Tag Archives: Fort Myers Chiropractor

03.01.19
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The Opioid Epidemic and How to Heal Naturally with Chiropractic Instead

opioid

opioidLiving in pain can make life unbearable.

It is no shock that so many patients become addicted to prescribed opioid pain killers. Taking pain killers initiates a vicious cycle where the pain is gone and you feel ok too as soon as it wears off you are right back to square one again and relying on pills to be able to navigate life.

Florida has a huge prescription drugs problem. By the CDC’s latest numbers as many as 1 in 4 patients who are prescribed opioids for long term care will have to deal with addiction. Thousands are being treated yearly in Florida’s emergency rooms for abusing their prescriptions.

Just in the past 20 years, deaths involving prescription opioid medications have quadrupled.

It isn’t just an addiction that needs to be focused on. There is the fact that these drugs do nothing to heal you. Numbing a pain may convince the patient that they are healing or that the problem is less severe in nature than it really is.

Chiropractic and other non-drug approaches to pain management can be the first line against pain and addiction caused by the saturation of the body by prescription opioid pain medications. Growing research validates the effectiveness of chiropractic, leading many respected health care organizations to recommend chiropractic for pain relief.

The American College of Physicians updated the guidelines for the treatment of acute and chronic low back pain to recommend chiropractic first before resorting to drug therapies.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) encourages patients to utilize non-drug related therapies first before resorting to the use of prescription drugs to help alleviate pain.

Even the CDC Center for Disease Control has announced guidelines for prescribing opioids that also promote non-drug alternatives for the treatment of chronic pain.

You do not have to live in pain or constantly rely on prescription medication to try to normalize again. We invite you to come to see us at the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. right here in Fort Myers, Florida. Let us get you back on track to health and eliminate pain, naturally – by allowing your body a chance to really heal.

Call the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. in Fort Myers, Fl. 239-332-2555 or visit him online at www.drkasters.com to learn more.

02.15.19
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Why You Should See Your Chiropractor Following a Car Accident

car-accident-fort-myers

car-accident-fort-myersWhat to do following an accident:

– Call the police and file a report

– Get the other party’s information and insurance card

– Remaining calm can help reduce the inflammatory reaction

– Go to the ER to get checked out for any broken bones or internal injuries

– Ice any areas you feel pain in for 10 – 15 minutes at a time repeating every couple of hours.

– Take Turmeric, Bromelain, or Papain to help with inflammation and pain. Though it OTC remedies like Tylenol or Alleve do work well, they can also slow healing.

– Use Arnica Montana – A homeopathic made from arnica flowers for bruising and muscle soreness. It can be taken orally or applied topically.

– Rest

– Expect delayed onset muscle soreness. Much like going to the gym and working out really hard, over the next few days you will very likely feel sore. It will pass, just be easy on yourself in the meantime.

– See your chiropractor ASAP – Following the ER Visit getting in to see your chiropractor is vital. You have 14 days in the state of Florida to seek medical help.

Seeing a chiropractor as soon as possible enables your body to heal as quickly and easily as possible while minimizing damage. A thorough exam will be performed as well as X-rays. If they feel you need an immediate adjustment they will do that as well as set the course of treatment going forward.

Even in the event of a minor accident, the curvatures in the spine can be straightened. This is especially true of the neck and cervical spine. The soft tissues may heal but without realignment, the spinal curvature remains straightened. This may cause osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease as you age.

When you are involved in an accident the two parties that show up on the scene when you call 911 are the police and the ambulance. It is important to get checked if you feel any pain or discomfort, first for broken bones, potential internal injuries, cuts, and bruises, or contusions. The EMT’s and the emergency room are great for this. What many overlook are that there are even more likely, due to impact, possible misalignments now in your musculoskeletal system. This is sometimes referred to as soft tissue damage and misalignment issues.

In the 24 hour period following an accident, your body can be in a state of shock. Your system is trying to protect you by producing dopamine and other chemicals in the brain. This is so that you can still function post-trauma to be able to get yourself out o the situation that has or is injuring you. Because of this, you may not feel the damages inflicted. Pain and soreness often don’t set it till the next day.

Car accident pain can occur anywhere in the body. The most common injuries are neck injuries because of the way we are strapped to our vehicles. Though we are held in tight by the body, our heads have to be able to stay mobile. When a vehicle is hit, the neck is whipped one way then back the other way. This is known as Hyperflexion-hyperextension. These injuries can majorly affect the soft tissues in the neck as well as the joint capsules and intervertebral discs.

The result is often whiplash

Whiplash symptoms:

  • Neck pain and soreness
  • Shoulder pain and soreness
  • Arm pain
  • Numbness
  • Dizziness
  • Inflammation
  • Jaw issues
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Back pain
  • Depression
  • Lightheadedness
  • Foggy thinking

If you have been in an accident or know someone who has – though the sooner the better on treatment, there is no time limit where you can heal. Even older injuries can be helped through chiropractic care.

Give us a call 

239-332-2555 or visitwww.drkasters.com

01.07.19
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Tooth Grinding & Chiropractic

bruxism-fort-myers-chiropractic

bruxism-fort-myers-chiropracticWaking up with a painful jaw and wondering why?
You might be experiencing bruxism.

You won’t realize you are even doing it. It is subconscious tension causing your jaw to clench together and even create a grinding motion wearing away at your teeth. It can, over time, cause undue wear and tear on your teeth as well as potential misalignments on your jaw.

Bruxism is diagnosed by looking visually at the wear of teeth, inside mouth bite marks, reports of tooth grinding noises during sleep, and a feeling of jaw exhaustion and tiredness.

Night time teeth grinding even sometimes wakes you up during the night needing an anti-inflammatory or ice application. An ice pack can help sooth the discomfort.

Surprisingly spinal subluxations can cause bruxism. Once corrected through chiropractic treatment and adjustments, the grinding stops.

Some possible solutions are to wear a dental guard at night, take turmeric daily (a natural anti-inflammatory), and if necessary, keep an ice pack in the freezer. While these all help, the real cause can stem from stress and or a misaligned set of teeth or your jaw being slightly off.

If jaw or tooth pain is keeping you up at night your first stop may be your dentist to check to make sure your teeth are healthy but we also highly recommend a visit your chiropractor for an exam and adjustment. Living with jaw pain can be unbearable. There is no reason to go on day to day like that.

  • Take Turmeric daily
  • Wear a mouth guard at night
  • Reduce your stress levels
  • Use an ice pack to reduce inflammation
  • Visit your dentist to rule out tooth issues
  • Take Nsaid anti-inflammatories only when necessary
  • Visit your chiropractor and get the root cause adjusted

Bruxism is not the same as TMJ.

TMJ disorder is a condition which involves pain and improper function of the muscles and joints that attach the lower jaw to the skull. It can be helped through chiropractic treatment as well, but requires a much longer course of treatment and is more difficult to correct.

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

      SCHEDULE NOW!   
       1-239-332-2555
01.01.19
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Texting May Cause You Health Issues Down The Road

texting fort myers dr kaster

texting fort myers dr kasterTexting has made communication an addiction.

 

Many of us are constantly online in one form or another, via cell phone, tablet, iPad, Kindle, laptop or even a desktop computer.  We are virtually always reachable. Gone are the days of a phone ringing busy or missing someone because they aren’t home.

Texting may make life seem faster and more connected, but it is also leading to health issues for kids and adults. This includes neck pain, finger pain, hand pain, and even back pain.

The older generation did not grow up with cell phones, tablets, or for many even computers. That meant that we spent more time outdoors playing and getting exercise. Our bodies had the proper time to develop good posture without looking down all the time with the muscles in our hands constantly in motion.

It may seem like advancement, but children today do not have that luxury of freedom. They will never know the feeling of biking across town without their parents being able to call or track them. They aren’t learning trust or responsibility and they are poising themselves in structurally odd positions for hours on end. This has a major effect on the way the body forms.

Over  200 billion text messages are sent per month in the USA alone. The average time on a smartphone per day is 80 minutes. This time only includes surfing the web and messaging it does not consider in phone calls.

75% of teenagers now have their own smartphone, sending and responding to well over 100 texts per day. Back pain can begin from bad form when seated as well as the weight of loading backpacks with multiple devices on top of books. Laptops, iPads, cell phones, and gaming devices are all common.

If you are a heavy user of technology – take a break!

  • Raise your screen to eye level rather than looking down and hunching
  • Stretch your hands and fingers periodically and take breaks
  • If you have a long email to write do it on a desktop rather than on your phone
  • Even if you work on a desk stop stand up hourly and stretch and walk around
  • Lighten your load as much as possible leaving non-needed gadgets at home for the day

Regular chiropractic adjustments can help with text related aches and pains.

Call the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. if you are in the Southwest Florida area.

Nutritionist | Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Add to that, nutritional recommendations that can help your body heal itself. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

12.09.18
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Why Do Fibromyalgia Patients Feel So Awful and Have So Many Symptoms?

Fibromyalgia

FibromyalgiaWhy Do Fibromyalgia Patients Feel So Awful and Have So Many Symptoms?

This question is a little more complicated but the answer makes sense when you put all the information together. Before this question is answered a part of the nervous system needs to be identified/defined.

One component of our nervous system is called the “Autonomic Nervous System”. This nervous system is divided into two divisions:

  1. Sympathetic division (fight or flight)-when our environment threatens us our body has to respond and this aspect of the nervous system kicks in. For example, if you are being chased by a tiger your adrenalin will be activated and blood flow to all parts of your body will increase. Most likely you will not fall asleep or feel relaxed while being chased by a tiger.
  2. Parasympathetic Division (rest and digest)-when our environment is relaxing our body will respond accordingly and this aspect of the nervous system will kick in. For example, if you had a large dinner and you sit down next to a warm fire most likely your body will rest/relax and digest.

There is so much more to Fibromyalgia than most medical doctors would have you believe and there is help and hope.

Visit the site of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. Chiropractor and Nutritionist in Fort Myers, Florida to read the real scoop and what you can do to help heal your body.  http://drkasters.com/conditions/fibromyalgia/

11.20.18
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How Chiropractic Can Help Ankle Pain

ankle pain

ankle painChiropractic can help reduce ankle pain without prescribing medication which may come with unwanted side effects.

Daily life is made far more difficult when you suffer from ankle pain.

Ankle issues can easily limit mobility. Lack of mobility puts a damper on lifestyle as well.  No more cute high heels or dress shoes to go out in – you are stuck in flats if walking is an option at all.

Our ankles take on a lot of pressure every single day. They support the weight of our entire body. On top of that, you may add pressure from climbing stairs, walking, running, jumping, and carrying heavy objects. It is vital that your body be in proper alignment with your ankles correctly supported.

In the United States each year more than 25,000 people per year visit a doctor specifically for ankle related pain. Studies have shown that despite this, close to 40% of sprains are not diagnosed or treated correctly. This misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment or no treatment at all, leaving the patient in chronic pain and even risking disability later on in life.

The standard treatment for a sprained ankle is Rest Ice Compression Elevation (R.I.C.E.) The newer more widely accepted version of the protocol replaces “Rest” With “Movement”, making the acronym now M.I.C.E. The movement portion of the protocol should be done with a qualified physical therapist.

Chiropractic has shown tremendous benefit in relieving ankle pain. Your Chiropractor will use the same methods for diagnosis as would your medical doctor. Once the exact cause is pinpointed a treatment can be recommended and started.

Severe ankle injuries such as breaks and tears may require pain medication and anti-inflammatories. X-ray and MRI imaging may be used in the diagnosis.

Chiropractic is highly effective and completely non-invasive. It allows a natural approach to healing allowing the body to mend itself over time. Regular adjustments can help to strengthen the ankle increasing stability and even range of motion. It helps facilitate blood flow and circulation speeding healing and recovery. Diet and exercise change recommendations may be made if additional weight is being put on your ankles as well.

As normal motion is restored to the joint the inflammation will subside. As the inflammation dissipates so will the associated pain.

While chiropractic isn’t an instant fix, over the course of a few appointments you should notice a significant improvement in the state of your ankle as well as your overall wellbeing.

If you would like to find relief from pain call us today. 239-332-2555. Now serving Fort Myers, Florida, and all surrounding areas.

Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent them before they start?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

      SCHEDULE NOW! 239-332-2555
10.01.18
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Is Osteoporosis Affecting Your Health?

Osteoporosis

OsteoporosisWhat is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease which causes the bones in the body to weaken and become brittle over time increasing the risk of fracture and breaks.

Bone is a living mesh of tissue, not just calcium.

Collagen plays a big role in how sturdy bone is constructed. When collagen and calcium are lacking, the bone becomes weak. Bone consistency regenerates itself by building new cells and releasing old ones.

As you age, bone becomes more brittle.

In the USA low bone mass affects more than half the population 55 and up.1 in 5 men and 1 in 3 women, ages 50 and older may at some point have a broken bone because of osteoporosis. 

Causes of bone weakening include Medication use, Adrenal Fatigue, metabolism imbalance, Vegan Diets, Copper deficiency,  Hyperparathyroidism, Eating Disorders,  Smoking, Excessive Alcohol use, family genetics, and a small bone frame.

How do you test for bone density?

The main reason someone would suspect Osteoporosis would be family history if they are not experiencing any symptoms. A bone density test may be given by your physician.

Physical Symptoms: Back pain (which can be caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra), a stooped forward lean in your formerly straight posture, loss of height as you get older, and even breaking a bone without a super hard fall or impact.

Drug companies produce several pharmaceuticals which have been formulated to increase the density of bone. The problem is that they all come with the potential risk for side effects. Thinking about bone health while you are still young is the best possible protective measure.

BE PROACTIVE!

Drop the Stress – Chronic stress can not only spoil your mood and mental health it can wreak havoc on your physical health. Be nice to yourself, rest, treat yourself occasionally, do what makes you feel joyful and relaxed.

Nutrition – Eat a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed meats. Avoid refined sugar, white flours, and processed foods. The soil much of our food is grown in these days has been severely depleted of the minerals we need. So much so that supplementing may be necessary. The best way to determine what you are missing is with Nutritional Response Testing. Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3 and Strontium all have shown benefits to bone strength.

Lift – Strength training builds bone as well as muscle. Consult a personal trainer if you need a little direction to get started.

Use Essential Oils – Helichrysum and Cypress can be applied topically to areas can help with bone repair and healing if a break occurs or a weak spot is shown to exist.

Chiropractic Care – Keeping your bones in alignment on a regular basis helps the entire body function properly.

If you are in the Southwest Florida, Fort Myers area, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, or Lehigh, please visit www.drkasters.com or call the office at 239-332-2555. 

09.04.18
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Fort Myers Auto Accidents – What to Do if You Have Been Injured

Auto accidents

Auto accidentsNo matter if you have totalled your vehicle or if you were just in a fender bender the severity of the accident doesn’t always determine if you have been injured.  You may have no visible broken bones, scrapes, cuts or even bruises, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t hurt.

Over half of people who are involved in auto accidents report some level of pain in their lower back when the crash is a rear impact crash. When side-impact crashes occur the number rises even higher to nearly 75%. Stiffness and neck pain are the next two chief complaints most reported. 

Alongside of back and neck pain auto accidents often leave you at first feeling ok. You can get up and walk away from the accident and feel mobile.  The reason is that your body releases dopamine and other naturally produced chemicals into your bloodstream in order to keep you going in emergency circumstances.

Once the initial shock has worn off you often begin to feel the effects of the impact. This usually occurs a good 24 hours later. You may begin to experience headaches or neck pain where it was not present before. It is vital to get them checked out as they could be a sign of neck, brain, or head injury.

Whiplash is the number one injury associated with car accidents. Whiplash can be serious and have lasting effects. Whiplash requires a proper medical diagnosis. Tingling and numbness in the arms and hands are also symptoms of whiplash.

Back pain could be a sign that ligaments or muscles have become misaligned or bruised. If the pain is sharp and severe you may also have pinched or damaged nerve.

In a rare few cases, personality changes or even the way you are able to physically function may be modified. These can include movement problems, memory issues, vision issues, depression, and mood changes. If these happen, you may have a brain injury and its important to be seen as soon as possible.

Thought you don’t hear much about it PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) can also be also linked to major auto accidents. Flashbacks or nightmares may be experienced over and over again by drivers and or passengers. Those involved in major accidents may be very uncomfortable driving or riding in a car for some time after the accident.

In Florida, you have 13 days to seek treatment in order for it to be covered under your automobile’s PIP insurance (personal injury protection). If you have been in an accident give the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. a call at 239-332-2555. www.drkasters.com.

08.06.18
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Natural Help for Women Going Through Menopause

menopause

menopauseThough generally thought of as an older woman’s plight, menopause can begin as early as 35.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the period in a woman’s life when she when a woman stops being able to procreate. Menstruation stops. The average age begins around 45-50 but it can start as early as 35 in some. Night sweats, hot flashes, sleep disturbance, missed periods, emotional swings, irregular periods, hair thinning, and even changes in sexual response are all signs you are in menopause. These are all symptoms that can be alarming. Most women site that all they want is to feel like themselves again. All you want is to feel normal or back to your old self again. The question is how… The TV ads would have you believe that your only option will come through hormone replacement therapy. This is simply not the truth.

There are many natural things you can do. It is not reasonable to expect all of the symptoms in their entirety. But you can learn the triggers and take supplements that can dampen them and make them less troublesome.

Triggers can include a hot environment, hot hair dryers, hot food or drinks, stress, exercise, smoking, alcohol, sugary foods, spicy foods, and hormonal changes.

COMBAT HOT FLASHES

-Wear lightweight, absorbent cotton clothing, and pajamas at night.

-Grab a cold drink when you start to overheat, turn on a fan or go into a cooler room, try to relax with meditation or deep breathing if you feel nervous or anxious, dress in layers so you can remove them as you start to feel warm.

-Proper nutritional support is key as well and can actually do the most good toward keeping your body in balance.

HERBAL SUPPORT

Black Cohosh

Though beneficial for both men and women in supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, Black Cohosh is an excellent herb for women. It supports relief from women related issues. Supports a healthy respiratory system. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy or in the presence of chronic illness.

Dong Quai

Don’t Quai is a good herb for women supporting their monthly health issues. It nourishes the reproductive organs and is great for the blood. It also supports relaxation. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy. Should not be used by diabetics, or persons who are light-sensitive.

Kudzu

Kudzu is rich in isoflavones and supports increased bone strength.

Wild Yam

Contains progesterone-like substance that helps support women health issues. Also supports healthy joints. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy.

Chaste Tree

An excellent herb for women, Chaste Tree supports healthy hormone levels and is beneficial for women’s health issues. CAUTION: Should not be used by children or pregnant women.

Red Clover

Red Clover supports healthy lungs. Helps strengthen the immune system. Phytoestrogens contained in Red Clover support healthy bones in women during menopause. It is also good for skin disorders.

Licorice

Wonderful for the stomach and digestive system. CAUTION: SHOULD NOT BE USED BY THOSE WITH DIABETES, HEART DISEASE, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, SEVERE MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS OR HISTORY OF STROKE.

Damiana

Damiana supports the delivery and flow of oxygen to the genital area; this benefits both men and women. Also supports the overall energy level. CAUTION: Can interfere with Iron absorption when used internally.

These herbs may very well offer relief for many from menopausal symptoms. While the list of side effects/risks from pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapies range from stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, gallstones, ovarian cancer, dementia, headaches, nausea, vaginal discharge, fluid retention, weight gain, breast tenderness, spotting on your skin, and even in rare cases, uterine fibroids or endometriosis the natural route has no known side effects.

Come in and work with Dr. Kaster, D.C. – He is not only a Chiropractor but a Nutritionist and overall Wellness Doctor. His goal is your health, naturally. www.drkasters.com 239-332-2555

08.01.18
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The Benefits of Probiotics for Gut Health

probiotic

probioticAre you getting enough probiotics in your diet?

Probiotics are the good bacteria that help to build your immune system and support digestive health. These stomach dwelling microorganisms create these benefits. They create a balance between the wanted and unwanted bacteria that reside in the gut. They are necessary for digestive health to exist as they help in moving food through the digestive tract by way of affecting the nerves in control movement.

Health benefits, along with a stronger immunity, can include:

 

Inflammatory bowel disease

Irritable bowel syndrome

Eczema

Diarrhea

Allergies

Get more probiotics in your daily diet

Yogurt

Eating grass fed organic Greek yogurt ensure that your yogurt is the best possible source of probiotics. If you happen to like the taste of sheep or goat milk yogurt, all the better as it has even more live cultures that are good for you.

Fermented Vegetables

Sauerkraut and kimchi are both up there in probiotics that support the flourishing of friendly bacteria. They also are high in digestive enzymes.

Kombucha

This fizzy Japanese drink with a weird name is gaining ground in popularity and is now sold in nearly every supermarket. Kombucha is fermented black tea containing good bacteria and yeast. It touts the benefits of increased energy levels, improved digestive health, and detoxification of the liver.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a mixture of diverse probiotics. Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can help to control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Use sparingly, a little goes a long way. 1 spoonful a day is enough. Mix with water and drink or use on foods and salads.

Miso

This Japanese spice is used in dishes such as the popular miso soup. It’s made of fermented soybeans, brown rice or barley and mixed with a fungus known as koji.

Supplementation

Probiotic supplements are available at any health food or grocery store. They can be a great addition to your daily regimen though getting what you need through real whole foods is always the best idea.

Looking for more great natural health advice to keep you feeling your best? Visit www.drkasters.com. 

Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent them before they start?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

      SCHEDULE NOW!