Susan Carter, D.C.

“Manipulation” and “Chiropractic” are not Synonyms Background Joint Manipulation Joint manipulation is the applying of a force to a joint that helps that joint move better. It is classically associated with an audible sound. All people, trained and untrained, are capable of manipulating joints and eliciting an audible sound. Manipulation is a lay term. It is often [..]

Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is a very common cause of shoulder pain that affects about half of adults at some point in life. Essentially, the condition describes the pinching of pain-sensitive structures in the shoulder that restricts normal use or function, with raising the shoulder being a very common activity that triggers a painful reaction.  [..]

The carpal tunnel is formed by eight small bones that comprise the top of the tunnel with the transverse carpal ligament serving as the floor. The median nerve, blood vessels, and nine tendons and their sheaths pass through the tunnel. In a healthy individual, there is a constant fluid pressure within the carpal tunnel that [..]

Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) is a term used to describe the constellation of signs and symptoms that can arise following the sudden acceleration-deceleration of the head and neck that can occur in automobile collisions, physical trauma (such as sports or assault), or a serious fall. It’s estimated that half of WAD patients will continue to [..]

Efficient blood circulation is essential for the health of nearly all bodily functions, including the heart and cardiovascular system, the kidneys, and the brain. If vascular health is compromised, either from endothelial (blood vessel wall) dysfunction or stiffening of the large elastic arteries (such as the aorta and carotid arteries), then the risk for adverse [..]

Lumbar diskectomy is a surgical procedure for removing herniated intervertebral disk material when non-surgical options fail to satisfactorily alleviate radiating leg pain, numbness, or weakness. However, there’s no guarantee such a procedure will provide relief. Up to 12% of patients require reoperation withing three months to address post-surgical complications and up to 20% may experience [..]

For musculoskeletal conditions like neck pain, many people think that X-rays are an essential part of the diagnostic process. However, this isn’t always the case. X-rays may not always provide useful information as to the cause of the patient’s condition, which can result in added costs and potentially inappropriate care, not to mention unnecessary radiation [..]

Chan Gunn, MD, is a Clinical Professor at the Multidisciplinary Pain Center at the University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington. Dr. Gunn describes three categories of pain, which are quite useful for the following discussion (1). These three categories are: 1)Nociception Pain In this category of pain, there is no tissue damage, and therefore [..]

Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. Lifestyle management is essential for reducing blood pressure, and strategies like eating a healthy diet (like Mediterranean); not smoking; curbing sodium, caffeine, and alcohol intake; exercising; managing stress; and losing weight have significant evidence support for such management. In conjunction with lifestyle management, [..]

Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) is a term used to describe the constellation of symptoms that occur following the sudden acceleration-deceleration of the head and neck, most commonly during an automobile collision. Headaches are the second most common WAD symptom that drive patients to seek chiropractic care, with neck pain being first. The International Headache Society [..]