Princeton's Ask the Doctor November-December 2019

A: Q:

Why Headaches Happen and How Chiropractic Can Help Most headaches are tied directly to tension in the neck and upper back. Tension can be caused by sitting at a desk all day, physical or emotional stress, or poor diet and dehydration. Muscle tightness in this area can affect the position of the vertebrae, which can then cause nerve irritation. Because these nerves are connected to the head, you end up with a headache. A chiropractic evaluation will determine where the tension is, where the nerve irritation is, and where the vertebrae is out of line. A chiropractic adjustment, electric muscle stimulation, and other techniques can realign the spinal joints, loosen the muscles, and relieve stress and pressure. Allergy and sinus headaches are both caused by inflammation. With a food allergy, substances might not be digested properly in the liver, causing inflammation. An environmental allergy, where the body is unable to process toxins or allergens, can cause inflammation. A sinus headache is caused by fluid buildup in the nasal cavities in the skull. If your body can’t break down that fluid, it can cause inflammation and pressure. There are chiropractic techniques that target specific pressure points and reduce inflammation that causes headaches. Realigning the spine can improve how the brain communicates with the rest of the body so it can process allergens effectively. Even the bones of the skull can be gently manipulated to relieve pressure and restore balance. Beyond chiropractic techniques that align the spine and loosen themuscles, a chiropractor can recommend exercises, stretches, ergonomic improvements, and changes in diet. These recommendations can help you avoid recurring tension and inflammation, resulting in fewer headaches. Of course, the worst thing you can do is ignore headaches or dismiss them as normal. Pain is your body’s built-in alarm system that warns you when something isn’t quite right. If you experience headaches on a regular basis, call to schedule an appointment at In Good Hands Chiropractic Center. Allison J. Scharf, DC

IN GOOD HANDS CHIROPRACTIC CENTER, LLC • 609-924-9331 330 N. Harrison Street, Suite 6 • Princeton, NJ 08540

QUESTION: What’s new in dentistry today?

For many years dentists would promote their practices as “Cosmetic Dentistry”. To many, the term cosmetic dentistry would mean the use of veneers to make the front teeth look whiter and healthier, or the use of composite restorations instead of the silver, amalgam fillings. Today, when the term “cosmetic” is used, it also needs to include “facial esthetics”. It is not correct to separate the teeth and their appearance, from the smile or even the rest of the face. The entire facial structure needs to be evaluated when you want to achieve that perfect smile.

David P. Young, DMD, DICOI Unfortunately, as we age, changes occur not only to our teeth and gums, but also the muscles of the face. As these muscles relax, facial tone and fullness diminish and wrinkles develop. To achieve optimal esthetic goals this needs to be addressed as well, not only the broken yellow front teeth. With the use of Botox and Dermal Fillers, a more youthful beauty can be restored to your face and your new smile will radiate even better. Millions of people use Botox and Dermal fillers to achieve a more relaxed and smooth facial appearance, while still having the freedom of expression. Not only is Botox used for esthetic purposes, it is very helpful for people who suffer from TMJ syndrome, chronic migraine headaches, and other types of facial pain. Botox is an FDA approved purified protein which is injected into targeted muscles and temporarily blocks signals that cause muscle movement, essentially relaxing the muscle which reduces or eliminates fine lines and wrinkles. An attractive smile can significantly improve your image and self-confidence. Total facial esthetics will bring out your full beauty potential. For further information on Facial Esthetics and Cosmetic Dentistry, feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Your smile is not limited to how good your teeth look, it’s how you radiate with total facial beauty.

4432 Route 27, CN-201, Kingston, NJ 08528 Phone: 609.497.0808 www.David YoungDMD.com

ASK THE DOCTOR

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019