chiropractor
5 Questions to Ask a Chiropractor

5 Questions to Ask a Chiropractor

Is your back bothering you? Does your neck feel stiff? Or perhaps, your hips are tight. Whatever the case, you need help from a chiropractor. Whether you’ve had adjustments before or you’re new to chiropractic care, ask these questions to ensure that the practitioner you see in Largo offers what you need.

What Experience Do they Have Treating My Condition?

Before you set an appointment, ask about the doctor’s experience with conditions like yours. If you’re unsure of what’s wrong, describe the symptoms as best you can. At Coastal Chiropractic, they treat individuals in Largo for a variety of reasons like:

  • Stiff neck
  • Migraines
  • Sore lower back
  • Knee injuries
  • Hip problems

Each condition is unique to the individual, so they will create a plan to match your needs. Be sure to inquire about how Dr. Marc Rogers will approach your treatment before visiting.

How Long Will Treatment Take?

No matter your circumstances, a chiropractor should be able to project the length of your recovery process. If they don’t, ask about it. If they don’t give you an idea or range, call someone else. It’s important to acknowledge that recuperation is fluid. In some cases, you might recover more quickly, and others might warrant additional appointments in Largo.

What Techniques Do they Use?

The goal of a chiropractor is to help you achieve pain relief. Dr. Rogers does this by using a variety of methods and tools. Most doctors will detail the techniques they plan to use, but if something is unclear or you want further information, don’t hesitate to inquire!

What If I Need Help, but I Don’t Have an Appointment?

When certain injuries occur, you need pain relief fast. However, what do you do in Largo if the chiropractor you’re trying to see is booked until next week? At Coastal Chiropractic, they know that life presents unexpected moments, so they offer services at their walk-in clinic. During certain times of the week, you can arrive at their facility with no warning, and they will see you the same day you come in.

How Can they Help Me Change My Lifestyle?

Some patients are inspired to make lifestyle changes after receiving chiropractic care because discomfort is no longer a chronic issue. Whether you want to manage your weight better or improve your athletic performance, ask about how you can achieve these aims.

Meet the Chiropractor, Dr. Marc Rogers!

The staff at Coastal Chiropractic is dedicated to assisting individuals in Largo who need pain relief. If you’ve been in a crash on Seminole Boulevard, visit their walk-in clinic. When your loved one slips unexpectedly, they can alleviate their discomfort. Whenever the aches or strains become too much, call their office at 727-581-2774. Coastal’s chiropractor is here to help, so let Dr. Rogers take a look at your spine!

chiropractic therapy
Unique Benefits of Chiropractic Therapy

Unique Benefits of Chiropractic Therapy

Many St. Petersburg residents have heard of chiropractic therapy, whether they are a proponent of it or not. While most understand the usual benefits of seeing a chiropractor like relieving back, neck, and shoulder pain or improving posture, there are endless unique benefits that this treatment provides. Some of the more unique, unknown benefits are the most powerful and effective ones, so read on to discover why you should seek out the help of Bond Thomas Chiro today.

Reduced Ear Infections, Colic, and Acid Reflux

If you are a parent or have seen up close how awful it is for a child suffering from colic, ear infections, and acid reflux, then you know that any treatment that could cure the problem is worth a try. In the past, St. Petersburg families have used chiropractic therapy to relieve the pain of infection and more in their young children. When a chiropractor gently adjusts the spine, it is set back into place, allowing for optimal communication between the brain and the rest of the body through the nervous system. The birthing process can have incredibly detrimental effects on a baby’s spinal alignment, and making sure the vertebrae are in the right position will help their bodies heal, fight off infection, and overall have a healthier start to life.

Eased or Eliminated Migraines and Tension Headaches

For anyone who has ever suffered from a migraine, tension, or cluster headache, you know how debilitating they can be. Aside from the pain and suffering during an episode (which can last hours to even days), the aftermath leaves you reeling. Your thoughts are fuzzy, the leftover pain resides, and you are drained of energy. These headaches can keep you from leading out your daily life in St. Petersburg, and interrupt work, appointments, family time, and time spent enjoying hobbies.

Chiropractic therapy is a safe, pain-free, and drug-free way to eliminate those awful headaches and migraines. Migraines are triggered by overexcited nerves sending messages to your brain to expand and dilate blood vessels, which is what causes the shooting pain and pressure you feel behind your eyes and throughout your head. A chiropractor in St. Petersburg will use manual adjustments to revert any subluxations in your spine back to normal, clearing and straightening up the pathway that those neural messages travel along. Thanks to the clear line of communication, your body will be able to avoid those debilitating headaches.

Discover More Unique Benefits of Chiropractic Therapy with Bond Thomas

At Bond Thomas Chiropractic clinic in St. Petersburg, we help patients from all over Tampa Bay with their various health problems. From lower back pain and whiplash to migraines and stress, we can develop a plan of care using chiropractic therapy to gently restore your body to health. This method is non-invasive, drug-free, and affordable— we accept most common insurance providers, but can setup a payment plan if you are not covered. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 727-522-1900.

Chiropractor Clinic | Largo | Coastal Chiropractic
From a Chiropractor Clinic: How Muscle Memory Can Hurt You

From a Chiropractor Clinic: How Muscle Memory Can Hurt You

Muscle memory is something that you may have heard athletes talking about, but what is it? What you may not know is that it’s an important topic at your nearest chiropractor clinic in Largo as well. So, why does muscle memory matter when undergoing rehabilitation at a chiropractic center after an injury, and can it hurt you? Read on to discover more!

What is Muscle Memory?

Just to start off on the right foot, muscle memory does not mean that your muscles have brains of their own. Your muscles have no brainpower— they are merely responsible for creating movement in your body by pulling on your skeletal system. The brain is responsible for creating memories of motor movements so that, once your brain memorizes particular movements, they can be repeated through procedural memory or motor function. This means you don’t have to think about every step you take while walking down the street in Largo.

Fixing the Problem at a Chiropractor Clinic

Motor function is an impressive feature provided to us by our intelligent bodies. However, muscle memory can be a double-edged sword. Not only does your brain memorize the procedures we train ourselves to perform —such as walking with good posture or swinging the golf club just right— but it can learn the incorrect process as well.

Muscle memory is one reason why getting to a chiropractor clinic immediately after an injury or accident is vital. If your structure is misaligned, the muscles around those areas will begin to compensate in whatever way they can. Have you ever noticed how you sort of hunch if you have a backache? This is your body’s way of taking on the least painful position to avoid excess suffering. If the compensative muscle movement continues for long enough, muscle memories will form. Without professional treatment, even with a properly aligned structure, the muscles continue to function the way they did when injured.

Physical therapy and corrective exercises at your chiropractor clinic in Largo help to retrain your muscles. With the expertise of chiropractic professionals, you’ll feel better in no time. Of course, it’s best to avoid bad muscle memories in the first place, but we can fix the problem.

Avoid Bad Muscle Memory: Call Coastal Chiropractic

If you are injured, don’t let things get worse by delaying treatment at a chiropractor clinic. Give Coastal Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness Center in Largo a call today to get a thorough examination of your injury right away!

Auto Accident Injury St. Petersburg | Bond Thomas Chiropractic
Alleviate Your Auto Accident Injury Pain

Alleviate Your Auto Accident Injury Pain

When you’re hit from behind at the intersection of Central and 4th in St. Petersburg, your body will experience traumatic stress. Whether you were struck at high speed or the bumper was tapped, an auto accident injury may result in constant pain, as well as a weakened immune system. Relief might seem out of reach when you have an aching neck or foggy thinking, but we have some surefire methods that will help you relieve the discomfort.

See a Spinal Specialist Immediately

We suggest that you see a chiropractor who can assess your condition and apply manual adjustments to promote spinal alignment. The strain placed on the spine can lead to:

  • Whiplash
  • Migraines
  • Foggy thinking
  • Neck problems
  • Back pain

These will all persist unless they are corrected, so consult a chiropractic professional in St. Petersburg to assist you. By seeing a medical specialist, you can put a stop to the pain and keep your auto accident injury from getting worse.

Rest As Much As You Possibly Can

After a stressful event, you must take the time to rest. This can be challenging in the face of insurance claims and paperwork, but it will contribute to your recovery. Rest will alleviate your physical and mental stress, too.

Get a Massage

Too many people in St. Petersburg assume this is a spa treatment, but numerous medical professionals promote it. Massage is a terrific way to relieve tension and reduce tightness in your neck or back. It can also help you relax, which might not come easy after a frightening event. Our chiropractic facility offers this service, so you can schedule a massage to complement your spinal adjustments.

Consider the Benefits of Physical Therapy

Depending on the severity of your auto accident injury, you might be a candidate for physical therapy and corrective exercise. This treatment is active and assists with regaining your range of motion. Our chiropractor will teach you a set of individualized actions that you can complete on your own between appointments.

If You Have an Auto Accident Injury, Come to Bond Thomas

An auto accident injury will persist unless you treat it, so locate a spinal specialist in your area. At Bond Thomas Chiropractic, you can get the relief you need for the back pain or stiff neck. Don’t let the incident disrupt your life long-term in St. Petersburg. Rise above by seeking recovery and prioritizing your health! Call us at 727-522-1900 to set an appointment or learn about some of our additional services, like:

Whatever goals you’d like to accomplish, our range of services makes it possible!

Chiropractic Clinic | Visit Coastal Chiro
5 Reasons to Visit a Chiropractic Clinic

5 Reasons to Visit a Chiropractic Clinic

Many people seek out spinal adjustments after physical trauma, such as a sports injury or car accident. However, there are plenty of reasons to visit a chiropractic clinic even when you feel perfectly fine. Coastal Chiropractic Clinic helps people in Seminole maintain their overall fitness by providing regular adjustments to keep your body in check.

When you decide to visit a chiropractic clinic in Seminole, your entire neuromusculoskeletal system will receive much-needed attention. The neuromusculoskeletal system is made up of your skeleton, muscles, and nervous system. Your doctor zones in on your skeletal system and pays particular attention to your spinal cord because it directly affects the way your muscles behave. The spine also influences the complex nerve pathways that run up and down your body. Maintaining a healthy spine is the first step to overall health and periodic adjustments will allow you to:

Improve Range of Motion

Have you ever felt that your range of the movement is off? You should be able to move your arm a little further, but something seems to hinder your joint or muscle. This often happens when there is a misalignment or pinched nerve. Adjustments help to set your body in order and increase your range of motion for sports or daily life in Seminole.

Increase Flexibility

Athletes in Seminole often choose to visit a chiropractic clinic on a regular basis. Not only do the routine visits improve their range of motion, but they also achieve a greater sense of flexibility. The presence of pinched nerves or skeletal misalignments gets in the way of achieving the needed flexibility for athletic endeavors.

Improve Digestion

This one may surprise you, but your body is one whole organism. Because the spinal cord is responsible for conveying information to your brain from your major organs, your organs can suffer if issues with the nervous system arise. Your digestive system can be set off kilter because of poor posture, muscular tensions, or nerve problems.

Minimize Nagging Pains

Nagging pains all over your body can disappear after a proper adjustment. Many of those pinches and you feel from within are symptoms of poor skeletal alignment and, once you get your body straightened out, many symptoms disappear on their own.

Decrease Common Injuries

When your body is properly adjusted, your nerves are stronger, your flexibility increases, your range of motion is at its best, and you can bypass many common injuries that happen from stiff muscles and joint issues. Having a well-aligned body also improves circulation, and along with it, your immune system becomes stronger.

Call Coastal Chiropractic Clinic Today!

These are just five of the many reasons you should visit a chiropractic clinic in Seminole. Experience the benefits firsthand! Call Coastal Chiropractic Rehab and Wellness Center at 727.581.2774 to schedule your visit today. We accept all major insurance companies and offer payment plans for families or individuals who need them.

Chiropractor Commuting Tipa
Commuting Tips from a Chiropractor

Commuting Tips from a Chiropractor

You might live in Seminole but commute to downtown St. Pete, Dunedin, or even Tampa for work. Time spent behind the wheel can take a toll on your postural alignment, and you might discover that you have persistent:

  • Migraines
  • Neck or back pain
  • Aching or sore muscles
  • Tingling of the arms or legs

Such symptoms are aggravating and intrusive, but our chiropractor has some tips for healthier commuting. By making minor changes, you can reclaim your spinal health!

Empty Your Back Pockets

It might seem insignificant if your trip to work is only a few minutes long. However, whatever rests in your back pockets can change your spinal alignment, so take everything out before you settle in for your drive. Wallets and cell phones are among the most common, and sitting on these items contributes to back pain and poor posture. At our clinic in Seminole, we can conduct a postural screening to identify specific complications regarding your standing and seated posture.

Create Lumbar Support

Few seats will support every person’s lower back. Varying heights and statures will alter the effectiveness of the vehicle’s seat formation, so it is up to the driver to create lumbar support. There are commercial pillows you can purchase, but you can use household items to complete the desired effect. Our chiropractor suggests using a small pillow or a rolled up towel. These are things you probably have on hand and can put to use on your next drive.

Stay in Motion

A professional chiropractor will stress the importance of movement, regardless of where you’re sitting. Whether you’re in the office, on an airplane, or driving on I-275, you need to alter your hand and leg positioning every now and then. The movement will increase your blood circulation while staving off fatigue, which is always helpful on a long drive.

Employ Diversions

If you have a history of back or neck issues, commuting can aggravate the problem. Employ diversions to occupy your mind and distract you from the discomfort. Whether you select an engaging podcast to listen to, pick out a book on tape from the Seminole Community Library, or sing along to the radio, there are multiple ways to keep your thoughts off the aches and strains.

See Our Chiropractor for Pain Relief

At Coastal Chiropractic, you can make positive changes for your health and happiness! Our chiropractor, Dr. Marc Rogers, offers walk-in clinic services, exercise rehabilitation, nutritional counseling, postural screenings, and lifestyle advice. Get in touch to schedule an appointment in Seminole by calling 727-581-2774!

Deer Antler Velvet for Veterans
Deer Antler Velvet for Veterans

Deer Antler Velvet for Veterans

Deer antler velvet has been lauded as the next miracle cure, with doses for sale on the internet going anywhere from twenty dollars to over a grand, which is a lot of money to burn if it turns out to be snake oil. But there must be something to it; the supplement is currently on the banned substances list for the NFL and most major sports leagues. The facts are simply this:

  • The velvet is harvested from the tips of deer antlers and turned into a supplement
  • The supplement contains the compounds Neurotrophin-3 and IGF-1
  • IGF (insulin-like growth factor) has been linked with muscle and bone development
  • Neurotrophin-3 has been linked with neurological regeneration and growth

Normally when the term Deer Antler Velvet is placed in a search engine what gets cranked out is information for athletes and bodybuilders (along with questionable citation-lacking opinions) but there never seems to be any information about the effects for people who genuinely need healing, such as disabled veterans coming back from service overseas.

Deer Antler Velvet on Neurology

Deer antler velvet contains a compound known as Neurotrophin-3, which according to a trial run by the University of Munich, was able to cause sprouts to grow in the spines of rats in the corticospinal tract. This is important because in the trial, the rats’ spines were previously covered in lesions, and after the trial the rats tested positive for an antibody linked with regeneration of neural fibers.

The department of Veterans Affairs claims there are as many as 332,000 Americans living with spinal cord injuries, with more than 22,000 being veterans and unfortunately the number of both increases each year. If there is any chance that Neurotrophin-3 can help people this needs more funding and research immediately.

Deer Antler Velvet On Skeletal Muscles

IGF-1, a key compound in Deer antler velvet, has been linked to increased strength and stamina, with mixed results; however for disabled veterans it is the muscle regeneration of skeletal muscles that may prove to be more helpful. There is also been correlating research between IGF-1 and bone density increase which would be beneficial to persons with osteoporosis or brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta).

According to Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, a trial was conducted involving hatched chickens two weeks of age, the muscle mass increase 10% to 24% and the contractile force was increased by 14% to 22%.

Finally, please know the material found on this website and blog are informational only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Neck Pain Treatment | Bond Thomas Chiropractor
3 Signs Neck Pain Treatment is Necessary

3 Signs Neck Pain Treatment is Necessary

Many St. Petersburg residents need neck pain treatment, but they may not understand that relief is possible. Whether the aches or stiffness showed up immediately after riding the Furious Falcon at Busch Gardens or it has been bothering you for a long time, you need to stop ignoring the discomfort. Here are three sure signs that you need to see a chiropractor.

1.  You’ve Been in a Car Accident

If you’ve been in an auto accident in St. Petersburg, it is essential that you seek out a chiropractic professional who specializes in neck pain treatment. Just because the fender bender caused minor damage to your vehicle, that doesn’t mean the same can be said for your spine. No matter how mild you think the crash was, you need to see a medical practitioner who can assess your condition. The most common auto accident injuries include:

  • Brain or head damage
  • Soft tissue injuries like whiplash
  • Neck problems or cervical radiculopathy
  • Back sprains, fractures, or disc injury

Damage to the spine can be difficult to detect because it is internal, but a chiropractor can locate the source of your problems and identify a strategy for correction.

2. Chronic Discomfort

Long-term discomfort will affect your overall health, and over-the-counter medications are not a cure. Yes, they may seem to alleviate some of the tension, but you should be careful. They cannot correct your condition, and you will need a stronger dose as time goes by. Reliance on such medications is not helpful and it is unhealthy. Misalignments along the spinal column can be corrected with manual adjustments, which are natural and drug-free. A chiropractor can create a plan for healing which will focus on neck pain treatment. Get ready to wave goodbye to the aches and strains and say hello to all that St. Petersburg has to offer!

3. Sleepless Nights

When your discomfort is chronic, it can become all-consuming. Not only are you limited in mobility, but sleep is also hard to come by because the tension is agonizing. Misalignments of the spine can lead to all kinds of unpleasant symptoms, like migraines, tingling sensations in the arms, and achy muscles and joints. Without sleep, your quality of life will suffer. Change this by locating a chiropractic care facility that offers neck pain treatment services in St. Petersburg.

Need Neck Pain Treatment? Come to Bond Thomas

The professionals at Bond Thomas Chiropractic are here to help you, whether you need:

Call 727-522-1900 to schedule an appointment at our St. Petersburg office!

Deer Antler Velvet for Athletes | Clearwater Nutrition Lab
Deer Antler Velvet for Athletes

Deer Antler Velvet for Athletes

Deer antler velvet is now being used by athletes around the world to improve their exercise and recovery experience.  This unique substance is the tissue that covers growing antlers on all Cervidae, which include species such as deer, elk, and moose.  The velvet has been used for centuries in traditional far-eastern medicine. Today western health practitioners are including this as a whole food nutritional supplement to help their patients in a wide variety of ways. Athletes are also looking to this supplement to improve performance and recovery from exercise and injury. Cervidae velvet gained national attention with athletes after Ray Lewis’s (Baltimore Ravens) alleged use and then rapid recovery from an injury prior to his Super Bowl win.

Deer Antler Velvet and Its Effect on Athletic Performance

So does this stuff actually live up to the hype?  What effect does it have on the body?  Research suggests that it has a positive effect on athletic performance in the following ways:

  • increased blood flow
  • increased energy
  • increased endurance
  • improved flexibility
  • quicker muscle recovery
  • anti-aging effects
  • improvement in general health

How Does It Work?

Deer antler velvet’s main active component is a growth hormone called “insulin-like growth factor 1”, or IGF-1.  IGF-1 directly affects how the body heals and repairs itself.  Initially, the hormone assists in building up a matrix (crucial building block of protein) that’s needed for cell growth.  Then the substance increases the number of new cells that accumulate on the base which, in turn, get busy healing the injury.  Thus, you see overall improvement from the ground up due to the cells more efficient operation at its core levels of functioning.  Simply put, because the cell operates better, the body operates better.

Evidence

In a random, placebo controlled test in 2004, researchers at the University of Alberta placed 18 males from the Edmonton Police Force into a 9 week strength training program. The researchers found that use of deer antler velvet significantly increased blood plasma testosterone levels. Overall, the results showed that regular use increased the strength and endurance of the subjects relative to the control group.

Bottom Line

In Russia and China, deer antler velvet is widely used by athletes to enhance overall performance. Here in the west, more and more athletes are looking to this supplement as a promoter of recovery and possibly as an injury preventative. IGF-1 (the main active compound found in antler velvet) could also improve athletic performance by assisting strength and endurance, by supporting the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, by facilitating minor tissue damage repair, and by boosting the immune system.

Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain | Coastal Chiropractic
Chiropractor Tips for Common Shoulder Pain

Chiropractor Tips for Common Shoulder Pain

Modern living often entails hours of driving and hunching over workstations, which can put unnecessary strain on your shoulders over time. As such, neck pain is the second most common condition that chiropractors treat. Millions of people experience neck pain and therefore seek care from a chiropractor at some stage in their lives. Here we identify three trouble areas and provide simple strategies to help lessen your discomfort.

Three Reasons Your Shoulders Are Perpetually Tense

Breathing
The most common breathing you will see while strolling through Seminole is chest and shoulder breathing. Chiropractors recognize this is what comes natural, but unfortunately, this type of breathing relies heavily on the muscles of your neck and shoulders which can put an excessive amount of strain on them. A good strategy to combat this is what is called diaphragmatic breathing, or breathing from the abdomen. Simply put, it’s allowing your stomach to contract and expand with your breath as opposed to your chest. When sitting you should focus on breathing deeply from your abdomen using your diaphragm. Unfortunately, this type of breathing is rare in our stress-filled lives and takes a certain level of focus initially until it becomes closer to second nature. But done consistently over time this chiropractic tactic will begin to lessen the burden experienced by the muscles in your shoulders.

Shoulder hiking
How often do you find your shoulders up next to your ears? Shoulder hiking is a common response to fear or stress. Keeping your shoulders hiked for an extended period of time keeps these muscles active which can cause pain and tension over time. One of the muscles that hikes your shoulders is attached to the top four vertebrae in your neck, which is one of the reasons there is a link between shoulder tension and headaches. Shoulder hiking is a hard habit to break but it can be done. To break the habit chiropractors of Seminole suggest putting a post-it note at your desk with the word “shoulders” on it as a reminder to lower and relax your shoulders. Over time you will teach your shoulders to remain in a relaxed position.

Posture
There are many indicators of poor posture, but some of the more common are hunched shoulders, rounded upper back, forward head carriage, and arched lower back. Another indicator is back pain. Unsure if you have good posture? Call Dr. Marc Rogers of Coastal Chiropractic in Seminole to schedule an appointment for a spinal examination.

Appearance benefits associated with good posture are obvious, but there are many less-obvious health benefits you should be aware of.
Good posture can:

  • Conserve energy as muscles are used more efficiently
  • Maintain correct alignment of bones and joints
  • Prevent muscle strain, overuse and pain
  • Reduce stress on ligaments, minimizing risk of injury
  • Decrease abnormal joint wear

Research has shown that poor postures may increase feelings of depression, affect your digestive tract, and influence confidence and stress levels. So what does our chiropractor suggest in order to improve our posture? The first step is awareness! Bring your attention to your posture as you sit, stand, or lie down. If you’re sitting, keep both feet on the floor or on a footrest. Don’t cross your legs to use low-back support. While standing, keep your knees slightly bent, relax your arms, and pull your shoulders back. When lying down it’s critical to choose the right mattress and pillow. Also, avoid sleeping on your stomach otherwise more frequent visits to your local Seminole chiropractor may inevitably be in store.

The three reasons that we mentioned above also lead to dysfunctions in the joints of the neck and upper back that perpetuate tension and soreness. At Coastal Chiropractic of Seminole we incorporate a variety of techniques to restore this lost range of motion and eliminate shoulder and neck tension.

How is Shoulder Pain Treated by a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor could use a variety of modalities as part of a treatment plan, which might include things like heat or ice, ultrasound, cold laser, stretching and strengthening exercises. And your chiropractor will most likely give you very careful home instructions. Things like what position to sleep in at night, how to work at your computer so that you’re ergonomically correct, how to carry things so that you don’t put a strain on your shoulder. You may also use homeopathic creams that contain arnica, sometimes essential oils, or other topical creams that help decrease inflammation. Contact Dr. Marc Rogers, your local Seminole chiropractor for an adjustment today.