Alpha Medical and Spinal Care

Are You Overworking Your Muscles?- Charleston, SC

alphacare — Sat, 15 May 2021 14:37:52 +0000

How to Tell If You’re Overworking Your Muscles- Charleston, SC

Overworking your muscles typically happens when you overtrain. Overtraining occurs when you train your body above its capacity. In other words, this means that your body can’t recover and adapt quickly enough to be prepared for the following training session. Basically, this means you’re training too hard with not enough rest.

Symptoms of Overworking Your Muscles

You may or may not experience these symptoms when you’re overtraining. With some people you only have to look at them before they start training and you know they’re overtraining. Here are some common symptoms you may feel:

You can’t seem to get any bigger (lack of weight or muscle gain).
You don’t have enough energy at the beginning of your workout.
Your target muscles are still sore from the previous workout when you work them again.
You find it hard to get to sleep and have a good night’s rest.
You have a general lack of energy throughout the day.
In extreme cases you may feel depression and anxiety.

Diet and Overtraining

Diet may also play a vital part in overtraining. In particular calorie intake, water intake and carbohydrate intake. Without enough calories, carbs and water your body will have trouble recovering and repairing muscle tissue after your workouts. The same can be said for essential fats and protein if the deficiency is great enough. Diet is usually only the cause of overtraining in extreme cases, for example when a bodybuilder is preparing for a competition or an athlete is trying to lose weight fast and keep training up.

Alpha Care

Here at Alpha Care, we care about your pain and we want to help. No referrals are needed to make an appointment at Alpha Care. We provide the highest quality treatment for your pain using state of the art equipment. Find your new chiropractor or doctor at one of our four convenient locations or call us today at (843) 824-2273.

The post Are You Overworking Your Muscles?- Charleston, SC appeared first on Alpha Medical and Spinal Care.

When To Seek Chiropractic Treatment- Charleston, SC

alphacare — Sat, 15 May 2021 14:17:46 +0000

Knowing when you need to see a chiropractor can sometimes be difficult to determine.

Here are 9 signs that you should seek chiropractic treatment appointment in the near future:

1. Seek chiropractic treatment if you have chronic pain in your joints or muscles.

2. The soles of your shoes wear out differently. This is a good sign that your body is out of alignment and needs to be readjusted.

3. Your work forces you into a sedentary position for long periods of time. Sitting still for eight or more hours a day can weaken the muscles, which can result in stress injuries.

4. You suffer from headaches regularly. Frequent headaches are a warning sign that something is wrong in the body. Your chiropractor can diagnose the cause of your headaches and work with you on a treatment plan to make them stop.

5. You’ve been in an accident recently. Trauma from sports injuries or car accidents can cause injuries that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Your chiropractor knows the warning signs of serious injury that can follow an accident, even if none are immediately obvious.

6. You have a limited range of motion. If your neck doesn’t turn as far as it once did or your arms and legs aren’t as flexible as they used to be, it may be time to visit with your chiropractor so you can regain your range of motion.

7.You have been diagnosed with arthritis. Because arthritis is a joint condition, doctors of chiropractic are very familiar with its causes and treatments. Your chiropractic team can relieve the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, and may be able to slow down its progression.

8.You feel as if pain pills are your only hope. If you find yourself reaching for the pill bottle more than you’d like, it may be time to treat the cause of your problem, instead of just masking the symptoms.

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Alpha Care Charleston, SC

Here at Alpha Care, we care about our patients affected by back and other pain and we want to help. Alpha Care’s friendly team and on-staff chiropractors are available for same day appointments in each of our four locations. No referrals are needed to make a chiropractic treatment appointment at Alpha Care. We provide the highest quality treatment for your pain using state of the art equipment. Find your new chiropractor or doctor at one of our four convenient locations or call us today at (843) 824-2273.

The post When To Seek Chiropractic Treatment- Charleston, SC appeared first on Alpha Medical and Spinal Care.

What To Do After An Auto Accident- Charleston, SC

alphacare — Sat, 15 May 2021 13:55:34 +0000

If you’ve been in an auto accident, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. If you feel as though you were not injured in the accident, it is still a good idea to see a doctor. Some symptoms associated with car accidents are not apparent immediately after, and it’s not worth the risk to wait and get checked out. At Alpha Care, we specialize in auto accident injuries and are here to help.

Symptoms to Be Aware Of

It can take a full day for some symptoms to be noticeable after an auto accident. Whiplash is one of the most common auto accident injuries. Here are some other warning signs and symptoms that you should look out for:

Stiffness in the neck or other neck pain
Pain in the neck that gets worse when you move it
Difficulty moving your neck
Headaches that begin at the bottom of the skull
Pain in your shoulder, upper back or arms
Tingling or numbness in your arms
Fatigue
Dizziness

If you have started to notice any of these symptoms, come to Alpha Care so you can have a doctor make sure you’re okay. Even it you aren’t sure, it’s better to see a doctor just in case.

Chiropractic Care and Auto Accidents

When you come to Alpha Care for a check-up after your auto accident, you will most likely be given a chiropractic exam. Regardless of how bad your accident was, we will give you a chiropractic exam no matter what. Chiropractic exams are important to have right away because if your spinal nerve was damaged during the accident, it could take a long time for symptoms to be noticeable. A vast majority of car accident injuries are soft tissue injuries– pulled muscles, ligaments, & tendons that could require physical therapy, home care, or even surgery. Medical care combined with chiropractic care after a car accident can be the difference between true recovery and lingering pain.

Schedule an Appointment After an Auto Accident Today

Schedule your appointment today with a chiropractor in Charleston, SC. Alpha Care doctors are standing by to help diagnose, treat, and resolve auto accident injuries. Our offices are located in Charleston, on James Island, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and close by in Summerville, SC. Call today at 843-824-2273 or contact us online.

The post What To Do After An Auto Accident- Charleston, SC appeared first on Alpha Medical and Spinal Care.

How to Minimize Back Pain at Work- Charleston, SC

alphacare — Sat, 15 May 2021 13:23:18 +0000

Having back pain at work can make it harder to get your tasks done. Once you understand the causes of back pain, you can more effectively take steps to minimize it. Take a look at the common causes of back pain and these tips on preventing it:

Causes of Back Pain

Any number of factors can cause back pain. However, the most common causes are force, repetition, and inactivity. Avoid putting force on your back by not handling heavy objects. If you twist and turn repeatedly, these repetitive motions can wear out your back and injure your spine. Lastly, if your job involves you sitting for extensive periods of time, like a desk job, you might be more prone to back pain. The probability that you will have back pain is heightened if you have bad posture or your chair doesn’t have good support.

Minimizing Back Pain at Work

Here a few ways you can minimize your back pain while you’re working:

Be aware of your posture. If you’re standing up, try not to slouch and make sure you balance your weight evenly between your two feet. Get a chair that has good back support and that is comfortable to sit in. When you’re adjusting your chair’s height, ensure that your feet rest flat on the floor when you’re sitting down.

Know how to lift properly.Not many people know how to properly lift heavy objects. When you lift something that is heavy, make sure you lift with your legs and your core, not your back. Hold it close to your body when you stand up and maintain your back’s normal and natural curve. Try not to twist and turn.

Mix it up when you’re doing repetitive tasks. Whenever possible, use lifting devices to help you carry heavy objects. Switch between physically demanding tasks and easier tasks. Instead of hauling around a heavy suitcase, get one with wheels.

Pay attention to your body. If you know you’ll have to sit in the same spot for a long time, change your position frequently. Try to walk around whenever you can and stretch your muscles lightly.

Alpha Care

Here at Alpha Care, we care about our patients affected by back pain and we want to help. Alpha Care’s friendly team and on-staff chiropractors are available for same day appointments in each of our four locations. No referrals are needed to make an appointment at Alpha Care. We provide the highest quality treatment for your pain using state of the art equipment. Find your new chiropractor or doctor at one of our four convenient locations or call us today at (843) 824-2273.

The post How to Minimize Back Pain at Work- Charleston, SC appeared first on Alpha Medical and Spinal Care.

Car Accident Injury Care- Charleston, SC

alphacare — Sat, 15 May 2021 12:59:41 +0000

Car accident injuries are nothing to ignore. If you have recently been in a car accident and think you have suffered injuries to your head, back, or another part of your body, Alpha Care in Charleston, SC is the place to go for car accident injury care. With high-quality medical and chiropractic services available, we will be able to help you recover from your injuries in no time.

Car Accident Injury Care

By combining both medical and chiropractic treatments, we can increase your chances of a full recovery. If you were in a car accident, it is most likely that the injury you sustained was a soft tissue injury. These include pulled muscles, ligaments, and tendons that may possibly require physical therapy, home care, or even surgery. Even if you are treated for these injuries, over 50% of victims never actually fully recover from the injuries sustained during an auto accident. That’s why here at Alpha Care, we combine medical treatments with chiropractic care. Regardless of accident size or type, a chiropractic examination is highly recommended. Damage from spinal nerve stress may take months, or even years, to surface. Seeking car accident injury care could be the difference between true recovery and lingering pain. If you need medical assistance after an auto accident, go to one of Alpha Care’s four offices in the Charleston area.

Schedule an Appointment Today

We specialize in treating you and your family’s medical care needs quickly, easily, and as pain-free as possible. Our team is looking forward to meeting you and helping you live your healthiest, happiest life! Meet our team of board certified chiropractors and physicians. Find your family’s new doctor at one of our four convenient locations or call us today at (843) 824-2273. We are accepting new patients and no referrals are necessary! Same day appointments are available.

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Alpha Care: Charleston’s Best Medical Center

alphacare — Sat, 15 May 2021 12:38:12 +0000

If you need fast, high-quality medical or chiropractic care in the Charleston area, Alpha Care is the right place for you. With offices in Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, James Island, and North Charleston, you’re always close to physicians and chiropractors that care about you and your needs.

About Alpha Care

Our four conveniently located facilities offer patients quality medical care with a wide variety of specialized treatment options. Alpha Care was established in 1984 and has grown to provide treatment for common medical problems such as colds, flu, and back pain. We also provide treatment for allergy, asthma & immunology with our two expert and highly trained allergists, Dr. Fred Schaffer who is Board Certified in allergy, asthma & immunology and Katherine Graber, MD, who is a member of the American Academy of Allergy and Asthma in Primary Care. Here at Alpha Care, we also treat injuries caused by auto accidents, sports injuries, and on-the-job injuries covered by workers’ compensation. With several medical professions working under one roof, we can provide the best possible care with a wide variety of treatment options.

About Dr. Michael Coon

Dr. Michael Coon is the owner of Alpha Medical and Spinal Care. When he initially opened Alpha Care, he wanted to provide conservative treatment for pain that he believed could ultimately be an alternative to surgery. Dr. Coon’s idea for this type of practice was derived from his medical experience as a Navy Corpsman in the Charleston Navy Hospital. This experience prompted him to become a chiropractic physician and led him to open a practice that would employ both medical physicians and chiropractors to provide more efficient treatment for common medical problems.

Alpha Care

Here at Alpha Care, we care about your health and want to help with any problems you may have. Alpha Care’s friendly team is available for same day appointments in each of our four locations. No referrals are needed to make an appointment at Alpha Care. Find your new doctor at one of our four convenient locations or call us today at (843) 824-2273.

The post Alpha Care: Charleston’s Best Medical Center appeared first on Alpha Medical and Spinal Care.

How to Get Better Posture and Why It’s Important- Charleston, SC

alphacare — Sat, 15 May 2021 12:14:28 +0000

Having a good posture is not only good for your overall back health, but a straight spine also radiates confidence and actually makes you feel better.

Here are a few tips on how to improve your posture, and therefore improve your self-esteem:

Keep the ears, shoulders and hips in alignment. Whether you’re standing or sitting keep these in a vertical line to improve your posture. Resist the temptation to push your head forward; start to notice if your ears are in line with your shoulders and correct if necessary.

When Sitting – Get a chair with sufficient lumbar support. Your chair’s backrest should have natural curve that fits into the hollow of your lower back. Basically when sitting down your spine should be in contact with the backrest from your tailbone right up to your upper back. Also, keep your feet flat on the floor when seated.

The Balloon Method. If you don’t have great posture, stand up right now. Now imagine that there is a balloon on a string extending from the crown of your head. Imagine that this balloon is pulling your head upwards towards the sky. You’ll automatically stand upright with your spine elongated. If you keep doing this for a few weeks, the habit will stick and you’ll have corrected your posture.

Move! If your job or school life involves a lot of sitting around, you’re more likely to slouch. As your muscles tire of being in the same position you’ll begin to slump down. You need more movement. For office jobs, make a habit of getting up and moving, even if just for a minute, once every 30 minutes.

Develop an Awareness of your Posture.When people try to consciously improve their posture, they can often go for hours with poor posture before even remembering to correct it. This is the power of bad habits. To increase your awareness of the problem, it’s a great idea to keep a visual reminder at the place where you spend most of your time. For example, if you sit at a desk a lot, make a sketch of a stick figure man on a post-it note. Then every time you see this sketch you’ll ask yourself, “How is my posture? Are my ears in-line with my shoulders? Are my feet flat on the floor?”

Alpha Care

Alpha Care’s friendly team and on-staff chiropractors are available for same day appointments in each of our four locations. No referrals are needed to make an appointment at Alpha Care. We provide the highest quality treatment for your pain using state of the art equipment. Find your new chiropractor or doctor at one of our four convenient locations or call us today at (843) 824-2273. Submit a Comment

The post How to Get Better Posture and Why It’s Important- Charleston, SC appeared first on Alpha Medical and Spinal Care.

When Should You Seek Chiropractic Treatment?- Charleston, SC

alphacare — Sat, 15 May 2021 12:03:36 +0000

Chiropractic Treatment – Charleston, SC

Knowing when you need to see a chiropractor can sometimes be difficult to determine. If you have never seen a chiropractor before or even if you see one regularly, here are 9 signs that you should make a chiropractic appointment in the near future:

You have chronic pain in your joints or muscles.
The soles of your shoes wear out differently. This is a good sign that your body is out of alignment and needs to be readjusted.
Your work forces you into a sedentary position for long periods of time. Sitting still for eight or more hours a day can weaken the muscles, which can result in stress injuries.
You suffer from headaches regularly. Frequent headaches are a warning sign that something is wrong in the body. Your chiropractor can diagnose the cause of your headaches and work with you on a treatment plan to make them stop.
You’ve been in an accident recently. Trauma from sports injuries or car accidents can cause injuries that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Your chiropractor knows the warning signs of serious injury that can follow an accident, even if none are immediately obvious.
You have a limited range of motion. If your neck doesn’t turn as far as it once did or your arms and legs aren’t as flexible as they used to be, it may be time to visit with your chiropractor so you can regain your range of motion.
You have been diagnosed with arthritis. Because arthritis is a joint condition, doctors of chiropractic are very familiar with its causes and treatments. Your chiropractic team can relieve the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, and may be able to slow down its progression.
You feel as if pain pills are your only hope. If you find yourself reaching for the pill bottle more than you’d like, it may be time to treat the cause of your problem, instead of just masking the symptoms.
You suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome or other “invisible illness.” Chiropractic care can relieve the pain and tenderness that’s caused by these and other illnesses. Talk to your doctor of chiropractic to learn about appropriate treatment methods for your condition.

Alpha Care

Here at Alpha Care, we care about our patients affected by back and other pain and we want to help. Alpha Care’s friendly team and on-staff chiropractors are available for same day appointments in each of our four locations. No referrals are needed to make an appointment at Alpha Care. We provide the highest quality treatment for your pain using state of the art equipment. Find your new chiropractor or doctor at one of our four convenient locations or call us today at (843) 824-2273.

The post When Should You Seek Chiropractic Treatment?- Charleston, SC appeared first on Alpha Medical and Spinal Care.

How Handwashing Can Keep You Healthy

alphacare — Sat, 15 May 2021 11:37:31 +0000

Keeping your hands clean is one of the most basic and important steps you can take to safeguard your health. Handwashing helps stop the spread of germs and reduce the advancement of antibiotic resistance.

Proper Handwashing

Be sure to wash your hands any time you may have touched a surface or object that is a potential harbor for germs, or before preparing food or treating even a minor wound. To properly wash your hands:

Wet your hands thoroughly with clean, running water.
Lather well, and be sure to scrub your hands front and back, between fingers and under the nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you’re not sure how long that is, try singing the alphabet song.
Rinse your hands well, and dry with a clean towel or air dryer.

If you don’t have access to soap and water, use a generous dollop of hand sanitizer. Be sure to apply the sanitizer to all surfaces, and rub until it is dry.

Preventing the Spread of Germs

We use our hands for everything, touching literally hundreds of thousands of surfaces every single day. Each of those surfaces is touched by other people’s hands. When someone sneezes, coughs, or uses the bathroom, and then touches a surface, those germs hang around, ready to be picked up by the next person who touches the surface. Handwashing removes germs that cause illness.

Stop Antibiotic Resistance

By preventing the spread of sickness, we can reduce the number of times a person uses antibiotics in their lifetime. When germs are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics, they develop immunity. By reducing the use of antibiotics, we reduce germs’ ability to develop immunity. Antibiotic resistant germs cause illnesses that are extremely difficult to treat, so this is an important issue.

Keep your hands clean for better health for yourself and your family, and to stop the spread of illness in your community. It’s not just a good health choice; it’s good citizenship as well.

The post How Handwashing Can Keep You Healthy appeared first on Alpha Medical and Spinal Care.

Seeing a Chiropractor After an Automobile Accident

alphacare — Sat, 15 May 2021 11:26:43 +0000

An automobile accident is a scary experience. Even a relatively minor crash at slower speeds can leave you feeling stiff, sore, and stretched out. It’s important to seek medical attention following any accident to rule out head injuries or other internal damage that might not be immediately evident. If you continue to experience aches or stiffness after your doctor has given you the all-clear, a chiropractor may be able to provide relief.

Hidden Automobile Accident Injuries

Many people experience shock following a car accident. You may not feel pain immediately following an accident. You may even be checked out at the local urgent care or emergency room, and have serious injuries like broken bones or internal injuries ruled out. While this is an important step, it’s equally important to pay attention to your body’s signals in the days and weeks following an accident.

Not all injuries are immediately apparent. Whiplash often takes several hours to several days to develop. Concussions are another often-overlooked injury received in an accident. A follow up with a chiropractor can help ensure that hidden or delayed injuries are also discovered and treated.

Improving Recovery Time

When you come in for chiropractic care after an automobile accident, your chiropractor will assess your injuries or strains and begin to develop a personal care plan. The plan may include trigger point treatment, deep tissue massage, and adjustments. You may need a series of adjustments in order to bring your spine into proper alignment. A proper spinal alignment reduces pressure on nerves and allows for greater mobility and flexibility. With an increased ability to move freely, patients are better able to fully participate in physical therapy and exercises, speeding the healing process.

Get Your Life Back

Back and neck injuries can be debilitating. Chiropractic adjustments can help bring your spine back into proper alignment and help ensure the proper function of your body’s most important support and communications system- the spine. Visit Alpha Care soon after a car accident for a complete assessment and to create your personal care plan

The post Seeing a Chiropractor After an Automobile Accident appeared first on Alpha Medical and Spinal Care.