DynaRom MyoVision at Active Spines Chiropractic

As an attorney, what do you do when you have a client that you know has lasting damage and pain, but has received a negative IME or their pain doesn’t show even with advanced imaging?

Normal range of motion assessments only show how far the muscles are able to extend and often appear normal, even though a patient is still experiencing pain. When traditional measures fail you, bringing a client in for a DynaRom assessment can definitively document muscle guarding as the result of soft tissue injury.

How? MyoVision’s DynaRom combines attached-electrode dynamic surface electromyography (or dynamic sEMG) with range of motion assessments, simultaneously measuring active range of motion with corresponding muscle activity. It then expresses this activity together in graph format to easily see whether a patient is suffering from soft tissue damage. Surface electromyography is a proven EKG technology.

When fighting for continued care for your client or settling a case, having the results of a DynaRom assessment can be a powerful tool. Lack of objective evidence often brings a low verdict for personal injury cases. The DynaRom tool is backed by over 9,000 published research studies and an impeccable record of court victories. In the words of plaintiff attorney Mike Maxwell, “Plaintiff cases often end up resting on patient testimony […], which is a weak, weak case.” However, he went on to say, “When a plaintiff attorney brings in Dynarom, its objective findings cannot be denied.”

Simply put, muscle guarding proves pain. DynaRom objectively reports muscle guarding. Patients and attorneys alike are relieved to see the damage simply and scientifically presented. In the words of American Medical Association author Dr. John J. Gerhardt, MD, “Its integrated use of sEMG and true wireless dual range of motion is brilliant. Surface EMG effectively augments ROM by assessing effort.”

Creator David Marcarian explains exactly how the tool works (and works for your cases) in this short
video: https://vimeo.com/172194697

Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng, D.C., is certified through MyoVision to assess soft tissue injury. After he performs the scans, he will evaluate them and create a report of findings to aid your case.

Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com   

CISC 2014 Senior Resource Fair | Bellevue WA Chiropractor

Come join us at the CISC 2014 Senior Resource Fair  in Bellevue WA 

Time flies! I can't believe it has been a year since our last event. Please mark your calender for our next community service event on September 4th, 2014 at North Bellevue Community Center from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The address is 4063 148th Ave NE, Bellevue WA 98007. This will be our fourth year attending this outreach event. Every year we have lots of attendees asking questions about their spine health such as headache, neck pain, back pain and so on.

At the event Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng, a Bellevue Chiropractor, will provide brief chiropractic consultation and spine check up. If you are suffering from neck pain, shoulder pain, headache, or back pain, please come early and see if he can offer some help. It will take about 5 to 10 minutes. Feel free to stop by and say hi, even if you do not have any aches and pains. It will be a fun event. Hope to see you there!


Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com 

Therapeutic Wobble Chair | Bellevue WA Chiropractor

 

What is the Wobble Chair? How does it work?

Recently I have been feeling right hip discomfort from time to time. I am not sure what trigger the problem. Since I was not in a car accident or other injuries, it is most likely from my workout or my posture. It feels like my right hip is out of alignment. I feel muscle tension around my hip muscles, around hip joint and IT band. They are a bit tight and sore comparing to my left hip. I have been doing some hip joint, gluteal muscles, piriformis muscle and IT band muscle stretching, but the muscle tension is still there and quite bothersome. I got my low back and hip adjusted of course with good relief. I also use the traction table in the clinic. But it really bothers me sometimes still. So what's next?

I try the wobble chair! I use that for 10 minutes. I sit on it and move my hip/pelvis back and forth, sideways, right/left diagonally, clockwise/counter clockwise each for 10 repetition and repeat till 10 minutes is up. During the exercise I feel the sore spot being work on and stretch out. Afterwards my right hip feels a bit loosen up and the soreness is less. Wobble chair exercise really help my hip.

According to the Pettibon system, a daily home regimen of 5-8 minutes full range of motion exercises are absolutely essential for daily metabolic interchange, nutrition intake and elimination of waste products in order to maintain healthy well-hydrated spinal discs, ligaments and tendons. (The Aging Lumbar Spine, Bernini P.M.D. et al. Saunders, 1982)  

Lastly, in the office we use the wobble chair as an pretreatment exercise to warm up the spine. The motion can increase lumbar disc mobility, disc hydration, nutrition delivery and waste elimination. Your back will adjust better and stay in alignment longer when it's warm up. Please let us know if your back is bothering you. We can help! 
 

Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com 

Soft-Tissue Treatment Is Another Form of Exercise | Bellevue Chiropractor

Soft-Tissue Treatment Is Another Form of Exercise  | Bellevue Chiropractor

According to Dr. Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO, "Mechanical loading by a practitioner is a form of physical activity performed on a patient.

Mechanical loading is the principal way our body maintains itself, especially with regards to tendons, ligaments, bone, muscle and fascia. Lack of mechanical loading results in atrophy and eventual cell death. Years ago, anyone with acute lower back pain was sent to bed for a week. We now know that as soon as a patient can move with minimal discomfort, they should get out of bed and attempt the movement – i.e., mechanical loading. Thus, just rubbing someone’s skin or deeper tissues is mechanical loading that may be considered a localized form of exercise." You can read his article over here.

At Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA our chiropractor Dr. Cheng and massage therapists use a wide variety of soft tissue and muscle work technique to retrain your body to heal in the right direction. Medical therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, manual therapy, assisted stretching, tool assisted manual therapy are some common therapeutic procedure for your neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, elbow or knee pain due to daily activities, poor posture, sports injuries, car accident injury or work injuries.

Most patients feel immediate relief after each treatment. These are effective and safe procedures to help your body heal in the right direction. Furthermore in-office one on one rehab exercises for your neck and back will be also very beneficial and empower you to better health. Last but not least, chiropractic adjustments from Bellevue chiropractor Dr. Cheng will keep your spine more balanced and aligned!

Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

Bellevue Massage Therapist | Janene Hampton LMP

Janene Bellevue Massage Therapist

Bellevue WA Massage Therapist
Janene Hampton

Please welcome Janene, our new massage therapist on board at Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA. She has been a massage therapist since 2011. She is passionate about helping people with a variety of techniques unique to their situation such as Deep Tissue, Sports injury, Swedish, Reflexology and Pregnancy. She also specialize in injury treatments, Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. She can keep you fit, active and healthy beyond traditional massage treatments. Her goals for patients are not only relieving the symptoms but also improving their quality of life. She is also a provider with many health insurances which includes Premera, Aetna, FirstChoice, United Health Care, Work Injury Claim, Auto Insurance and more!

Janene is inspired by her daughters Aushanae, Monae, and Kiona. She loves to paint, likenesses of the people who have influenced her through music, poetry and those she look to for advice. She also loves to read and continues her knowledge through any kind of books from business, texts, literature, and her daughters' poetry.

Do you have neck pain or back pain? She can definitely help you! Please call us and we can verify your insurance benefit for you. Most likely with one hour of massage you will only responsible for your co-pay which is a great saving! Please call 425-818-0086 to schedule your next massage appointment with her! For more information please go to our website :)


Active Spines Chiropractic Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

Shao-Hao Cheng, Doctor of Chiropractic | Bellevue Chiropractor

This is my short biography, thanks :)

Shao-Hao Cheng D.C.

Active Spines Chiropractic

1530 Bellevue Way SE Suite C

Bellevue, WA 98004 

Phone: (425) 818-0086                            

Email: drshcheng@activespines.com

PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVES

            I am a motivated, and inspired chiropractic doctor. I will make every effort to provide my patients with the most up to date and comprehensive care.  I will strive to become an integral member of my community, both personally and professionally. I practice in Bellevue WA and am ready to help patients in this area.

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

• Doctor of Chiropractic, Owner at Active Spines Chiropractic, March 2010 – Present.
• Doctor of Chiropractic, Back and Neck Pain Centers, October 2007- February 2011 
• Doctor of Chiropractic, WellnessOne of Bellevue & Eastgate,  May 2005- September 2007 
• Lieutenant Officer, Taiwanese 401 Air Force, Hua-Lien, Taiwan 1999-2001
    

CLINICAL SKILLS

            Proficient in main stream Chiropractic techniques such as National manual diversified technique, Thompson technique, and Activator. Also trained in athletic training, manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and posture correction. 

AFFILIATIONS

• Insurance provider with auto/car insurances, L&I, Regence, Premera, Aetna, Cigna, UHC, UMP, and FirstChoice.
• Member of Washington State Chiropractic Association\
• National University of Health Science Alumni

EDUCATION

• National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL. Doctor of Chiropractic, April 2005 & Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, April 2003 
• National College of Physical Education and Sciences, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, June 1999
  
  

Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

Forward Head Posture & Chiropractic | Bellevue Chiropractor

      This video was recorded back in February. I came across it again over the weekend and decided to post and share with everyone. The full size spine model make it easier to see the relationship between the spine, nerve, bones and disc. Poor posture increase loading over your spine, nerve, joint, disc and more. Overtime it changes the biomechanics of your body. You then will have aches and pain in certain area of your body. it includes but not limited to headache, neck pain, upper back pain, mid back pain, low back pain, shoulder pain, arm and leg pain. The damage, repetitive stress injury, can be long lasting and irreversible if left uncorrected. Chiropractic, rehab exercises and massage therapy are safe and effective treatment options to keep you fit, active and healthy! Active Spines Chiropractic are here to help you get more out of life.

    http://www.activespines.com Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng, a Bellevue Washington Chiropractor, explains forward head posture, spine alignment, and chiropractic in his Bellevue Chiropractic clinic. Call today for an appointment 425-818-0086 with your Bellevue Chiropractor. Chiropractic care can keep your spine active and healthy! Proudly serving Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Renton, King County and more. Address: 1530 Bellevue Way SE, Ste C, Bellevue WA 98004

Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

Sitting time and all-cause mortality risk | Bellevue Chiropractor

Too much sitting linked to shortened lives: study(2)

         People who spent a lot of time sitting at a desk or in front of a television were more likely to die than those who were only sedentary a few hours a day, according to an Australian study that looked at death rates during a three-year period. (1) Researchers, whose results appeared in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that the link between too much time sitting and shortened lives stuck even when they accounted for how much moderate or vigorous exercise people got, as well as their weight and other measures of health. The study concludes that prolonged sitting is a risk factor for all-cause mortality, independent of physical activity. Public health programs should focus on reducing sitting time in addition to increasing physical activity levels. There is also another study found out that time spent in sedentary behaviors was positively associated with mortality, and participation in high levels of moderate vigorous physical activities did not fully mitigate health risks associated with prolonged time watching television.(3)

      In short sitting too long will shorten your lifespan even if you do exercises regularly. In order to live longer and healthier it is very important for us to take mini breaks at work or when watching TV. A simple solution is to get up and move around for a few minutes every hour. You can use a timer to remind yourself. Stretching your neck, upper back and low back will keep you body flexible and prevent you from foot pain, forward head posture, neck pain, back pain, or work injuries. As a chiropractor I always recommend my patients to do regular stretching and posture exercises at work and home. It takes about 10 minutes but you will feel much better over you back and neck right away. Don't wait until it is too late. Besides stretching, or walking around, it is also imperative to have your spine checked by a chiropractor. In this fast pace society and with sedentary life style, we are putting lots of stress on our body without knowing it. Seeing a chiropractor can keep your spine active and healthy and in balance. If your spine goes out of balance, it will put pressure on your body. You will have aches and pain. Chiropractic adjustment is a natural and safe way to keep you in balance! We help you stay active and you will live longer!
      


References:

1. van der Ploeg HP, Chey T, Korda RJ, Banks E, Bauman A.Sitting Time and All-Cause Mortality Risk Arch Intern Med. 2012 Mar 26;172(6):494-500.

2. Reuters: Too much sitting linked to shortened lives.
3. Amount of time spent in sedentary behaviors and cause-specific mortality in US adults


Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

Bellevue Massage Therapist | Alice Loh

Bellevue Massage Therapist

Bellevue Massage Therapist
Alice Loh

Please welcome Alice, our new massage therapist on board at Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA. Alice has been a massage therapist since 2010. She specialize in injury treatments, Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. She can keep you fit, active and healthy beyond traditional massage treatments. Her goal for her patients not only relieves the symptoms but also improves their life styles in order for them to live a healthier life. She is also a provider with many health insurances which includes Premera, Aetna, FirstChoice, United Health Care, Work Injury Claim, Auto Insurance and more! Do you have neck pain or back pain? She can definitely help you! Please call us and we can verify your insurance benefit for you. Most likely with one hour of massage you will only responsible for your co-pay which is a great deal! Please call 425-818-0086 to schedule your next massage appointment with her! By the way she also speaks Mandarin Chinese and Japanese!


Active Spines Chiropractic Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

NW Women Show 2012 I Active Spines Chiropractic

This is a picture video of 2012 NW Women Show with Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA. We did some free chair massage and free chiropractic spinal screening. There were people with neck pain, back pain, and forward head posture. We were glad to be of help!  You will see pictures of the attendants, staff, Doctor at this marketing events. Please enjoy!

Active Spines Chiropractic Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

Picture video of us | Bellevue Chiropractor

This is a picture video of Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA. You will see pictures of the clinic, staff, Doctor and marketing events that we do. Dr. Cheng, a Bellevue Chiropractor, see patients with neck and back pain from poor posture, car accident, sports injuries and more. He also does health talk at the local community to educate the public about proper spine health! Please enjoy!

Active Spines Chiropractic Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

Auto Collision Related Spine Injuries 2012 Part I

Hi everyone~ I went to a seminar about Auto Collision Related Spine Injuries 2012 by Dr. Dan Dock, DC on Thursday, Feb 9, 2012. Here I will share some of the information that I learned from the seminar. As far as record keeping is concerned. Dr. Dock recommends hand writing notes. It has to be readable by other people as well. He also focused on incorporating an exercise program for patients to do in the office for their neck and/or back injuries.

There are ways to show the treatment is reasonable and necessary. Such as how patients activity of daily living have improved since getting care. Please be specific such as on the right or left, and which body part. And if their pain level have changed. You can use none, minimal, mild, moderate or severe to rate pain level besides using 0 to 10 scale. Mechanism of injury is the key to find out injury and to see clinical correlation. Where was the car hit? Where was the head turn? Was the foot on the break? Were arm on the steering wheel? If hit from behind, patient's body go backwards then forwards. If patient could not recall his position mostly he has light concussion, or short term amnesia. If the amnesia last for more than 2 to 4 hours, patient needs a CT scan. There might be intercranial bleeding.

If patient has gradual onset of pain following the accident. Most likely because the endorphin is slowly wearing out after the accident. If patient did not come for treatment, ask why. Is it because work, job, family or no health insurance? Look for muscle spasm and rate the level. Check for Active range of motion and passive range of motion once a month. Decreased cervical extension could be pedicle or facet fracture. Asymmetrical loss of motion could mean injury to the facet and disc. Look for sharp angulation, sharp reverse curve in cervical flexion and extension x-ray. This could mean damage to the capsule ligament, facet joint, interspinous ligament, and supraspinous ligament. If there is breakage in George's line there might be torn disc or fracture.

MRI for patient if there is distinct nerve root pattern, intense pain, something new and different, or patient is getting worse with treatment. Consider pre and post x-ray if the condition is unstable.

Care plan: update frequency of care, duration of care, exercise program, physical limitation and referrals for second opinion. Supportive care means patient's condition deteriorates without care. Maintenance care: no change in subjective and objective findings without care.

Active Spines Chiropractic Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

What is an effective treatment for neck pain: Chiropractic adjustment, exercises or medication?

Happy New Year everyone. I hope you all had a great time during the holiday season with friends and family. Hopefully you know your New Year resolution or you are working on it. I am still working on New Year resolution. Recently I read a journal article about treatment for acute or subacute neck pain. I am glad to know that chiropractic adjustment and exercises provide better result than taking pain medication.

At Active Spines Chiropractic, we provide a treatment protocol that is similar to that in the article. After detail examination and x-ray if needed, you will receive not only chiropractic adjustment but also some other manual therapy and exercise to get you better as soon as possible. We have a massage table that will relax your back before your adjustment. We will teach you how to do exercises correctly. These exercises are specifically designed for your spine to keep you active and healthy. Each treatment will last about 30 minutes which is very detail and comprehensive. Again this is to ensure that you are making a speedy recovery from your injury. Last wish you all have a great New Year. If there is anything that we can help, please give us a call at 425-818-0086. We also have a new website. Please check it out if you have time. Activespines.com

Pleas go to the link below for the original research: Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain.

Active Spines Chiropractic Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

4 Effective shoulder pain treatments and related problems

A group of researchers published a study on JMPT June 2011. They did a systematic review on manual and manipulative therapy (MMT) for common shoulder pain and disorders. The result shows that it is effective to treat shoulder complaints with manipulation, soft tissue techniques, exercises and other therapy.

Personally I have found that this is quite an effective approach for treating common shoulder related issues such as rotator cuff injuries (grade I and II), frozen shoulder, shoulder impingement syndrome, poor posture( inward rotated shoulder), and other chronic soft tissue problems as well.

What to expect for the first visit? After a thorough chiropractic, orthopedic, physical and neurological check up over shoulder, neck and upper back region, we can identify the cause of the problem. From there we know if this is something we can help. Generally speaking there will be 3 phases for treatment of care. First is to decrease pain and symptoms. Second is promote pain free range of motion over shoulder, neck and upper back area. Third phase is to restore proper proprioception, stability, strengthening the shoulder girdle and proper posture.

What are the treatment protocols? First step is the mobilization and adjustment of the shoulder, neck and upper back to restore proper joint motion. Once there is proper motion over the shoulder region the next step is to relax and loosen up the tight muscles in those area. There are many techniques for that and one I found very effective is "Gua Sha". This works very well to break up adhesion and promote healing.

Third step is to start with some cervical, thoracic and shoulder joints active range of motion exercises and also stretch out major muscles around it. This has to be done at home daily to promote healing and maintain proper mobility.
The last part is to the stabilization and strengthening of the shoulder joint itself. A very effective and easy way to do is to use Thera Band for exercises. Patients can do it at home or clinic. Proper instruction and direction is needed before start doing this at home. By strengthening the rotator cuff muscles, and stabilizing the shoulder joint, it can prevent future flare up and you can enjoy life more~

Active Spines Chiropractic Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

Referrence: Manipulative therapy for shoulder pain and disorders: expansion of a systematic review.

Posture Pump neck exercise for neck pain and posture problem

Posture pump exercise is one of the many spinal rehabilitation protocols that we do in our clinic. Once your condition is under control with chiropractic adjustments and neck rehabilitation exercises, which means you are feeling better and the pain level is going down, posture pump exercise will be a good addition to your spinal health. You will usually do this for about 10 plus minutes prior to your chiropractic treatment. Who is a condidate for this therapy? This is good for someone whom is on the computer long time, dirving long time, poor psoture, after car accident, or someone with lots of shoulder neck tension. What can this therapy do for you?

1. Correct poor posture.



2. Increase joint flexibility and mobility.



3. Make you feel taller!

Last please talk to your health care provider before doing this therapy.

Active Spines Chiropractic Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

Top 5 Thoracic Spine Exercises for neck pain, upper back pain and poor posture

Total Spine Rehabilitation(TSR)is our spinal rehabilitation protocols at Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue. This is going to be a 3 part series! We will focus on 1. cervical, 2. thoracic and 3. lumbar regions!

In this article we will focus on thoracic exercises done in Active Spines Chiropractic. Please consult your health care provider first before doing these exercises! Because I want you to do it correctly! You do not want to develop bad habits! Let's begin:

TSR(Total Spine Rehab) for the thoracic (upper back):

1. Thoracic (upper back) stretching exercises: When it come to stretching exercises for the upper back some of the key muscles that needs to be stretched out: trapezius muscles, rhomboid muscles, levator scapular muscles, rotator cuff muscles, lats (latissimus dorsi), pecs (pectoralis muscles) just to name a few. You want to stretch each muscle group at least 3 to 5 times with 10 to 15 seconds holding. Make sure you breathe in and out slowly while doing this. This will help your muscle to relax and loosen up. It is a good way to prevent upper back pain, soreness, tightness and stiffness.


2. Shoulder roll exercise: By rolling your shoulder in a circular motion this will increase blood flow over your upper back and neck region, reset your muscle tone, maintain mobility over your shoulder and upper back. Roll your shoulder backward 20 times and 3 sets. You can also roll your shoulder forward. I recommend rolling backward more. This helps correcting slouching posture.


3. 
   3.Wall Angel shoulder-scapular exercise: this is another good exercise to increase the mobility of your shoulder blades (scapular). Do this 10 repetition and 3 sets a day will be a good maintenance home upper back exercise.

1. 4.Bruggers Relaxation Exercise: this is a good exercise to correct poor posture. This is a combination of chin-tuck exercise and squeezing your shoulder blades together. This is quite beneficial for people who's in front of the computer all day. You can also start with a 15 seconds holding for 3 to 5 repetition and doing this through out the day.

5. Thoracic foam roller exercise: this is a good exercise to maintain mobility of the thoracic spine and rib cage. You can lie on the roller and move up and down 5 to 10 times and 3 sets. You can also roll side ways to mobilize the rib heads. Proper neck and core muscle strength is needed for this exercise.


Last, please follow up with your chiropractor and have your spine check is the essential step of proper spine health! Having a good spine alignment is like a building with good foundation. You will enjoy life more when your spine is in good health!

Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)- neck, shoulder, arm and hand symptoms.

Do you have neck, shoulder arm, hand numbness, tingling, pins and needles, soreness or pain? You might find this article helpful if you do.

The thoracic outlet is located between the first rib, the clavicle, and the scalene muscles. The brachial plexus and the subcalvian artery pass between the anterior and medial scalenes muscles, the first rib, and the overlying clavicle. The brachial plexus and the sbuclavian artery can be compressed as they pass between the thoracic outlet. The lower roots of the brachial plexus (C8-T1) or ulnar nerve are at high risk than the more superior roots because of their location in the plexus.

TOS is also known as scalene anticus syndrome, hyperabduction syndrome, cervical rib sundrome, costoclavicular syndrome and pectoralis minor syndrome.

Causes of TOS:

1. Mechanical: repetitive stress, overuse, poor posture, muscle spasm, decondition or artrophy.
2. Traumatic: penetration injury
   
3. Congenital: cervical rib
   
4. Vascular
5. Infeciton
6. Idiopathic
   

The symptoms include pain in the fingers, hand, forearm, arm, and shoulder. Numbness occurs most often in the fingers, hand and the forearm. You may also feel cold, weakness and skin color change. Pins and needles in arm and hand.

Conservatice treatments for TOS:

1. Self care tips: improvement in posture, office ergonomics, modification in work related posture habits, cervical traction, stretching
2. Treatment in our clinic: a few options, myofascial release technique, PIR stretching, In office posture training for cervical and thoracic spine, strengthen weak muscles, chiropractic adjustment for neck, upper back and first rib, and medical massage.

Active Spines Chiropractic Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at activespines.com

TMJ Syndrome with forward head posture

TMJ syndrome is also known as temporomandibular pain. The pain may result from irritation over the TMJ joint and/or soft tissue around it such as muscle, capsule, ligament. Besides wear a night guard or dental care, you might also benefit from chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic adjustment can restore proper join motion, alignment and muscle tone over your neck and upper back.

Forward head posture like the picture on the top can also cause TMJ syndrome. The jaw gets pulled down and backward due to poor posture, which causes tension and misalignment at the TMJ joint. Self care for forward head posture includes but not limit to chin retraction exercise, neck and upper back stretching, neck muscle strengthening, posture exercise and office ergonomics. Chiropractic adjustment over cervical, thoracic and 1st rib are beneficial. When your spines is in balance you will have greater result from home exercises. Do you have forward head posture? Do you always carry stress over your upper back? Are you always slouching and hunched over? If yes to any of the above, please call Dr. Cheng at 425-818-0086. He will be able to help you! Don't wait until it is too late. Chiropractic adjustment is a very safe and natural treatment to help you live your life to the fullest.


1. Mandibular Whiplash, Part I: extension Flexion Injury of the TMJ, Levandoski R. Functional Orthodontist, 1993; Jan/Feb: 26-31
2. Tinnitus in Patients with TMJ Internal Derangement, Ren Y, Isberg A. Journal Craniomandibular Practice, 1995; 13(2): 75-80
3. TMJ injury can occur in collision without direct jaw impact, Burgess J. Journal Craniomandibular Disorders, 1991; 5(4): 251-257

Active Spines Chiropractic in Bellevue WA Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at 425-818-0086 or info@activespines.com