Hiram GA Chiropractic Office Helps Relieve Upper Back Pain Safely Using Gentle Spinal Adjustments

By Kelly Blomquist

The human spine is comprised of small bones separated by protective, gel-filled discs. They are hollow and hold the delicate spinal cord within. The nerves located there may become painful when impacted. A prominent Hiram GA Chiropractor has care methods to help relieve that pain.

Individuals who sit in front of a computer all day at work are often troubled by upper back pain. The neck and shoulders may be affected as well. There are many other possible causes for this type of pain.

Muscular irritation is one such possibility. It occurs when the large back muscles that attach the shoulders to the scapula are irritated. Joint dysfunction is another cause.

Turning to chiropractic care for relief from the intense pain is the choice of many individuals. The cause of the hurting may be a subluxation, which is a misalignment of one or more vertebral bones. The intensity and duration of the pain will be discussed at your first office visit.

The source can be identified through reflex and range-of-motion tests. In many cases an x-ray is used to confirm it. An additional test may be required such as magnetic resonance imaging to further clarify the cause.

Prior to any care plan being put into motion, a chiropractor will complete a comprehensive evaluation. Following that it is often determined that spinal adjustments will serve to correct the subluxation, which is a misalignment of one or more of the vertebrae. The adjustments will gradually move them into the correct position.

As that occurs, the pressure that impacted the nerve roots located at the spine will be relieved. When the pressure against them is relieved, the pain is alleviated. Sometimes massage and easy exercises are added to the program.

Chiropractic care is favored by so many individuals because of two major factors. For one, it is a non-invasive method. Secondly, it does not rely on prescription or over-the-counter pain medications, which may become addictive. With chiropractic intervention the pain is reduced to a tolerable level without creating another problem, namely addiction.

About the Author:

Check out Hiram GA Chiropractor for a summary of the benefits you get when you visit a chiropractic office, today. You can also get more information about an experienced Hiram GA chiropractor at http://www.YourBackInLineNow.com now.

Nutrition Made Easy Using This Listing Of Suggestions!

By Daniel Will

For you to do your best to understand what sort of nourishment your body needs each day. Learning to properly incorporate nutrients into your life should be your main concern. Read through this report to find out more about nourishment and embrace a healthier diet regime.

Stealth nutrition means attempting to sneak healthy food into your typical diet program. This is certainly specifically efficient if you have fussy eaters, and the method works regardless of whether one of those finicky eaters is that you simply. It is possible to fortify your cooked goods with free of moisture milk products or pureed white legumes. It will be possible to have those to consume greater without them knowing.

When selecting peanuts to for cooking food, decide on walnuts. Of nut products out there, these are the nourishment victors. You decrease your bad cholesterol and obtain healthy proteins, all while keeping up the fitness of your blood. They don't price around other peanuts, either.

Require a good, substantial-top quality multi-vitamin supplement every day for maximum nutrients. Even though it is generally safer to get vitamins and minerals directly from the foodstuffs you consume, taking a multiple-supplement is certainly much better than nothing.

Selenium is needed in your daily diet, so make sure you are receiving ample. Selenium is an excellent anti-oxidant with anti--ageing qualities. Selenium helps to reduce sun-damage towards the pores and skin, and plays a role in your immunity mechanism. Some good food items to consider that are rich with selenium are garlic clove, light brown rice, eggs, and tuna fish.

Ensure your diet plan includes consuming meals that are baked rather than fried. Baked meals tend to be much better plus they have decrease carbs, energy, and skin oils than deep fried foods. Ingesting well-produced prepared products will allow you to continue your power level each day.

Pick prepared foods around deep fried foods. Prepared meals are normally healthier which is decrease in energy, fat and carbohydrates. As being an further reward, you might convey more power during your daytime several hours if you eat good quality cooked merchandise regularly.

Use water to prepare veggies instead of gas. Steaming veggies will not sacrifice flavor. Nevertheless, in the event you choose that a bit oil must be used, then use a modest amount of vegetable oils as opposed to butter or margarine.

Be wise when shopping for wholegrain things. It is possible to not know if something is wholegrain simply by taking a look at its shade. The deal may say grain or multi-grain. That's nevertheless no assure of natural wholegrain. Take notice of the components listed on the bundle.

Fresh vegetables are important, reduced-calories diet, no matter if clean, freezing and even processed. They offer crucial vitamins and minerals for your health, and make you feel whole. There are many methods for getting your required servings of greens daily. Salads are really popular and a tasty pan of vegetable broth is perfect.

Make sure that you reduce all the unhealthy food away from your diet regime as possible to stay healthful. Food products rich in carbo articles (i.e. starches, sugars, and flour) with no other nutritional value, oily fried foods, and intensely refined food are to become eliminated.

Don't ingest as much alcoholic beverages on a daily basis, and obtain ample sleeping. Alcoholic drinks boosts oils creation on your own encounter and enlarges your skin pores. Larger skin pores imply a lot more debris and also the infection that lead to acne breakouts. Attempt to get, a minimum of, 7 several hours of sleeping. Restrict yourself to one particular alcoholic drink or less.

These straightforward nutritional recommendations could have a great affect on your wellbeing. Stick to the ideas developed in this guide and you will definitely surely see your stamina and focus improve as you may encounter lessened tension. Commence right now and you'll find out how significantly distinction the correct food can make for your effectively-becoming.

About the Author:

Find out more about volumizer.

Using Lasers to Treat Vitreous Floaters Laser Vitreolysis

About twenty years ago, in the early 1990s, while in southern Florida to give a presentation, I came across an ad in the local newspaper about a clinic in Ft. Myers, FL that was using a laser to treat floaters. I called the doctor, Scott Geller, MD, and asked him about this interesting use of lasers. I never did anything with my notes of that conversation, but the thought of writing about it stuck in my head.

Several days ago, I came across a blog (Healthy Times), that contained an article titled: “Do I Have to Live with Those Floaters?” It was written by Dr. James H. Johnson of Irvine, CA. I thought it was an excellent introduction to the potential treatment of bothersome floaters, using the YAG laser.

The writeup reminded me of my long ago conversation with Scott Geller and, with my natural curiosity about all things laser, I decided to look into this use of lasers in more detail.

I quickly learned two things: the use of lasers to treat floaters is quite controversial, and secondly, only three doctors in the U.S. specialize in this procedure – Drs. Geller and Johnson, and Dr. John Karickhoff, in Falls Church, VA. So I thought I would try and find out why.

I have contacted each of the three doctors and asked them for some background information. I will use that information to tell the “story behind the story” of why YAG lasers can and are being used to treat troublesome floaters.

But first, here is Dr. Johnson’s writeup that appeared on the blog that I recently read and got me started on this venture:

Do I Have to Live with These Floaters?
Healthy Times, July 16, 2010

By Dr. James H. Johnson

As the eye ages, the normally clear vitreous gel in the back of the eye can degenerate, dehydrate and clump up. This degenerating vitreous gel can cast shadows on the sensory retina of the eye. These moving shadows are commonly referred to as "eye floaters."

There is an infinite variety as to the severity and configuration of these vitreous clouds, strands, fog banks and other shadowy shapes. The hallmark characteristic, though, is movement of shadows and this movement cannot be duplicated by any other pathology in the visual system.

There are serious, although rarer, conditions that can also cause floaters, such as retinal tears or hemorrhages, inflammatory conditions, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and infections. New onset floaters should be evaluated by an eye care professional to rule out these important conditions. Fortunately, most eye floaters are benign in the sense that they are not a threat to the overall health of the eye. Many who suffer these eye floaters will argue that they are not benign if you consider how they can significantly affect the quality of vision as well as the quality of life.

Eye care professionals have done a poor job addressing the concerns of people suffering from floaters. Patients are commonly told that their brain will adjust, or that floaters will go away on their own, or simply to just "learn to live with them." At the other end of the treatment spectrum is the surgical vitrectomy. The vitrectomy requires inserting three probes into the eye and removing all of the vitreous gel and replacing it with a saline solution. Because of the known and potentially serious risks, this option is rarely offered or even mentioned.

A non-invasive, painless and less risky alternative is the use of an FDA-approved eye laser to systematically ablate and vaporize the vitreous densities. This procedure has a two-decade history, yet it is not taught in any conference or medical education program. There are only three doctors in the U.S. with any significant experience and only a few more worldwide who even offer the procedure.

Dr. James H. Johnson is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and is founder and medical director of Vitreous Floater Solutions in Irvine, Calif. He has dedicated his career to the treatment of bothersome and annoying vitreous eye floaters. Dr. Johnson has the only medical practice in the world exclusively offering the YAG laser photodisruptive ablation procedure.

Not all eye floaters can be treated, but it may be worth your time to find out.

Now, for the rest of the story

What are Floaters, What Causes Them, and How are They Treated?

What are Floaters:

Eye floaters are those tiny spots, specks, flecks and "cobwebs" that drift aimlessly around in your field of vision. While annoying, ordinary eye floaters and spots are very common and usually aren't cause for alarm. Floaters and spots typically appear when tiny pieces of the eye's gel-like vitreous break loose within the anterior portion of the eye. See Figure 1, the structure of the eye and Figure 2, that shows the position of floaters in the vitreous in a typical situation.

Figure 1. The Eye Structure 

Figure 2. Floaters in the Vitreous

When we are born and throughout our youth, the vitreous has a gel-like consistency. But as we age, the vitreous begins to dissolve and liquefy to create a watery center. Some undissolved gel particles occasionally will float around in the more liquid center of the vitreous. These particles can take on many shapes and sizes to become what we refer to as "floaters."

A "Vitreous Floater" is described as a moving visual shadows of various shapes and densities. The floaters that can be treated with a laser are due to benign condensations of the normally clear vitreous humour, the gel that occupies the back part of the eye, and those caused by a posterior vitreous detachment. Floaters are common, and can range from "none" or "barely perceptible" to “moderate”, causing some visual discomfort, or “severe” which might be functionally debilitating. Moderate or severe floaters can significantly affect the quality of vision and the quality of life for those suffering them.

Vitreous floaters are defined as any change to the normally optically transparent vitreous body that are significant enough to cast a shadow onto the sensory retina and be noticed by the sufferer at least some of the time.

There are two types of vitreous floaters – benign and pathological.

Benign floaters are those not related to or caused by ocular or systemic disease or abnormal pathological events such as hemorrhage or foreign material. Benign floaters are never a threat to the health of the eye no matter how dense and bothersome they may be.

Pathological floaters are associated with abnormalities and disease of the eye or body. They may be reactive, autoimmune, hemorrhagic, metabolic, genetic, parasitic or foreign material in origin. Of these, reactive inflammation and hemorrhage are the more common. Doctors will not treat these with a laser, but look to the underlying cause and treat that.

What Causes Floaters:

The most common causes or associations with the onset of vitreous floaters are age, myopia (near-sightedness), trauma, and unknown. There may be molecular changes that occur which begin the process, especially with ageing.

The vitreous gel is 99% water and 1% solid elements. The solid portion is composed of collagen filaments coated with hyaluronic acid molecules. The ability of hyaluronic acid molecules to retain water molecules is an important factor in maintaining the gel consistency of vitreous. Bare collagen tends to be sticky. If the hyaluronic acid (HA) molecules are no longer attached or associated with the collagen, it will clump, and stick to itself squeezing water molecules out.

With age, there is a depolymerisation of hyaluronic acid, causing these molecules to release their water and form lacunae i.e., pockets of liquefied vitreous. The collagen 'filaments' aggregate to form larger 'fibrils', causing further collapse of the vitreous gel structure. This process is known as vitreous degeneration and 'syneresis'. The collagen fibrils may 'float' within the liquid vitreous pockets, giving the patient a sensation of floaters.

The drawing below (Figure 3) is a visualization of the even distribution of collagen under normal circumstances, as well as the proposed mechanism that occurs when hyaluronic acid (or hyaluronin) molecules disassociate themselves from the collagen, causing the collagen to clump.

Figures 3 Normal and Aged Collagen

How are Floaters Treated?

No Treatment

When patients present to most eye doctors with floaters, the common theme is to tell them that they shouldn’t worry about the floaters (unless they are being caused by some underlying retinal problem and that problem needs to be treated) – that they will “go away” or you will “get used to them” as your brain adapts and they will “disappear” from interfering with your vision.

However, if they remain troublesome and are interfering with your everyday life, there are some treatment options:

Laser Therapy

The use of the YAG laser to treat bothersome floaters has not been widely accepted by the ophthalmic profession and remains an “off-label” indication using an FDA-approved ophthalmic lasers for select cases. But, as will be described below, the three ophthalmologists featured in this article have been and are currently, treating thousands of patients with troublesome floaters and ridding them of this problem using laser vitreolysis.

Surgical Intervention

Of course, a full vitrectomy – the removal of the vitreous fluid, replaced with a balanced electrolyte solution, is a “cure” of last resort. Also, a new surgical technique of microincision vitrectomy might offer a less intrusive surgical intervention. However, because no sutures are used to close the incision, there could be more of a risk of infection. Of course, there are potential risks with any vitrectomy surgery, such as endophthalmitis, retinal tears, bleeds or detachments.

What is Laser Vitreolysis?

Laser vitreolysis is the use of the ophthalmic YAG laser to dissipate floaters. To understand how this is done, you have to understand a little about the ophthalmic YAG laser.

The ophthalmic YAG laser was first used to photodisrupt opacities in the lens capsule following cataract surgery. When an intraocular lens is inserted into the lens capsule, following removal of the cataractous lens, in many cases foreign materials remaining in the capsular bag can migrate to the posterior capsule and form opacities, decreasing good vision. The ophthalmic YAG laser is capable of being focused to a very small spot and is used to photodisrupt (destroy) those opacities.

This same property, of photodisruption, can and is used to “vaporize” vitreous floaters. The major problem is obtaining a laser that can be focused in the vitreous to be used to photodisrupt the floaters within the vitreous in the posterior chamber.

The three ophthalmologists now practicing laser vitreolysis have obtained ophthalmic YAG lasers, and the appropriate delivery systems, capable of operating within the vitreous and thus capable of breaking up floaters.

What kinds of floaters can be treated with the laser?

There are certain types of floaters that can be treated with laser vitreolysis:

1) If there are only one or two small to moderate sized floaters, they can be treated directly with the laser with about 85 percent success. (It should be noted that any floater within 2 mm of either the lens capsule (front of the posterior chamber) or the retina (rear of the posterior chamber) has to be treated with extreme care to not do damage to either eye structure.)

2) If there are numerous clumps, or the clumps are very large and free floating in the vitreous, they can be more difficult to treat with the laser, but usually can be treated.

3) If a large degenerative cloud is suspended in the line of sight with one or two thin strands, the doctor can frequently cut the strands which relocates the floater clump to another part of the vitreous out of the line of sight. This improvement is frequently dramatic. Success with this type of floater is 90 percent or higher.

How is the Procedure Done?

Laser disruption is accomplished as follows. After dilating the pupil, a numbing eye drop is given and a special contact lens for treating eye floaters is placed on the eye. Then the laser, which is focused to a 6 micron spot, is carefully aimed, and the floater or floaters are either vaporized with the laser, or the floater's attachments are vaporized so that the floater is repositioned to a different part of the eye. This disruption also helps the eye to absorb any remaining particles. After vaporizing the big floater or floaters, the doctor may have to leave tiny particles that are just too small to aim on.

The disruption is done with a beam of invisible light through the pupil. There is no incision or discomfort. Depending on the type and amount of the floater, the procedure may take as little as 5 minutes or up to half an hour. Post-operatively there are no restrictions on activities. The patient is seen the next day. Occasionally it is not possible to disrupt the floaters in one sitting. In that case an additional sitting may be required. Rarely are the floaters not disrupted.

This laser procedure actually gets rid of floaters, not just breaking them into smaller pieces. The laser process used is called “optical breakdown”. This same process is used by all cataract surgeons, as noted above, to make a clear hole with a YAG laser in postoperative cataract membranes.

The laser procedure has major advantages over the vitrectomy procedure. The laser procedure breaks up the floaters without changing the rest of the vitreous or other eye structures. The other main advantage over vitrectomy is that the laser procedure does not open the eye. When the eye is opened in vitrectomy, there is some risk of infection, wound leaks, retinal detachment, and cataract formation.

A Brief History of Laser Vitreolysis

The first laser was developed in 1960, a ruby laser designed and built by Ted Maiman. The first YAG laser was built in 1964, and was a continuous wave (CW) laser. CW YAG lasers are still used in surgery for cutting and coagulation of tissue. The first pulsed lasers for ophthalmology (Q-switched and mode-locked) were independently developed by Danielle Aron-Rosa in France (mode-locked) and Franz Fankhauser in Switzerland (Q-switched) in the mid-1970s and commercialized several years later by several companies.

Mode-locked lasers were difficult to maintain and eventually were entirely replaced by Q-switched devices, which were smaller and easily maintained.

In 1983, the first ophthalmic YAG lasers won FDA marketing approval in the U.S. and by 1984 or 1985, there were at least thirty different companies marketing Q-switched YAG lasers to the ophthalmic community. Today, there are probably six or eight major suppliers of ophthalmic YAGs, and these lasers are found in just about every general or refractive ophthalmologist’s office, primarily for performing posterior capsulotomies.

It was probably Fankhauser, using his Lasag Q-switched laser in the late 1970s or early 1980s that first performed work in the vitreous to cut vitreous strands, using special optics that he designed. According to Dr. Scott Geller, he heard about the work that Franhauser was doing and visited him in Switzerland in the early 1980s. He was impressed with what he saw and decided to begin using his ophthalmic YAG laser in the vitreous upon his return to the United States.

Dr. Geller probably performed his first laser vitreolysis in 1985 or 1986 and began to specialize in treating floaters by about 1989.

Dr. Geller at His YAG Laser  

(Dr. Geller has provided a more complete explanation of how he got started treating floaters with a laser. For this explanation, please see: Using Lasers to Treat Vitreous Floaters: Laser Vitreolysis -- Part 2)

Dr. Karickhoff believes he did his first floater, an opacified string stretched across the visual axis in early 1990, with no knowledge that the procedure had been done elsewhere. Thinking that the procedure was only suitable for strands he did not do it again until 1999. He himself had developed a bothersome floater, learned about Dr. Geller and had Dr. Geller treat his floater. He then observed Dr. Geller perform the procedure on isolated floaters, learned about the technique used and brought this technique back into his office and began performing the procedure in earnest at that time.

Dr. Johnson had opened a LASIK practice in 2007. He had seen Dr. Karickhoff’s web site and bought his book Laser Treatment of Floaters. He found the technique intriguing, enjoyed some early success in treating floaters and within a year, he closed his LASIK practice and began specializing in performing laser virtreolysis.

Why Aren’t Other Ophthalmologists Using Lasers to Treat Floaters?

So this begs the question, why aren’t other ophthalmologists using their YAG lasers to treat floaters?

Dr. Johnson’s explanation:

“We can't answer for others, but we know that there seems to be little interest in this "benign", non-pathological condition. No pharmaceutical companies can benefit, and the manufacturers already have their lasers FDA approved. We think that in general eye doctors have not really been listening to their patients when they have visually-significant or dense floaters. In general, once your eye doctor has determined the absence of retinal detachment or other serious pathology, they try to reassure you or minimize the concern and then move on to their next challenge.

Another factor is that it is not easy to do. We are aware of other doctors who have tried to treat floaters, but maybe didn't have the appropriate lenses, or used inappropriate energy settings and became frustrated with the apparent failure and gave up on the procedure. It takes tens of thousands of laser shots to develop the skill set to treat floaters. It also takes a real commitment of the part of the physician to be willing to sometimes spend 30-45 minutes looking for some small, sometimes almost impossible to find floater. Sometimes after all of that, we may not even be able to treat because it is too close to the retina.”

And, Dr. Karickhoff:

“How is it possible that all eye doctors know of the vitrectomy operation for floaters which carries significant risk, but almost no eye doctor in the country has done the laser operation, seen the laser operation, received any training in it, or is familiar with it?

The first part of the answer is that the procedure came entirely from European research. The research was done by Franz Fankhauser, M.D. and Daniele Aron-Rosa, M.D., still the most respected laser researchers in the world. Unfortunately, their reports were buried in the European literature except for only one United States paper in 1985 (see World Literature page on my web site). So doctors here had almost no opportunity to read about the procedure.

Secondly, a proper laser for the procedure was not readily available. In 1978 Doctor Fankhauser developed a laser specifically for working in the vitreous and published the technique for laser disruption of eye floaters. But his Swiss made laser was very large, and never became well known in the United States. So its production stopped in 1993. By then the market was dominated by smaller lasers. These are the lasers now owned by doctors and hospitals throughout the world. Unfortunately, they were designed for disrupting cataract membranes and most of them can not disrupt floaters in the mid or deep vitreous. A final reason that many doctors have taken no interest in obliteration of floaters is because they are not aware of how helpful it can be to some patients. Certainly some patients can forget about their floaters, but if they are large and near the retina, this is not possible.

Why do some eye doctors, although not familiar with the laser procedure, feel a sincere ethical and moral obligation to warn their patients against the procedure?

The first reason probably is that from the doctor's studies of eye anatomy, it would seem that this treatment might cause retinal detachment. But actually, the entire world literature does not report any retinal detachments. I am familiar with an additional 1,600 cases of laser treatment of eye floaters that are not in the literature, and there were no retinal detachments in those cases either. It is true that a laser working in the vitreous can cause complications, but this almost always comes when cutting membranes or clearing hemorrhage, not from treating floaters.

The second reason is that until fairly recently it was firmly believed by most eye surgeons that any manipulation of the vitreous was harmful. But in the 1970's it was learned that vitreous manipulation and even its complete removal from the eye under controlled conditions can be helpful in many cases. Much of this work and the instrumentation was developed at the Duke Eye Center where I trained and remain on its Advisory Board. In spite of this new knowledge, any operation on the vitreous, even with a laser where there is no incision and no removal of vitreous, is still met with some caution.

(A PERSONAL NOTE): I completely understand and sympathize with the feelings of eye doctors when they first learn of this procedure. When I first heard of the procedure, I said: "I do not think there is any such procedure, but if there is, it is dangerous, and I would never trust an eye doctor who does it." But I had a strong reason to be very curious. In college I had a serious internal eye infection from toxoplasmosis that sparked my interest in ophthalmology. Ten years later I had a recurrence of that infection that left me with a large floater in my right eye that affected driving slightly, was very annoying when reading, and I always saw it when using the direct ophthalmolscope with my right eye. Any time I saw a floater, I had to shift my eye to learn if I was seeing the patient's floater or my floater. So, I called the doctor's office (Dr. Geller) who does the laser procedure for floaters, believing that he was doing an illegitimate procedure, and that he would never let an unknown ophthalmologist, like me, observe it. To my shock he said: "Certainly you can watch a procedure. I would love to meet you because I use the surgical contact lens you designed to examine every floater patient!" So, 24 hours after hearing of the procedure I was in the doctor's office and watched him through an observer's scope attached to his laser completely remove the floaters from the deep vitreous of two patients. One year later, after studying the literature, I had him operate on my floater. The next morning I saw 20/10 with my right eye and since then have had no trouble driving, reading, and do not see the floater when using the ophthalmoscope.

I am aware of only three doctors on this continent with the proper equipment and a large experience with this procedure. I believe that there may be a few doctors elsewhere in the world performing the procedure.”

A Brief Look at the Three Doctors Using Lasers to Treat Floaters

Who, why, what lasers do they use, when did they start, how many patients have they treated, what is their success rate, etc.

In learning about this procedure, in addition to studying the doctor’s websites and other references noted below, I asked each of the doctors a series of questions to gather their collective experiences. Here in tabular form, are their responses:

The Collective Doctors Experience
(Clicking on the tables and opening them in a new tab/window will allow it to be enlarged somewhat for better reading.)


The Three Doctors Specializing in Laser Vitreolysis

Scott Geller - South Florida Eye Foundation (Vitreous Floaters), Ft. Meyers, FL

Scott Geller M.D. performs a wide range of ophthalmic surgical procedures for conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, corneal disease, and refractive errors. His special interest in vitreous floaters has helped thousands of patients from around the world who have sought his help. Dr. Geller is usually available to speak with potential patients, or their ophthalmologists.

Call us during normal hours (eastern US time) at 239-275-8222 or 877-371-3937 (free call in the US). Web video conference is available throught iChat/AOL or YahooIM. Call us for details.

John Karickhoff – John Karickhoff MD (Eye Floaters), Falls Church, VA

Doctor Karickhoff received his M.D. degree and his ophthalmology training from Duke University. After serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for two years (Bronze Star in Vietnam), he began private practice in Falls Church. Since 1970 he has also taught at Georgetown University where he is Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and received their Vicennial Teaching Award. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and serves on the Advisory Board of the Duke University Eye Center.

Doctor Karickhoff is recognized locally and nationally as a surgical innovator. He has introduced many surgical techniques to the Washington area such as no-stitch cataract surgery and laser disruption of vitreous floaters (first case in February 1990).

His unique career includes surgery, teaching, research, inventions, patents, instrument and device designs, originating surgical techniques, and 39 internationally published papers.

Doctor Karickhoff has written the world's only book on laser treatment of eye floaters and has performed the procedure over 2,500 times.

He can be reached at his Falls Church, VA office by calling (703) 536-2400.

James H. Johnson – Vitreous Floater Solutions, Irvine, CA

Dr. James H. Johnson is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and is founder and medical director of Vitreous Floater Solutions in Irvine, Calif. He has dedicated his career to the treatment of bothersome and annoying vitreous eye floaters.

Call 949-253-5770 to make an appointment.

Resources:

1. Current treatment for vitreous floaters, David B. Sendrowski OD & Mark A. Bronstein MD,
Optometry 2010 Mar; 81(3):157-61.

2. Laser Treatment of Eye Floaters, 2nd Edition, John R. Karickhoff, MD, Washington Medical Publishing, 2006

3. Websites of the three doctors:

Scott Geller – South Florida Eye Foundation (Vitreous Floaters), Ft. Meyers, FL

John Karickhoff – John Karickhoff MD (Eye Floaters), Falls Church, VA

James Johnson – Vitreous Floater Solutions, Irvine, CA

4. Intraocular Photodisruption With Picosecond and Nanosecond Laser Pulses: Tissue Effects in Cornea, Lens, and Retina, Alfred Vogel, Malcolm R. C. Capon, Mary N. Asiyo-Vogel, and Reginald Birngruber, Tissue Effects of Picosecond and Nanosecond Photodisruption, Invest Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 1994;35:3032-3044.

5. Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser, Franz Fankhauser & Sylvia Kwasniewska, Ophthalmic Lasers, Vol. III, Francis L’Esperance, CV Mosby, 1989, pgs 781-886.

6. The Outlook for Medical Laser Systems: The Surgical Revolution, Irving J. Arons, Arthur D. Little Decision Resources, December 1986.

Update: A new writeup with interviews of five doctors performing laser vitreolysis in Europe and the UK has been posted. It is titled: Using Lasers to Treat Vitreous Floaters: Laser Vitreolysis in the UK and Europe

How To Relieve Foot Pain By Using Insoles For Flat Feet

By Rosella Campbell

Foot problems are common and many people suffer from chronic pain and discomfort. Most patients that seek help from podiatrists are women and these experts agree that the most common cause for these problems are the wearing of high heels or the wrong type of shoe. Fallen arches are also common. People suffering from this problem have very low or no arches at all. By wearing insoles for flat feet the discomfort can often be negated.

Fallen arches can be the cause of a range of symptoms. Some sufferers experience constant pain but most sufferers experience at least some pain when they are forced to stand for extended periods of time. Standing for long periods can also cause intense pain in the lower back region. The swelling of the inside of the ankles is also a common complaint. The condition makes it difficult to for sufferers to stand on their toes.

There is no cure for this condition. Podiatrists routinely recommend sufferers to try special soles that are designed to support the arches. The vast majority of sufferers benefit from these soles. They can be bought over the counter and in special cases a podiatrist can even order a custom made set if, for some reason, ready made products simply do not provide relief.

Even if the condition cannot be cured a lot can be done to lessen the pain and discomfort. Sufferers are encouraged to perform a variety of exercises that are all designed to strengthen the ligaments and muscles of the foot. This includes running on the toes as long as possible and stretching the toes apart from each other in several repetitions. Sufferers are also advised to walk barefoot as often as possible.

There have been rare cases where surgery has been tried but even highly experienced surgeons will only attempt it as a last resort. Reputable podiatrists shun this procedure and say that it is both too risky and dangerous. After making an incision on the side of the foot a plastic insert is put in the bones of the ankle. However, if this fails the patient will experience lifelong pain and discomfort.

Dropped arches have many causes. People suffering from obesity and arthritis are especially at risk. As one grows older, the tendons running along the ankles often weaken and this can also cause the arches to drop. Physical injuries to the foot can also cause these tendons to become inflamed and if it is not treated, the arches may drop. In many cases, however, people with dropped arches were born with the condition.

There are a number of things people can do to prevent the arches from dropping. When exercising, it is very important to wear the correct shoes and to choose shoes that will distribute the weight. High heels one of the biggest causes and women should wear them for short periods only, if at all. Another important precaution is to lose weight.

Inserts that support the arches is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways in which to relieve the pain and discomfort common to those with dropped arches. They should even be worn by those with healthy foot arches as a preventive measure. Exercise also helps and it is vital to wear shoes that fit properly.

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Find a review of the benefits of using insoles for flat feet and view our selection of insoles at http://www.pedagusa.com now.

Advantages Of Using Laser Hair Therapy Helmet

By Nancy Gardner

It has always been a part of our daily routine to do some small works on ourselves in order to look better in the eyes of other people. From the moment we wake up, one of our concerns is how our hair appears in the mirror. Yes hygiene must be observed at all times, but we should also take into consideration the overall impact with our precious crowning glory.

As we age through the years, we all are going to find particular treatment that would lessen our troubles in our falling hair. For some reason, our lifestyle and some other factor affect our appearance. Still, we added a number of years are just small aspects of life by which we would lose some interest in looking younger that we really are. Thus, having laser hair therapy helmet would do best.

Due to thousands of selection that has contributed to keeping us look younger than we really are, we would take whatever it takes just to have our crowning glory back in shape. Nutritional foods are the best weapon to fight it back. Some vitamins and minerals are recommended by our diet masters in which not all are available in stores and would even cost higher than our usual intake.

Some products are offering an instant remedy for us. With those shampoos and conditioners we simply thing that the more expensive it is, the more effective it would be. Treatments that are packed in sachets and bottles are very affordable in almost all beauty stores you would go to. But not all of it actually could be good in every one of us because of some matter.

Before you try out new stuff and products you must assess yourself as the need of having it. Do some research over the net and see if what particular remedy is suitable for your problem. Remember that some chemicals would have its side effect on your side if not managed to use properly. Also, getting advice from doctors would be best, especially to those who really struggle finding the appropriate means.

Others would just go on several surgeries and implants to undergo before they could see the result of their money that were spent on it. More clinics are serving people who got their finances invested on monthly and yearly meetings with them. You could spend a lot of dollars with long term effects in every month you visit them.

Sitting in your living room and scanning through magazines could now be made a bit different with new introductions to hair loss treatment. Those people working in science field are doing their best to ease our worries away. Due to thousands of machines and devices ready to assist us in our work, even in personal beauty works it also could do its distinct job.

Go to the house of your friends and talk about this matter. Now which of them have tried purchasing such item. It would also be advised to know their differentiating comments on it to be well rounded of its effects. Then you could make use of your computer to see some reviews over the net. There would be forums and social networking sites that would help you decide which is best.

Buying is easy, but sorting out which dealer is eligible is a bit harder than you thought. You could ask help from your lawyer to seek some complaints if any were filed against your chosen store. Know the foundation and background by checking their license and permit to operate number. In that manner, you would then have decent service from them.

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If you are looking for information about a laser hair therapy helmet, you should pay a visit to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://advancedhairlaser.com now.

The Many Benefits Of Using Lavender Neck Wraps

By Ina Hunt

Tons of home and office responsibilities often leave adults with tense and aching muscles. An effective and all-natural way to attain relief from such is by the use of the so-called lavender neck wraps. So many people favor these products over other possible solutions out there. If you haven't tried using one, continue reading to know why you should opt for it too.

It relies on an all-natural solution that helps get rid of the problem quickly and effectively. Just like what the product's name suggests, the main component is lavender essential oil. It is derived from a shrub whose scent is known to have a calming effect on both the body and mind. Putting the item in place allows you to attain relaxation when you need it so you may recover.

The smell is pleasant enough so the product may be used at any given time or place. A wrap is nothing like liniments that tend to have an overpowering smell that some people don't find appealing. If you are one of them, you'll be happy to know that you don't have to use greasy liniment as there's an item that is just as powerful but gives off a pleasing and calming smell.

Using this product is just like putting hot compress on your tired neck muscles. However, it's not as difficult and dangerous to ready as any of those traditional hot compresses. It only takes a few seconds for you to heat the product using a low oven or microwave. How long it should stay in the kitchen appliance will depend on the instructions the manufacturers provide.

It also doubles as a cold compress. Many people find the use of ice packs uncomfortable because the shape of ice cubes simply does not go very well with the curves of a human body. The wrap being discussed, in contrast, is designed to fully conform with your body's shape. It is filled with grains so it may be comfortably wrapped around where it is needed.

Opting for it means you no longer have to put up with messy liniments. In order to maximize the full healing potential of this product, spraying a little water on it is a good idea just before it is heated in the prescribed manner. If you want, you may also add a few drops of the essential oil of your liking so that you may enjoy its nice aroma as you relax.

This product may also be used on any other part of your body. Even though it's being marketed as something for your neck, the fact is using it on any other tired and tensed area is highly possible. Because of the product's length and the grains inside, it may be comfortably used on parts such as your knee, thigh, ankle, wrist, shoulder, elbow and lower back.

Cleaning is trouble-free, allowing you to keep the wrap in tip-top shape. Wiping the surface with a wet sponge or cloth is usually enough to get rid of unwanted stains. In case there are other possible cleaning solutions, it's for certain that the manufacturer will tell you about them. Regardless of the case, the fact remains that the item can be kept clean easily.

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Benefits Of Using Weight Loss Detox Tea

By Dennis Watson

At the beginning of each year and the start of swimsuit season, many individuals want to shed the excess pounds and lose inches. Unfortunately, many plans fail because of the lack of exercise or eating the wrong foods. Sometimes shedding excess pounds can be as simple as using a weight loss detox tea to cleanse the body.

Although it is known by many names, the objective remains the same. The detoxifying tea's sole purpose is to rid the body of toxins. The natural combination of hot water, herbs and certain plant based materials can be used alone or with any meal. In fact, many alternative medical practitioners believe this formula works by supplying the liver with its necessary nourishment.

The exact mixture combination depends on the person; however, the most popular teas are green teas, dandelion teas and milk thistle teas. There are several ways for this detoxifying method to be effective. While some users work it into their current diet, others will drink the tea for several days to achieve a complete cleanse. It is recommended to those fasting with a detoxifying tea seek the advice of a health care professional before beginning.

Ridding the body of toxins provides other benefits such as lowered blood pressure, improved mood as well as a lower risk for heart disease of stroke. Once the toxins are gone, the body is better equipped to receive other vitamins and nutrients. During the process, it is necessary to drink an adequate amount of water. The water helps the body to flush itself of the impurities.

Each ingredient serves a specific function. For example, ginger helps to relieve the oxidized stress on the liver. Mixtures that are infused with red teas stimulate the bowels. A cleared digestive track increases metabolism, which results in a greater amount of fat burn. An uplifted mood, a better memory and improved concentration levels are other added benefits. The results are noticed soon after beginning the diet.

Each ingredient within the detox tea has a specific function. For example, herbs such as ginger, lemongrass, milk thistle, dandelion and funnel fruit help to support a healthy liver. Ginger also relieves oxidized stress in the liver. Depending on each individual's caffeine tolerance, alternative medical practitioners state that a person can safely drink up to five cups a day. However, the detox tea is still effective when used either before bed or after waking up in the morning.

While trying to achieve the maximum amount of weight loss, it is important to choose a well balanced diet. Replace processed and fried foods with fruits, vegetables, lean protein, anti-inflammatory fats and whole grains. A clean diet helps the body's organs to function better.

All detox teas may be purchased online or in a health food store. Its actual cost depends on the ingredients needed. Even though many manufacturers supply ready to make teas, simple mixtures can be made from scratch at home. In order to achieve the best results, while using the tea, avoid processed and fried foods.

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When you are looking for information about weight loss detox tea, pay a visit to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://vi-taltea.com now.

Relieve Stress Using The San Diego Isolation Tank Locations

By Stella Gay

The healing solutions that people find after participating in full contact sporting events can repair damage before it is permanent. People in San Diego CA have found relief for pain and muscle damage after visiting a San Diego isolation tank. Some people choose to use these pods as a place to relieve stress, and at the end, the user is able to reestablish a sense of calm and serenity.

People that play contact sports achieve a great deal of bruising to many parts of the body at one time. Relief can be gained from floating in the swirling waters inside the unit. The strain that is placed on these body parts is relieved because the calm environment allows the muscles of the body to fully relax. The enclosure will also place the person in a meditative state because all distractions will seem to disappear.

The environment inside the unit will create a safe sanctuary for the user. All measures of monitoring time will disappear the second the cover is put into place. The outside world will disappear for a specified amount of time, and during that lapse, the person will feel their energy levels are increasing, and that all of the stress that they were experiencing has disappeared too.

As stress levels are raised, the person will realize that thought processes have been affected. The nervous system will be slow to respond and memory functions can be disabled. People find that several appointments each month will restore the senses to their proper operating ability. The quiet environment gives people the sense of total sensory renewal.

There are many relaxation units in place throughout San Diego, that are fashioned in various sizes. The tanks can accommodate any body size, and customers are ensured of privacy throughout the period of use. The tank operators will ensure that safety measures are in place and closely monitored for each client that enters the pods. Submersion in a room sized tank can create a sense of contentment.

Many people that are stressed out will see the pods as a place where they are safe and protected. The enclosed unit will provide people with a sense of ease after only spending a few hours inside. With continued visits, the person will realize that many health concerns have disappeared or at least been reduced to a great degree.

Many people suffer nightmares and sleepless nights due to some form of mental illness. A therapist will view these units as a place where the person can feel safe. The enclosure will remove any sounds that could startle the client, and the floating action will allow the person to become calmer. This soothing environment will offer clients relief to many sensory nerves since all light and other distractions are gone.

As air bubbles are injected into the pool of water, many clients will begin to notice that pain levels have decreased. Sore muscles and joints feel better after a short time, and a certain amount of swelling will be reduced as time goes by. The water jets will remove tensions and serve to massage all parts of the body in a quick and efficient manner.

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When you are looking for information about a San Diego isolation tank, you can pay a visit to the web pages online here today. Details are available at http://www.floatsanctuary.com now.

Importance Of Using Probiotics For Constipation

By Enid Hinton

One of the problems that people experience today is constipation. This is the inability of your bowels to move more than three or four times in a week. On the other hand, this condition means that you may not be able to excrete the right stool in its right form. People with constipation problem pass stool that is dry, hard, and small. However, doctors have come up with different ways of combating this condition such as the use probiotics for constipation.

Many people are left to wonder how this problem comes about. It is important for such people to know that, this problem can either come about due to diet or even change of lifestyle. Due to job related commitments, many people do not get time to participate in physical body exercises. Such people are at high risk of developing this problem. Exercises help to facilitate the movements of the bowel.

Secondly, what you eat is a great determiner of whether you would suffer this condition or not. Some of the foods you may eat and constipate your bowels include dairy products. For this reason, most doctors recommend that you take eight glasses of water every day to ensure that dairy products do not negatively affect your digestive system. Some of these dairy products include milk, butter cheese, and meat.

It is constantly great to realize that components with high substance of fats and sugar might likewise cause this issue. Like youngsters, you might likewise discover grown-ups who ache for greasy and sugary components. These components would not be the best to take dependably on the off chance that you wish to evade this issue. Indeed, you ought to story suppers with the right extents of fats and sugar. Where conceivable, you may need to take after rules that your specialist gives.

These products or supplements are available in most of the shops and outlets that deal with health issues. In fact, you may not need to walk in to numerous chemists before you have these products in your bag. You should appreciate the fact that these products may not stress you while locating them. If you find it hard to find them in your home area, you may seek help from your doctor.

You realize that, if you are on medication it is important that you take precautions. This is because they may tamper with the processes of the drugs. Due to this reason, it is important that you take the instructions of the doctors carefully for the best advises. People who ignore the instructions of their doctors sometimes suffer since they take the right thing at the wrong time. Doctors will always advice you to take the right things to ensure that your health is always maintained.

It is good to know that pregnant women experience different changes in their body systems depending on the pregnancy demands. While this is happening, pregnant women may also have their bowel movements altered. In this situation, pregnant women should buy these products under the instructions of their doctors.

The other thing you may need to do to have full trust on these items is conversing with the individuals who use them. This would help you know whether the items have unfriendly symptoms that would keep you from taking them. The good thing with this viewpoint is that you would get positive reports from the individuals who use them.

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