Patients who are seeking facial acupuncture, acupuncture facelift or cosmetic acupuncture have many concerns.  These include facial asymmetry, cheek sagging, jawline, nasolabial fold length, discrepancies in jawline between the left and the right sides, wrinkles around the mouth, and discrepancies in the corners of the mouth. The good news is, facial acupuncture is a simple concept that can help all the above! And it has holistic benefits. So you will experience improved physical, mental, emotional, social, and perhaps even spiritual well-being afterwards.  This is due to facial acupuncture treating your whole person rather than only the symptoms. Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Facial Lines & Wrinkles and Cosmetic Acupuncture is about all of this. 

 

How does Facial Acupuncture affect Facial Lines and Wrinkles?

Typically, as we get older, we get facial lines and wrinkles.  Nonetheless, you can also get lines and wrinkles from too much sun exposure or bad environmental conditions. Therefore, it’s important to avoid sun damage, moisturize daily, don’t smoke, and maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated. Moreover, it’s important to manage stress and get enough sleep.  Next, getting your facial acupuncture session in is a good idea. 

The techniques used at our West Palm Beach office include needling the necessary points (meridian and ashi) to address the wrinkles and lines you are concerned with.  Afterwards, your body will be naturally renewing the area and smooth skin is inevitable.  Your line or wrinkle will improve within your course of treatments prescribed.  Additionally, this same technique is utilized on age spots and old scars (e.g. acne).

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Facial Lines & Wrinkles and Cosmetic Acupuncture

Firstly, facial acupuncture or cosmetic acupuncture, involves the insertion of ultra-fine, sterile needles into specific points on the face and body. Facial acupuncture utilizes needles techniques to encourage the stimulation of collagen in the face.

Secondly, it utilizes certain acupoints to stimulate the production of endogenous (naturally occurring) opioids (e.g. endorphins) in the body. Endogenous opioids are naturally occurring compounds in the body that can benefit the skin. These opioids reduce inflammation, promote healing, and protect against environmental stressors.

Thirdly, facial acupuncture has the possibility to offer improvements to your skin’s structure and facial suppleness.  And facial acupuncture helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

Lastly, Facial acupuncture decreases facial muscle tone. And it helps overall blood flow circulation.

Facial Acupuncture is Holistic in its Approach

By incorporating body points into the treatments, facial acupuncture improves the overall health and wellbeing of the patient.  Therefore, the outcome is deeper than just the outer appearance. Facial acupuncture optimizes your health while simultaneously improving the appearance of your skin. It can be a powerful form of acupuncture specifically to enhance your beauty naturally.

Acupuncture consists of the insertion of one or several very thin metal needles into the skin and underlying tissues.  Because the sterile needles are so slender (hair thin) application is painless or at most, the equivalent of the most slightest prick. And for the face, there are special needles especially for the more sensitive eye areas.  As mentioned previously, Acupuncture has been used safely and effectively for thousands of years. Additionally, the World Health Organization has established guidelines for practice.

 

What Are the Long-Term Expectations of Facial Acupuncture?

The results that are most expected from a facial acupuncture treatment are a smoothing of the skin and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Facial acupuncture is not a “quick fix” and is far more subtle than botox or similar types of injection facial treatments.  However, facial acupuncture is natural and if you are patient, it is quite impressive.  As your awareness grows and you consider carefully what you are putting into your body, you will see the benefits of facial acupuncture.  Facial acupuncture is a safe, holistic alternative! Moreover, facial acupuncture has more long-term changes in the health of your skin and body, not short-term quick fixes.

 

Research

One study (1) looked at the possibility of how “Cosmetic acupuncture may reduce wrinkles, swelling, sagging, and facial asymmetry and may lift facial contours”.  They did this by looking at the masseter muscle (which clenches the teeth together). In conclusion, they found Acupuncture stimulation at acupoints around the masseter muscle can reduce the muscle volume because of “muscle relaxation”. Basically, this served as evidence in support of cosmetic acupuncture. In other studies (2), Cosmetic acupuncture has shown to increase blood flow and hydration after a single session. Participants had reductions in wrinkles and sagging and improvement in skin conditions.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Facial Lines & Wrinkles and Cosmetic Acupuncture

Facial/cosmetic Acupuncture has been around for centuries. It is a part of traditional Chinese medicine which has been around for thousands of years.  Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCM) helps treat many conditions and provide pain relief. However, China has had a long tradition of skin rejuvenation that stretches back many years as well.  So although facial acupuncture can provide similar effects to modern day treatments, it is not new. It has been utilized for at least a millennium.  Indeed, it is another form of acupuncture. 

Are you looking for quality acupuncture treatment services in West Palm Beach for you or your loved one? Receiving West Palm Beach Acupuncture Treatments at Meiri Chiropractic will provide you with healing and pain relief. And if you’re already seeking acupuncture for other pains, ails, or needs try a facial acupuncture add-on to your session. 

Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today to make an appointment or to learn more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Facial Lines & Wrinkles and Cosmetic Acupuncture  at 561-253-8984.

 

 

Patients who are seeking facial acupuncture, acupuncture facelift or cosmetic acupuncture have many concerns.  These include facial asymmetry, cheek sagging, jawline, nasolabial (laugh lines) fold length, discrepancies in jawline between the left and the right sides, wrinkles around the mouth, and discrepancies in the corners of the mouth.The good news is facial acupuncture is a simple concept that can help all the above! And it has holistic benefits. So you will experience improved physical, mental, emotional, social, and perhaps even spiritual well-being afterwards.  This is due to facial acupuncture treating your whole person rather than only the symptoms. Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Facial Muscles and Cosmetic Acupuncture is about all of this. 

 

How does Facial Acupuncture affect the muscles?

By starting with the different facial acupuncture points, certain results can be achieved by their application to the muscles.  So the facial muscles can be trained.  The final goal is to try to maintain these results long term. A technique to stimulate the muscles is utilized.  The goal is to give the muscles a “little exercise”.  Ultimately, acupuncture points on and near these muscles are utilized.  And this affects the overall appearance and tightness of your face.

In contrast, Botox paralyzes muscles to reduce motion, weakening the muscles over time. While both Botox and facial acupuncture can improve fine lines and wrinkles, they differ in approach. So Facial acupuncture can help you without impairing facial muscle movement. Facial acupuncture is reportedly a safer alternative to surgery or Botox.

Acupuncture consists of the insertion of one or several very thin metal needles into the skin and underlying tissues.  Because the sterile needles are so slender (hair thin) application is painless.  And or at most, the equivalent of the most slightest prick.  As mentioned previously, Acupuncture has been used safely and effectively for thousands of years. Additionally, the World Health Organization has established guidelines for practice.

The muscles of the face that are targeted during the acupuncture facial are…

Firstly, the eye muscles are corrugator supercilli.  This is the muscle that pulls the eyebrows together in a frown.  It is often paralysed with Botulinum toxin.  By naturally releasing the muscle, you will be “frown free”. Other muscles targeted include frontalis, orbicularis oculi, and procerus.  

Secondly, the nose muscles are depressor septi which depresses the nostrils.  Next is the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi which flares your nostrils. 

Thirdly, the mouth muscles are bussinator, depressor labii inferioris, levator labii superioris, orbicularis oris, platysma, risorius, zygomaticus major and zygomaticus minor.  Fourthly, the jaw muscles are masseter which clenches the teeth. And temporalis which raises the lower jaw when chewing. 

Fifthly, the neck muscles are the sternocleidomastoid, a pair of muscles extending down both sides of your neck.  

 

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Facial Muscles and Cosmetic Acupuncture: Research

One study (1) looked at how “Cosmetic acupuncture may reduce wrinkles, swelling, sagging, and facial asymmetry and may lift facial contours”.  They did this by looking at the masseter muscle (which clenches the teeth together). In conclusion, they found Acupuncture at the masseter muscle can reduce the muscle volume.  This is because of “muscle relaxation”. Basically, this served as evidence in support of cosmetic acupuncture. In other studies, Cosmetic acupuncture has shown to increase blood flow and hydration. Participants had reductions in wrinkles and sagging and improvement in skin conditions.

 

Facial/cosmetic Acupuncture Has Been Around for Centuries

Are you looking for quality acupuncture treatment services in West Palm Beach for you or your loved one? Receiving West Palm Beach Acupuncture Treatments at Meiri Chiropractic will provide you with healing and pain relief. And if you’re already seeking acupuncture for other pains, ails, or needs try a facial acupuncture add-on to your session. 

Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today to make an appointment or to learn more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Facial Muscles and Cosmetic Acupuncture at 561-253-8984.

 

References: Effect of Facial Acupuncture Stimulation: MRI-Based Masseter Muscle Volume Analysis and Questionnaire Evaluation

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11852262/

 

 

Facial Acupuncture has been around for centuries. It is a part of traditional Chinese medicine which has been around for thousands of years.  Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCM) helps treat many conditions and provide pain relief. However, China has had a long tradition of skin rejuvenation that stretches back many years as well.  So although facial acupuncture can provide similar effects to modern day treatments, it is not new. It has been utilized for at least a millennium.  Indeed, it is another form of acupuncture. Ultimately, Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is about a Holistic Approach to Healthy Aging.

 

What is Facial Acupuncture?

Firstly, facial acupuncture or cosmetic acupuncture, involves the insertion of ultra-fine, sterile needles into specific points on the face and body. Facial acupuncture utilizes needles techniques to encourage the stimulation of collagen in the face.

Secondly, it utilizes certain acupoints to stimulate the production of endogenous (naturally occurring) opioids (e.g. endorphins) in the body. Endogenous opioids are naturally occurring compounds in the body that can benefit the skin. These opioids reduce inflammation, promote healing, and protect against environmental stressors.

Thirdly, facial acupuncture has the possibility to offer improvements to your skin’s structure and facial suppleness.  And facial acupuncture helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

Lastly, Facial acupuncture decreases facial muscle tone. And it helps overall blood flow circulation.

 

Facial Acupuncture is Holistic in its Approach

By incorporating body points into the treatments, facial acupuncture improves the overall health and wellbeing of the patient.  Therefore, the outcome is deeper than just the outer appearance. Facial acupuncture optimizes your health while simultaneously improving the appearance of your skin. It can be a powerful form of acupuncture specifically to enhance your beauty naturally.

 

Facial Acupuncture Versus Botox and Safety

By starting with the different facial points, certain results can be achieved by their application to the muscles. With continuous use of some points, the facial muscles can be trained.  The final goal is to try to maintain these results long term. 

In contrast, Botox paralyzes muscles to reduce motion, weakening the muscles over time. While both Botox and facial acupuncture can improve fine lines and wrinkles, they differ in approach. So Facial acupuncture can help you without impairing facial muscle movement. Facial acupuncture is reportedly a safer alternative to surgery or Botox.

As mentioned previously, Acupuncture has been used safely and effectively for thousands of years. Additionally, the World Health Organization has established guidelines for practice.

 

What Are the Long-Term Expectations of Facial Acupuncture?

The results that are most expected from a facial acupuncture treatment are a smoothing of the skin and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Facial acupuncture is not a “quick fix” and is far more subtle than botox or similar types of injection facial treatments.  However, facial acupuncture is natural and if you are patient, it is quite impressive.  As your awareness grows and you consider carefully what you are putting into your body, you will see the benefits of facial acupuncture.  Facial acupuncture is a safe, holistic alternative.  Moreover, facial acupuncture has more long-term changes in the health of your skin and body, not short-term quick fixes.

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used to promote longevity, enhance skin and reverse the signs of aging for centuries.  Furthermore, acupuncture points of the face have been used in a sequence providing a full facial acupuncture treatment. Research seems promising and more research is being conducted on the full benefits of cosmetic facial acupuncture.

Are you looking for quality acupuncture treatment services in West Palm Beach for you or your loved one? Receiving West Palm Beach Acupuncture Treatments will provide you with healing and pain relief. And if you’re already seeking acupuncture for other pains, ails, or needs try a facial acupuncture add-on to your session.

Call today to make an appointment or to learn more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture at 561-253-8984.

 

Patient Satisfaction is found to be excellent for chiropractic care! Researchers analyzing the prevalence, patterns and predictors of chiropractic utilization in the U.S. general population found that, “Back pain and neck pain were the most prevalent health problems for chiropractic consultations and the majority of users reported chiropractic helping a great deal with their health problem and improving overall health or well-being.” (1) Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cervical Spine Anatomy and Chronic Neck Pain is about how chiropractic can help chronic neck pain.

 

Symptoms of Cervical Spine (Neck) Pain

Symptoms  may only be stiffness or restricted range of motion.  Looking over the shoulder may not be possible. And/or moving the head in any direction may be difficult.  This came on insidiously for you.  Finally, It is painful and muscle spasm is present.

Common muscle imbalances at or affecting the cervical spine include tightness of the sternocleidomastoids (SCMs).  Also, short, deep neck extensors, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and the pectoralis major and minor. Muscles can get inhibited (the nerve signals needed to activate and control the muscle are impaired, leading to weakness and poor function).  These include the deep neck flexors.  Also, the lower stabilizers of the scapulae, including the lower and middle trapezius and the rhomboids are involved. In the end, these imbalances often lead to a rounded shoulder-forward head position.

 

Relevant Cervical Spine Anatomy

Firstly, the cervical spine can be divided into 2 sections when describing the anatomy. The first section is the upper cervical spine consisting of the occiput (bottom of skull) and CI-C2.  The second section would be the lower cervical spine (C2-C7/TI). Functionally, there is a distinction between these two sections due to the greater degree of rotation at the upper cervical spine. So the unique articulation between the C2 and C1 vertebrae allow this greater rotation.  Specifically, the dens of C2 is the pivot for rotation.  Additionally, there is more lax ligamentous structures in this area.  Therefore, the muscles are more supportive and intricate so as to provide the stability and control. Indeed, this area has more laxity in the ligamentous system than the thoracic (mid back) and lumbar (low back) spine.

Secondly, another difference in the upper cervical spine is there is no disc between and C0, C1 and C2 levels.  Discs, called intervertebral discs, are positioned between each vertebra throughout the rest of the spine.

Thirdly, neurologically, the upper cervical spinal cord has a unique connection with the central nervous system.   This is through the trigeminocervical nucleus (functional convergence zone in the upper cervical spinal cord where sensory nerve fibers from the face (via the trigeminal nerve) and the upper neck (C1-C3 spinal nerves) meet. Here there is an intermingling of the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve and the dorsal horn of the upper cervical spinal nerves. This is an anatomical explanation for the cause of headaches, dizziness, and facial pain.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cervical Spine Anatomy and Chronic Neck Pain Connection…

The cervical spine has the task of maintaining head posture while allowing for a great deal of mobility. Moreover, the cervical spine must balance the weight of the head atop a relatively thin and long lever. This makes it quite susceptible to traumatic forces. The cervical facets (paired joints in neck) allow movement in all directions. In fact, the cervical spine is therefore the most movable portion of the spine. Anatomically, it is quite vulnerable.

 

Causes of Neck Pain from Daily Stresses

Incorrect posture, obesity and weak abdominal muscles often disrupt spinal alignment. This leads your neck to bend forward to compensate. Stress and emotional problems can cause muscles to tighten and contract, resulting in pain and stiffness. Postural stress can contribute to chronic neck pain. Symptoms can eventually extend into the upper back and the arms.

Dentists, mechanics, plumbers, electricians, and various technicians can be in awkward positions for prolonged periods. Any particular position may cause pain.  So many neck structures can be stretched or compressed.

There are repetitive sports injuries to the neck.  These may become chronic due to lack of proper treatment.

Research For Neck Pain Relieved by Chiropractic Care

There was a recent study funded by NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  It was to test the effectiveness of different approaches for treating mechanical neck pain. 272 participants were divided into groups.  They received either spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) from a doctor of chiropractic (DC) or pain medication. It lasted for 12 weeks.  About 57 percent of those who met with DCs reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain.  In comparison, only 33 percent of the people in the medication group reported pain reduction. After one year, approximately 53 percent of the drug-free groups continued to report at least a 75 percent reduction in pain. And this compared to just 38 percent pain reduction among those who took medication.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cervical Spine Anatomy and Chronic Neck Pain

Dr. Natalie Meiri will examine you and come up with a treatment plan to get you better! Through regular chiropractic visits, you can get pain relief and improve your health without drugs or surgery. Indeed, although aging is a slow and progressive deterioration of bodily functions the body can be maintained by proper care.

Make an appointment today at 561-253-8984! And/or call to find out more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cervical Spine Anatomy and Chronic Neck Pain.

References: (1 ) Adams et al (2017) Spine

                   (2) Bronfort et al. (2012), Annals of Internal Medicine

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s clinical pearl story about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief From Hip Osteoarthritis With Acupuncture

 

This is my clinical pearl story about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief from Hip Osteoarthritis With Acupuncture.  He was a 49 year old male patient.  His chief complaints were right hip pain. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Brett instead of his real name.

Brett’s right hip was chronically hurting now for over a year. And Brett even had thigh pain from  sudden movement. It had come on insidiously and seemed to be getting worse day by day. Brett may have had some trauma or injury involving his hip in the past. However, it always seemed to subside.

At first, Brett thought his pain was in the low back or buttocks when it was in fact due to his hip.  He had seen his primary care physician and had his hip and low back x-rayed.  The pain medication his primary prescribed didn’t help at all.  So that’s when he decided to try acupuncture.

 

Brett’s Examination at Meiri Chiropractic

Upon examination, Brett tested positive for his right hip condition.  His x-rays taken at the primary care doctor showed degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). Indeed, as a weight bearing joint, the hip is commonly affected by degenerative joint changes and soft tissue damage.   Brett’s diagnosis was osteoarthritis of his right hip. If Brett wasn’t responding in a month, further testing (e.g. MRI) would be ordered.

 

Hip Anatomy

The hip, like the shoulder, is considered a ball-and-socket joint. It is formed by the head of the femur (thigh bone) which sits in what’s called the acetabulum, a part of the pelvis. The head of the femur is large (ball) and the acetabulum (socket) is deep.  The soft tissues (refers to non-bony structures that connect, support, or surround other structures) in your hip are:

• the muscles, which allow you to move.
• the tendons, which connect your muscles to the bone.
• the ligaments are bands of tough elastic tissue around your joints. They connect bone to bone, give your joints support, and limit their movement.
• the fascia – stretchy, thin, white fibrous tissue. All your muscles are enveloped in fascia.
• the bursae – fluid-filled pads that act as cushions at the joints. Bursae reduce friction between the surfaces of a bone and soft tissue 

What is Osteoarthritis?

Primary Osteoarthritis occurs usually in middle-aged to elderly people (>45 years old). It is more prevalent in women (female to male 10:1). Primary means this osteoarthritis develops due to aging and the wear and tear that comes along with it.

An example would be Brett’s hip: primary femoroacetabular (hip) osteoarthritis. Typically, your symptoms consists of hip and possibly buttock, groin, or knee pain that was insidious (came on gradually) in onset. Additionally, you note a slow stiffening, specifically internal (inward) rotation. This often results in walking with the hip held in external (outward) rotation. You may complain of low back pain due to excessive extension with weight bearing. The low back pain is really due to compensating for limited hip movement due to hip osteoarthritis.

Common joints involved in primary osteoarthritis are the hips, knees, sacroiliac joint, acromioclavicular (shoulder and collar bone), first metacarpophalangeal (part of thumb joint), first metacarpotrapezium (part of thumb joint closer to wrist), and the distal interphalangeal joints (joints at tips of fingers).

Often initially asymptomatic, you will have a gradual increase in joint stiffness and pain. Moreover, deformity may be apparent such as  herberden’s nodes in the hands (bony bumps).  If not treated, primary osteoarthritis may eventually lead to joint subluxation (dislocation) and instability.

Cause of Osteoarthritis

Primary osteoarthritis is due to progressive degeneration of the joint or joints involved by an accumulation of microtrauma.  A microtrauma is an injury resulting from repetitive stress to tissues. 

 

Brett’s Acupuncture Treatments at Meiri Chiropractic

 

Brett did a course of acupuncture treatments (1-2 times a week for 12 weeks).  

His acupuncture treatments consisted of the insertion of very thin metal needles.  These were inserted into the skin and underlying tissues. 

Brett reported that he was starting to feel better after the initial visit.  Moreover, he continued to improve with each visit. After 12 visits, he was mostly pain-free.  Brett continued his acupuncture treatments thereafter at less frequent intervals.

 

How Does Acupuncture Help Hip Osteoarthritis?

Firstly, a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine was done to determine the effect size of acupuncture for 4 chronic pain conditions: back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache, and shoulder pain.  The study concluded: Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain and is therefore a reasonable referral option.

Secondly, research studies have shown promising results for the use of acupuncture to manage arthritis symptoms.  However, limitations in study design and sample size suggest that further research needs to be done. More studies to better understand the impact of acupuncture on arthritis pain and inflammation is being done.  Nevertheless, with existing evidence and because acupuncture carries a low risk of harm, acupuncture is recommended for people with arthritis.

Thirdly, Acupuncture in combination with a chiropractic care plan may help dramatically to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

Fourthly, Neuroscientists at Harvard Medical School looked at the underlying neuroanatomy of acupuncture.  Specifically, that acupuncture activates a nerve signaling pathway. The signaling affects the function of other parts of the body, including organs (and neuromusculoskeletal body parts).

Fifthly, Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems safely and effectively. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways called meridians. This activates the body’s natural healing abilities.  Ultimately, this brings balance back to your body. Indeed, Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions.

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief From Hip Osteoarthritis With Acupuncture

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for hip osteoarthritis and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today for your acupuncture treatment for hip osteoarthritis at 561-253-8984.

 

References: Acupuncture for Chronic PainIndividual Patient Data Meta-analysis

1. Andrew J. Vickers, DPhil; Angel M. Cronin, MS; Alexandra C. Maschino, BS
2. et al  https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1357513

 

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s clinical pearl stories: Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief from T.M.J. Pain with Acupuncture

 

This is my clinical pearl story about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief from T.M.J. Pain With Acupuncture.  She was a 45 year old female patient.  Her chief complaint was temporomandibular joint (T.M.J.) pain.   To be HIPAA compliant, I will call her Gene instead of her real name.

Gene had suffered from T.M.J. pain for a year. Gene stated her T.M.J. pain was from grinding her teeth from stress.  She felt the pain in her jaws and face.  Additionally, her symptoms included clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw.  Furthermore, at times she had some difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Gene felt Jaw “stiffness or locking”. Moreover, she even felt ear pain and/or fullness along with mild dizziness and headaches.

However, since she was perimenopausal she felt her hormones were causing some of her issues of aches and pains. Also, she wasn’t sleeping well.

Before Gene came to see me, she went to her dentist.  He gave her a (mouth guard) splint and a prescription for NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Gene’s dentist told her she “grinds her teeth”.  By his recommendation, she tried a splint at night which helped a little.  

Finally, Gene came to see me since she still had TMJ pain.

 

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Anatomy

The TMJ is composed of:

–Synovial cavity– space between the bones in a synovial joint that’s filled with synovial fluid (nourishing thick fluid).

–Articular cartilage– specialized type of connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints.  It provides a smooth surface for joint movement.

-Articular capsule– fibrous connective tissue encloses the joint capsule

–Several ligaments- ligament is a band of tissue that connects bones and joints. Ligaments hold the TMJ in place and help move it properly.

–Disk- articular fibrocartilaginous structure located between the mandible (jaw bone) and the temporal bone (sides of skull).

TMD refers to a group of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint connecting the jaw to the skull.

 

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain/ Temporomandibular diseases (TMD) and Causes

 

Temporomandibular diseases (TMD) refers to a group of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint connecting the jaw to the skull.

TMJ problems can be due to developmental abnormalities, intracapsular diseases, and dysfunctional conditions:

-Developmental abnormalities include hypoplasia/hyperplasia (under or over development of TMJ)

-Impingements (pinching) of the various TMJ structures (e.g. coronoid process, synovial fold)

-Ossification (calcification) of TMJ ligaments (e.g. stylohyoid ligament; Eagle syndrome).

-Intracapsular (located within a capsule) diseases (e.g. disk adhesions/displacements, degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, infections, and gout)

– Postural stresses, muscle tone, malocclusion/dysfunction of the teeth can affect the TMJ.

-Women experience a higher incidence of oral (mouth) diseases including periodontal diseases and temporomandibular joint disease/pain. This points to the role of estrogen on TMJ structures.  Low levels of estrogen during menopause predisposes the TMJ to degeneration (osteoarthritis).  Furthermore, it leads to alveolar (bony ridge that contains the sockets of the upper teeth) bone loss.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief from T.M.J. Pain with Acupuncture-Gene’s Examination

Upon examination, Gene’s mandibular “gait” (way lower jawbone moves) was out of alignment.   Tendinitis and trigger points were found by increased tenderness in the belly and tendons of the masseter (muscles on mandible that help close the mouth) and temporalis (muscle on temporal bone that help move jaw bone).  Plain film x-rays are virtually useless for TMJ disorder diagnosis (except perhaps for fracture).  And since there was no history of trauma, x-rays were not performed. Gene would try a course of 12 acupuncture treatments. 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief from T.M.J. Pain with Acupuncture-Gene’s Acupuncture Treatments

Gene’s Acupuncture treatments consisted of the insertion of very thin metal needles.  These were inserted into the skin and underlying tissues of the appropriate acu points.  Her sleep and stress issues were also addressed through acupuncture. The outcome for Gene was pain relief and improved T.M.J. function.  Gene symptoms of temporomandibular diseases (TMD) was resolved.She also stated, “more energy, better sleep and less stress” with her treatments!

 

How Does Acupuncture Help T.M.J. Pain, Disorders and Dysfunction?

Firstly, in one study (1), they utilized Acupuncture’s effectiveness for pain relief and muscle relaxation. They looked at the possibility of acupuncture treatment altering the the occlusal forces and mandibular movements in patients with deep-bite malocclusion (overbite). The study confirmed that acupuncture may become an alternative treatment on improving the occlusal force of deep-bite patients.

Secondly, a study (2) at the TMD Clinic, at the School of Dentistry, The University of Manchester was done.  It compared the effect of real acupuncture and sham acupuncture in the treatment of temporomandibular joint myofascial pain.  This was to establish the true efficacy of acupuncture.  The “results demonstrated that real acupuncture had a greater influence on clinical outcome measure of TMJ myofascial pain than those of sham acupuncture”.

Thirdly, Neuroscientists at Harvard Medical School looked at the underlying neuroanatomy of acupuncture.  Specifically, that acupuncture activates a nerve signaling pathway. The signaling affects the function of other parts of the body, including organs (and neuromusculoskeletal body parts).

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief from T.M.J. Pain with Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems safely and effectively. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways called meridians. This activates the body’s natural healing abilities.  Ultimately, this brings balance back to your body. Indeed, Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions.

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for T.M.J. Pain and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today for your acupuncture treatment for T.M.J. Pain and Dysfunction at 561-253-8984.

 

 

References:

• (1) Effects of short-term acupuncture treatment on occlusal force and mandibular movement in patients with deep-bite malocclusion J Dent Sci . 2019 Mar;14(1):81-86. doi: 10.1016/j.jds.2018.11.003. Epub 2018 Dec 4. Chih-Yu Fang, Jian-Hog Yu, Chia Chi Chang, Jhia Chi Chang, Jui Ting Hsu, Yu Chen Lee Heng Li Huan 

 

• (2) The efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of temporomandibular joint myofascial pain: a randomised controlled trial PHilip Smith, Daniella Mosscrop, Stephen Davies, Philip Sloan, Ziad Al-AniAffiliations  PMID: 17095133 DOI

 

 

 

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s clinical pearl story about West Palm Beach Chiropractic Acupuncture:  Relief from Low Back and Toe Pain

 

This is my clinical pearl story about West Palm Beach Chiropractic Acupuncture:  Relief from Low Back and Toe Pain.  He was a 65 year old male patient.  His chief complaints were low back and toe pain.   To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Frankie instead of his real name.

Frankie’s low back pain had come on 20 years ago.  He didn’t know how it started because there was no trauma. It came on insidiously. He was a technician servicing various machinery.  Therefore, his job entailed a lot of driving and lifting heavy equipment.  Frankie definitely thought a lot of his back problems were job related.

When Frankie first came to see me, he stated the “back problem had become a numbness” in his gluteal (buttock) area. The numbness was new and alarming to him.  Moreover, he had “pain in both big toes”. So he had gone to an orthopedist initially.  He was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis of his low back and toes.  Next, he was prescribed drugs. Finally, he was sent to physical therapy.  After some sessions, Frankie’s condition wasn’t improving.  And when the orthopedist suggested injections, he decided to turn to another alternative. Frankie had always had success with natural and holistic healing. So that’s when he came to see me.

 

Frankie’s Examination and Imaging

Upon examination, Frankie tested positive for his back pain condition.  His x-rays taken at the orthopedist showed degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) in his lumbar spine and both halluces (big toes). Additionally, Frankie’s diagnosis was sciatica which was the cause of the numbness in the gluteal area. And Frankie’s toes (in extension) were due to a Sand Toe injury.   

What is Sciatica?

Firstly, the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. Sciatic nerves originate from several nerves in your lower back. These nerves branch outward from the spine. And then it comes together at each buttock to form the sciatic nerve, which then radiates down each leg.

 

Secondly, the word “sciatic” is defined as relating to the hip or ischium or to any structure in its vicinity, as the sciatic nerve. The ischium is a paired bone (one on each side) of the pelvis.  This forms the lower and back part of the hip bone(s).

 

Thirdly, sciatica is defined as irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.  This causes pain in the buttock area with radiation to the lower leg. It is a condition characterized by pain along the course of the sciatic nerve.  Furthermore, it is usually a neuritis (inflammation of a nerve).  And it generally involves the lumbosacral spinal nerve roots.

 

Fourthly, many cases have a spinal cause, such as disc herniation/bulge causing impingement of L5 or S1 nerve roots. Other common causes include spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease (wear and tear arthritis/osteoarthritis), and spondylolisthesis. There are also other causes of sciatica, which are less common. These include piriformis, trauma, post-operative complications, gynecologic conditions, and herpes zoster (shingles).

 

Fifthly, in Frankie’s case, his sciatica was due to osteoarthritis.

 

What is Sand Toe?

“Sand toe”, is an injury to the big toe joint, specifically the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). It can be caused by repetitive hyperextension of the big toe.  For instance, like running and jumping. Symptoms include throbbing pain, swelling, and bruising.  In Frankie’s case, it may have also been work related.

 

Frankie’s Acupuncture Treatments at Meiri Chiropractic

Frankie initially treated with chiropractic care for his low back complaint. Indeed, his low back pain did decrease. However, the numbness wasn’t completely gone.  Of course, there was the halluce (big toe) problem.  Therefore, I started him on acupuncture treatments.

His Acupuncture treatments consisted of the insertion of very thin metal needles.  These were inserted into the skin and underlying tissues.  Finally, Frankie’s outcome from the acupuncture was a complete resolution.

 

 

How Does Acupuncture Help Sciatica, arthritis and “sand toe”?

Neuroscientists at Harvard Medical School looked at the underlying neuroanatomy of acupuncture.  Specifically, that acupuncture activates a nerve signaling pathway. The signaling affects the function of other parts of the body, including organs (and neuromusculoskeletal body parts).

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems safely and effectively. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways called meridians. This activates the body’s natural healing abilities.  Ultimately, this brings balance back to your body. Indeed, Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions.

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for low back pain, osteoarthritis, sciatica, sand toe and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today for your acupuncture treatment for sciatica at 561-253-8984.

 

 

 

This post is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Sciatica Relief.  Symptoms include mid-buttock pain that radiates down the leg, most often unilaterally (one side). You will often experience an abnormal sensation such as numbness or parethesia (pins and needles). You may also have weakness in the leg effected.

If you have Sciatica, acupuncture can provide relief!  We’ve got some great information to share below.

 

What is Sciatica?

 

Firstly, the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. Sciatic nerves originate from several nerves in your lower back. These nerves branch outward from the spine. And then it comes together at each buttock to form the sciatic nerve, which then radiates down each leg.

 

Secondly, the word “sciatic” is defined as relating to the hip or ischium or to any structure in its vicinity, as the sciatic nerve. The ischium is a paired bone (one on each side) of the pelvis that forms the lower and back part of the hip bone(s).

 

Thirdly, sciatica is defined as irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve that causes pain in the buttock area with radiation to the lower leg. It is a condition characterized by pain along the course of the sciatic nerve.  This is usually a neuritis (inflammation of a nerve).  It is generally caused by mechanical compression or irritation of the lumbar and sacral spinal nerve roots.

 

Fourthly, many cases have a spinal cause, such as disc herniation/bulge causing impingement of L5 or S1 nerve roots. Other common causes include spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease (wear and tear arthritis/osteoarthritis), and spondylolisthesis. There are also other causes of sciatica, which are less common. These include piriformis, trauma, post-operative complications, gynecologic conditions, and herpes zoster (shingles).

 

 

 Some Causes of  Sciatica

 

1. Disc herniation

This occurs usually between the ages of 30 and 50. This age range is due in part to the fact that the disc’s nucleus pulposus (central, softer jelly like inner part of disc) dehydrates with aging, leaving little to herniate.  Low back pain with radiation in the leg(s) which travels below the knee is a symptom. Paresthesia or numbness is more commonly found with disc herniations especially in the foot or ankle area.

 

You may have had a twisting injury accompanied by immediate leg pain. The leg pain is often more of a concern than the back pain.  Moreover, pain is often worse with sitting (due to increased disc pressure) and less with standing or walking.  In the past, you may have a history of recurrent episodes of back pain without leg pain.

 

1. Spinal Stenosis

 

The 50 year old and above with leg pain is more likely to have sciatica due to stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). You may have more difficulty with walking or standing.  This is because of the compressive effect created by the loading of the posterior (back of) spine where most of the stenosis occurs. Leg pain from spinal stenosis is called neurogenic claudication. 

 

So neurogenic claudication is secondary (due) to spinal stenosis.  In other words, neurogenic claudication is usually caused by spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine (lower back). This narrowing of the spinal canal is generally caused by arthritic changes in the lower spine.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Sciatica Relief

Firstly, in the treatment of sciatica, the first option is a conservative approach using conventional medications (CMs) such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, opioid analgesics, and corticosteroids. However, these have provided limited pain relief.  Furthermore, these have been often accompanied by adverse effects.  These include dizziness, drowsiness, intoxication, allergic reactions, hepatic and gastrointestinal dysfunctions.

Secondly, results of one study showed that acupuncture may be more effective than NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) in decreasing the patient’s pain level for leg pain/lumbago (low back pain). The study also stated, “Moreover, acupuncture may enhance the effect of medications in leg pain/lumbago relief. To patients with sciatica, acupuncture points appear more effective than nonacupoints”. (1)

Thirdly, a small, randomized clinical trial published in the December 2024 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine has found that acupuncture could offer relief for sciatica. Researchers randomly assigned 216 people (average age 51).  All the participants with sciatica caused by a herniated disk got either real acupuncture or a sham procedure.  And this lasted for 10 sessions over four weeks. In conclusion, those who received acupuncture reported having less leg pain and better physical function.  And this lasted up to a year.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Sciatica Relief

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems safely and effectively. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways called meridians. This activates the body’s natural healing abilities.  Ultimately, this brings balance back to your body. Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions.

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for sciatica and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today for your acupuncture treatment for sciatica at 561-253-8984.

 

References: (1) Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Treating Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Zongshi Qin, Xiaoxu Liu, Jiani Wu, Yanbing Zhai, Zhishun Liu  PMCID: PMC4631886  PMID: >26576192

 

 

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Sinusitis is about the natural treatments for sinusitis (sinus infection/inflammation)/sinus problems through acupuncture. Acupuncture has been traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions in China for more than a thousand years.  These include sinusitis/sinus problems, allergic asthma, and chronic bronchitis.

There are higher rates of sinusitis in the South, Midwest, and among women in the U.S.A. Furthermore, kids younger than 15 years of age and adults aged 25 to 64 years are affected most. 

Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions. Therefore, acupuncture is thought to be useful as a complementary, alternative and integrative therapy for Sinusitis.

 

Symptoms of Sinusitis

Indeed, the symptoms of sinusitis can be very painful and uncomfortable. This includes fever (usually low-grade, but higher in some cases), cough, headache, earache, toothache, facial pain, cranial pressure, difficulty breathing through the nose, loss of the sense of smell, fatigue, malaise, halitosis (persistent bad breath) and facial pain. Furthermore, it can even cause facial swelling along with a stuffy nose and thick discharge of mucus.  Next, the postnasal drip may cause a sore throat, nausea and difficulty sleeping.  

Anatomy of Paranasal Sinuses

The paranasal sinuses are located near the nose and connect to your nasal cavity. There are four paranasal sinuses: maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal. They are named corresponding to the respective bone from which it takes its name. The sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull and facial bones around the nose.  These are air-filled cavities within the frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary bones. All drain into the superior (upper) or lateral (side) aspect of the nose. The sinuses’ lining the mucosa (mucus membrane) is continuous with the nasal cavity.  Therefore, any infections from the nasal mucosa can easily spread to the sinuses.

 

Cause of Sinusitis

The cause of Sinusitis is multifactorial.  Most people with colds have an element of viral sinusitis. If you have atopy, a genetic immune system problem, it may make you more likely to develop allergic diseases (e.g. seasonal allergies).  So you are more susceptible to sinusitis. Similarly, sinusitis can be caused by allergens, environmental irritants, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. For example, irritants are animal dander, polluted air, smoke, and dust.

First, a viral upper respiratory infection may cause sinusitis secondary to edema. Second, inflammation of the nasal lining and the production of thick mucus that obstructs the paranasal (near to nose) sinuses allows a secondary bacterial overgrowth. Third, allergic rhinitis (hayfever) can lead to sinusitis.

Other risk factors of sinusitis include:

• Air travel can lead to inflammation of the sinuses, because of changes in air pressure.
• Chronic sinusitis may be caused by small growths in the nose, injury of the nasal bones, air pollution, dental complications, emotional stress, smoking, and exposure to irritant fumes and smells.
• Allergic sinusitis may be caused by hay fever or food allergies, especially allergies to milk/ dairy products.
• People with compromised immune systems (e.g. HIV) are more susceptible to sinusitis.

 

Acupuncture Treatment and Sinusitis

Conventional medical treatment for sinusitis is usually satisfactory, but often for a short time.  However, many patients have limited or no effect from conventional treatment. Therefore, the condition progresses to a chronic sinusitis which can last for many years. Treatment of chronic sinusitis is a well-established procedure in traditional Chinese acupuncture. Accordingly, acupuncture can be utilized to relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

 

Research on Acupuncture and Sinus Problems

In one study the favorable effects of acupuncture in the treatment of children and young adults with chronic maxillary sinusitis, compared with antibiotics was reported. Numerous observational studies have suggested that acupuncture can be effective in sinusitis or sinus pain.

In another study, Nasal congestion was explored in regards to acupuncture.  It was found those receiving acupuncture had a more positive outcome with nasal problems.  Nasal congestion is one of the most common complaints seen in primary care settings. Additionally, the side effects of decongestants are frequently seen in patients with chronic nasal congestion and sinus problems. In conclusion, this leads to an increasing demand of alternative treatments such as acupuncture for nasal congestion and sinus problems. 

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Sinusitis

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways along the meridians to bring balance back.  Mainly, the goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities. 

After a thorough exam to rule out any critical problems, a course of acupuncture may definitely help. Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for sinus problems and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today for your acupuncture treatment for sinusitis at 561-253-8984.

 

 

References: Acupuncture for nasal congestion: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical pilot study

Am J Rhinol Allergy . 2009 Nov-Dec;23(6):e23-8.  doi: 10.2500/ajra.2009.23.3380. Epub 2009 Sep 18.

Serkan Sertel  ¹ , Zazie Bergmann, Kerstin Ratzlaff, Ingo Baumann, Henry Johannes Greten, Peter Karl Plinkert