of chiropractic practice, I have watched one trend build quietly in the background — and then explode. When I started, neck problems were common. Today, they are nearly universal. Forward head posture, text neck, disc herniations, upper crossed syndrome, chronic tension headaches — conditions I used to see primarily in adults over 50 are now showing up in teenagers. The culprit isn't a mystery. It's in your pocket.

The average American now spends between two and four hours per day with their head tilted forward looking at a smartphone. For high school students, that number can climb to five thousand hours per year. I call this generation "Generation Neck" — and if you're reading this, there's a good chance you're part of it.

What Your Phone Is Actually Doing to Your Spine

Your head weighs approximately 10 to 12 pounds in a neutral position. That's manageable for the cervical spine — it was designed for exactly that load. But the moment you tilt your head forward to look at a screen, the effective weight on your neck increases dramatically. According to research by Dr. Kenneth Hansraj, Chief of Spine Surgery at New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, published in Surgical Technology International, a 15-degree forward tilt generates 27 pounds of force on the cervical spine. At 45 degrees — the typical phone-scrolling posture — that force reaches 49 pounds. At 60 degrees, it hits 60 pounds. That is the equivalent of carrying an 8-year-old child on your neck, for hours every day.

Over time, this sustained load does more than create soreness. Research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information confirms that prolonged forward head posture alters the natural curvature of the cervical spine, strains the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support it, and places the nervous system under chronic mechanical stress. Disc herniations, cervical degeneration, and conditions like upper crossed syndrome — where the muscles of the neck, chest, and upper back fall into a dysfunctional pattern of tightness and weakness — are the long-term consequence of what most people think of as simply "looking at their phone."

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in PubMed found a significant association between forward head posture and neck pain across multiple populations. This isn't a fringe concern — it is one of the most well-documented musculoskeletal trends of the last decade.

5 Things You Can Do Starting Today

The good news is that this is not irreversible — especially if you act early. Here are five evidence-informed steps you can take right now:

1. Change How You Hold Your Phone

This is the single easiest intervention and most people never think about it. Hold your phone vertically and raise it toward eye level. Even if you don't get it all the way up, holding it vertical fundamentally changes the angle of your neck — stopping the harmful downward flexion pattern that drives text neck. You don't need an app or a gadget. You just need to be aware of where your phone is in space. The moment you raise it, you reduce the mechanical load on your cervical spine.

2. Do Chin Tucks Every Day

The chin tuck — or cervical retraction — is one of the most evidence-backed exercises for correcting forward head posture. A systematic review published in the National Institutes of Health found strong evidence that deep cervical flexor training — which chin tucks directly target — improves neuromuscular coordination and head posture in people with neck pain. To perform a chin tuck: stand or sit upright, and without tilting your chin up or down, slide your head straight back as if trying to make a double chin. Hold for 3–5 seconds, repeat 10 times. Do this several times a day. It costs nothing, requires no equipment, and directly counters the muscular imbalances that phone use creates.

3. Open Your Chest — Address the Full Pattern

Forward head posture doesn't exist in isolation. It almost always comes with rounded shoulders and a tight chest — a pattern clinically known as upper crossed syndrome. Research published in PMC (National Library of Medicine) confirms that treatment programs addressing the full postural imbalance — including chest stretching and scapular strengthening — are effective at reducing pain and improving function. Try a doorway pec stretch: stand in a doorway with your arm at 90 degrees, press your forearm into the frame, and gently lean forward until you feel a stretch across your chest. Hold 20–30 seconds per side. Wall angels are equally effective — stand with your back flat against a wall and slowly slide your arms up and down like a snow angel, keeping contact with the wall throughout.

4. Break the Static Load Every 20 Minutes

One of the most damaging aspects of smartphone use isn't just the angle — it's the sustained, unbroken nature of it. Your neck muscles are held in continuous low-level contraction for extended periods, and that's a primary driver of fatigue, pain, and eventually structural change. Every 20 minutes, set your phone down, lift your chin, and gently move your neck through its natural range of motion — slow side-to-side rotations, gentle tilts, and a few slow nods. Twenty seconds is enough to interrupt the static load pattern and restore some circulation to the muscles and discs. Pair this habit with any screen time — phone, computer, or TV — and you dramatically reduce cumulative strain.

5. Strengthen Your Upper Back — Weakness Is Half the Problem

Text neck and forward head posture are partly a weakness problem, not just a posture problem. The muscles of the upper back — the rhomboids, middle and lower trapezius, and deep neck flexors — are chronically underactive in people who spend long hours looking down at devices. Exercises like band pull-aparts, scapular retractions, and prone Y-T-W raises directly target these muscles and begin to restore balance to the neck and shoulder complex. You don't need a gym — resistance bands and your own bodyweight are enough. Consistency matters more than intensity here: a few minutes daily will outperform an occasional hard workout.

A Word From 30 Years in Practice

I am not anti-technology. Smartphones are remarkable tools and they're not going anywhere. But in three decades of practice, I have never seen a single lifestyle factor cause the volume of cervical spine problems that phone posture is generating right now. What concerns me most is that the damage is gradual and largely silent — people don't feel it building until it becomes a significant problem.

The five habits above are not complicated or expensive. They require awareness and consistency. If you apply them, your cervical spine will thank you decades from now.

And if you're already experiencing neck pain, stiffness, headaches, or any of the symptoms discussed in this article — don't wait. A proper evaluation can identify what's happening structurally before it becomes something harder to address.

The Top 5 Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

2022-12-23

Lower back pain is a common complaint for pregnant women and affects an estimated 50% of women during their pregnancies. While there are many reasons why you may be experiencing aches and pains during your pregnancy, there are ways that you can treat them.

One option is visiting a prenatal chiropractor for an adjustment. Do you want to learn more about the benefits of getting chiropractic care during pregnancy?

Keep reading this guide for the top five benefits of scheduling a prenatal chiropractic appointment!

1. Eases Many Pregnancy Symptoms

One of the biggest benefits of getting adjusted during pregnancy is that it can alleviate your pain. During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes that allow your baby to grow. Many of these changes can cause spine misalignment and other uncomfortable symptoms.

For example, you will gain weight in the front of your body which can throw off your balance and may lead to misaligned joints. As your uterus grows, your abdominal muscles will also weaken and may not support your spine as they should.

Something else that can cause pregnancy pain is the release of the hormone relaxin. This relaxes your joints and ligaments and is necessary to prepare your body for labor and delivery. However, it also makes it easier for your joints to slip out of alignment.

Getting aligned during your pregnancy is an easy way to ease this discomfort and keep your body in the proper position.

Not only can a chiropractic adjustment improve the alignment of your body, but it can also help you ease pregnancy nausea. This is because chiropractors work on the nervous system, which can help if you experience morning sickness.

Plus, morning sickness can be caused to pinched nerves, so your chiropractor may be able to eliminate this issue.

2. Shorter Labor Times

Another reason why many people get chiropractic adjustments as part of their prenatal care is that it shortens labor times. In fact, studies show that women that get adjusted during pregnancy had an average of 24% shorter labor times. This percentage increases for women that have been pregnant before!

This is because working with a chiropractor can help you align your pelvic region. This is where the baby must pass through for birth.

If you are not properly aligned, it is easier for your baby to get stuck and it may take them longer to get into a proper birth position. Not only will chiropractic care keep your labor canal aligned, but it also decreases intrauterine constraints!

This makes it easier for the baby to position itself. If you want to improve your labor experience and spend less time delivering your baby, regular chiropractic appointments during your pregnancy may be able to help.

3. Many Treatment Options

Even if you don't want to get your spine adjusted during your pregnancy, there are many different chiropractic treatments that are perfectly safe for pregnant women.

For example, your chiropractor can use heat and ice therapy to treat pregnancy pains and swelling. These treatments increase your blood flow, loosen stiff muscles, and more. This way, you can move more comfortably during your pregnancy.

Many chiropractic centers also offer massage therapy services. Massage can soothe many types of pregnancy discomfort, whether done with a handheld device or when done by a massage therapist.

Lastly, spinal decompression can help you reduce your sciatica pain when pregnant. This is because your chiropractor can stretch and lengthen your spine to reduce the pressure on your affected discs.

4. Creates More Space for Babies

As you progress throughout your pregnancy, your baby gets more and more cramped inside your uterus. There is only so much space for them to grow! Luckily, chiropractic care can help you reposition your baby to provide it with more room.

As was mentioned before, this allows them to move into an optimal laboring position. For example, if your baby is in the breech position, your healthcare provider will likely want them to turn before you give birth.

Going to the chiropractor at least once a week in the final stages of your pregnancy can help you create more space for your baby while allowing them to move into a more optimal position to prepare for birth.

5. Faster Postpartum Recovery

Finally, chiropractic corrective care can also help you improve your postpartum recovery. Being adjusted before you deliver your baby will allow you to heal more quickly. This is because chiropractic care improves the alignment and flexibility of your spine and allows you to stay balanced.

Plus, it stimulates your nervous system!

Not only can adjustments help you recover more quickly, but they can also help you with many types of postpartum aches and pains. For example, many new mothers experience pain in the middle of their backs and in their necks.

This is often due to their posture while nursing or feeding a baby. Your chiropractor can get your neck and spine back into alignment to reduce this pain. They can also provide you with types and tricks to improve your posture to prevent the same issues from coming up over and over.

Looking For Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

When you are preparing for the birth of your child, your body goes through many changes. Scheduling chiropractic care during pregnancy is an easy way to ease uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, improve your labor experience, and more.

If you need help with chiropractic care for pregnant women, Ocean Chiropractic Center of Aventura can help! We specialize in corrective chiropractic care and can help you get your body back into alignment.

When to See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain

2022-12-16

When we experience neck pain, it's easy to let it go and think it's unimportant. You may think I probably slept weirdly on my neck and assume the pain will disappear. Unfortunately, this isn't the case for as many as 85% of neck pain sufferers, primarily if your neck pain was caused by an accident.

But do you know when to see a chiropractor? Chiropractors adjust the spine to maintain good alignment, decreasing pain and complications in the neuromusculoskeletal system. It can be challenging to know if your neck pain is alarming enough to see a professional. Here are signs that it's time to see a chiropractor for neck pain.

Unbalanced Posture

Spinal adjustments benefit multiple areas of the body, namely your posture. Incorrect posture can cause increased stress on the cervical spine, overloading the neck and back muscles. All of this can cause neck and shoulder pain.

How do you know you have an unbalanced posture? Some common signs of incorrect posture include the soles of your shoes wearing out, a potbelly even though you don't have excess fat in the abdomen, rounded shoulders, your head leaning forward or backward, and bent knees.

You're Active

While we're always told to live an active lifestyle, there's such thing as too much of a good thingespecially if you have a sore neck. Living an active lifestyle will put additional pressure and stress on the body. This can result in many issues, spinal misalignment being one of them.

An active lifestyle also increases your risk of injuries. Common injuries sustained from sports and fitness include slipped discs and pinched nerves, both of which will benefit from chiropractic care.

Persistent Pain

Does your neck pain last all day? This can be for several reasons. Even something minor, like stress, can make your pain more severe and long-lasting.

If your neck pain was caused by something severe, such as whiplash from a car accident, you'll want to see a chiropractor. But if you suspect your persistent neck pain comes from daily bad habits and actions, you can still benefit from chiropractic care. For example, certain chiropractic care services, such as cervical manipulation, are safer than many over-the-counter pain relievers.

You Work a Physically Demanding Job

Some jobs are worse for the neck than others. Jobs that force us to look upwards and hold our neck in an awkward position are often the culprit. Career examples include painters, plasterers, welders, mechanics, dentists, dental assistants, nurses, caregivers, and hairdressers.

There are also some surprising jobs that you wouldn't guess were physically demanding. For example, taxi and Uber drivers sit all day, straining their neck muscles. Sitting at a desk with poor posture also puts stress on your neck.

If you suspect your job is causing your neck pain and posture issues, see a chiropractor for a spinal adjustment.

Pain in Other Parts of the Body

What if you're experiencing pain in more places other than your neck? This is likely due to posture issues. Most also experience back pain. Neck and back pain likely stems from a posture issue. You may also experience knee pain, restricted motion, and sciatica. All of these problems can be a sign that you need a spinal adjustment.

Headaches

Related to the last section, frequent headaches also indicate that your neck pain calls for chiropractic care. However, headaches are a complex form of pain. If you get the occasional headache, it may not be related to neck pain. Lack of sleep, stress, too much exercise, and not eating a nutritious diet can all set off a headache. However, frequent headaches may be a sign of an underlying problem.

There are three main types of headaches:

Migraines
Tension headaches
Cluster headaches

These headaches have varying triggers. For example, those who struggle with migraines report different triggers, from lack of caffeine to hormones. However, tension headaches have similar triggers as general neck pain, such as poor posture and looking upward or downward for an extended period. Tension headaches can also be caused by misaligned vertebrae in the back of the neck.

Limited Range of Motion

If you also experience a limited range of motion in addition to your neck pain, you'll benefit from chiropractic care. We often associate a limited range of motion with simple actions, such as putting on your seatbelt, dressing, or picking up light items. You may also experience limited motion in your neck; for example, you may not turn your neck to the side.

A limited range of motion is a sign that your bones and joints and misaligned. A chiropractic adjustment will increase your body's range of motion and relieve neck pain.

Recent Accident

Seeing a chiropractor is a top priority if you suspect your neck pain was due to a recent accident. Accidents, notably car accidents, can cause spinal misalignment. This not only leads to neck pain, but you may experience problems in your arms, back, and legs. Seeing a chiropractor can prevent future problems from stemming.

Shooting Pain Down Your Legs

One of the most common signs of a pinched nerve or a slipped disc is shooting pain down your legs. The pain is often sharp and can be accompanied by weakness and a tingling sensation.

There are many reasons why you may have sustained these problems. Both standing up and sitting down for long periods can cause these complications. A chiropractor can alleviate the pain you feel in your neck and legs, as well as the other symptoms you're experiencing.

Keep in mind that tingling and numbness may also have other underlying causes. Be sure to visit your general practitioner first to rule out any serious medical conditions.

See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain

Are you experiencing neck pain and think it's time you see a chiropractor? You'll need to find the best chiropractor for neck pain. Our team is passionate about corrective care, and we'll be there for you during your healing process. If you're based in north Miami, contact us to schedule a consultation.

When to See a Doctor for Stiff Neck Treatment

2022-10-19

Did you know that around 86% of people in the United States suffer from neck pain? If you find that you have a stiff or painful neck, you might be wondering what could have possibly caused it and how you can treat it.

There are many stiff neck treatment options available and most of them you can do at home.

However, what if your stiff neck doesn't go away after a few days or even a week? When should you go to a doctor and find out if you need professional stiff neck treatments?

Keep reading and learn more about what you can do for your stiff neck and if you might need to see a doctor to get it treated.

What You Need to Know About Treating a Stiff Neck

There are many reasons why you might have a stiff neck and most of them are not serious. For example, you might have slept on your neck wrong and simply strained a muscle as a result. In most cases, a stiff neck will go away on its own after a few days.

You just need to wait for the muscles and tendons in your neck to relax and go back to normal. If your neck is particularly stiff or painful, there are some neck stiffness treatment options you can try at home. For example, getting someone to massage your neck will be very helpful.

Massaging the area will increase the flow of blood to your neck muscles. This will allow those muscles to get a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to help them heal faster. A massage can also help the muscles themselves relax, especially if they are especially tense or swollen due to exercise or an injury.

Putting on a cold pack will also be helpful for treating a stiff neck. A cold pack or an ice pack will numb the muscles in the area and make any pain and discomfort far less noticeable. This is not to mention that cold packs can also help reduce any inflammation or swelling that your neck might be experiencing, and they are especially helpful for reducing pain..

Stretching your neck is another good and easy treatment that you can try. When you stretch your neck, always be sure to do so by using gentle and slow movements. The last thing you want to do is pull and yank on your neck as this will likely make the problem worse.

The Details

Instead, try gently moving your head back and forth and side to side. Being gentle is the key. You never want to stretch or move into pain. This will start to gently create mobility which in turn will help reduce inflammation and pain.

Try to avoid crunching your neck against your shoulders as this will constrict blood flow to the back of your neck. After a few days, your stiff neck should go away on its own.

But what if your neck issues persist for a week or more?

When Should You See a Doctor to Treat Your Stiff Neck?

If your neck stiffness lasts for a week or more, this may be a sign that you're dealing with a more serious problem. The first sign that you should go see a doctor is that your neck stiffness starts to get worse even with all your home treatments. You should also seek professional help if the stiffness and pain start to spread such as to your arms, legs, or the rest of your spine.

Any numbness and tingling that come along with the stiff neck is also a bad sign. If you have a stiff neck and happen to have a very high fever, you should go see a doctor as soon as possible. Both symptoms together may mean that you have meningitis.

Meningitis is a very serious infection that affects the membranes that coat the brain and spinal cord. If left untreated, the consequences could be very serious and could even be fatal. Fortunately, if you do have meningitis, your doctor can fix this problem by administering antibiotics.

What You Need to Know

It is best to catch this problem early before it starts to seriously damage your health and inhibit lifestyle. Besides meningitis, your stiff neck may be due to a recent accident. If you have been in a car accident or other accident that involved trauma to your neck, your neck may not have healed properly. It’s very important to have an X-ray taken to determine underlying cause.

You might have a pinched nerve, a broken bone, or another problem that is keeping you from exercising the full flexibility of your neck. If you have recently been in an accident and are still suffering from neck problems, go see your doctor. You will likely get an X-ray of your neck to see if there is anything structurally wrong with it.

If so, you may need to go to physical therapy or a chiropractor to fix the problem. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

You should also go to the doctor if your neck stiffness is associated with symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, or an inability to move some of your muscles. This could mean that your neck stiffness is part of something much more serious.

All About Stiff Neck Treatment Options

Usually, a stiff neck is a minor problem that will go away on its own. There are many stiff neck treatment options you can try at home to fix the problem. However, if your stiff neck doesn't go away on its own, it may be time to see a doctor.

To learn more, contact us here.

7 Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for Back Pain

2022-08-31

Nearly 65 million Americans report having had a recent bout of back pain. While living with chronic pain has become normal for many people, it shouldn't be — and it doesn't have to be. There are solutions available.

Many people only seek conventional methods of pain relief that their primary care doctor provides and never think about seeing a chiropractor for back pain. However, there are many benefits to seeing a chiropractor for your issues that you may not have realized.

Here's why seeking out a chiropractor can really help if you're suffering from back pain.

1. They Improve Back Pain by Addressing the Cause

One of the common remedies for back pain is to provide pain killers. Unfortunately, although this may mask the pain for a time, it doesn't address the root cause — it just blinds you to the symptoms.

Chiropractors work by adjusting your back to ease the tension and help get rid of the pain. This is much less like sticking a bandaid over the wound and actually working to find out what's causing the pain and get rid of that root cause.

They should also be happy to talk to you about what they think the reason for the pain is, giving you more understanding about your condition.

2. They Reduce Medical Reliance

As well as this, they can reduce the reliance some people may have previously had on other methods of pain relief, like drugs.

While pain killers are valuable tools that help in a variety of situations, becoming dependent on them doesn't only disregard the root cause, but it can be dangerous. There are many side effects to pain killers that patients can experience and many of them are unpleasant.

Finding a chiropractor instead can reduce the risk of these side effects. Some are more likely with certain drugs and sensitivities while some may appear if you take too many pills over time but, either way, it's always good to find a safe way to take fewer of them.

3. They Ease Pain Elsewhere

You may have pain elsewhere in your body that you didn't even realize was related to the same thing as your back pain. A pinched nerve, for example, could cause pain to travel up your spine and give you a headache and even jaw pain.

While many people experience headaches, most don't know the cause.

By going to find back pain relief, you might find more than you bargained for.

4. They Improve Sleep

About 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems. There's a whole variety of causes for these, from physical to mental, but good sleep is crucial to our wellbeing and should be prioritized.

If your pain is causing you to get bad sleep, then a chiropractor can help ensure you don't have to worry about it. It's not just the physical aspect (where the pain might be keeping you awake so you need an adjustment) but also the advice they can give.

A chiropractor should be able to identify the issues and tell you the best position to sleep in, so you can drift off easily and don't wake up through the night.

5. They Improve Mental Health

Even if you don't realize it, living with chronic pain can take a toll on more than just your physical health. It can seriously affect your mental health too, especially if the pain has been going on for so long that you don't see the possibility of living without it.

Prioritizing your mental health is important too, so giving a chiropractor a try could give you a new lease of life you weren't aware was possible. Even if you're skeptical about the possible results of a chiropractor, giving it a try will surprise you.

6. They Also Improve Posture

If you have a desk job or just spend a lot of time sitting at a computer, your poor posture could contribute to your back pain. Even if it isn't the root cause, it can make it worse over time (or contribute to other problems).

A chiropractic adjustment can help improve your posture, allowing you to sit properly so you don't worsen problems or cause any new ones. If you've been struggling with your posture and have tried all of the tricks in the book, then try this one — you might be surprised by the results.

7. They May Be Less Expensive

Many people are worried about seeing a chiropractor to find treatment for back pain because they're concerned about the cost. Medical solutions aren't often cheap.

However, a chiropractor may actually be cheaper than the alternative. Running tests, medication, and all of the solutions a doctor can provide still cost money too. You usually pay a chiropractor per session and they can advise you on how much you need.

Check with your insurance if they'll cover the sessions or ask about ways to pay at the chiropractor and you may find out the cost wasn't what you thought it was. Besides, it's worth it to identify the causes of back pain and get rid of them.

A Chiropractor for Back Pain Is Invaluable

If you've been thinking about seeing a chiropractor for back pain, it's worth trying — even if you're not sure about it. A chiropractor can identify the root cause of the pain and work it out of your system, ensuring that they ease the tension on your back and prevent the problem from worsening.

There's nothing like the feeling of relief from chronic pain and there are many advantages to asking a chiropractor for help.

Looking for a chiropractor in Aventura, Florida? Sign up with us today — you don't have to live with that pain.

7 Signs You Need to Visit a Chiropractor After a Car Accident

2022-08-24

An estimated 20-50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries as a result of car accidents each year. Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death and can lead to many long-term health issues.

If you have recently been in a car accident, you may need to visit a chiropractor to help with your injuries and to help relieve your pain. Do you want to learn more about why you should visit a chiropractor after a car accident?

Keep reading this guide for the top seven signs that you should visit a chiropractor for your car accident injuries.

1. You Need Pain Relief

One of the main reasons why people visit a chiropractor to treat car accident injuries is to help with pain relief. This is because the force exerted on your body in a car accident can cause your muscles and tendons to stretch beyond their limits.

This can lead to whiplash, pinched nerves, and other injuries that make it difficult to function normally.

Often, you may not notice pain after a car accident until several days later. If you need help with pain relief from minor injuries, a chiropractor can help.

2. You Need Many Areas Treated

A car accident may also result in full-body injuries. When your car crashes into another object, your body will likely continue to move until it is stopped by your seatbelt. Some of the most common injuries from a car accident include neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and even headaches.

If you are experiencing pain in many areas after a car accident, this may be a sign that you need to visit a chiropractor. They can help you identify the root cause of your pain and can provide full-body treatment.

3. You Feel Stiff

Another sign that you need to visit a chiropractor after a car accident is if you feel stiff. Even if you don't feel pain from your injuries after a car accident, you may still feel stiff for a few days or weeks after your accident.

This is most commonly felt in your upper body. This includes your head, neck, shoulders, back, and even your arms.

While stiffness could resolve itself within a few days, it could also be a sign of a larger injury that can cause problems down the road. Getting a chiropractic adjustment after a car accident can help you identify the cause of your stiffness to ensure that you heal properly.

4. You Experience Numbness

After a car accident, many people will also experience numbness. A car accident can easily cause damage to your nerves or spine, especially when you have whiplash. Whether you have a pinched or compressed nerve, a herniated disc, or even a simple misalignment, your chiropractor can help you treat these injuries.

If you notice numbness or tingling within a few days after your car accident, you should always get evaluated by a medical professional.

5. You Have Inflammation

Chiropractors can also treat inflammation after a car accident. While inflammation is a natural response of your body as it is healing, it can also be quite painful or uncomfortable.

This is because your body sends white blood cells to your injured areas to aid in the healing. This can lead to swelling, heat, redness, and tenderness in the injured areas.

When you visit a chiropractor, they can help you reduce inflammation from your injuries. This can help relieve your soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries after being in a car accident. If you notice that your injuries are inflamed and tender, you may want to visit a chiropractor.

6. You Are Not Recovering Quickly

Chiropractors can also improve your recovery speed after getting injured in a car accident. This is because they have special training and knowledge of the body and its functions and can help you find noninvasive ways to treat your body.

If you notice that you are not recovering quickly after a car accident, you may need to find a chiropractor to help with your healing.

Finding a chiropractor that specializes in car accident injuries is especially beneficial, as they know exactly how an accident can cause damage to your body's systems. They can use physical alignment and other manipulations to help you correct these injuries to speed up your recovery process.

7. You Have a Limited Range of Motion

Finally, you may need to see a chiropractor if you have issues with mobility or have a limited range of motion after your car accident. When you are injured, your body may feel restricted and unable to perform its necessary functions.

There are many causes of these mobility issues, including inflammation, damage to your nerves, and even misalignment of your musculoskeletal system.

Your chiropractor can help you restore your range of motion immediately with an adjustment. Not only can this help you improve your mobility and flexibility, but your chiropractor can also suggest other exercises that you can do on your own to continue to improve your range of motion as you heal.

Need Help Recovering After a Car Accident? Find a Chiropractor Today

When you are involved in a car accident, your injuries can affect your everyday life. Whether you need relief for neck, shoulder, or back pain, working with a chiropractor can help you find pain solutions that fit your needs.

If you are looking for a Chiropractor in Aventura, Ocean Chiropractic Center can help! We specialize in treatment after car accidents and can help you make a full recovery.

5 Common Causes of Neck Pain (and How a Chiropractor Can Help)

2022-08-03

Upwards of 80% of adults will experience significant neck pain that interferes with their daily activities at some point in their life, according to the National Institutes of Health. Minor neck aches can result from something as simple as a poorly positioned pillow at night. These temporary aches tend to resolve on their own.

Chronic neck pain requires professional interventions. Have you ever wondered what exactly causes neck pain? We'll explore that question while highlighting some common treatments that our chiropractor offers.

Accidents and Injuries

Any sudden or abrupt movement of the neck can cause a head to rebound and other stressful movements. This type of injury is called whiplash and results from physical accidents and car wrecks. Sports injuries are another source of this type of injury.

Whiplash due to car crash or sports injury can lead to significant neck pain due to the misalignment of the neck bones and/or muscles and ligaments. Prompt care is imperative to reduce the formation of permanent scar tissue and to prevent chronic long-term pain and arthritis formation.

When this contraction goes untreated, the results can be pain, reduced mobility, and stiffness. Significant whiplash can lead to injury to the spinal discs and joints. Muscles, ligaments, and nerve roots can become injured as well.

Poor Posture

Modern life is largely to blame for our posture problems. Sometimes we hold our smartphones between our ears and shoulder for long periods.

We may lurch over our laptops and computers as we work. Office chairs are notorious for placing strain on our backs and necks.

Even texting can lead to prolonged periods where we're looking down. Any action that places the neck in a particular orientation for long periods of time can fatigue neck muscles and cause pain.

If you are noticing the early signs of neck pain, pay attention to your posture. If you catch the problem early enough, you may be able to prevent long-term problems. Otherwise, it may be time to work with a qualified chiropractor.

Muscle Strain

Many of us have experienced some form of muscle strain. This often-temporary problem is characterized by stiffness and difficulty moving your head.

Neck muscle strain can result from poor sleep posture, inadequate neck support at night, or holding a phone between your shoulder and ear for long periods of time. Our chiropractor will inquire into these possibilities during your consultation.

Heavy weightlifting can also lead to neck muscle strain. The problem can also result from repetitive motions that involve neck muscles.

In some cases, the exact cause of neck muscle strain can be difficult to determine. Our chiropractor can usually diagnose the cause of this type of problem. Dr. Kaler has been an active chiropractor for more than 25 years.

Osteoarthritis

Age and natural wear can cause a person's joints to deteriorate. Osteoarthritis is what medical professionals call this degenerative condition. The body often responds by generating bone spurs. The formation of bone spurs is a direct result of immobility and misalignment. This mainly occurs after some trauma like an auto accident or any other injury that leads to misalignment and lack of mobility.

Bone spurs limit joint mobility. They can also cause significant discomfort when they are in the neck especially if they are near facet joints or spinal nerve roots. Symptoms usually reflect as arm pain, numbness, weakness, or muscle wasting in advanced cases. Any neck movement can place pressure on the nerves that radiate from the cervical spine.

Degenerative Disc Disease

When the intervertebral discs in your spine don’t move the result is degeneration and arthritis. This gradual wearing can cause discs to herniate or bulge outward. This places extra pressure on the nerves that connect to the cervical spine. This usually results in shoulder or arm pain and numbness.

Neck pain is one common symptom of degenerative disc disease. Pain may be accompanied by tingling sensations on the shoulder, hand, or arm. Some patients report numbness in the arms

Patients who seek treatment early on experience the best outcomes. There is no known cure for every case of degenerative disc disease, but a chiropractor can alleviate the pain and restore mobility.

Our chiropractor will start with the least invasive treatment options. This ensures that you don't have to worry about potential complications from the treatment process.

What Are My Treatment Options?

No two patients are the same, so each treatment will be customized to meet your needs. Most treatments combine multiple solutions that could include adjustments to your posture, diet changes, and adjustments that directly correct problems

Your chiropractor may recommend a chiropractic adjustment. Carefully adjusting the vertebrae can realign the spine and restore it to a proper position. There is a wide range of benefits that result from a healthy cervical posture.

Therapeutic exercises are another potential treatment that must be practiced regularly at home. The specific chiropractic Aventura exercises restore mobility and reduce pain.

Our esteemed chiropractor is concerned with correcting spine and nervous problems and not just addressing symptoms. The aim is to improve your overall health. By focusing on removing interferences in the nervous system through spinal adjusting, our patients use specific stretches and exercises, along with special equipment used at home to address the root cause of neck pain.

Learn More About What Causes Neck Pain

Now that you know what causes neck pain, you can seek relief. The sooner you undergo care for neck pain, the more likely you are to fully recover. Our treatments deliver corrective care options that do not require prescription medications.

Are you ready to enjoy the benefits of having a pain-free neck and back, and restored mobility? Contact our office today so we can set you up with a consultation with our esteemed chiropractor.

7 Signs It's Time to See a Chiropractor

2022-07-27

Do you think that you might need to go see a chiropractor? Is your range of motion limited, or do you have chronic muscle pain?

These are all reasons why you may need to visit a chiropractor, and there are many more signs. Chiropractors can help with all kinds of physical issues from injuries to chronic health issues.

Many people would be surprised to find out just how much their spine can affect their health. This is the area that chiropractors particularly pay attention to and work on.

To find out what signs indicate that you should see a chiropractor, read on.

1. Your Range of Motion Is Limited

If your range of motion has become limited and you struggle to do basic activities, you may need to visit a chiropractor. This may be one of the most common signs that a patient needs a chiropractor visit.

Limited range of motion could include anything from trouble bending over to struggling to stretch out your arm. Any motion limitations are a sign that something may be off.

This could have something to do with your muscle or spine. Either way, it is best to get it checked out just to be on the safe side.

2. You Are Healing from an Accident

If you are healing from a recent injury, chiropractic care might be a good option for you. Chiropractors can help you to recover from most kinds of injuries, whether that be from a bad fall or a car accident.

You can look up a chiropractor near me to find a local chiropractor who can help. This can be a great rehabilitation option if you are having lingering physical side effects from your accident.

Chiropractic treatment can help to speed up recovery as well as reduce the risk of further injury. It can be easy to continue injuring yourself if you ignore the damage that was done in an accident.

Your doctor may even recommend that you see a chiropractor after having any kind of serious accident. This is a popular form of therapy to help you fully recover and avoid having chronic issues.

3. You Are Getting Headaches

If you are having frequent headaches, it may be time to visit a chiropractor for treatment. Headaches are one of the most common reasons behind people visiting a chiropractor.

The best chiropractor is going to be able to help you clearly identify why you are having the headaches. Especially if they have started occurring recently.

Many headaches are ultimately caused by neck issues that you may have. You might not even know that there is anything wrong with your neck, you just think you're having headaches.

But headaches and migraines can both stem directly from issues with your neck or from severe neck stiffness. This is something that a chiropractor can identify and treat.

4. You've Experienced Whiplash

Whiplash is something that many people visit a chiropractor to treat. This is something that is most common in people who have been in an accident of some kind, such as a car accident.

This is something that can lead to chronic pain and a limited range of motion. It needs to be treated in order for your muscles to continue to heal properly.

Many chiropractic care techniques can be used to reduce the side effects of whiplash. As well as help your body to fully heal. Your chiropractor may also recommend lifestyle changes to speed up recovery.

5. You're Sore All the Time

If you are sore and have muscle pain, you probably need to see a chiropractor. This is generally a sign that your muscles are injured or under some kind of strain.

Muscle tightness and injuries can cause chronic muscle pain that can affect your entire body. This is something that could become permanent if left untreated.

It can also make it hard for you to do things and participate in most kinds of activities. Chiropractors have many techniques that they use to examine muscle health and treat any issues that they find.

6. You Have Bad Posture

Poor posture is something that chiropractors often treat in their patients. This is a very common complaint and has become a basic part of chiropractic care.

Poor posture is often the result of a sedimentary lifestyle or from working in certain environments. People with desk jobs especially tend to suffer from poor posture.

Not only is bad posture unappealing, it can put unnecessary strain on your back, neck, and shoulder. This can lead to chronic pain and headaches if the bad posture continues.

In severe cases, poor posture could even lead to a slipped disc. Or other back problems that could be debilitating. That is why poor posture should be addressed as soon as possible.

With many people looking down at their phones all day, this has become an especially urgent issue.

7. You're Having Trouble Sleeping

You may need to schedule a visit to a chiropractor if you are struggling to get a good night's rest. Especially if you are struggling to sleep due to discomfort or pain.

It is not uncommon for things like back pain and hip pain to keep people up at night. Any kind of muscle discomfort can make it hard to get a restful night's sleep.

Then this will create a cycle as your muscles cannot recover throughout the day as you are not getting enough rest. Tossing and turning all night can also contribute to muscle soreness.

Signs That You Need to See a Chiropractor

Are you struggling to do all of the things that you want to do because of muscle pain? Is your range of motion limiting you and making it hard to get certain activities done?

If any of these signs apply to you, you may need to see a chiropractor and get some help. A good chiropractor will be able to identify what the problem is and help you to find a solution.

Do you think you could benefit from seeing a chiropractor? Contact us today at Ocean Chiropractic Center of Aventura to discuss how we can help you.

What Is Shoulder Impingement and How Can a Chiropractor Help?

2022-04-18

Shoulder pain affects anywhere from 7 to 34 percent of the U.S. population, and shoulder impingement is often the culprit. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, impingement causes 44 to 65 percent of all shoulder pain complaints.

Could shoulder impingement be the cause of your chronic shoulder pain? If so, a chiropractor may be able to help.

Read on to learn more about what a chiropractor does and how than can work with you to address your pain or mobility limitations.

What Is a Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement is also known as shoulder impingement syndrome.

This is a condition that involves the acromion (the top, outer edge of the shoulder blade) rubbing against or impinging on the rotator cuff (the 4 muscles that originate from the shoulder blade and attach to the upper arm bone). Over time, this consistent friction causes pain and irritation.

What Are the Signs of a Shoulder Impingement?

If you're struggling with shoulder impingement, pain in or around your shoulder is the most common symptom. There are some other warning signs to be on the lookout for, though, including the following:

Pain when extending the arms above the head
Pain when lifting the arm, lowering it, or reaching
Pain and/or tenderness at the front of the shoulder
Pain that moves from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm
Pain when lying on the affected side
Pain or achiness at night that can affect your sleep
Pain when reaching behind the back
Weakness or stiffness in the shoulder and/or arm

Most people with shoulder impingement syndrome notice that their symptoms come on gradually, usually over a few weeks or months.

Shoulder Impingement Causes

Anyone can develop a shoulder impingement. However, it's especially common in athletes who reach overhead often (such as swimmers, volleyball players, and tennis players).

Listed below are some specific issues that cause shoulder impingement syndrome:

Torn or swollen tendons from overuse, repetitive shoulder activity, or poor posture
An irritated and inflamed bursa (the fluid-filled sac that sits between the tendons and the acromion and allows the muscles and tendons to glide over the bones) from overuse, repetitive shoulder activity, or poor posture
Congenital defects, such as an acromion that does not lie flat
Bone spurs on the acromion, which are common in older individuals

Even if you don't know what caused your shoulder impingement, you can still reduce your existing pain and improve your quality of life in the future by working with a chiropractor.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for a Shoulder Impingement

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialize in treating and preventing issues that affect the neuromusculoskeletal system — including shoulder impingement syndrome.

Here are some specific ways that a chiropractor's services can combat shoulder impingement, reduce pain, and increase range of motion:

Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments can be done by hand or with an adjusting tool.

During the adjustment process, the chiropractor applies sudden and controlled pressure to a joint (such as the shoulder joint or the joints of the spine). They do this to reduce inflammation, promote proper alignment, and reduce the friction that contributes to shoulder pain and mobility issues.

Mobility Exercises and Stretches

Contrary to popular belief, chiropractors don't just pop your joints and send you on their way.

In addition to offering adjustments, a chiropractor can also teach you a variety of mobility exercises and stretches. These movements will help you to rehabilitate your shoulder joint, strengthen your muscles, and enhance your range of motion.

Keep in mind, mobility exercises and stretches are not meant to be done only at the chiropractor's office. You'll also need to do them on your own time to truly see improvements.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you may be less likely to develop another shoulder impingement in the future. You'll also find that you can perform various activities with more ease. This includes simple activities like reaching overhead to put something away.

Posture Correction

Poor posture can also cause or worsen shoulder impingement, as well as many other joint, muscle, and tendon issues. If you slouch often (which is the case for most of us, especially those who work on a computer or spend hours per day on their smartphones), your tendons may become pinched and start to rub across the bursa.

Working with a chiropractor can improve or even eliminate poor posture, which may prevent your shoulder impingement from coming back.

Spinal adjustments are a common part of most chiropractors' posture correction protocols. The same is true of mobility exercises and stretches.

How to Find a Chiropractor

When looking for a chiropractor, be sure to find one who offers corrective care rather than relief care.

Relief care chiropractors typically offer quick fixes instead of long-term solutions. Corrective care chiropractors, on the other hand, focus on improving overall health. They work to get to the root of what's causing your symptoms so they don't come back again.

Searching for a professional who offers corrective care is the first step. However, you'll also want to follow these steps to find a chiropractor to treat your shoulder impingement syndrome:

Review their credentials
Find out how long they've been practicing
Check out their list of services to ensure they can treat shoulder impingement and related issues
Read reviews and testimonials from past patients
Schedule an office tour (in person or virtual) to get a feel for the practice

You may want to contact the office to ask about pricing as well. This can help you plan ahead and budget properly for your care.

Get Shoulder Impingement Treatment Today

Shoulder issues — especially those caused by shoulder impingement — might be common in the United States. That doesn't mean you have to suffer in silence, though.

Are you ready to say goodbye to the pain and mobility issues brought on by shoulder impingement? If you're located in or around the Aventura area, we're here for you at Ocean Chiropractic Center.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services or to schedule your first appointment.