Chiropractic Treatments

Our primary focus is to address the whole person. When one area of your body isn’t right, it will affect other areas of your body. Your body is designed to be self-healing and self-regulating. When your body is under too much stress (chemical, physical or emotional) this ability becomes compromised leading to pain and dysfunction. By locating and addressing the stress related condition we are able to restore function, enabling you to live a healthier life. At New Beginnings Chiropractic we welcome people of all ages from newborns to elders. The following is a partial list of the most common conditions people come to us for.

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Headaches & Migraines

We are frequently surprised at how often people think headaches are normal. Let’s get this straight, your head is not supposed to hurt (not counting blunt trauma). Headaches are simply common, not normal. Adding insult to injury, the over-the-counter drugs people take for headaches can contribute to the problem. The drug companies are getting richer, but people are not getting better.  At our office, we will fully evaluate the cause of your headaches and provide a drug-free solution to get rid of your headaches. Give us a call. We treat headaches and migraines including:

  • Tension Headaches – The most common headache, can be very severe at times
  • Migraines – Usually preceded by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound and very irritable. Pain is usually severe
  • Sinus Headaches – Not as common as most people think, usually a tension headache
  • Cluster Headaches – Often begins at night, with pain behind one eye. Come in clusters of 2-3 per night and lasting for days to weeks. Can disappear for weeks or months. Intensely painful. 

TMJ, Jaw Pain

Eating a delicious meal is one of the greatest joys on Earth. Why spoil it with jaw pain? Ever had a dentist tell you your teeth were wearing down from clenching and grinding while you sleep? Have you ever spent hours in a dental chair getting a crown put on a tooth, or having a root canal to find afterwards you have jaw pain and your bite is off? Did you spend thousands of dollars to get your teeth straightened but now your jaw pops? Jaw problems can occur in a number of ways. New Beginnings Health Care is trained to help with gentle and effective treatments for TMJ and jaw pain. So before you give up in despair or run off for jaw surgery, give us a call. We treat TMJ including:

  • Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) – Your jaw doesn’t work right.
  • Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) – The joints that connect the mandible (jaw) to the temporal (skull) bones.
  • Jaw Clenching, Grinding – Usually occurs at night. Damages the enamel of the teeth.
  • Locked Jaw – Unable to open or close mouth easily or fully. 

Whiplash

Whiplash injuries are very serious. A whiplash injury is commonly related to rear-end car accidents. However, any action where the neck is quickly forced forward and/or backward can cause a whiplash-type neck injury. Symptoms can range from neck pain, headaches, jaw pain, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, upper back pain, lower back pain, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, to nausea. Sometimes the full extent of the damage to the neck is not obvious for weeks or even months after the accident. Treatment for whiplash injuries should be started as soon as possible. We are expertly qualified to help you with all phases of treatment and will help guide you through any accident claim. Don’t delay. It’s your neck. We treat whiplash injuries including:

  • Whiplash
  • Cervical Acceleration/Deceleration Injury (CAD) – Medical term for whiplash.
  • Neck Pain – Sharp, dull, achy, constant or periodic pain in the cervical spine that can cause symptoms down the arms or hands. Can cause headaches or migraines. 

Neck Pain

Unfortunately, neck pain is on the rise in our society. Just look around, it seems everybody is looking down at their cell phones and texting away. This is an even bigger problem for the younger generation. This forward head posture puts a great deal of stress on the neck and eliminates the nice healthy curve your neck is supposed to have. Our latest technological condition is called “text neck.” The neck is a very vulnerable part of your spine. We are fully equipped to help you alleviate most types of neck pain and dysfunction. And we won’t take your cell phone away. We treat neck pain including:

  • Neck Pain
  • Cervicalgia – Fancy medical term for neck pain.
  • Torticollis – Acute onset of neck pain and spasm that limits neck movement.
  • Whiplash – Usually a quick forward/backward motion of the neck following a rear-end collision. Can result in headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the shoulder, arms and hands, neck stiffness and even low back pain.
  • Stinger – A pinched nerve in the neck that radiates pain down the arm and hand.

Stress

There is a 95% chance it’s not genetic. It’s easy to blame our parents for our headaches, back pain, digestive problems and most any other problem we have. But the truth is that only 5% of our health problems are genetic. Our society breeds stress and anxiety but does little in the way of stress management or relief. As Doctors of Chiropractic, we can’t remove the stress from your life, but we can help your body heal the damage of stress and better prepare your body to process stress. The cumulative effects of stress take a great toll on your health and well-being. It’s time to fight back! Give us a call. Your parents will thank us.

Stress – The failure of an organism to respond appropriately to emotional or physical threats, whether real or imagined. Chemical, physical or emotional stress is responsible for 95% of all health problems.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulders are useful. When they hurt it’s hard to get things done. Shoulders are also fairly complicated and subject to many different types of problems. Many of these conditions respond well to conservative Chiropractic care. As specialists in neuromusculoskeletal disorders, we can evaluate and diagnose what is wrong and how to go about fixing the problem. Shoulder and arm problems are also frequently related to cervical spine problems. As Chiropractors, we address the whole body and not just the area that hurts – for optimal results.

  • Shoulder Pain
  • Rotator Cuff Syndrome – Most commonly seen in athletes who throw. But it can happen to anyone.
  • Adhesive Capsulitis – Progressive loss of shoulder motion and pain from scar tissue that forms around the shoulder.
  • Frozen Shoulder – Common name for adhesive capsulitis.
  • Bursitis – Inflammation of a bursa (fluid filled sac) that cushions the joint.
  • Tendonitis – Inflammation of a tendon (tendons attach muscle to bone).
  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Often seen in aging adults. Symptoms include shoulder pain and difficulty reaching behind the back or overhead.
  • Slap Lesion – Injury to the cartilage in the top part of the shoulder socket. Can be caused by falling on an outstretched arm. 

Back Pain

Any kind of back pain is just miserable and we understand that. We will do everything we can to help you feel better as soon as possible. Back pain is most commonly related to a spinal issue that we will help you correct. Once you are on your way to feeling better, we will help you fully recover and then work on ways to help you prevent future episodes. The sooner you address back pain, the more time, money and misery you save. We would love to help you. We treat back pain, including:

  • Lower Back Pain
  • Upper Back Pain
  • Hip Pain – More common in the elderly, can have clicking/popping in the joint.
  • Lumbago – Fancy medical term for low back pain.
  • Sacroiliac Pain – Pain in the joint space between the sacrum and ilium (hip & spine).
  • Disc Bulge/Herniation – The pad between the vertebrae becomes damaged.
  • Facet Pain – The two interlocking “fingers” at the back of each spinal bone have many of the pain-sensing nerves in the back. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is very frustrating, paintful, and stressful for many people. Typified by near constant numbness and tingling in one or both hands or wrists, pain, and weakness. This is usually a multi-faceted condition. Although the problem presents in the hand(s) it can originate in the neck, shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, or hand. Properly addressing the complete problem is the best route to take. Surgery can help at times, but it should be a last resort. We will be glad to work with you on any arm/hand conditions that are limiting your life. Just call us. We treat carpal tunnel syndrome and arm and hand pain including:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – The carpal “tunnel” is formed by bones in the wrist.
  • Arm, Wrist, and Hand Pain
  • Median Nerve – The nerve that gets irritated in carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Arthritis – Degenerative or inflammatory joint disease commonly affecting hands.

Fibrimyalgia

Our hearts go out to anyone suffering with fibromyalgia. As you realize, this condition affects so many aspects of your health, from sleeping to grocery shopping. Since this condition affects so many functions of the body, Chiropractic treatment is very effective in alleviating many of the aches and pains people experience. We have been working with fibromyalgia patients before fibromyalgia was even a diagnosis. We take the time necessary to work with the muscular component of the condition along with the structural problems. You might never be 100% again, but you can have a much better life. We treat fibromyalgia including:

  • Fibromyalgia – Muscle and joint pain lasting for at least three months. Trigger points at 11 or more of the 18 specific sites.
  • Trigger Points – Sites on the body that are painful when pressed.
  • Polymyalgia – Multiple areas of muscular pain.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Chronic gastrointestinal pain with bouts of diarrhea and constipation.

Sports Injuries

We love sports but we hate injuries. We have personally been involved in many sports ourselves. Between the two of us we have done track & field, dance, biking, skiing, running, yoga, tennis, basketball, football, swimming, archery, kendo (a martial art), hiking and others. Given our interests and our medical training, we are experts on the biomechanics of a wide range of activities. We also appreciate how much athletes hate being out of the game. We will do everything we can to get you back to your favorite sport as soon as possible. We incorporate Trigger-Point Therapy and Kinesio Taping along with our Chiropractic adjustments. We treat a wide variety of sports injuries, including:

  • Sprains & Strains – Injury to the muscles, tendons or ligaments from overuse or tissue failure.
  • Rotator Cuff Syndrome – Shoulder pain usually related to a throwing injury.
  • Tennis Elbow – Injury to the wrist muscles from overuse and/or improper form.
  • Achilles Tendonitis – Pain in the lower leg when pushing off with the foot. Common in running and jumping activities.
  • Plantar Fascitis – Pain in the bottom arch of the foot that is worse first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Sleep Problems

Sleeping problems are truly a nightmare. Your body requires sleep to repair. If you are sleep-deprived, your body is unable to fully repair and prepare you for the day ahead. Insomnia and other sleeping disorders rob us of our vitality and energy. At New Beginnings Health Care, we have had many of our patients report improved sleep once starting care. By focusing on the nervous system, we are able to help your body work more efficiently and naturally. If you are “Sleepless in Seaside” or Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Marina, Salinas, give us a call. We can also help you figure out which mattress is best for you. We can help you get better sleep, including:

  • Sleep Problems
  • Insomnia – Difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep.
  • Anxiety – A psychological and physiological state characterized by somatic, emotional, cognitive and behavioral components.
  • Pain – Waking up in pain is no fun. Pain can interrupt and lower the quality of sleep. 

Sciatica

Unrelenting leg pain is horrible. We hear you. Fortunately, most leg pain is not actually sciatica and it is usually very treatable. Defining the clinical course of sciatica and the other types of leg pain won’t help you get better. In fact, it might just give you a headache. A better idea is to just accept that any leg pain is a problem that you are better off without. At New Beginnings Health Care, we have over 60 years of combined education, training and experience to get you through this very difficult time. We treat sciatica and leg pain including:

  • Sciatica
  • Leg Pain
  • Neuralgia – Nerve pain.
  • Neuritis – Nerve inflammation pain.
  • Numbness & Tingling – Caused by an irritated or compressed nerve, usually related to the low back.

Wellness

The World Health Organization defines Wellness as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.” I agree for the most part but I would add “the pursuit of optimal vitality and vigor.” You see, Wellness doesn’t just happen, it’s a lifestyle and a frame of mind. At New Beginnings Health Care, we strive to inspire our patients to adopt healthy habits that will generate a greater state of Wellness. If maximizing your potential interests you, then give us a call. We support Wellness and healthy habits:

  • Wellness – “A state of complete physical, mental and emotional well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.”
  • Vigor – Physical or mental strength, energy or force.
  • Vitality – The capacity to live, grow or develop.
  • Diet – The sum of the food consumed by a person.
  • Exercise – Any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and well-being.

When I came to Dr. Westbrook, I could barely get out of bed, walk or stand up for any length of time due to pain. After an evaluation and scheduled treatments, I now have my hip and back on the road to recovery. Best of all, I can play with my two boys again, pain-free.

Matt, Marina

As a wellness client for 7 years, it is with great confidence that I recommend Dr. Westbrook. He is a supremely competent healthcare professional with a mission to improve the lives of his patients. As a healthy individual, I work with Dr. Westbrook monthly to maintain the excellent health I have always enjoyed. On those rare occasions when I have incurred injury, I have recovered quickly, thanks to his excellent care.

Mary Jeanne, Seaside

I have experienced migraine headaches my whole life - and now I hardly ever have any problems with headaches. I am happier now that I have received help, and the results are great!

Renee, Monterey

My visits have addressed some major concerns I had prior to coming to New Beginnings Health Care. My balance is better. I walk more erect. I hold my body with a greater strength than before. Generally, my entire bone structure feels a lot younger with more mobility. A wonderful way to correct bad posture habits and ease any difficulties one might be experiencing. Even bringing my 9-year-old dog in for a neck adjustment was more helpful than all the drugs the vet gave him! Thanks Dr. Westbrook!

Debra, Marina

Chiropractic treatment has truly been a miracle in my life. After 7 years of chronic, daily, disabling pain, Chiropractic treatment took the pain away. I no longer suffer from depression, am working again in my chosen field, and can finally see a light at the end of a very long tunnel. I thank God every day that I listened to my husband when he encouraged me to 'Just give Chiropractic a try.

Sueanne, Prunedale

It just keeps getting better with every visit. I came in because of vertigo symptoms and in a short time have noticed improvements in various areas (lower back, hip). Drs. Westbrook are extremely knowledgeable and compassionate, and have the utmost integrity.

Michelle, Salinas

Regular visits have dramatically reduced my chronic lower back pain. The work I do includes constant movement, standing, bending, kneeling, squatting and moving heavy objects. Regular adjustments have made all of these easier, a direct benefit, and increased my overall comfort, flexibility and capability.

Richard, Marina

I went to Dr. Westbrook with extreme pain in my lower back. I had never been to a Chiropractor before my visit with Dr. Westbrook. I did not notice the benefits of Chiropractic treatment right away, but after a while I began to feel stronger in my body and notice my back feeling more stable. The best way I can explain the difference is that before visiting Dr. Westbrook, I routinely had back pain that would limit me on a regular basis. Since seeing Dr. Westbrook on a regular basis for about two years now, I have not thrown my lower back out once. That's all the proof I need! No more back pain, no more pain pills, and I feel whole again.

Frank, Marina

When I started seeing Dr. Westbrook you could barely touch my back and shoulder area, and my neck was even worse than my back. Now, I have full range of motion in my shoulder and neck. You can touch mewithout causing severe pain - if any pain at all. Dr. Westbrook has gotten rid of my migraine headaches through adjustments and soft tissue manipulation.

Renee, Seaside