What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive, non-addictive treatment option for body pain. Though not exclusive, most people know that chiropractic care is a very effective way to deal with back pain. Using a treatment option called spinal manipulation or adjustments; chiropractors can relieve pain and improve function in patients by removing interference to the spine a nervous system called Subluxations.

 

ACT Wellness Center is located in Woodbridge, VA, our Dr. Carmelo F. Caratozzolo is commonly referred to by our patients as “Dr. C”. When Dr. C performs a chiropractic adjustment, you'll be so amazed to see an improvement in many areas of your life; results aren’t limited to only neck and back pain.

 

When Should You See a Chiropractor?

If more traditional methods of treatment do not work for you or you are the kind of person that does not like to take medication, chiropractic care can be the solution. Dr. C offers many different routes for each patient to take. On the surface level, chiropractic care offered consists of spinal adjustments, spinal stabilization, Sports performance and children chiropractic care is offered as well as extremity and occipital adjustments.

 

Wellness is another major contributing factor to one’s overall health. Dr. C is not just concerned with treating your symptoms or disease but helping you live a longer, healthier life. Our wellness services include:

• Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF): A safe, drug-free, easy to use treatment method. It increases circulation, flexibility, stamina, range of motion, etc. It decreases pain, stiffness, swelling, inflammation, etc.
• Bio-Nutrition: Your body needs proper nutrition to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Blood testing and a personalized diet can help you keep your body in shape.
• Cold Laser: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a form of mild stimulation aimed to repair damaged tissue.
• Detox Foot Bath: A therapeutic foot bath can rebalance toxins, ions, and electrolytes within your lower extremities. This will allow your body to begin to remove these toxins from your system.
• Ear Reflex Points: The ears are full of nerve endings that connect directly to the brain. Proper stimulation can send signals to the rest of your body, relieving pain.
  
  

If you’re suffering from pain, a chronic condition, or struggling to lead a healthy lifestyle, don’t wait to seek out help. We invite you to visit us at ACT Wellness Center in Woodbridge, VA, or call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Caratozzolo, best chiropractor in Prince William County for 9 years running, at 703-491-9355.

 

Bones of the Spine

The nerves to our limbs all pass through the spine. One of our foundational theories at ACT Wellness Center in Woodridge is that the health of the body depends on the spine being healthy and properly aligned. We offer several kinds of treatments to ensure patients do not suffer from subluxations, but to fully understand their choices patients will need a basic understanding of how the spine works.

The spinal column is a complicated structure comprised of the spinal nerves, their protective membranes, shock absorbing rubbery discs, and a series of connected bones. The bones, called vertebrae, are flat discs that stack on top of each other and have arch-shaped protrusions in back, which the nerves of the spinal cord run through. They also have joints in back by which they connect to each other. The top seven vertebrae are the neck bones and are also called cervical vertebrae. On top is the axis vertebra, which plays a vital role in moving the head up and down, and below it is the axis vertebra, which allows the head to pivot.

The upper back is comprised of the twelve thoracic vertebrae. They have additional joints by which they attach to the ribs. The lower back is made up of the five lumbar vertebrae, which are the largest vertebrae and bear the most weight. Below them are the sacrum and the coccyx, two structures each made up of fused vertebrae without spongy discs between them. The sacrum connects to the hip bones, while the coccyx or tailbone dangles below and also anchors pelvic muscles. Nerves to the legs pass through the sacrum.

We would love to help you feel better now! If you are in need of a chiropractic adjustment in Woodbridge, VA, come visit us! Dr. Caratozzolo of ACT Wellness Center is a Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP) and a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. Dr. Caratozzolo offers a multitude of services that sets him apart. To schedule an appointment at ACT Wellness Center, 14111 Minnieville Rd., Woodbridge, VA, call us at  703-491-9355 or visit ACT Wellness.

Backpack Safety

Chiropractic care for kids is one of our specialties at the ACT Wellness Center in Woodbridge. Many people do not know how to use backpacks correctly. Because of this, it may be hard for them to recognize when their child’s back is in danger, which is why we wanted to offer parents some guidance.

Before we say anything else, we want to reassure parents that backpacks are the safest way to carry books and other items. They distribute weight evenly across the shoulders, unlike a large purse or laptop bag. But both straps must be worn, and the straps should be wide and padded. Children should also wear a strap across their chests and pull each strap snuggly, but not so much that they restrict blood flow. The backpack should rest comfortably in the middle of the upper back instead of hanging in the lumbar region.

The American Chiropractic Association recommends that a backpack never be filled to the point where it weighs more than 15% of the wearer’s body weight. Parents should avoid getting backpacks with heavy accessories such as wheels or pull-out handles if their kids can’t use them in school. They may also want to get a smaller backpack if their child frequently overstuffs theirs. Some signs of backpack-related strain are pain, numbness, and tingling in the shoulders, neck, or arms. We can provide safe pain relief, including adjustments and low-level laser therapy, but a reasonably sized backpack is essential.

Carmelo F. Caratozzolo, Doctor of Chiropractic, ACT Wellness Center at 14111 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, Virginia has been voted Best chiropractor 9 years in a row in Prince William County! To schedule an appointment, call 703-49-9355 or visit ACT Wellness.

Crucial Workout Mistakes

Exercising is important for your health, and at ACT Wellness Center we encourage all our patients to be active. Dr. Carmelo F. Caratozzolo, a practicing chiropractor and chiropractic sports physician, has patients that experience all kind of sports injuries - workout injuries as well. Here are a few simple mistakes you can make during exercise that cause pain, so keep these tips in mind so your workout is maximized and you can continue working out. 

Not warming up, or warming up with just stretching, is not the right way to start exercising. Light warm-up exercises will raise your heart rate and increase circulation, providing better blood flow to muscles. Even five minutes of light cardio exercise and some easy stretching can have this effect. Stretching after a workout is just as important as before. When muscles have been warmed up and worked out, stretching will feel easier and can prevent soreness by releasing lactic acid buildup in the muscles.

 

Even athletes and people who exercise regularly can experience strain. Core strength is a necessary skill for healthy everyday living. Core and abdominal strength are needed for supporting the spine and abdominal muscles should be trained with every workout.  Regardless of which muscle group is being exercised, strong core and proper form are important for avoiding injuries.

 

The most common workout mistake is simple yet critical: pushing yourself too far. This includes pushing the limits in terms of weight lifting, too much twisting of the spine, and exercising excessively. If you’re just starting to exercise, make sure to take it slowly. Listen to your body’s response and slowly build strength rather than pushing yourself over the limit.

 

If you are worried about your workout routine or that you may have possibly sustained an injury, don’t wait for the problem to get worse - contact ACT Wellness Center in Woodbridge, VA. You can set up an appointment with Dr. Carmelo F. Caratozzolo both online and over the phone. Schedule online at our website, www.actwellness.com, or call 703-491-9355. Dr. C has been voted best Chiropractor in Prince William County, 9 years in a row!