Chiropractic Blog

What’s That “Hump” At The Top Of My Back?
March 25, 2019 No Comments on What’s That “Hump” At The Top Of My Back?

What’s That “Hump” At The Top Of My Back?

Believe it or not, this is a very common question that I get asked here in the office. The question usually comes from women and they will ask me, “Doc, what’s that hump at the top of my back?” It is likely that they are talking about the area right where the neck meets the upper back. They tell me that they have been noticing it more over the years and that it looks worse and worse in photos. Thankfully, for most of these situations, IT IS CORRECTABLE! The typical culprit for this unsightly problem, is forward head posture.
- What is forward head posture?
  - When the ear no longer lines up vertically with the shoulder, and is now forward from the shoulder.
- How does it create the “hump”?
  - The first few thoracic vertebra, or “upper back” vertebrae will now protrude upwards as a result of this new hinging from the forward lean of the head.
- Other than assessing posture, what else needs to be done?
  - X-rays may need to be taken to check for irreversible damage like arthritis or to check for vertebral misalignment.
- How do you treat this?
  - Typically, adjustments of the neck and upper back joints and some theraputic modalities to muscles or tissues. Corrective exercises are performed at home and at work.
- What activities create this problem?
  - Prolonged cell phone use, computer work, reading, studying, improper pillow, improper sleeping habits.
Every inch that your ear moves forward from your shoulder, essentially DOUBLES the weight of what it normally weighs! This can lead to neck pain, headaches, migraines, tension in the upper back, numbness and tingling in the arms and hands, improper breathing, arthritis, thinning discs, and of course the dreaded “hump at the top of my back”.

If you found this information valuable, please share it!

Yours in optimal health and wellness,

Dr. Glenn Ezell
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Low Back Pain While Sitting? Try This!
March 4, 2019 No Comments on Low Back Pain While Sitting? Try This!

Low Back Pain While Sitting? Try This!
- Have you ever had low back pain while sitting in your car, the office, or at home? If so, it could be due to the lack of support for your normal lumbar curvature (lumbar lordosis).
- Having too much, or too little curve in your lower back can cause pain and problems.
- When seated, without proper posture, the low back tends to slouch and flex (bend forward) putting abnormal strain on the joints, ligaments, and muscles of the lower back.
- For most people who work at a desk, this often happens, no matter how great of posture you have, your back will get fatigued after hours of being seated.
- Another common place this occurs is at home on the couch or in a chair which often times offers little to no support for the back.
The Solution:
- A lumbar support that is firm enough to cradle your back and keep it in a more neutral position.
- In a quick fix, or a budget situation, used a rolled up towel and place it in the small of your lower back.
- For a more permanent and lasting solution, purchase a lumbar support to affix to your chairs or car seat.
- Lumbar supports are effective in combination with chiropractic care for the treatment and solution of low back pain and discomfort.
- To broaden and fine tune your desk posture, look back to this post → “Reduce Neck And Back Pain At Your Desk”
As always, feel free to share this post if you found it helpful and reach out to me if you have questions or would like to come in for an examination

Yours in optimal health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell
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What Happens When You Crack Your Own Spine?
January 30, 2019 No Comments on What Happens When You Crack Your Own Spine?

What Happens When You Crack Your Own Spine?

You’ve seen people do it, maybe you even do it yourself. Cracking your own spine. Grandmothers everywhere will tell you that it gives you arthritis. Some of you are what we would call, “addicted to crack”. Bending yourself over the back of a chair or twisting your own neck. All of these may help you feel better, but ask the majority of people who do this and they will tell you that it feels like it needs to “pop” again within a short period of time. So what actually happens when you crack your own spine?

This is likely the case because the joints that are actually making the popping noise are the ones above and below the main restriction, which are what we call “hyper” mobile joints. They are actually moving too much in order to compensate for the restricted joint in between. It may feel good temporarily but will usually not last long.

You see, there are 24 moving vertebrae in your spine (7 neck, 12 mid back, 5 low back). You can consider a group of 2 or more of these vertebrae to be a “motion segment”. Cracking your own spine helps the “motion segment” move a bit more, but the original restriction likely will remain, causing relapse of symptoms and allowing future problems to occur.

The other reason for this short term relief is that we are not able to impart the right forces at the right angles on ourselves to fully clear the joints of the restriction, you might get a pop releasing some of the gas in the joint but it did not fully move.

Are there any potential risks involved with cracking your own spine?

Yes there are. Let’s start with the obvious being that chiropractors have studied and practiced for years the art, science, and philosophy of the spinal adjustment and is at the heart of what most of us do, making us the experts in this field. Knowing when, how, where, and why to adjust is extremely important.

Given years and years of cracking your own spine, there is a potential to create ligamentous instability which would allow for your spine to be susceptible to a multitude of more serious injuries and permanent damage.

Yours in optimal health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell

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↓Share this post with your favorite spine cracker and see what they think!↓
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CBD Oil
December 30, 2018 No Comments on CBD Oil

CBD Oil

By now, you probably know someone that is using CBD oil or have at least heard something about it, whether it be positive or negative.

WHAT IS IT?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally-occurring constituent of industrial hemp (cannabis sativa) plants. It is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis.

CBD can be derived from hemp and marijuana.

Both hemp and marijuana are from the same genus and species (cannabis sativa). The characteristic of having low THC is the single difference that most rely on to distinguish industrial hemp from marijuana. CBD taken from hemp and marijuana is the exact same compound.

DOES IT GET YOU HIGH?

Most people have heard of a cannabinoid called THC, which is the ingredient in cannabis that gets users high. Unlike THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and does not cause a high.

WHAT CAN IT HELP WITH?

The top 3 are: PAIN, ANXIETY, SLEEP

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the brain and body that respond to endogenous cannabinoids produced naturally in our bodies. It’s been shown that ECS plays a role in some way or another, in many different disease states.

Two of the primary receptors in the ECS are CB1 and CB2, CBD stimulates activity at both of the receptors but does not actually bind to them like THC does with the CB1 receptor. Since these receptors are found throughout the brain and body, CBD is able to modulate various processes in our internal system.

According to research, CBD is also able to interact with a number of different receptors. For example the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor which plays a role anxiety, sleep, appetite, pain, and nausea is directly activated by CBD.

CBD also interacts with TRPV1 receptors that play a role in inflammation, pain perception, and regulating body temperature. This compound has anti-cancer effects that come from the CBD’s ability to activate PPARs (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors), when activated has been shown to induce tumor regression.

ARE THEY ALL THE SAME?

NO. You can think of CBD oils similarly to the foods we buy from the grocery store. Some are organic, some are without preservatives, flavorings, and other additives/chemicals. Some are produced using a variety of different methods.

An organic, CO2 extracted, cold pressed, full spectrum oil would be my recommendation of the best qualities to search for.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH IT

I’m a firm believer in not recommending anything to my patients, friends, and family before trying it myself.

I’ve had nothing but positive effects thus far. On average, I take about 2-3 doses per week. Usually Sunday, Wednesday and sometimes one other day later in the week. I take them near bed time, 7-10 drops underneath my tongue.

I notice a wonderful relaxed feeling that allows me to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for most of the night. Upon awakening I feel fresh, no brain fog, and clear (unlike with melatonin). My normal aches and pains like in my upper and lower back (yes chiropractors feel those too) from adjusting patients all week is dramatically lessened, and I feel those effects last at least one day after.

This is not a cure all, and will not fix major body problems, but in my opinion, is a great adjunct to a wellness lifestyle that is affordable and easy to maintain for most.

We do have the product available for purchase in the office for those who are searching for some to own.

Or you can buy it here and have it shipped to your doorstep

CBD Oil ←Click here to shop

Yours in optimal health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell

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Ice Or Heat?
November 28, 2018 No Comments on Ice Or Heat?

Ice or Heat?

The age old question; “Should I use ice or heat on this?”

As a rule of thumb:
- Ice is for injuries
- Heat is for chronic pain
Generally, you can’t do much harm with ice, so if in doubt, use ice.

Lets break down what effect each of these therapies has on the body:
1. Ice
  - Constricts blood vessels to decrease or prevent blood flow to applied area (vasoconstriction).
2. Heat
  - Widens blood vessels to increase or promote blood flow to applied area (vasodilation).
These 2 examples will demonstrate the proper way to use ice and heat
1. A soccer player rolls his ankle during a game. It is assessed and is presumed to be a mild sprain. His ankle is painful, swollen, red, and tender.
  - ICE
  - Use off and on in 20 minute time intervals until comfortable
2. An office worker has long days sitting and working in front of a computer screen and has tension in the neck and upper back across the shoulders that is consistent day to day.
  - HEAT
KEY NOTE: If the soccer player were to heat his injury, it would promote more swelling, likely making his pain worse.

What does the research say?
- Long term use of ice on an injury will delay the healing process. If ice prevents blood flow, and that blood flow is necessary for the body to deliver healing properties to the injured area, you wouldn’t want to prevent it for long. Localized icing should only be used short term, for pain control purposes.
- Some new research has shown contrasting therapy to speed the healing process. This is performed by using 20 minutes of heat and 20 minutes of ice on the effected area. It works by creating a pump cycle of blood to and from the area, thus leading to faster recovery time.
- Moist heat is deeper penetrating and shown to be more effective than dry heat. Moist heat sources could be hot water packs, bottles, towel wraps, etc. Dry heat sources, for example, are plug in heating pads.
As you can see, ice and heat can promote positive outcomes, utilized in the right way. If you have questions, you should ask your chiropractor.

Yours in health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell
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Put Your Best Foot Forward
October 31, 2018 No Comments on Put Your Best Foot Forward

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Believe it or not but your feet play a vital role in how your entire body functions, from the ground all the way up! A study was performed and the results showed that 77% of those examined had moderate to severe flatness of their feet! That means that roughly less than a quarter of the population has a proper arch to the foot!

Let’s discuss the arches of the foot. (YES! There are THREE!) All three arches combine to form the “plantar vault“.
1. Medial longitudinal arch (inner)
2. Lateral longitudinal arch (outer)
3. Transverse metatarsal arch
Most people have heard of “pronation“, so what is it? Over pronation happens when the arches of the feet become flattened out and the foot rolls inward.

Here are the 5 RED FLAGS of over pronation:
1. Foot flare (toe out)
2. Internal knee rotation (the knee doesn’t line up straight over the foot, it turns inward)
3. Bowed achilles tendon
4. Flat foot (look for collapse of fabric along the inner portion of a shoe)
5. Uneven shoe wear
What types of foot problems can this create?
1. Plantar fascitis
2. Bunions/hammer toes
3. Tendonitis
4. Heel spurs
5. Arthritis
Not only are these detrimental for your foot health, it can also affect the rest of your body! This can lead to ankle, knee, hip, pelvic, and spinal issues.

How can a chiropractor help you with these problems?
- Here in our office, we first start by using a state of the art foot scanner to evaluate your feet. It generates a number of different types of data for the doctor to review.
- We then continue by doing a comprehensive foot exam and spinal exam to check for further issues.
- Finally, the doctor may recommend x-rays to evaluate further how orthotics can best help your feet and the rest of your body.
The type of orthotic prescribed depends on several factors including:
- age
- type of activity/work performed
- level of intensity performed
- type of shoe
Special considerations are made for people who wear dress shoes and tight fitting flats. These people often get 1/2 or 3/4 length orthotics to fit properly. We have a special set for women’s heels up to 2 inches. We also have the ability to create orthotic flip flops.

If you’d like to get checked, all you need to do is call to set up an examination. Our foot scanner is used complimentary to your first visit at no extra charge.

Yours in health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell
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Reduce Neck And Back Pain At Your Desk
September 27, 2018 No Comments on Reduce Neck And Back Pain At Your Desk

Reduce Neck and Back Pain At Your Desk
- Working as a chiropractor for years, I have found that there are several specific things that tend to cause pain in most individuals. One of the most common is poor desk and workstation ergonomics. In this post I will share with you some of the best ways to reduce neck and back pain at your desk.
- Your workstation should be set up in a way that is easiest on your body, particularly, your spine. The average american sits for an average of 13 hours a day. That’s a whopping 54% of your day! You’re going to want to make sure that you are sitting and working in the best way possible, otherwise you could end up with chronic neck and back complaints stemming from postural distortions, arthritis, and muscle imbalances.
The best tips to reduce neck and back pain at your desk:
1. Feet flat on the floor. Stay away from propping your legs up on a stool or chair as this will cause strain on your lower back. Crossing your legs will twist the pelvis.
2. Thighs 90 degrees to floor or slightly downward. To change this, you will have to use the elevation function on the chair. For shorter individuals, you may need to use a step stool under your feet.
3. Rock your pelvis forward to sit up tall. When done properly, you will feel as if you are sitting more on your “butt bones”, which will allow for a natural arch in your lower back.
4. Shoulders retracted and down. As stress levels rise, the shoulders tend to migrate up, leading to tightness in the neck and back. Prevent rounding by gently holding shoulder blades together.
5. Forearms at 90 degrees to body. Modified by positioning keyboard and mouse at the appropriate level. Too high and this will cause the shoulders to rise, leading to number 4.
6. Monitor at exactly eye level, straight ahead. The slightest tilt of your neck in a downward position will cause pain in the neck. Your chin should be parallel to the floor. Use books or a stand to prop it up. Do not have the head in a turned position for a long period of time.
7. Use a lumbar support if your back gets fatigued. If your find your back getting worn out from sitting up, purchase a lumbar support that will aid in keeping the natural arch in your back.
Other important factors include taking your wallet out of your back pocket and taking frequent breaks to stretch and get up to move around.

Yours in health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell
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Top 10 Essential Oils
September 5, 2018 No Comments on Top 10 Essential Oils

Top 10 Essential Oils
- Essential oils are growing in popularity among households who are looking for natural ways to support a healthy lifestyle and replace medications and chemicals. Essential oils are derived from the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They are basically what gives the plant it’s aromatic qualities.
Essential oils can be used in a variety of different ways:
1. Aromatically: This method involves inhalation. This can best be achieved by placing drops in palm and simply inhaling or more popularly by diffusing with an air diffuser.
2. Topically: In this method the oil is applied either directly to the skin or mixed with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil to dilute. Certain oils require dilution before applying to skin and especially in sensitive populations or children.
3. Internally: This method involves ingesting the oils. Most people use them in beverages or recipes. You can also place inside of an empty pill capsule and swallow.
- I have seen personal benefit and have had others benefit from at least 10 different oils which I will share with you:
1. Lavender
  - Floral and herbal aroma
  - Great for children
  - Calming and relaxing
  - Wound healer
  - Skin irritant reducer (rash, irritation, etc)
  - Sleep aid
2. Tea Tree
  - Spicy, herbal aroma
  - Also called Melaleuca
  - Cleansing and purifying
  - Antimicrobial
  - Antifungal
  - Antiviral
  - Great for facial imperfections
  - Inhale vapors for sinus infections
3. Peppermint
  - Menthol aroma
  - Uplifting, invigorating
  - Relieves nausea
  - Helps with headaches and migraines
  - Analgesic for muscle aches and pain
4. Eucalyptus
  - Foresty aroma
  - Beneficial for cold/flu season
  - Expectorant
  - Decongestant
  - Clarifying type of oil
5. Lemon
  - Fruity aroma
  - Used for home cleaning
  - Antimicrobial
  - Fresh scent
  - Great in water
  - Uplifting
  - Antioxidant
6. Oregano
  - Herbal aroma
  - Immune booster
  - Great for topical applications
  - Gets rid of parasitic and fungal infections
  - Wart remover
  - Antiviral
  - Antibacterial
  - Antifungal
7. Frankincense
  - Resinous, balsamic aroma
  - Meditative
  - Calming
  - Grounding
  - Great to use with yoga
  - Anti-inflammatory
  - Cancer fighter
8. Clary Sage
  - Sweet, herbal aroma
  - Hormone regulator
  - Best for menstrual cramps
  - Improves circulation
  - Mood booster
  - Labor pain management
9. Cedarwood
  - Sweet, woody aroma
  - Promotes hair growth
  - Improves eczema
  - Helps with ADHD
  - Repels bugs
  - Great to use on dogs with fleas
10. Patchouli
  - Rich, sensuous, earthy aroma
  - Fights depression
  - Aphrodisiac
  - Immune booster
  - Prevents body odor
- Essential oils can be of great benefit to you, your family members, and even your pets, but must be used under proper guidance. First and foremost, all oils are not created equal! Essential oils should be certified pure therapeutic grade. There are little guidelines and regulations out that require manufacturers to print the contents of oils, quality, or sources. Even though they may smell good, this does not mean that they are pure. They may contain chemicals, defeating the purpose of going natural in the first place.
- Some oils have to be used in specific ways. For example some can be ingested and some cannot. Some can be used on children, dogs, pregnant women, while others cannot. Please use caution.
- I buy my oils from Doterra. They have the best track record when it comes to essential oils and are the best known company to produce quality oils in my opinion.
- If you want more information please feel free to contact me. If you would like to place an order please contact Jean Vance at jvanceessentialoils@gmail.com or go to http://www.mydoterra.com/jeanvance
Yours in optimal health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell
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Backpack Safety
July 31, 2018 No Comments on Backpack Safety

Backpack Safety 101

Does your child ever complain of neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, or headaches? Does your child have trouble keeping his or her posture upright? Does your child have uneven shoulders or hips? Does your child ever complain about the weight of their backpack? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, please read on to backpack safety 101. These tips are valuable in addressing key problems that can save your children from years of back and neck problems!
- Make sure their backpack is not more than 5-10% of their body weight. Any more and this will cause your child to hunch forward to compensate for the heavy backpack.
- Purchase a back pack that has wide padded straps. Thin straps can become irritable and can put more pressure on the shoulders.
- Adjust the straps so that the bag is no more than 4 inches below the waistline. Any lower and this will cause your child to lean again in compensation.
- Use both shoulders! Yes it looks cool on one shoulder, no it’s not good for your spine! This could lead to abnormal spinal curvatures and uneven shoulders (Moms with purses check this out)
- Carry only what’s needed at the time. Use lockers to switch in and out books so that your load isn’t too heavy at one given time.
- When lifting the backpack from the ground, use your knees and hinge at the waist to lessen the pressure on your lower back.
There you have it, the most effective and ergonomic ways to utilize a backpack. As always, chiropractors are trained to treat back and neck problems that may be associated with students. Schedule and appointment with Dr. Ezell if you would like to have your child checked.

Yours in health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell
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Could Your Child Have Scoliosis?
June 28, 2018 No Comments on Could Your Child Have Scoliosis?

Could Your Child Have Scoliosis?
- Studies have shown that scoliosis occurs in 3% of the US population and has an average onset from 10-20 years of age. Utilizing my clinical expertise and time in private practice, I believe that many more people actually have un-diagnosed scoliotic curvatures of the spine.
- An x-ray is necessary to measure the degree of any curvature in the spine and pain is not often associated with early onset of scoliosis in children and adolescents. Back pain often happens later in life and gets written off as “old age”, “arthritis”, and more. But what if you could fix this problem when it starts or prevent it from getting worse in the future? And how about without bracing or surgery?
- What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is defined as a curvature in the spine greater than 10 degrees in the frontal plane. So as you look at a person from behind, either a left or a right bend in the spine. Many articles and research states that scoliosis is caused by genetic factors, neuromuscular problems, spinal deformities, leg length discrepancies, and environmental factors. The environmental factors are the ones that I like to emphasize because they make up the majority. These include birth traumas/birth stress, posture, slips/falls, sports, car accidents, sleeping positions, and more.
How can you check your child at home?
1. Forward bend test: Stand behind the person you are checking and have the person bend forward at the waist. You are looking for asymmetry at the shoulder blade region. If one side appears to be higher, has a “rib hump” appearance, or has more muscular tone to it, that is a positive sign for scoliosis. This is best visualized without baggy clothing.
2. Shoulder and hip elevation: Standing behind again, visually check to see if both shoulders are completely level and look to see if both hips seem to line up horizontally. If not, this is a positive sign.
3. Pant leg/shoe check: Look to see if this person has one pant leg that drags the floor or is becoming more worn and frayed. Also, look at the bottoms of this person’s shoes, ideally you should see an even wear pattern on both shoes, if not equal, you may notice more wear on the outside, inside, front, or back of the shoe. These are both positive signs.
4. Walk test: Visualize the way your child walks. It should be smooth from foot strike to foot strike. What to watch for is a limp, and it might not be like if someone were in pain, but a slight favoring of one side. Look for a sway in the body with each step to one side. This would be a positive sign.
- What risks are associated with untreated scoliosis? Children with early onset scoliosis will tend to “grow into” a larger degree curve. This can lead to back pain, neck pain, decreased performance, and unequal muscle development. In serious cases it can affect lung, heart, and intestinal function. Cases left untreated for a longer period of time will develop premature arthritis and degeneration. Just as your car’s alignment can cause unequal wear on it’s tires, the spine functions the same way and will wear down and weaken over a period of time creating irreversible damage.
Dr. Ezell has had great success in treating curvatures of the spine using corrective chiropractic care. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have scoliosis, please call to set up an examination so that we can find the best course of action to take in your case.

Yours in optimal health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell
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