THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone who made the recent “Heritage Night at the Museum”...

A few months ago I wrote an article about the struggles of Smile Direct Club, a discount mail order orthodontic aligner company that straightened teeth similar to Invisalign. The company experienced rapid growth at first and made billions but then recently ran into serious financial trouble.
I reported that my own personal anecdotal experience with patients who used them was not good. So I guess it is with no surprise to report that they were not successful in making a last ditch effort to save their company. They did not find any backers to buy them out and hence, after filing for bankruptcy in September, they are now closing up shop for good.
Recently they announced that they were closing all of their operations world-wide which means no more customer support and all existing customers were urged to seek care elsewhere with a dentist or orthodontist for help. Unfortunately, this means their lifetime warranty guarantee is also disappearing with the demise of the company. And if that wasn’t enough, patients who signed up for a payment plan for their treatment are still being asked to continue their obligation and finish all of their payments. Ouch.
And, as promised, I must finish the tale of the Backwoods Wizard who fashioned his own dentures out of wood and deer teeth. I think we established last time that he was a true eccentric, no holds barred outdoorsman to the extreme. As reported in a 1960s magazine “Guns,” The Backwoods Wizard, Francis Wharton, fought off a bear in the remote wilderness of British Columbia and scared it off with a shot from his gun. This was after the bear took a swipe at him with its claws though. This inspired Wharton to fashion his own set of defense with massive guns that were like hand held cannons. According to the magazine article, Wharton ended up killing eight bears in revenge after one of them killed his pet ram. And of course, naturally ended up eating the bears…with his deer teeth. Couldn’t make this stuff up!

“Time, time, time. See what’s become of me. While I looked around for my possibilities...”

My friend and business attorney Dave always introduces me in the same way, “This is my friend, Dr. Melanie. She is a chiropractor, and she cured my sciatica!” “He’d been working on a rock wall and suffering along the way with intense sciatic pain, and after a short course of care, we were able to restore pain-free function in his body so he could finish his project,” she said.
Sciatica, marked by radiating pain along the sciatic nerve, can significantly impact daily life. In the realm of non-invasive solutions, chiropractic care stands out as a practical approach to alleviating sciatica symptoms. This article explores how chiropractic interventions contribute to relief and healing for individuals dealing with sciatic nerve pain.
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, running from the lower back down each leg, faces compression or irritation. The symptoms, including sharp pain, tingling, and numbness along the sciatic nerve’s path, can be debilitating.
Chiropractors specialize in neuromusculoskeletal care, making them well-suited to address sciatica’s root causes.
Spinal adjustments focus on realigning the vertebrae in the spine; however, chiropractic care extends beyond the spine. Extraspinal adjustments involve addressing misalignments in joints outside the spinal column, such as the hip or pelvis, that may contribute to sciatica. By targeting these extraspinal areas, chiropractors aim to optimize overall musculoskeletal function and alleviate nerve compression.
Chiropractors integrate corrective exercises into the treatment plan for sciatica. These exercises focus on strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting imbalances contributing to nerve compression. This multifaceted approach enhances stability and supports long-term relief from sciatic pain.
Chiropractors often use soft tissue therapies to address muscle tension and inflammation around the sciatic nerve. Massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy target specific muscles, promoting relaxation and reducing tightness. These therapies complement adjustments, enhancing overall treatment efficacy.
Chiropractic care emphasizes lifestyle modifications and proper posture to support spinal health and alleviate sciatica. Chiropractors address ergonomics, exercises for home care, and recommendations to prevent exacerbating sciatica symptoms in daily activities.
A key strength of chiropractic care lies in its patient-centered approach. Chiropractors conduct thorough assessments to understand individual factors contributing to sciatica. This personalized approach allows for tailored treatment plans addressing each patient’s unique needs.
For individuals seeking relief from sciatic nerve pain, chiropractic care offers a holistic and non-invasive solution. The combination of spinal and extraspinal adjustments, corrective exercises, soft tissue therapies, and patient-centered guidance demonstrates the comprehensive nature of chiropractic interventions. If you’re experiencing sciatica, consulting with a qualified chiropractor can pave the way for putting that pain behind you!

When he was in high school, Nate Forrar was a star basketball player...

A new fundraiser for the Hoodland Women’s Club (HWC) will be introduced this year...

I get to wear many hats as a legislator...

English holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a popular evergreen...

Using her creativity and imagination as the brush...

Place of Birth? Portland, Oregon...

It’s great to be a Lion!...

Last month the subject of this column was the Museum’s historical objects collection...