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Showing posts with label shoulder pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shoulder pain. Show all posts

What is a Tytron Scan?

By Dr. Jon Thomas, DC, PSc.D, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician.
Courtesy of Wikimedia
When people go to the doctor, one of the first things that happens is that a nurse or an assistant takes their temperature. Usually they use a disposable thermometer under the tongue. Medical professionals know the importance of body temperature.
Chiropractors know that there is also excellent information to be found by looking at temperatures all over the body. They know that wherever there is a hot spot or a cool spot, there could be a problem.
All of the organs in a human body are controlled by the Central Nervous System. Nerves run from the brain and down the spinal column. From there, they innervate various organs throughout the body, including the heart, the lungs, and the skin. Each of the nerves leaving the spinal column innervates specific areas of the skin.
Normally there is symmetry in skin temperature. By symmetry, I mean that the temperature on one side of the spine should be the same temperature as the temperature directly on the other side of the spine. However, when there is interference in a nerve, it throws the body’s temperature symmetry out of balance.



Monitoring the spine for differences in temperature is one of the ways that Chiropractors can get to the root of a patient’s problem. Chiropractors refer to misalignments of the spine as subluxations. Subluxations cause interferences in the nerves. By locating temperature differences around the spine, a chiropractor can determine where a misalignment is causing interference. Once located, a misalignment can be corrected.
When the temperature on one side of the spine is the same as the temperature on the other side all the way down the spine, it indicates that the body is in balance and that the nervous system is functioning the way it should. Before instrumentation was developed to measure differences in skin temperature, Chiropractors would slowly run the back of their hands down a patient’s back to locate hot spots along the spine.  That was the hands-on approach.
Titronics and the Tytron Scanner
B.J. Palmer,
Courtesy of Wikimedia
B.J. Palmer is known as the developer of modern Chiropractic. He was the founder of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Palmer understood the significance of temperature symmetry.  In the 1920s an engineer named Dossa Evins worked with Palmer to develop an instrument for recording skin temperatures along the spine. Instruments for measuring skin temperature have been evolving ever since.
Titronics Research & Development Co. is the world’s leading manufacturer of precision instrumentation used by Chiropractors. The founder of the company was Roger Titon, an engineer. One of the early devices that his company developed was used in construction for gluing plywood together. Temperature measurements were very important in that process.
Titon realized that his technology, which could measure temperatures very accurately while moving along a surface, could be used for purposes other than construction. Earlier in his career, he had worked in the Orthopedics department at a hospital. He had an ongoing interest in healthcare and inquired of people as to what types of doctors were most interested in very accurate temperature measurements.
Up to that time, he knew nothing about Chiropractic. He talked to Chiropractors and determined that there was indeed a need for a good instrument for measuring temperatures. Around the same time, he hurt his own back while working on a car, and he made his first visit to a Chiropractor as a patient.  Necessity truly is the mother of invention! Roger Titon needed Chiropractic and Chiropractors needed better devices for measuring temperatures.
In 1985, Titronics introduced the C-2000, the first such instrument with infrared scanners. It recorded the temperature on both sides of the spine while being moved along the spine. It also had a measuring wheel which recorded where along the spine the temperatures were taken. It was a big step forward from the hands-on approach I mentioned above.
Since then, there have been many advances which have increased the accuracy and usefulness of Tytron scanners.
A Tytron Scan is Non-invasive, Painless, and Fast.

Courtesy of Titronics
The Tytron records the temperature on both sides of the spine as a Chiropractor moves it up the back. It is a tremendously useful instrument for locating the spots where the temperatures are not in symmetry. It can be used to locate temperature differences all the way up or down the spine, or it can be used to focus on a single area like the cervical spine.
With the Tytron scanner, there are no needles and there is no cutting. It’s completely painless. There’s no laying down on a cold flat table. There is no need to try to remain motionless for long periods of time as there is with an MRI. Nor is there any claustrophobia or unsettling noise. With Tytron technology, a Chiropractor can scan the entire spine in less than a minute.
At Vibrant Life Health Center, I use a C-5000 to get a better understanding of my patients’ issues. With the images produced by the Tytron scanner, I can get a picture of where the interferences are in a patient’s body.  The image is also an excellent tool for showing patients a picture of what’s going on in various parts of their bodies.
Another benefit of the Tytron system is that the graphs, taken over time, can be overlaid on each other. This presents a picture of what’s going on in a patient’s body not only in the present, but over a period of years. This is extremely useful information to practitioners as they endeavor to help their patients toward health and wellness.
Call to schedule a Free Tytron Scan at Vibrant Life Health Center.
Courtesy of Titronics
Vibrant Life Health Center is currently offering free Tytron scans. See for yourself how this amazing device works and how it can help you to get your body into balance. If you have acute or chronic pain and you’d like to find out how Chiropractic can help, set up an appointment with Dr. Thomas at the Vibrant Life Health Center.
If you’ve been trying to lose weight for a long time and just can’t seem to do it, let Dr. Thomas explains the NutriMost program which helps people lose twenty to forty pounds or more in just forty days. And if you’d like to check out the Life In Balance plan which can address every area of a patient’s health, call Vibrant Life to set up an appointment.
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This article discusses the history of the Tytron scanner and the use of it in the practice of Chiropractic. The Tytron scanner was developed by an engineer named Roger Titon and it is used to measure temperature differences throughout the back area. It is tremendously useful for locating areas of the back that are out of alignment.
If you have a comment about this article, please leave it in the comments section below. If you know of someone who might benefit from the information in this blog, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and also on social media.
The Google Plus button and other social media sharing buttons are below.
At Vibrant Life, we address all of the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes nutrition, chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.

Courtesy of Vibrant Life
Dr. Jon Thomas is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health Center, is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in health and fitness started early, and his athletic pursuits have included BMX racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weightlifting, and Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health experts throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people of all ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to initiate the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that functions optimally. Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV on First Coast Living, where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the health of residents throughout Northeast Florida.

What does Chiropractic have to do with hurricanes?

By Dr. Jon Thomas, DC, PSc.D, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician.

Courtesy of Free Stock Photos
As residents of Northeast Florida recently discovered, a hurricane can be a major disruption. People try to be as prepared as possible, but there never seems to be enough time to prepare fully. When the storm hits, people hunker down and wonder when the power will go out. After the storm hits, they begin to take steps to clean up and then go on with their lives.
Every step of the way, there is some potential for injury. For example, some families have storm supplies in storage. Getting those supplies out of storage may involve gaining access to attics by ladders and pulling heavy items down from shelves. Reaching and lifting storm supplies, which seem like a routine activity, can lead to injury.
Also, in the preparation phase for a serious storm, people buy supplies like canned foods and bottled water. Cases of bottled water and canned foods are heavy. For someone who doesn’t get much exercise, picking up a case of water can cause a back injury.
Another thing that people purchase in anticipation of power outages are generators. In addition to being very heavy, generators are awkward to lift and carry. Just getting a generator out of a truck or van can cause a back injury.
Wikimedia Commons 
Note: When running a generator, it’s very important to read the instructions. Generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill a person in minutes. Also, since the exhaust from a generator is hot, it’s very important to make sure that the exhaust isn’t pointed toward anything flammable like wood siding.
During a storm, simply moving around a house can become challenging after the power goes out. Even with a flashlight, you don’t see as well as you would with normal lighting. It’s easy to trip or to bump into things when the lights are out. Another storm hazard involves dealing with high winds outside, which can result in a fall.
The danger isn’t over even after the storm passes by. In the aftermath of a storm, people sometimes hurt their backs, shoulders, and necks. There may be large trees or tree limbs that need to be cut and moved. Cutting wood may involve using the shoulder muscles in ways that most people don’t do very often. Then there’s debris that needs to be hauled to the street. Some of that debris can be heavy and awkward to drag.
Courtesy of Vibrant Life 
How can a Chiropractor help?
Anytime a person has a back, neck, or shoulder injury, the first thing he or she should consider is getting checked out by a qualified Chiropractor. A trained Chiropractor knows that there are different kinds of pain and different ways to deal with pain. For example, pulsating pain is frequently associated with the cardiovascular system. Burning pain is often associated with the nervous system. Dull aching pain is frequently associated with muscles.
A Chiropractor understands the differences and knows the best approach to deal with these different types of pain.  Pain is essentially a signal, like a check engine light in a car. It tells people that something is not right in the body. A Chiropractor will assess the signal and figure out what’s causing the problem. Then he or she can get to the root cause.
The spine houses and protects the nervous system. When there is a misalignment in the spine, it can inhibit communication back and forth with the brain. It doesn’t take much of a misalignment to shut a nerve off. At that point, the brain may not be able to properly control a part of the body.
Through spinal decompression, a Chiropractor can increase the space for nerves to send their signals to the brain. There are no vessels in the disks and without Chiropractic, there is no way to remove toxins from the disks. A Chiropractic adjustment can help to rehydrate and nourish the disks.
Chiropractic is the safest form of healthcare available.
There are several different techniques available for dealing with the pain issues that people have. Whereas one technique may work very well for one person, it may not work well for another person with a similar condition. That’s why it’s good to go to a Chiropractor who has been trained in more than one or two techniques. A Chiropractor who knows six, eight or more techniques obviously has more tools at his disposal than a Chiropractor who only knows one or two techniques.
Developing a relationship with a Chiropractor
Courtesy of Vibrant Life 
Many people wait until they have a serious problem before setting up an appointment with a Chiropractor. There’s really no need to do that. When a person goes to a Chiropractor as a part of a routine health regimen, the Chiropractor becomes familiar with the patient’s issues and concerns. That kind of relationship helps the doctor to address a patient’s problems as they come up.
At Vibrant Life Health Center, we now offer the Life in Balance plan which addresses all the needs of our patients. It incorporates weight loss, nutrition, fitness, Chiropractic, and much more. The Life in Balance plan eliminates the need to go to several practitioners who have different specialties.
If you have acute or chronic pain and you’d like to find out how Chiropractic can help, set up an appointment with Dr. Thomas at the Vibrant Life Health Center. If you’ve been trying to lose weight for a long time and just can’t seem to do it, let Dr. Thomas explains the NutriMost program which helps people lose twenty to forty pounds or more in just forty days. And if you’d like to check out the Life In Balance plan which can address every area of a patient’s health, call Vibrant Life to set up an appointment.

This article discusses the different ways Chiropractic can provide the solution to various types of pain. I’ve also provided information about Vibrant Life Health Center’s Life in Balance program which incorporates weight loss, nutrition, fitness, musculoskeletal health, and much more.
If you have a comment about this article, please leave it in the comments section below. If you know of someone who might benefit from the information in this blog, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and also on social media.
The Google Plus button and other social media sharing buttons are below.
At Vibrant Life, we address all of the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes nutrition, chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.
Courtesy of Vibrant Life 
Dr. Jon Thomas is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health Center, is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in health and fitness started early, and his athletic pursuits have included BMX racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weightlifting, and Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health experts throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people of all ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to initiate the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that functions optimally. Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV on First Coast Living, where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the health of residents throughout Northeast Florida.

Why suffer with shoulder pain when it can be resolved?



By  Dr. Jon Thomas D.C PSc.D, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician.

As I mentioned in a recent post about headaches, many people wait until their pain becomes excruciating before doing anything about it. People use this approach for shoulder pain as much as anything else. They hope the pain will just go away.

Shoulder pain can come about in lots of different ways: Sleeping position, carrying heavy bags or backpacks, and using handheld devices and computers for a long time can all cause strain to the shoulder.

Many people associate chiropractic care primarily with neck or back issues. Most chiropractors also treat many other parts of the body, including the shoulders. Shoulder pain may be caused by joint irritation, by tissue irritation, or by the joint being out of alignment. Shoulder pain can frequently be relieved through a chiropractic adjustment.

How the shoulder works

Courtesy of Wikipedia
The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body. It is surrounded by nerves, tendons, bursas, and other tissues which are interconnected. Tendons attach muscle to bone. Ligaments attach bone to bone.

The shoulder is a complicated joint with a great range of motion. It gives us the ability to do lots of things with our arms. It is also a fragile joint in some ways. Overuse or unusual motion can cause damage to the shoulder.

Tendons, muscles, or ligaments around the shoulder can stretch and tear causing pain. If you have a shoulder injury, it’s very important to get it checked out sooner rather than later. That way you can resolve an issue before it becomes more serious. Most shoulder problems fall into the following categories.

Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (FSS) is a condition of the shoulder where arm movement becomes very limited. It can be both painful and debilitating. With FSS, the slightest movement can be very painful. There are three progressive stages with FSS. The first is the freezing stage. Shoulder pain gets worse over time and the range of motion becomes increasingly limited. The freezing stage can last weeks or even months.

The frozen shoulder stage is when the movement pattern in the shoulder has become extremely limited. The constant pain may subside, but pain is frequently felt whenever movement is attempted beyond a limited range of motion. The frozen stage can last several months. After that, in the thawing stage, the patient gradually gets their pain-free range of motion back.

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon. It is generally the result of wear and tear over a period of years. It can come from excessive repetitive motion, like pitching a baseball or throwing a football. Tendonitis can also come from an injury in the form of splitting or tearing of a tendon. These injuries are sometimes referred to as rotator cuff injuries.

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursas, which are fluid sacs around the joint.  The bursas reduce friction caused by the movement of the shoulder. Excessive, repetitive use of the shoulder can lead to bursitis. Bursitis and rotator cuff tendonitis sometimes occur together.

When should you seek treatment?

Many patients ignore initial shoulder symptoms. In the case of an acute injury, if the pain is intense, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. If the pain is mild to moderate, you might wait a few days to see if time will alleviate the problem. When the pain persists past a few days, it’s time to set up an appointment.

How does a chiropractor treat shoulder problems?

An examination by a trained and experienced chiropractor will measure range of motion, as well as testing the muscle around the shoulder. As part of an examination, your chiropractor will determine the underlying cause of your shoulder pain. Among other problems, the shoulder joint can shift out of alignment causing the muscles and ligaments to pull in an abnormal way. This can lead to spasms, inflammation, and pain.

The nerves supplying the shoulder joint and tissues surrounding the shoulder originate in the neck. A chiropractor can evaluate the neck for any subluxations that may be causing interference. Shoulder problems are sometimes treated by adjusting the spine. An adjustment can restore proper movement in the spine and improve nerve function in the shoulder.

Adjustments to the shoulder can be performed to shift the joint forward or backward, depending on symptoms. An adjustment can restore the normal range of motion. It can also allow the muscles to function correctly. In many cases, a chiropractor can provide instant relief to patients suffering from shoulder pain.

A qualified chiropractor may also provide instructions on things like sleeping position, how to set up your computer so that it’s ergonomically correct, and how to carry things so that you don’t put unnecessary strain on your shoulder. A chiropractor may also suggest exercises to strengthen the shoulder and increase range of motion. 
Dr. Thomas was recently on First Coast Living with a patient  who received chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain due to a serious injury. Watch the video!

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In this article, I have discussed common shoulder problems, what causes them, and how a chiropractor can help to alleviate them. Shoulder pain can be caused by several things, including tendonitis, bursitis, or a misalignment. Shoulder pain can be treated effectively by a chiropractor.

If you have a comment about this article, please leave it in the comments section below. If you know of someone who might benefit from the information in this blog, please share it with your friends, colleagues, and on social media.

The Google Plus button and other social media sharing buttons are below.

At Vibrant Life, we address all of the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes nutrition, chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.

Dr. Jon Thomas is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health Center, is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in health and fitness started early, and his athletic pursuits have included BMX racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weight Lifting, and Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health experts throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people of all ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to initiate the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that functions optimally. Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV on First Coast Living, where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the health of residents throughout Jacksonville.

What to Expect When the Unexpected Happens!

"Your First Visit to the Vibrant Life Health Center"

By Tracy Thomas, Vice President 

Dr. Thomas
Visiting a chiropractor for the first time can be like a box of chocolates. As Forrest Gump once said, “You never know what you’re gonna get.” For the most part, chiropractors do a more comprehensive job of getting to know you and your concerns before providing any treatment than regular MD’s. Having said that, not all chiropractic centers are created equal.
At the Vibrant Life Health Center, we want to provide you with a picture of what you’ll get on your first visit. But first – and there’s no way around it – there’s some paperwork to take care of. Naturally, to treat you effectively, we will need to know about your history and whatever discomfort you may be experiencing.
The nice thing is you can get the forms on our website, complete them in the comfort of your home, and bring them with you on your first visit to our office. There are diagrams for you to illustrate where your problem areas are. Filling out this material at home will allow you to put some thought into exactly what problems you would like Dr. Thomas to address.
When you get here, you’ll be greeted and you’ll need to sign a few additional forms that have to be signed on site. While our receptionist inputs your information into our system, you’ll have an opportunity to watch a short video about chiropractic. It’s very informative, and it explains terms like subluxation.
As defined by the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, a subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health. Both the video and Dr. Thomas will explain why subluxations are a problem and how Chiropractic treatment can help.
Shortly after the video is over, you’ll meet with Dr. Thomas. He will begin discussing your medical history with you and ask you about whatever health problems motivated you to make an appointment.
The Tytron Nerve Scan
Dr. Thomas will then do a nerve scan with a Tytron instrument. Every organ in the human body is controlled by the central nervous system. The nerves are like wires running from the brain, down the spinal column, and out to each organ in the body, including the heart, the lungs, and even the skin. Each of the nerves emanating from the spinal column is associated with a particular part of the body and with a specific area of the skin. Interferences in the nerves can be the cause of problems in the body part associated with that nerve.
The Tytron Nerve Scan is a tool for measuring what’s happening on the outside of a person’s spine and upper cervical area. It’s completely painless and it only takes a minute or two. The data collected show where any interference may be occurring in the nerves. The printout from the Tytron shows the doctor and patient where the problems are. This enables the Vibrant Life team to specifically address areas of concern. It can also help to address problems that aren’t yet causing any symptoms for the patient.
Weighing in on a Bilateral Scale
The bilateral scale looks like two normal bathroom scales adjacent to each other. Being weighed on a bilateral scale shows how much of your weight is normally on each leg. The ideal is for a person’s weight to be evenly distributed. However, that frequently is not the case.
It can be surprising for patients to see that they’re carrying ten pounds more on one side than the other. An imbalance can cause discomfort in other parts of the body. It can lead to problems in the knees, the pelvis, and even in the shoulder opposite to the leg bearing most of a patient’s weight.
The Examination Room
In the examination room, Dr. Thomas will take you on a brief illustrated tour of Chiropractic. The pictures and diagrams on the walls, which have just the right level of detail, are there to show patients how the spine and the nervous system work with the rest of the body.
At some point, Dr. Thomas may mention that people make plans to buy vehicles, plans to buy houses, and plans for advancing in their careers. Then he may ask, “What have you done to plan for your health? What is your five-year plan?”
It’s a thought-provoking question because most people don’t think about planning for their health as much as they should. Lots of folks put more thought into rearranging their furniture than they put into planning for their own health.
Posture Evaluation
As a highly trained and experienced Chiropractor, Dr. Thomas can easily recognize many of the posture problems people are having. It’s not hard for him to see a condition like forward head posture, or to see when one shoulder is lower than the other, or a variety of other abnormalities.
However, patients don’t have to take his word for it. Believe it or not, he has an app on his phone which will take pictures from the front and side of the patient and will then provide an overlay diagram showing patients their posture challenges. Then and there, a patient will see the posture problems he or she is living with.
Tests to Make Sure Patient is Ready for Treatment
As he moves the patient from room to room, Dr. Thomas is becoming familiar with the patient, evaluating his or her condition, and developing a plan for treating the patient. Toward the end of the process, which takes about 45 minutes, Dr. Thomas will perform several tests to make sure the patient is able and ready to be adjusted. Before making any adjustment, Dr. Thomas performs several tests, including orthopedic, neurologic, sensation, reflex, and muscle tests.
Many chiropractors have one, or two, or perhaps three techniques at their disposal. Dr. Thomas has mastered many more techniques than the average Chiropractor. This enables him to approach problem areas in more than one way, depending on what he thinks will produce the best result and what the patient is comfortable with.
After the Adjustment
After getting an adjustment, the patient will be escorted to another room. He or she will be seated on a chair with a special pad for exercising the pelvis. Then the patient will be shown how to move around on the pad. This final step hydrates the spine which helps to lock in the adjustment.
 Consultation with Dr. Jon Thomas

In this article, I have discussed what patients can look forward to when they visit the Vibrant Life Health Center for the first time. Through December, new patients can get complimentary Posture Analysis, Tytron Nerve Scan, and a one-on-one consultation about their health with Dr. Thomas. 

If you know of someone who might benefit from the information in this blog, please share it with your friends, colleagues, and on social media.  

The Google Plus button and other social media sharing buttons are below.
If you have a comment about this article, please leave it in the comments section.
At Vibrant Life, we address all of the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes nutrition, chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.    
Dr. Jon Thomas D.C PSc.D, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. Dr. Jon Thomas is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health Center, is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in health and fitness started early, and his athletic pursuits have included BMX racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weight Lifting, and Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health experts throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people of all ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to initiate the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that functions optimally. Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV on First Coast Living, where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the health of residents throughout Jacksonville.