Category: Uncategorized

Spinal Decompression Therapy for Sciatica

The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back, through your hips, and down each leg. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort along this pathway, you may be suffering from a condition known as sciatica. Should you be looking for a way to treat this complication, Dr. Raymond Semente, our chiropractor in St. James, can perform spinal decompression therapy to help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.   

 

What is Sciatica?

 

Sciatica typically only affects and harms one side of the body. The condition occurs when there is a great deal of pressure placed on the sciatic nerve. Causes of this pressure can include some of the following ailments:

 

  • Herniated Disks.
  • Bone Spur.
  • Spinal Stenosis.

 

While the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, visiting a chiropractor in St. James can be beneficial in helping to find relief. 

 

Symptoms of Sciatica

 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, please consider contacting our chiropractor in St. James for treatment:

 

  • Lower back or hip pain.
  • A burning or tingling sensation down the leg.
  • A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up.

 

The pain caused by sciatica will usually run from the lower back, through the back of the thigh, and into the lower leg. Depending on the location of the pressure, pain can also run down through the foot in some cases. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Raymond Semente may recommend that you receive spinal decompression therapy as a remedy. 

 

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

 

Spinal decompression therapy can be used as a means to combat pain and discomfort caused by sciatica. This form of treatment involves using a traction table or similar devices to stretch the spine. This stretching can help realign the spine and potentially relieve any pain associated with herniated or bulging disks. This spinal realignment takes the pressure off of the sciatic nerve, helping to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by this condition. Visiting our chiropractor in St. James may be just what you need to find relief from your sciatica symptoms. 

 

Prevention

 

Even after receiving treatment, there is a chance that sciatica and its associated symptoms may return. Luckily, there are several ways to prevent a recurrence. Such methods can include a few of the following:

  • Exercise regularly for back and core strength.
  • Maintain proper posture when you sit.
  • Use good body mechanics.

Chiropractor In St. James

 

If you are currently experiencing pain across the sciatic nerve, chances are you’re suffering from sciatica. While the condition can be painful and create an abundance of discomfort, do not feel the need to simply endure! At the office of Dr. Semente, our team will work to provide you with the proper care and treatment to help relieve your pain. Contact us to schedule an appointment for spinal decompression therapy and stop living with unnecessary pain today!

Massage Therapy for Chronic Stiff Neck & Spinal Stenosis

 

In the world of recurring discomfort, neck pain is typically evident in our lives. The discomfort caused by a stiff neck can make it difficult and even painful to complete many everyday tasks. Several stimulants may be contributing to your neck issues, but a common cause could be spinal stenosis. If you believe that this is the case and you are looking for treatment, Dr. Raymond Semente, our chiropractor near Nesconset, can provide quality methods for treatment.

Causes of Spinal Stenosis

 

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within your spine begin to show signs of narrowing. This narrowing puts pressure on the nerves within your spine, which can lead to an abundance of complications. While most people who suffer from spinal stenosis are over the age of 50, those of a younger age are not immune to being impacted by this condition. Patients can be born with a smaller spinal canal, in most cases, the narrowing does not happen on its own. Some of the most common causes of spinal narrowing include a few of the following:

  • Overgrown bones.
  • Herniated Disks.
  • Tumors.
  • Various spinal injuries.

If left untreated, spinal stenosis can lead to weakness within your arms, feet, and legs. The disease can also cause issues with maintaining balance and walking properly. Should any of these conditions happen to you or a loved one, our chiropractor near Nesconset is ready to help.

Other Causes of Chronic Stiff Neck 

 

While spinal stenosis is one of the leading causes of chronic neck stiffness, there are also many other potential catalysts. Other common causes may include some of the following: 

  • Sleeping in a position that puts pressure on your neck.
  • Poor posture.
  • Experiencing a fall.
  • Sustaining a sports injury.

If you are suffering from a chronic stiff neck for any reason, a trip to the office of Dr. Semente could be the solution to your discomfort. Dr. Semente will work to provide you with the highest quality of care to get you feeling like yourself again!

Massage Therapy from A Chiropractor Near Nesconset

 

When dealing with a chronic stiff neck, massage therapy can be a very beneficial form of treatment. Dr. Raymond Semente, our chiropractor near Nesconset, offers various massage therapy options that can help relieve any pain and discomfort associated with your stiff neck. Although there are many different types of massage therapy, the most common ones performed are Swedish massages and deep tissue massages. These techniques aim to provide relief for your neck pain as well as improve the range of motion in the area. There are also additional benefits of massage therapy, such as stress relief and improved blood circulation. 
No matter the cause of your chronic stiff neck, we have many treatment options available for you too select. If you are considering seeing a chiropractor near Nesconset for your stiff neck, contact Dr. Raymond Semente today!  

What is Spinal Stenosis?

What is Spinal Stenosis? – Chiropractor near Smithtown

 

Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal. Bundles of nerves travel through the spinal canal to your neck, back, and legs. When the spinal canal narrows, adequate spacing is no longer provided. This causes the nerves to squeeze tightly together, often resulting in a feeling of pain or numbness. If you are feeling pain in your back or neck, be sure to make an appointment with Dr. Raymond Semente, a chiropractor near Smithtown. Dr. Semente has served the Long Island Community for several years and has seen cases of spinal stenosis in the past.

 

Causes of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis most commonly occurs naturally as a person ages. Spinal stenosis may also be induced by other medical conditions such as:

  • Naturally narrow spinal canal.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Bone overgrowth or bone spurs.
  • Herniated disc.
  • Tumors.
  • Prior spinal injuries.

 

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

There are various symptoms associated with spinal stenosis, and each person may experience them differently. Additionally, there are two categories of spinal stenosis: lumbar and cervical. Lumbar spinal stenosis is located in the back, while cervical spinal stenosis is located in the neck. Lumbar spinal stenosis is more common and usually causes symptoms such as pain, burning, or numbness in the back, legs, or feet. Cramping may also occur as a result of bending over or walking. As for cervical spinal stenosis, symptoms usually include pain, weakness, or numbness in the neck, arms, or hands, or difficulty balancing. In extreme cases, either type of spinal stenosis can lead to bowel or bladder dysfunction. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact a chiropractor near Smithtown to get the help you need.

 

Spinal Stenosis Treatment 

While there is no single cure for spinal stenosis, there are quite a few suggestions patients can participate in to reduce the pain considerably. Most commonly, physical therapists can work with you to create a personal plan that will help stretch and strengthen your back, leg, and stomach muscles. Spinal Decompression Therapy, performed by Dr. Raymond Semente, focuses on the spine and treats back issues like herniated discs and pinched nerves that can contribute to spinal stenosis. Aside from physical therapy, patients can also opt for massage therapy or acupuncture that can help in reducing pain.

Dr. Semente, a chiropractor near Smithtown, has a great team of experts who perform both massage therapy and acupuncture at their St. James location. Medications like anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, and antidepressants can also help to reduce pain, but using physical therapy, or even surgery, to avoid opioids is the best course of action for any patient. Surgery is usually the last option after physical therapy and other types of exercises and is used to widen the spinal canal and relieve pressure from your spinal cord.  

 

Chiropractor Near Smithtown

If any of these symptoms pertain to you, it is time to call a chiropractor near Smithtown. Feeling better in your body is always the goal here at Dr. Raymond Semente’s Chiropractic office. With various treatment options like physical therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture, we are ready to help you feel your best! Contact us today to learn more about spinal stenosis and to find out how we can help you get the relief you deserve! 

Is Acupuncture Painful?

Is Acupuncture Painful?-Acupuncture in St. James

 

When people hear the word acupuncture, they usually think of needles in the skin. While this is true, acupuncture is never intended to be painful, and most patients who receive acupuncture say that they feel little to no pain. There are often sensations felt aside from pain that will indicate that the acupuncture is taking effect. If you are looking for acupuncture in St. James, or want to know more about acupuncture, contact Dr. Raymond Semente!

 

The Needles

The seemingly scariest part of acupuncture to outsiders is, of course, the needles! You may dislike pricking your finger on needles or getting shots at the doctor, but the needles used in acupuncture are very different from the ones used in those scenarios. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin, so much so that many patients don’t even feel them being inserted. For those who do feel something when the needle is inserted, the sensation does not resemble pain, but rather a feeling of heaviness or dullness. While sharp pain is rarely felt, sensations of mild or dull aches along with tingling usually indicate that the acupuncture is fulfilling its purpose. Yet, if you do experience sharp, severe pain during acupuncture, be sure to let your practitioner know right away. 

 

The Pain

As mentioned previously, there should be little to no discomfort when the needles are inserted, but pain may be present on some rare occasions. Keep in mind that it is vital to visit an experienced professional when receiving acupuncture because pain can arise if you choose to visit a practitioner with minimal experience. Simply inserting the needle too deeply or using too large of a needle can cause sharp pain. While needle manipulation is common in acupuncture and helps with the procedure, when done incorrectly, it can lead to some pain as well. A painful acupuncture experience can be avoided when you visit reliable, experienced acupuncturists like Dr. Raymond Semente and his team who perform acupuncture in St. James on Long Island. 

 

The Benefits

Acupuncture offers a wide range of benefits, especially to those suffering from pain. The practice has been used in ancient Chinese, Japanese, and Korean civilizations to relieve pain all over the body. Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of ailments, such as migraines, back and neck pain, and menstrual cramps. The procedure can also help to relieve stress through stimulation of the nerves and tissues in the area in which the pain is present. Acupuncture is generally risk-free and is an excellent alternative to potentially addictive medications like pain relievers or opioids. 

 

Acupuncture in St. James

While acupuncture may seem intimidating to some, it is a great way to relieve your pain so you can continue doing the things you love! Here at Dr. Raymond Semente’s Chiropractic office, we have an excellent team of acupuncturists that are ready to help you feel your best. If you have any concerns about acupuncture, or if you are looking for acupuncture in St. James, contact us today!

Fall Sports Injury Prevention

Fall Sports Injury Prevention – Chiropractor near Nesconset

Fall is here and its sports season is in full swing! Although football receives a lot of attention because of its popularity and increased awareness of concussions, each sport has its risks. Other sports like soccer, track, and volleyball do not prevent the possibility of injury. Back injuries are incredibly common in fall sports so it is important to educate your child on proper stretching, form, and more. Despite preparation, traumatic injuries can happen to cause long-term issues.

 

Common Fall Sports Injuries:

As a chiropractor near Nesconset, we see all kinds of injuries in young athletes. Most are overuse injuries involving the stretching and twisting of the back, neck, and shoulders. Traumatic accidents can also lead to back and neck injuries. Cooper Manning, brother to NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli, was diagnosed with spinal stenosis at a young age, putting an end to his football career. Spinal stenosis refers to the condition when the spinal column narrows putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the spine.

 

Peyton Manning has gone through many surgeries to correct his neck and back injuries. From the age of 15 to 35, he did not let his injuries keep in the way of the sport he loved, however, his neck pain and back injuries have worsened due to overuse. Some conditions Peyton suffered from was herniated disc and pinched a nerve.

 

Treatment:

If you suspect a serious injury, such as a broken bone, you should visit a hospital or medical doctor immediately. For back or neck pain or other soft-tissue pain, contact our chiropractor near Nesconset to help heal your injury. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, you must take action. Rest, ice, and compression are all good at-home remedies but visiting a chiropractor can help you stay in the game longer.

 

First, a chiropractor will ask you questions about your pain and physical condition. From there, they will perform a physical examination of the areas in pain. A chiropractor near Nesconset like Dr. Raymond Semente will then perform a variety of treatment methods in order to improve your physical condition. Depending on the nature of your injury, they will perform spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, discuss lifestyle advice, and more! The goal of chiropractic is to help heal your injury and prevent it from reoccurring in the future. If you need a chiropractor near Nesconset to help with fall sports injuries or injury prevention in general, contact Dr. Raymond Semente today! 

Back Spasms and Acupuncture

Back Spasms and Acupuncture – Acupuncture in St. James

Muscle spasms or cramps can physiologically cause involuntary muscle contractions. Although these contractions can be very painful, in most cases they are non-life threatening. Despite this, a visit with your doctor is best to ensure long-term health.  According to the National Institutes of Health, most people will experience a muscle spasm during their lifetime. The common areas muscle spasms are experienced include the back, legs, hands, arms, abdomen, neck, and shoulders however it is possible to experience a muscle spasm at many points in the body. In particular, back spasms are very common. 

Although there are many remedies back spasms, acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular and effective choice. The office of Dr. Raymond Semente offers acupuncture in St. James which can help you reduce back pain caused by muscle spasm.

Why Do Muscle Spasms Occur?

There are many causes of muscle cramps which include overuse, nutrition, stress, and anatomical irregularities. Some muscle spasms can be prevented by appropriate stretching before and after activities. Dehydration or low levels of potassium and calcium can also increase involuntary muscle contractions. 

How Does Acupuncture In St. James Work?

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles into the skin which helps to clear blockages leading to a variety of positive effects. Acupuncture practiced today, including acupuncture points and diagnostic techniques, remains comparable to antiquity. However, the needles used in modern practice are sterile, stainless steel and for reasons of single-use safety. 

At the office of Dr. Raymond Semente, we offer chiropractic and acupuncture to provide you with the best treatment options for your back spasms. Regardless of what specialized treatment plan is best, your medical professional will conduct a full physical examination and a question and answer session to ensure the best possible results.

One method of using acupuncture to treat back spasms is to stimulate muscle spasms in-office. This will allow our team to best diagnose and treat the area. From there, the acupuncturist may choose to strategically insert a needle into a specific acupuncture point which is called the “ashi” point. 

Is Acupuncture For Muscle Spasms Safe?

Acupuncture is considered safe with minimal risk when provided by a licensed professional. If you are seeking acupuncture in St. James, contact the office of Dr. Raymond Semente today!

Chiropractic Care for Baseball Players – Chiropractor near Nesconset

Chiropractor near Nesconset

Baseball, America’s pastime, is a great and fun sport to play. Unfortunately, injuries can always occur which will result in players not being able to play. It is crucial that baseball players recover completely before they get back out on the field. If you just suffered a baseball injury and are searching for a chiropractor near Nesconset, then Dr. Semente is the physician for you! He will help you get back to full strength and back on the field in no time. 

Common Baseball Injuries 

Realistically, any injury can occur while playing baseball. However, there are some injuries that are more common than others. Some common injuries that can occur while playing baseball are: 

  • Sprains and strains
    • Typically in the arm, elbow, or shoulder from throwing. Typically in ankle from running.
  • Fractures
    • Typically in hands, fingers, and wrists.
  • Concussions

One of the biggest factors for baseball injuries is fatigue. If your body is fatigued then you are not at full strength, which makes you more likely to suffer from an injury. There are a substantial amount of other injuries that can happen while you are playing baseball. For example, if you injure your UCL, which is common for pitchers, you may need Tommy John surgery. If you do not get the surgery, you will never throw the ball the same. It is vital that if you suffer from any of these injuries you visit our chiropractor near Nesconset. If you do not take proper care of your body then it is going to limit your time on the field.

How Chiropractic Care can Affect Baseball Players 

There are plenty of ways of how chiropractic care can be beneficial for baseball players. Not only can it help you prevent an injury, but it can also help you heal from an injury. Some benefits of chiropractic care are: 

  • Improve joint mobility
  • Improve circulation
  • Speeds up recovery process
  • Decreases pain
  • Increase energy
  • Improve sleep
  • Prevents pain
  • Strengthen immune system
  • Improves the contractility of muscles
  • Improve athletic performance
  • Improve quality of life
  • Improve overall health

 

These are just some of the many benefits that can come from chiropractic care. If you want to reap any of these benefits, then you should visit our chiropractors near Nesconset. 

 

Contact Us 

Book an appointment with Dr. Semente if you are a baseball player who needs chiropractic care! Our goal is to make sure that you are as healthy as can be. We want to help you play ball for as long as possible!

Acupuncture for Anxiety

Acupuncture for Anxiety 

Imagine trying to talk to someone, but you get incredibly nervous to the point you feel light-headed, can’t find the words to speak, or experience a panic attack. That’s an example of anxiety. If left untreated, the constant worrying, and nervousness of anxiety can really consume a person’s life. Acupuncture has been shown to be a great treatment for someone trying to battle their anxiety symptoms. If you’re in need of acupuncture in St. James, call Dr. Semente.

What is Anxiety?

According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is “characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes” (APA). These feelings typically result in anxiety disorders which may lead to overthinking, avoidance of the triggers of the condition, etc. Some anxiety disorders a person may experience are the following:

  • Social anxiety – occurs when someone avoids certain social situations due to fear of  being uncomfortable, judged, or attracting a lot of attention.
  • Panic disorder – occurs when someone has random panic attacks even though nothing seriously alarming has occurred.
  • Generalized anxiety disorder – occurs when a person experiences uncontrollable worry surrounding multiple different things for days on end. 

For more information regarding acupuncture in St. James’ services for anxiety, visit Dr. Semente’s website. 

How Acupuncture Reduces Anxiety

Originating from Chinese Culture, acupuncture is used to re-align a person’s Qi (energy that keeps the body mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy). Given how much we’re expected to do in our daily lives, it’s no shock that all of those actions have an effect on our well-being (Disrupting our Qi). The needles are positioned in locations that are close to the nerves. The point of placing them there is to prevent anxiety by relaxing the body and balancing out the person’s nervous system. Call Dr. Semente’s office to learn more about acupuncture in St James. 

What to Expect When Undergoing Acupuncture

Although the idea of putting needles in our body can be quite unsettling, most acupuncture is painless. In fact, the needles are round, not pointy, and are not designed to cause pain. If they do cause pain, the needle may be placed too deep, have too much pressure applied, or be of poor quality. When starting the process of acupuncture, the acupuncturist will ask you why you need the treatment. The purpose of asking is for the acupuncturist to provide the best care possible. Afterward, the acupuncturist will have you lay down and place the needles in the appropriate spot. Then all you have to do is lay there for about 30 minutes and let the needles do all the work. 

How can Dr. Semente Help me?

Dr. Semente and his staff are well experienced in helping patients receive the proper treatment suited for their health conditions. Let Dr. Semente help ease your anxiety, and book an acupuncture appointment today!

Chiropractic Care for Baseball Players

Chiropractic Care for Baseball Players

What is chiropractic? Chiropractic care is the most common natural primary health care profession in the world. It is the philosophy, art, and science of realigning vertebrae that are misaligned. This form of medicine allows the nervous system to restore function. 

 

Let’s face it, playing baseball is a long and tedious grind. Teams and players are seeking new ways to speed up the recovery process and locate ways to enhance their performance to gain an edge on their opponents. Dr. Semente, a chiropractor in St. James, is a great option for players on Long Island. His expertise and attention to detail will give players an extreme advantage to recover, recuperate and gives them an unparalleled chance to be the best player they possibly can. Baseball players should seriously consider seeing a chiropractor early on in their baseball endeavors for many reasons. These reasons include: 

 

  • Faster recovery times
  • Reducing the risk of injuries
  • To address shoulder, back, and hip tightness and inflammation 
  • Enhance game time execution
  • To relieve stress

 

Chiropractic care has been embraced by many professional sports organizations and teams are using the medical practice to enhance what their players are able to do on the field. The distress and physical demand that comes with being a baseball player inevitably take a toll on the body. In seeing a chiropractor, players will feel looser, more ready to play, and have more confidence knowing their body is ready for action. 

Care For All Ages

The practice of chiropractic medicine is not limited to any age group. While chiropractic care has risen to the scene in the past 20 years joining MLB training staffs, the practice is beginning to be used by young athletes as well. As a young athlete, the game of baseball can be grueling on the body and it is never too early to set yourself up for success. Approaches such as joint manipulation, electrical stimulation, and spinal realigning provide a sense of recovery that only leaves room to reach the goal of being a high performing athlete. 

The 1st Step to Becoming a Better Baseball player 

If you are looking to open eyes this season, give Dr. Semente a call. His chiropractic office in St. James is the first step to becoming a complete baseball player and avoiding injury. Dr. Semente offers affordable pricing for chiropractic care and is a doctor who puts the patients best interest forward. Allow him to be your answer to not only becoming a healthier player but becoming a better team. Don’t strike out on this pitch right down the middle; contact us today! 

Acupuncture Treatment for Your Allergies

Acupuncture Treatment for Your Allergies

Have you been battling allergies? Well, acupuncture may be the right solution for you! The Chinese medical practice of acupuncture has been used for years to treat a wide range of health problems, including allergies. Not only does it help to immediately treat symptoms of allergies such as puffy eyes and sneezing, but it helps to promote less-pronounced symptoms in the months to come. If you have been suffering from seasonal allergies and are looking for some relief, contact Dr. Semente for the best acupuncture in St. James.

What are allergies?

Allergies are essentially an immune response to a foreign substance that is not typically dangerous to the human body. These foreign substances are commonly referred to as allergens. Allergens can be present in various foods, pet dander, plants, or pollen. Those who suffer from allergies means that their body is perceiving these foreign substances as harmful to the body. As a response, the immune system will kick into gear and attack the allergens. This will then cause various symptoms to occur.

What are the common signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms an individual may be experiencing are all relative to the type of allergy they have and the severity of it. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

  • Watery eyes
  • Itchy or burning eyes
  • Running nose
  • Coughing

 

How acupuncture can help treat them?

The effects acupuncture has on allergies has been tested in multiple different studies and the results have all been consistent. It has shown that it does, indeed, provide relief of allergy symptoms. Those who have taken to acupuncture for allergy relief have reported experiencing fewer symptoms such as coughing and sneezing post-treatment and even in the months following.

Acupuncture in St. James

If you are tired of dealing with your seasonal allergy symptoms and are looking for some relief, try out our acupuncture in St. James with Dr. Semente. Our well-qualified acupuncturist is experienced in treating patients with a wide range of health issues including allergies. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and see for yourself how acupuncture can give you the relief you’ve been searching for.