By Dr. Peter Bongiorno, ND, LAc Depression can take away a person’s sense of self and also severely impair the quality of life of the people around them. Affecting about one out of every 10 people, the World Health Organization ranks it as the second most burdensome disease in the world, meaning that it will cause m … Read More
Happiness is Key to Health — Studies Prove It
Here at The Healthy Back Institute, we're dedicated to helping you live a pain-free AND happy life. I stress happy because, really, it's all about the quality of your life as much as the quantity, right? But did you know the two actually go hand in hand? The happier you are the healthier you’re likely to be, not only righ … Read More
Spinal Stenosis Action Plan
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows, compressing or "squeezing” the spinal cord and nerves inside. ("Stenosis” means "narrowing” in Greek.) Most commonly, the narrowing occurs in the lower back, which is called "lumbar spinal stenosis.” (When it occurs in the neck, it’s called "cervical spinal st … Read More
Far Infrared Heat Therapy for Short Term Relief
For most people, short-term pain relief involves taking some type of anti-inflammatory medication–Advil and Motrin being the most popular over-the-counter versions. These medications were originally designed to be used only once in a while, but many people now rely on them on a daily basis. Considering the dangers–heav … Read More
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Action Plan
The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the base of the spine to the pelvis. In other words, it joins the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) with the pelvis at two connection points. (You can see these from the outside as two "dimples” on each side of the lower back, at the belt line.) It’s small, but very … Read More
Herniated Disc Action Plan
A herniated disc occurs when the outer part of the donut-shaped disc between the vertebrae weakens and the inner part (a gel-like substance) protrudes outward, something like when a balloon squeezed from one side. Typically, people don’t feel any pain until and unless this protrusion touches a nerve. Many people live o … Read More
How to Overcome Your Family History of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure tends to run in families, so if you have a close relative with this condition you’re at an increased risk too — especially if they developed high blood pressure at a young age (under 60). If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you should take steps now to lower your risk. Don’t wait until y … Read More
Erectile Dysfunction – A Safe, Powerful Treatment Alternative
Nearly 40% of men suffer from erectile dysfunction–the inability to develop or maintain an erection–at some point in their lives. Experts estimate nearly 18 million men in America suffer from the condition. Conventional treatments include drugs, drastic surgeries and external mechanical methods, which typically mask t … Read More
How to Shut Off a "Wandering Brain" When You’re Trying to Sleep
Do you often find yourself lying in bed wide awake, unable to sleep at 3 a.m. because of a wondering brain? Research has shown that people with insomnia have difficulty shutting down mind-wandering brain regions at night, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to fall asleep. … Read More
Olympic Athlete Recovery Secrets (That You Can Use, Too!)
There is arguably no more important event in an athlete’s life than the Olympic games. And this year at the Winter Olympics in Sochi we’ve already seen phenomenal tests of strength, endurance and dedication as the athletes compete to be world champions. This doesn’t come without years of practice, discipline and drive … as … Read More