Sunday, December 14, 2025

ARTICLES BY DR. WAYNE FICHTER/DISK AND SPINE NORTHWEST

Is technology killing your posture?

Your mom told you to always stand up straight - and she was right. Poor posture can lead to many problems including head, face, neck, shoulder, upper back, and arm pain. Studies have demonstrated that a forward head, increased thoracic kyphosis (rounded upper back), and rounded shoulders raise the incidence …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Are your sleeping habits leading to back pain?

Have you ever considered changing your sleep habits to relieve lower back pain, neck pain, or other general aches and pains? If not, it's time you did. Your sleep position and pillow choice could be the very culprits of your daily discomfort. If you follow these four tips, you could …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Damaging effects of forward head posture

The effects of posture on health are becoming more evident. Spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse, and lung capacity are among the functions most easily influenced by posture. The corollary of these observations is that many symptoms, including pain, may be moderated or eliminated by improved posture.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Sochi Winter Olympics chiropractic care

The inclusion of Sochi Winter Olympics chiropractic care in 2014 reflects the fact that over the last decade, chiropractors have become a key part of an athlete's training and recovery program.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

How water can elevate your health

Water is the most fundamental nutrient your body needs. Two-thirds of our body's mass is composed of water. It stands to reason, then, that water intake should be closely monitored. Obviously, the amount of water we consume is directly related to our overall health and wellness. How? By facilitating joint …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Sciatica and you

Sciatica occurs when one experiences constant pain in the sciatic nerve, which extends through the entire lower part of the body, from the lower back to the buttocks and on down through the lower legs. The sciatic nerve keeps the muscles of the lower legs functioning correctly, causing sensation in …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Energy drinks: Are they worth the risk?

The same pick-me-up that powers you through a boring afternoon meeting or late-night deadline could be silently setting your body up for some serious health problems. A 2013 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration outlines a drastic climb in energy drink-related emergency room visits. With cans …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Is the little yellow packet doing you harm?

Having Sucralose sensitivity myself, I understand firsthand the symptoms people have when consuming these products. I myself get fibromyalgia-type symptoms, swollen joints and headaches any time I eat anything with Sucralose in it. So when I have patients come into my office complaining of such symptoms and see that they …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Chiropractic is health care, not disease care

Chiropractors have, since 1895, treated sickness and infirmity without the use of drugs and with the goal of avoiding surgical removal or repair of any of the body's organs or structures. Chiropractic's message is that the proactive care of one's body and wise lifestyle choices are necessary to achieve health. …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Dealing with dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body does not have enough fluids to perform its normal functions. Your body loses more water and other fluids than it takes in, leading to a potentially serious medical condition. Excessive sweating, the use of diuretics, excessive alcohol use, serious diarrhea, fever, and vomiting can cause …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

How can that laser help me?

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), commonly known as "cold" laser, has been used worldwide for over 40 years to relieve pain, remove scars, heal wounds, regenerate nerves and solve addictions. On Jan. 17, 2002, the first U.S. LLLT company, Erchonia, received FDA clearance through clinical trial. The study took 100 …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Holiday stress management: Biggest causes of stress, anxiety

The holidays can be a joyous and wonderful time, but there's no denying that holiday stress can sometimes creep up on even the most calm and organized among us. Holiday parties, family get-togethers and other holiday activities can all be fun, but the added demands on our time and attention …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Preventing winter sports injuries

Outdoor activities can be an excellent way to get some fresh air and exercise during the long, chilly winter months, but the cold temperatures and icy surfaces can also lead to more injuries. Following is a list of tips to help you have fun and minimize your risk of injury …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease. It's a term that describes the natural changes the spinal discs undergo as we age. As a disc degenerates, it may put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, which often leads to pain and may affect nerve function.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Boosting your immune system naturally

The nervous system and immune system are hardwired and work together to create optimal responses for the body to adapt and heal appropriately. Neural dysfunctions due to spinal misalignments are stressful to the body and cause abnormal changes that lead to a poorly coordinated immune response. Chiropractic adjustments have been …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

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