Morgan Chiropractic

Slipped discs are such a common injury it’s unsurprising we see a lot of them at Morgan Chiropractic in Anchorage. Usually the accumulative result of wear and tear, slipped discs are one of the leading causes of missed work and back pain. However, we offer safe treatments and tips for prevention. With the exception of the atlas and axis vertebrae at the top of the spinal column, each of the vertebrae are separated by a spongy disc. These discs are made up of fibrous rings with a gelatinous center. They function as shock absorbers that are flexible enough to allow the spine to bend. A slipped disc, also known as a herniated or ruptured disc, is one that has become misshapen, and the gelatinous center may be pushing the fibrous ring out of place or have broken through it. This will make the disc far less effective at absorbing shocks and may result in pain and inflammation, particularly if the protrusion compresses a nerve. Slipped discs don’t always cause pain, but when they occur in th...

As we enjoy the fall foliage, it’s important to make sure we’re raking properly. Many of the injuries we see at Morgan Chiropractic in Anchorage could have been prevented with better safety protocols. To help our patients stay healthy, we wanted to pass along some advice. Anytime we do yard work, we should avoid wearing jewelry or other dangling objects. While clothing should be breathable and unrestrictive, it should also be form-fitting. Shoes should be close-toed and have non-skid soles. Prior to raking, spend about five minutes warming up by doing dynamic stretches that will increase blood flow to your limbs. Use a rake that is lightweight, but with a long enough handle that you don’t have to stoop down. One of your hands should be near the handle’s top, the other mid-way down. Stand in a scissor position next to the leaf pile and avoid twisting your torso. About every ten minutes, switch hand positions, and be sure to keep your head up. Take care not to fill the bag all the way to...

One of the most visible back ailments the spinal curvature that often appears in older people. Although common, this condition is not natural. We at Morgan Chiropractic in Anchorage want our patients to understand the value of preventive care. With proper nutrition and exercise, it is possible to keep the back strong and supportive throughout life. An overly rounded upper back is referred to as “kyphosis.” There are several potential causes, including infections and blockages. But in the elderly, the likeliest cause is osteoporosis. In people over fifty, the bones may begin losing density. This is a condition called osteopenia. Bones are living tissue, constantly being resorbed and rebuilt, but in people with osteopenia, the rate of resorption has outpaced the rate of new growth. When osteopenia develops into osteoporosis, the bones have developed enough gaps to resemble a honeycomb. Weakened bones are at risk of developing tiny fractures. These breaks might not even be noticeable to t...

Chiropractors often tell people to be careful about overdoing high-impact sports, and that’s good advice. But the athletes who rank among the most frequent sufferers of lower back pain are cyclists. We want patients at Morgan Chiropractic in Anchorage to understand the importance of varying their routines, which is why we’re devoting this week’s blog post to common cycling mistakes. A bike shop should be able to adjust a bike to fit a new owner. While lower back pain is common even among professional cyclists who can afford the best equipment, a bicycle that forces the rider to extend their back too much isn’t doing them any favors. Getting a hand-me-down bike and not getting it adjusted is false economy, since frequent riders will pay for it in physical therapy later. Regardless of their equipment, cyclists need to maintain their core strength. When the muscles supporting the lumbar vertebrae are weak, they give out faster, particularly when pushing uphill. This allows the spine to sw...

The beginning of the school year is a great time for kids to start healthy habits. We value preventive care at Morgan Chiropractic in Anchorage, and we see too many young people struggling with back pain. One of the most important ways they can prevent injuries and wear-and-tear is by using backpacks safely. A backpack should be selected on the basis for school usage. Features such as wheels and pull-out handles are likely to only be dead weight. We don’t recommend a backpack be filled to the point of weighing more than 15% of its wearer’s weight, so smaller is usually better. Students should plan when to swap items out and not carry anything they don’t expect to use. If a child strains while lifting a backpack, it is too heavy. The advantage of using a backpack is that the shoulder straps can evenly distribute weight across the body, but only if both are worn. Shoulder straps should be wide and padded. The best backpacks also come with a strap across the chest. The backpack should be ...

At Morgan Chiropractic , we heal patients dealing with problematic spinal discs using spinal decompression therapy.  Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is a safe, targeted treatment for any herniated discs in a patient’s spine or nerves.  Injured discs in the neck and back cause pain, but can also affect the rest of the body.  Herniated discs often have a direct impact on the central nervous system, causing more pain to the extremities.  Our doctors can determine if spinal decompression is an appropriate solution for your pain. Spinal decompression is performed with equipment that resembles a table but has moving parts.  Patients lie on their back or stomach, depending on the location of the issue, and are attached to the equipment with padded straps so distraction forces can be applied to the spine.  A typical treatment alternates between applying distraction forces to the vertebrae and periods of partial relaxation.  The result is the vertebrae slowly and gently separating fro...

If you suffer from back pain or pain in the hips or knees, you may want to talk with Dr. Loren Morgan about custom foot orthotics. Custom foot orthotics are designed for your feet, and yours only, to aid in foot pain, and keep the joints in alignment. Custom foot orthotics are beneficial for improving posture and taking pressure off of the joints to reduce discomfort. Foot orthotics are designed for anyone with an issue or discomfort related to walking or imbalances in the body that cause-related pain. These devices often help to realign the bones within the foot and ankle and therefore aid in taking pressure off parts of the back, neck, shoulders, and hips. Being on your feet all day can be tiring, not only for you but for your muscles and joints. If you think you may benefit from custom foot orthotics, please give us a call. If you have questions or concerns regarding chiropractic treatment or custom foot orthotics, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the pra...

If you feel like your back needs to be cracked, or you are experiencing pain that won’t go away with ice or heat, you may want to discuss spinal adjustments and manipulation with Dr. Loren Morgan. Spinal manipulation is a safe and effective method of treatment that is designed to alleviate pressure on joints, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function. Spinal adjustments not only relieve pain associated with the back, neck, and shoulders but by receiving them periodically, you can boost your immune system and restore mobility. Depending on the condition of the patient, Dr. Loren Morgan will design a treatment plan that will meet his or her specific needs. Spinal manipulation is performed on a padded, adjustable table so that Dr. Morgan can adjust the body as needed. Once the patient is comfortable, Dr. Morgan will use his hands to apply a controlled, sudden force to a specific joint. If you have questions or concerns regarding chiropractic treatment or spinal manipulation, please ...