 Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally: Healthy Habits That Help
By Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic | Porter Ranch & Northridge, CA High blood pressure, also called hypertension, often develops without noticeable symptoms. Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. The good news is that healthy lifestyle changes can help many people manage their blood pressure. 1. Stay Physically ActiveRegular physical activity helps strengthen your cardiovascular system.
2. Reduce Excess SodiumEating too much sodium can contribute to elevated blood pressure.
3. Choose Heart-Healthy FoodsA balanced diet can support cardiovascular health. Consider the DASH eating plan, which emphasizes:
4. Manage Stress and Prioritize SleepChronic stress and insufficient sleep can make blood pressure management more difficult. Try incorporating relaxing activities, consistent sleep habits, and regular movement into your daily routine. 5. Maintain a Healthy WeightFor people who are overweight, even modest weight reduction may improve blood pressure. Focus on sustainable eating habits and regular physical activity rather than extreme diets. 6. Monitor Your Blood PressureHigh blood pressure frequently has no warning signs. Regular monitoring helps you and your healthcare provider determine whether lifestyle changes or medication are needed. Never stop or change prescribed blood pressure medication without consulting your prescribing clinician. Can Neck Problems Affect Blood Pressure?Some research has explored possible relationships between neck pain, autonomic nervous system activity, and blood pressure regulation. However, chiropractic adjustments have not been established as a treatment for hypertension and should not replace appropriate medical care. Read our related article: The Hidden Link Between Neck Problems and Blood Pressure: What Does the Research Say? A Whole-Person Approach to WellnessAt Soft Touch Chiropractic, we emphasize healthy movement, posture, musculoskeletal function, and lifestyle education. Our traditional chiropractic philosophy recognizes the body's inherent capacity to regulate, adapt, and maintain health. We also recognize the importance of evidence-based medical evaluation and treatment for conditions such as hypertension. For help with neck pain, back pain, or mobility concerns, explore our chiropractic pain relief services in Porter Ranch and Northridge. Soft Touch Chiropractic Serving Porter Ranch, Northridge, and the San Fernando Valley, California. Educational information only. This article is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Seek emergency medical care for a blood pressure reading above 180/120 mm Hg accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, or neurological changes.
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Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, Soft Touch Chiropractic Porter Ranch, Northridge, and the San Fernando Valley. What Is Ashwagandha? Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Today, modern science is catching up, with research uncovering how this powerful plant may help the body adapt to stress, support better sleep, and even improve physical performance. Let’s explore what the research says so you can understand if Ashwagandha might be a helpful addition to your wellness routine. Ashwagandha is recognized as an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps the body maintain balance when faced with stress. Unlike a stimulant (like caffeine), adaptogens work by gently supporting your body’s systems to help improve resilience and energy. Potential Benefits of Ashwagandha1. Stress and Anxiety Relief
Better Sleep Quality
Energy & Physical Performance Clinical trials in both athletes and non-athletes show that Ashwagandha can:
4. Thyroid & Hormonal Balance
Key Takeaway Ashwagandha is more than just a stress herb; it may improve sleep, physical performance, hormone balance, and immune health. While more research is still needed, clinical studies already show promising results, especially for stress, anxiety, and sleep support. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we help patients find natural ways to restore balance and health. Ashwagandha is one option among many that can complement chiropractic care and lifestyle strategies for better well-being. Ready to feel more balanced, energetic, and resilient? Call 818-831-0100 today to schedule your consultation and discover a holistic care plan designed just for you!   A disc bulge can certainly contribute to low back pain, but the presence of a disc bulge on MRI does not automatically prove that it is the primary source of the patient's symptoms.” Why Treating the Whole Back May Be More Important Than Treating the MRI Written and Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch & Northridge, CA A patient develops low back pain and visits a chiropractor, orthopedic doctor, or primary-care physician. An MRI is ordered. The report comes back: “Lumbar disc bulge.” From that moment forward, something often happens: the disc becomes the entire focus of treatment. I have been guilty of this myself. Earlier in my career, when an MRI showed a bulging disc, it was easy to assume we had found the explanation for the patient's pain. With experience, however, I learned an important lesson: Finding a disc bulge is not necessarily the same as finding the source of the pain. Disc Bulges Are Surprisingly Common—even Without Pain One of the most important studies on this subject was a systematic review published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology. Researchers examined imaging findings in 3,110 people without symptoms and found that disc bulges became increasingly common with age. Approximately 30% of asymptomatic 20-year-olds had a disc bulge, increasing to 84% by age 80. In other words, many people are walking around with disc degeneration or bulging discs and have no back pain at all. You can read the research on disc bulges in people without back pain. This doesn't mean a disc bulge should be ignored. A disc problem can sometimes irritate or compress a nerve and contribute to low back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or weakness. It means something different: The MRI must be interpreted together with the patient's symptoms and physical examination—not by itself. Your MRI Is a Picture, Not the Whole Diagnosis An MRI provides valuable information about the structures of the spine, but it doesn't show everything involved in how a person's back is functioning. Low back pain can involve a combination of factors, including:
What I Changed in My Approach to Low Back Pain Over the years, my approach at Soft Touch Chiropractic has evolved. Instead of asking only: “How do we treat this bulging disc?” I now ask: “What are all the factors that may be contributing to this patient's pain and loss of function?” That means examining the patient—not simply treating the MRI report. I evaluate areas such as spinal and pelvic mechanics, joint mobility, muscle tightness and weakness, posture, movement, flexibility, and neurological symptoms while also considering relevant MRI findings. Treatment can then be individualized according to what the examination reveals. The goal is not to ignore the disc. The goal is to avoid ignoring everything else because we found a disc.This broader approach has been much more useful in my clinical experience, particularly for patients whose symptoms cannot be fully explained by their MRI findings. Why a More Comprehensive Approach Makes Sense Modern low-back-pain recommendations increasingly recognize that persistent back pain is often multi-factorial. The World Health Organization's recommendations for chronic low back pain include education, exercise and certain physical therapies—including spinal manipulative therapy and massage—as potential components of care, depending on the individual patient. At our office, you can learn more about our approach to low back pain and muscle spasm treatment in Porter Ranch and Northridge. The Take-Home Message If your MRI says “bulging disc,” don't panic—and don't ignore it either. A disc bulge may be an important part of the clinical picture, especially when the location of the disc abnormality corresponds with neurological symptoms and examination findings. But it may also be an age-related finding that is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Treat the patient, not just the MRI. That means looking at the disc and the muscles, joints, movement, strength, flexibility, neurological findings, lifestyle, and other factors that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms.  Low Back Pain or Bulging Disc?
Get a Comprehensive Evaluation If you have been diagnosed with a lumbar disc bulge, low back pain, sciatica, muscle spasm, or chronic back pain, we can evaluate more than what appears on your MRI. At Soft Touch Chiropractic in Porter Ranch, CA, our goal is to identify the different factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and develop an individualized conservative treatment plan. Learn more about Soft Touch Chiropractic and our approach to back pain care. Soft Touch Chiropractic Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Porter Ranch / Northridge, California Call: 818-831-0100 This article is for educational purposes and is not intended to replace an individualized medical diagnosis. New bowel or bladder dysfunction, saddle numbness, progressive weakness, significant trauma, fever, or other concerning symptoms associated with back pain require prompt medical evaluation.  Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch & Northridge, CA Patients frequently ask me: “Dr. Masoud, if too much pressure during deep tissue massage can irritate or injure tissues, why do I sometimes feel so good afterward?” It is an excellent question—and the answer may involve the body's own natural pain-control system. Your Body Has Its Own Natural PainkillersThe human body produces chemicals called endorphins and enkephalins. These are known as endogenous opioids because they interact with opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord and help reduce our perception of pain. Research on the body's natural pain-suppression system explains that endorphins and enkephalins participate in regulating pain, particularly during painful or stressful situations. This helps explain an amazing phenomenon: after a significant injury, a person may temporarily experience much less pain than we would expect because the nervous system can activate powerful pain-modulating mechanisms. Could This Help Explain the “Deep Massage High”? This raises an interesting question. Could some of the temporary relief after an extremely forceful massage come from the body's pain-control response rather than from the pressure necessarily being therapeutic? There is some research supporting this possibility. An older human study found that connective-tissue massage increased beta-endorphin levels and suggested that this response could contribute to pain relief and feelings of well-being. Other research describes several possible ways that massage can temporarily decrease pain, including sensory “gate control,” changes in nervous-system pain processing, relaxation, and endogenous pain-inhibiting mechanisms. However, the research is not strong enough to say that feeling good after a deep tissue massage means the massage caused an injury. In fact, studies of massage and beta-endorphins have produced mixed results. One UCLA study found beta-endorphin levels actually decreased after moderate-pressure massage. Therefore, the exact biological explanation remains uncertain. Feeling Less Pain Does Not Always Mean the Tissue Needed More PressureThis is the important point. Pain relief and tissue healing are not necessarily the same thing. If massage pressure produces significant pain during treatment, bruising, swelling, prolonged soreness, weakness, or worsening symptoms afterward, more pressure is not automatically better. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, I generally favor a gentler approach to muscles and joints. The goal should be to reduce unnecessary irritation while improving movement, relaxation, and function. You can also read my earlier article about deep tissue massage and why I often prefer Swedish massage.  The Bottom LineDeep tissue massage can feel good afterward, and there are legitimate neurological reasons why massage can temporarily reduce pain. Endorphins and enkephalins may be part of that story—but they are not proof that tissue damage occurred.
My clinical philosophy is simple: A treatment does not have to hurt more in order to help more. When it comes to massage, sometimes gentler pressure can accomplish the goal without unnecessarily stressing sensitive muscles and soft tissues. Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic Porter Ranch / Northridge, California 📞 818-831-0100 This article is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as evidence that all deep tissue massage causes injury or that temporary pain relief proves tissue damage.  Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch, CA When people have tight muscles, back pain, neck pain, or chronic muscle tension, they often assume that a stronger massage must produce a better result. But more pressure does not necessarily mean better care. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we believe treatment should work with the body rather than overwhelm irritated or injured tissues. For some people—especially those already experiencing pain, inflammation, or sensitivity—a gentler approach such as Swedish massage may be more appropriate. What Does the Research Say About Deep Tissue Massage? Deep tissue massage uses slower, stronger pressure to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Many people tolerate it well, and there is not enough conclusive research to say that deep tissue massage is generally harmful. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, serious complications from massage appear to be rare, although adverse events have been reported with vigorous forms of massage, including deep tissue massage. Research examining the safety of massage therapy has also documented adverse events, but the available research is limited and does not mean that everyone receiving deep tissue massage is at risk. However, research is only one part of why we decided to write this article. Our clinical experience is another. What We Have Seen in 25 Years of Practice Over my 25 years in chiropractic practice, I have seen my share of patients who came into our office specifically because they felt they had been hurt during or after a deep tissue massage. These were not simply people reporting normal temporary soreness after massage. We have had patients tell us that they were doing reasonably well before the massage, experienced significant pain during or afterward, and then came to our office asking whether we could help because their symptoms had persisted or worsened. We cannot say that these experiences prove that deep tissue massage is harmful in general. They are clinical observations, not controlled scientific research. But we have encountered this situation enough times over the years that we believe it deserves discussion. That is one of the main reasons I am writing this article. The scientific research may not yet be conclusive, but after more than two decades of seeing patients, I believe people should understand that more pressure is not always better pressure. Why We Often Prefer a Gentler Approach Swedish massage generally uses smoother, lighter-to-moderate pressure designed to relax muscles and reduce tension without unnecessarily aggressive force. Scientific evidence does not establish that Swedish massage is superior to every other massage technique. The current research on massage therapy suggests massage may provide short-term benefits for certain types of back, neck, and shoulder pain, but results vary. For us, the important question is: What amount of pressure is appropriate for this particular patient? A massage does not have to hurt to be therapeutic. Massage May Relax the Muscle—but Why Is It Tight?A tight or painful muscle may sometimes be associated with:
 At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we look beyond the painful area and evaluate how the muscles, joints, posture, and movement patterns are working together. You can learn more about how we approach chiropractic care.
Gentle Does Not Mean Ineffective There is a common misconception that treatment has to hurt in order to work. We disagree. Effective care should be specific, controlled, and appropriate for the individual. Sometimes deeper pressure may be useful. Other times, gentle massage, stretching, mobilization, or another approach may be more appropriate. Patients can also explore our exercises and stretches for ways to support flexibility and healthy movement. The Bottom Line Deep tissue massage is not automatically harmful, and Swedish massage is not automatically right for everyone. The research regarding injuries from deep tissue massage is limited, and we do not want to make a conclusion that science has not established. At the same time, 25 years of clinical experience has taught me not to ignore what patients repeatedly report. We have seen enough patients come to our office with new or aggravated pain following deep tissue massage that we believe people should be aware of the possibility. If a massage causes significant pain, bruising, swelling, or symptoms that continue afterward, do not assume that pain simply means the treatment is working. More pressure does not necessarily mean better results. Looking for Gentle Chiropractic Care in Porter Ranch?If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, muscle tightness, or pain following a massage or other injury, Soft Touch Chiropractic can evaluate the mechanical factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Our focus is on gentle, individualized chiropractic care based on what your body needs—not how much force you can tolerate. Call 818-831-0100 to schedule an appointment, or contact Soft Touch Chiropractic to learn more. Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch, California Painkillers, Chemical Interference, and Healing: Are We Helping the Body—or Just Hiding the Pain?23/8/2026  By Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic Porter Ranch, CA Painkillers, Chemical Interference, and Healing: Are We Helping the Body—or Just Hiding the Pain?When we are injured, most of us want one thing immediately: Make the pain go away. But there is an important difference between reducing pain and actually healing. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we look at health through three broad types of interference: physical, emotional, and chemical. Physical interference can come from trauma, muscle spasm, joint restriction, poor posture, or injury. Emotional stress can influence muscle tension, sleep, pain perception, and other body functions. But there is another area we should not overlook: Chemical Interference Chemical interference may come from many sources, including environmental exposures and medications. Painkillers deserve particular attention because they can reduce symptoms without necessarily correcting the condition responsible for those symptoms. This raises an important question: Could repeatedly altering pain, inflammation, or nervous-system signaling also influence the body's healing process? Think About a Broken Bone Imagine breaking your arm. An orthopedic doctor takes an X-ray, properly aligns the fracture when necessary, and places the arm in a cast. But the cast doesn't grow the new bone. Your body does. The cast simply provides protection and stability so that the body's repair mechanisms can do their work. Healing requires coordinated activity among cells, blood vessels, inflammatory mediators, the immune system, hormones, and the nervous system. Research on wound healing describes interactions among the immune, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, and other systems as important parts of tissue repair. (PubMed) That gives us a simple principle: Doctors can support healing. Treatments can create better conditions for healing. But ultimately, the body performs the repair. The Nervous System Is Part of the Healing Network The nervous system does much more than allow us to feel pain. It communicates throughout the body and participates in regulating movement, muscle activity, circulation, stress responses, inflammation, and immune activity. Modern research increasingly recognizes the close relationship between the nervous and immune systems. A recent scientific review describes them as an integrated network with extensive two-way communication. (PubMed) Research also shows that neuronal signaling can influence immune cells and tissue homeostasis. (PubMed) Even within the musculoskeletal system, researchers describe nervous-immune interactions involving bone, joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves. (PubMed) This is where the logic of healing becomes important. If healing depends on coordinated biological communication, then we should be thoughtful about substances that chemically modify those systems—particularly when they are used repeatedly or for long periods. Painkillers Change Physiology—They Don't Simply Turn Off Pain, Pain medication can be extremely useful and sometimes medically necessary. But painkillers are not simply removing an unpleasant sensation. Different medications affect different biological pathways. For example, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen interfere with prostaglandin production and inflammation. Inflammation is not always the enemy. Controlled inflammation is part of normal tissue repair. That is why researchers have investigated whether suppressing inflammatory pathways could influence bone healing. The evidence is not completely settled. A 2024 systematic review involving more than 500,000 patients found no significant adjusted overall increase in delayed or failed bone union associated with NSAIDs, but researchers emphasized important limitations involving drug type and dosage. (PubMed) A newer 2026 umbrella review found a higher nonunion risk associated with NSAID exposure in certain circumstances, particularly higher doses, longer exposure, adults, and traumatic long-bone fractures, while short-term use of 14 days or less was not associated with increased risk. (PubMed) This illustrates something important: Medication, dosage, duration, and the type of injury matter. It would be scientifically incorrect to claim that every painkiller prevents healing. But it would also be overly simplistic to assume that because a medication decreases pain, it has no other effect on the biological processes occurring during recovery. Opioids Raise an Even Bigger Concern Prescription opioids chemically alter pain processing through opioid receptors. Their risks go beyond simply masking pain. Research has examined interactions between opioids and the immune system, including effects on immune cells and inflammatory pathways. (PubMed) A systematic review of long-term opioid treatment found indications of altered immune activity, although the researchers emphasized that the quality of available evidence remains weak and that much more research is necessary. (PubMed) That limitation is important. We still need better long-term human research examining how prolonged chemical modification of pain and nervous-system pathways affects the complete healing process. But limited evidence does not mean we should stop asking the question. It means we should distinguish what has been proven from what is a reasonable biological concern requiring further investigation. Don't Confuse Silence With Healing Here is perhaps the simplest way to understand our philosophy. Pain is similar to an alarm. If you turn off an alarm, you have eliminated the sound. You have not necessarily eliminated the problem that activated it. Likewise: Less pain does not automatically mean more healing. The broken bone may hurt less long before the bone is completely repaired. A back injury may feel better before normal strength, mobility, and function have returned. Pain relief can be valuable. But the ultimate goal should be to determine why the person hurts and what can appropriately support recovery. The Logic of Healing Our philosophy at Soft Touch Chiropractic in Porter Ranch and Northridge is simple: The body performs the healing. The nervous, immune, circulatory, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems work together during recovery. Therefore, when possible, healthcare should not focus exclusively on chemically suppressing symptoms. It should also look for the underlying physical, mechanical, lifestyle, and other factors that may be interfering with normal function. Chiropractic care does not manufacture new tissue any more than a cast manufactures new bone.  Instead, appropriate chiropractic care may help address joint restriction, movement dysfunction, muscle imbalance, and other musculoskeletal factors while the body's natural repair processes take place.
Don't just silence the alarm. Ask why the alarm is sounding—and support the body's ability to recover.Important: Pain medications can be medically necessary. Never stop or change a prescription medication without discussing it with the prescribing healthcare professional. Research ResourcesFor readers who want to explore the science further: National Library of Medicine — Nervous & Immune System Communication National Library of Medicine — Neuro-Immune Crosstalk, Inflammation & Tissue Repair National Library of Medicine — Neuroimmune Interactions in Musculoskeletal Conditions National Library of Medicine — NSAIDs and Bone Healing Meta-Analysis National Library of Medicine — 2026 NSAIDs & Bone Healing Umbrella Review National Library of Medicine — Long-Term Opioids & Immune Function Our goal at Soft Touch Chiropractic is Remove or reduce mechanical obstacles where possible. Restore better movement and function. Support the patient. Give the body appropriate time to heal. Soft Touch Chiropractic Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, D.C. Porter Ranch / Northridge, California Call: 818-831-0100 By Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic Porter Ranch, CA Healing Is More Than Feeling BetterWhen most people think about healing from an injury, they think about feeling better—less back pain, neck pain, swelling, stiffness, or muscle discomfort. But feeling better does not always mean the body has fully healed. Healing is the body's natural process of repairing damaged tissue, replacing damaged cells, remodeling tissue, and restoring normal function. At Soft Touch Chiropractic in Porter Ranch and Northridge, we emphasize an important distinction: Pain relief can happen before healing is complete. The Broken-Bone ExampleThink about a broken bone. A doctor takes an X-ray and stabilizes the fracture with a cast, but the cast does not heal the bone—the body does. Over time, the body clears damaged tissue, produces new bone, and remodels and strengthens the injured area. Even when pain improves, an X-ray may show that more healing time is needed. The same principle can apply to back pain, neck pain, muscle and joint injuries, sports injuries, and car accident injuries. Chiropractic care can help improve joint mobility, movement, and musculoskeletal function while the body's natural healing process continues.  The important lesson is simple:
The body performs the healing. Healthcare supports the conditions in which healing can occur. Your Body Is Constantly Repairing and Renewing Our tissues are not completely static. Throughout life, the body continuously replaces, repairs, and remodels cells and tissues. Skin renews. Bone remodels. Muscles repair after injury or exercise. Connective tissues adapt to mechanical stress. When an injury occurs—from a fall, automobile accident, repetitive stress, sports injury, poor bio-mechanics, or other trauma—the body begins a coordinated healing response. The process may include: Injury → Inflammation → Cleanup → Repair → Remodeling → Functional Recovery Different tissues heal at different rates. Age, circulation, nutrition, sleep, activity level, severity of injury, medications, smoking, underlying health conditions, and repeated stress can all affect recovery. For this reason, there is no universal 6-to-12-week healing rule for every injury. Some uncomplicated soft-tissue injuries may substantially improve within that general period, while other injuries may heal more quickly or require several months or longer. What About the Vertebral Subluxation Complex?In chiropractic terminology, the vertebral subluxation complex is used to describe a combination of spinal joint dysfunction and associated changes that may involve joint motion, surrounding muscles, connective tissues, bio-mechanics, and nervous-system-related function. A person may experience:
A more accurate way to describe the goal is: Chiropractic care seeks to improve joint mobility and mechanical function, reduce musculoskeletal irritation, and create better conditions for normal movement and recovery while the body's own healing processes do the rebuilding. Chiropractic Doesn't Create Healing—Your Body Does This is one of the most important principles we explain to our patients. A chiropractic adjustment does not manufacture a new muscle cell. It does not manufacture new cartilage. It does not directly rebuild a ligament or disc. Your body performs those biological processes. Chiropractic treatment can be used to address mechanical restrictions, improve joint mobility, reduce certain types of musculoskeletal pain, and help a patient move more comfortably. Think about the broken bone again. The cast does not grow the new bone—it provides stability and protection while the body repairs the fracture. Similarly, chiropractic care can be viewed as one part of creating a better mechanical environment for recovery. Why Feeling Better Doesn't Necessarily Mean Healing Is Complete This is where many patients become confused. Imagine that someone develops low back pain. After several treatments, the pain decreases significantly. They may naturally think: “My pain is gone, so everything must be completely healed.” Not necessarily. Symptoms and tissue recovery do not always occur on exactly the same timetable. Pain can decrease before strength, mobility, coordination, or tissue remodeling has fully recovered. The opposite can also happen: tissue healing may be progressing normally while some discomfort remains. That is why treatment decisions should not be based only on pain. We may also evaluate: Pain + Range of Motion + Joint Function + Muscle Balance + Strength + Movement + Daily Function The goal is not to keep treating someone simply because an arbitrary number of weeks has passed. Treatment should be based on objective findings, clinical progress, functional goals, and the individual patient's condition. Why Recovery Time Is Different for Every Patient There is a major difference between mild muscular irritation and a significant automobile accident. There is also a difference between a problem that started yesterday and one that has been developing for years. Healing time depends on factors such as: Extent of Injury → Tissue Involved → Duration of Problem → Age & Health → Nutrition & Sleep → Activity & Re-Injury → Appropriate Care → Rehabilitation For some patients, improvement may occur quickly. For others, restoring mobility, strength, coordination, and function may require a longer rehabilitation process. This is why we prefer to evaluate the individual patient rather than simply treating a calendar. Support the Body Instead of Fighting the Body The human body has an extraordinary capacity for repair and adaptation. When you cut your skin, your body begins repairing it. When you fracture a bone, your body begins rebuilding it. When a muscle is injured, your body initiates repair and remodeling. Healthcare cannot guarantee perfect healing, and some tissues or conditions may not completely return to their original state. But the body's biological tendency is generally toward repair, adaptation, and restoration of function whenever possible. Our chiropractic philosophy is therefore straightforward: Identify mechanical problems that may be interfering with comfortable, normal movement. Improve mobility and function where appropriate. Support rehabilitation. Then allow the body's natural biological healing processes to do what they are designed to do. Don't Chase Only the Symptom—Support the Recovery Pain relief is important. But the bigger question is: How well is your body functioning? If an injury has affected spinal movement, muscle balance, strength, posture, or normal daily activities, simply covering up discomfort may not address those functional problems. Our goal at Soft Touch Chiropractic is to evaluate the whole musculoskeletal picture and develop an individualized treatment plan designed to help restore movement and function while the body progresses through its natural healing process. The Bottom Line Healing is a process—not just a moment when pain disappears. Your body performs the repair. Chiropractic care does not replace that natural healing ability. Instead, when clinically appropriate, chiropractic and rehabilitative care can help improve musculoskeletal function and support the environment in which recovery takes place. Remove or reduce mechanical obstacles where possible. Restore better movement and function. Support the patient. Give the body appropriate time to heal. Soft Touch Chiropractic Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, D.C. Porter Ranch / Northridge, California Call: 818-831-0100 By Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic Porter Ranch, CA There is a powerful lesson in the biblical parable of the wise and foolish builders. One person builds his house on rock. Another builds his house on sand. At first, both houses may look perfectly fine. Then the rain comes. The wind blows. The flood rises. The house built on a strong foundation remains standing, while the house built on sand cannot withstand the pressure. This ancient lesson can also provide a useful way to think about health, nutrition, natural healthcare, and our desire for immediate relief.  Are You Building Your Health on Sand or Rock? Modern life encourages immediate gratification. We want: Pain? Make it disappear now. Can't sleep? Give me something tonight. Low energy? Give me something to stimulate me. Muscle tightness? Make it stop immediately. There are certainly times when rapid symptom relief is appropriate and important. Conventional medicine can be lifesaving, particularly for emergencies, serious infections, trauma, surgery, and many acute or complex diseases. But symptom relief and building health are not always the same thing. Imagine that your body is the house. If we continually address symptoms without examining nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, physical function, and other contributing factors, we may be concentrating on the appearance of the house without paying enough attention to its foundation. The Sand: The Attraction of Immediate Gratification Sand is easy to build on. You don't have to dig very deeply. You can see progress quickly. That is what makes the metaphor so powerful. In healthcare, the "sand" can represent our tendency to choose an option only because it produces the fastest noticeable result, without considering what happens afterward. For example, a person experiencing pain may naturally want the pain gone immediately. But we should also ask: Why is the pain occurring? Is there restricted movement? Is there muscle imbalance? Is poor posture contributing? Is nutrition inadequate? Is sleep poor? Is chronic stress affecting the body? Has the person become physically inactive? Sometimes reducing a symptom is only the beginning of the process. The Rock: Building a Foundation for HealthBuilding on rock requires more work. It requires patience. It requires consistency. And sometimes the results are not immediately visible. That is similar to many foundational health habits. Eating nutritious foods for one day doesn't transform your health. Exercising once doesn't make you physically fit. Stretching once doesn't restore years of lost flexibility. Getting one good night's sleep doesn't correct months of poor sleep. Likewise, when a musculoskeletal problem has developed gradually, improving mobility, strength, flexibility, and movement patterns may require time. The "rock" therefore represents building health through consistent habits and appropriate healthcare rather than depending exclusively on immediate symptom relief. Natural Does NOT Automatically Mean Healthy This distinction is extremely important. Sometimes people hear the term natural healthcare and assume: "If it's natural, it must be safe." That is simply not true. Consider poison oak. Poison oak is completely natural, yet contact with it can cause significant skin irritation and an allergic reaction. Many toxic substances also occur naturally in plants, fungi, animals, and minerals. Therefore: Natural ≠ Automatically Safe and Synthetic ≠ Automatically Harmful The better questions are: Is it safe? Is it effective? Is it appropriate for this individual? What does the evidence show? What are the risks and benefits? That is a much more responsible definition of natural and integrative healthcare. Nutrition Is Part of the FoundationFood provides the raw materials the body uses every day. Protein provides amino acids needed for tissue maintenance and repair. Vitamins and minerals participate in thousands of biochemical processes. Healthy dietary patterns can provide fiber and other nutrients that support normal metabolic and digestive function. Water is essential for normal cellular and physiological processes. When we consistently provide our bodies with appropriate nutrition, we are putting another stone into the foundation. There is rarely one magical food, supplement, herb, or diet that creates health overnight. Nutrition works through consistency. The Same Principle Applies to Musculoskeletal HealthThink about a person who has developed poor posture, muscle imbalance, joint restriction, and recurring back or neck discomfort over several years. Naturally, that person wants immediate relief. But lasting improvement may require more than addressing the symptom. Depending on the individual's condition, a comprehensive approach may include: Evaluation → Mobility → Appropriate Treatment → Stretching → Strengthening → Posture → Nutrition → Sleep → Stress Management → Consistency Each part strengthens the foundation. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, this is why our focus is not simply: "Where does it hurt?" We also want to understand: "What is not functioning properly, and what can we reasonably do to improve that function?" Immediate Relief Is Not the EnemyThere is an important balance here. Traditional medical care should not be characterized simply as "sand," nor should natural or alternative healthcare automatically be characterized as "rock." Conventional medicine can provide extraordinary long-term benefits. Likewise, natural approaches can be ineffective or even harmful when used incorrectly. The real distinction is between: Symptom-Only Thinking "Make me feel better right now, and I don't care why this keeps happening." and: Foundation Thinking"Help me understand the problem, manage my symptoms appropriately, and improve the factors affecting my long-term health." Sometimes good healthcare does both. It provides appropriate relief while simultaneously working on the foundation. Relief vs. Healing and RehabilitationImagine someone injures a muscle. Reducing pain can make that person feel dramatically better. But feeling better does not necessarily mean the tissue has completely recovered or that normal strength, mobility, and function have returned. Rehabilitation may take longer because biological adaptation takes time. This is where patience becomes important. Feeling better can happen quickly. Building better function often takes longer. The goal should not necessarily be choosing the fastest approach or the most "natural" approach. The goal should be choosing the safest, most appropriate, evidence-informed approach that supports both present needs and long-term function. Build Your Health One Stone at a TimeThink of your health foundation as individual stones: Nutrition Movement Sleep Healthy body weight Mobility Strength Stress management Healthy relationships Preventive healthcare Appropriate medical care when necessary Appropriate chiropractic or rehabilitative care when indicated One stone may not appear impressive. But when you consistently put them together, you create a much stronger foundation. That is the lesson of the rock. What Happens When the Storm Comes?For our bodies, the "storm" may be aging, physical stress, an injury, poor sleep, a demanding job, prolonged inactivity, or another health challenge. We cannot prevent every storm. But we can work on the foundation before the storm arrives. The question becomes: Are we investing only in what makes us feel better today, or are we also building habits and function that can support us tomorrow? The Soft Touch Chiropractic PhilosophyAt Soft Touch Chiropractic in Porter Ranch, we believe that healthcare should look beyond symptoms and consider function. When appropriate, our approach may include evaluating spinal and joint mechanics, mobility, muscle imbalance, posture, flexibility, and other factors that may contribute to a patient's musculoskeletal complaints. We also encourage patients to think about the bigger foundation: movement, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and healthy daily habits. There is no conflict between obtaining appropriate symptom relief and improving long-term function. The strongest healthcare strategy may use the right tool at the right time while continuing to strengthen the foundation. Don't Just Build for Today. Build on the Rock.Quick relief can be valuable. But quick relief should not always be confused with long-term improvement. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Traditional does not automatically mean harmful. And alternative does not automatically mean better. Instead, build your healthcare decisions on something stronger: Knowledge. Safety. Evidence. Nutrition. Movement. Function. Consistency. That is building your health on the rock. Schedule an EvaluationIf recurring neck pain, back pain, stiffness, limited mobility, or musculoskeletal problems are interfering with your daily activities, consider a comprehensive evaluation. Soft Touch Chiropractic Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Porter Ranch, California Call: 818-831-010Build Your Health on the Rock, Not Sand | Natural Health, Nutrition & Chiropractic Care in Porter Ranch natural healthcare Porter Ranch, chiropractor Porter Ranch, chiropractor near me, Soft Touch Chiropractic, holistic health Porter Ranch, alternative healthcare, natural health and nutrition, chiropractic care Northridge, long-term wellness, healthy lifestyle, nutrition and wellness, neck pain relief Porter Ranch, back pain treatment Porter Ranch, spinal health, functional health, preventive healthcare, natural healthcare vs traditional healthcare, Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh
 By Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic Porter Ranch, CA When people think about spinal problems, they often think only about neck pain, back pain, stiffness, or a pinched nerve. But the relationship between the spine and nervous system is more complex. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, one useful way to explain this relationship is to divide spinal dysfunction into two broad patterns: external interference and internal interference.
What Is External Interference?The spinal cord is protected inside the vertebral column. Peripheral nerves leave the spinal column through openings between the vertebrae and travel throughout the body. If a spinal segment or rib becomes restricted, rotated, or mechanically dysfunctional, the surrounding joints, muscles, connective tissues, and nerves may be affected. Examples can include: Cervical Fixation or Joint DysfunctionRestriction or altered mechanics in the neck may be associated with:
Possible symptoms include:
Abnormal rib mechanics may contribute to:
Cervical Fixation ↓ Thoracic Fixation / Rotation ↓ Rib Rotation or Restricted Motion ↓ Lumbar Fixation ↓ Altered Joint + Muscle Mechanics ↓ Possible Irritation of Peripheral or Autonomic Nerve Structures ↓ Pain • Stiffness • Muscle Spasm • Altered Function What Is Internal Interference? There is another concept that deserves attention: the internal environment surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system (CNS). They are surrounded by protective membranes and cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid performs several important functions. It helps cushion the brain and spinal cord, participates in nutrient and waste exchange, and contributes to maintaining the chemical environment required for normal nervous-system function. From a biomechanical perspective, special attention may be given to areas such as:
It is important, however, to distinguish this emerging area of research from established clinical fact: The key concept is not disease—it is function. We describe spinal interference in two categories: external interference and internal interference. External interference focuses on how spinal or rib fixation may affect the mechanical environment around peripheral and autonomic nerves. Internal interference focuses on how restrictions involving the skull, atlas, cervical spine, or sacrum may influence the mechanical environment surrounding the central nervous system and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The purpose of this discussion is not to claim that spinal fixation causes a specific disease, but to examine how these mechanical restrictions may influence normal movement, nervous-system function, and overall physiological function. Why Cerebrospinal Fluid Is Important Cerebrospinal fluid is much more than simply “water around the brain.” CSF helps:
Because of these important functions, maintaining healthy sleep, movement, circulation, hydration, breathing, and overall neurological health is important. The Skull–Atlas–Spine–Sacrum ConnectionThink of the central nervous system as a continuous structure. BRAIN / SKULL ↓ ATLAS (C1) ↓ CERVICAL SPINE ↓ THORACIC SPINE ↓ LUMBAR SPINE ↓ SACRUM The brain transitions into the spinal cord at the base of the skull. The spinal cord then travels downward through the spinal canal. This is one reason a chiropractic examination should not necessarily focus only on the painful area. A patient complaining of low back pain may also have thoracic restriction, pelvic imbalance, muscle asymmetry, or cervical dysfunction. Likewise, someone with neck discomfort may have postural or mechanical problems extending farther down the spine. External vs. Internal Interference — The Big Picture External Interference and Internal Interference Concept Cervical fixationSkull/upper cervical restriction Thoracic fixationAtlas/C1 restriction Rib rotationCervical mechanical restriction Lumbar fixationSacral restriction Altered joint mechanicsAltered mechanics around the CNS Muscle imbalancePotential influence on normal movement surrounding the spinal canal Peripheral nerve irritation may occurCSF dynamics are considered as part of CNS physiology Pain, stiffness, or radiating symptoms may occurSymptoms such as headache, neck pain, fatigue, or brain fog require evaluation because they have many possible causes Could These Problems Cause Brain Fog, Fatigue, or Headaches? Symptoms such as:
Musculoskeletal pain and chronic tension can certainly affect sleep, concentration, physical activity, and quality of life. However, symptoms such as persistent fatigue, cognitive changes, severe headaches, anxiety, or depression should not automatically be attributed to spinal fixation or CSF dysfunction. A proper examination is important, and some symptoms require evaluation by an appropriate medical professional.  Why We Look Beyond the PainOne of the biggest mistakes in musculoskeletal healthcare is concentrating exclusively on where it hurts. Pain is important, but it does not always identify the entire mechanical problem. For example: Muscle Imbalance ↓ Abnormal Pull on a Vertebra or Rib ↓ Joint Restriction / Altered Mechanics ↓ Additional Muscle Guarding ↓ Reduced Movement ↓ Pain and Dysfunction If treatment addresses only the pain but ignores the mechanical pattern contributing to it, the underlying dysfunction may remain. That is why an examination may include posture, spinal motion, muscle balance, rib mechanics, neurological findings, and other appropriate tests. The Goal of Chiropractic CareAt Soft Touch Chiropractic in Porter Ranch, our goal is not simply to “crack” the spine. We evaluate how the vertebrae, ribs, muscles, joints, and nervous system work together. Depending on examination findings, care may be directed toward:
Your Spine Is More Than a Stack of BonesYour spine is a dynamic structure surrounding and protecting one of the body's most important systems—the central nervous system. The vertebrae, ribs, muscles, joints, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and cerebrospinal fluid are anatomically and physiologically interconnected, although the exact effects of specific spinal restrictions on CSF flow and systemic health continue to be studied. That is why chiropractic care should be based on a complete examination rather than symptoms alone. If you are experiencing recurring neck pain, back pain, stiffness, headaches, restricted movement, or symptoms that may involve a nerve, consider having your spine properly evaluated. Schedule an Evaluation Soft Touch Chiropractic Porter Ranch, California Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Call: 818-831-0100 A thorough evaluation can help determine whether spinal or rib dysfunction is contributing to your symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.   A Chiropractor's Guide to Getting Better Results Safely By Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic Porter Ranch, CA Many people purchase a home neck traction device hoping to relieve neck pain, headaches, arm pain, stiffness, or pinched nerves. While these devices can be helpful for some people, one of the biggest mistakes is using continuous traction for too long. Ironically, more time under traction does not always mean better results. Your Body Is Designed to Adapt Your body constantly tries to maintain balance, a process called homeostasis. When you place your neck under traction, the muscles initially relax and allow the joints and discs to gently separate. This is exactly what we want. However, after a couple of minutes, something interesting begins to happen. Your nervous system notices the stretching and starts to protect your neck by tightening the muscles again. As those muscles contract, they gradually reduce the amount of traction reaching the joints and discs. Think of it like stretching a rubber band. At first it stretches easily. Leave it stretched long enough, and the material begins to adapt. Your muscles behave in a similar way—they start resisting the pull. A Better Way to Use Home Neck TractionInstead of one long session lasting 5–10 minutes, consider using short intervals. A simple approach is:
Each new cycle gives your neck another fresh therapeutic stretch instead of allowing the muscles to settle into a resistant state. Movement Is Part of Therapy. There is another major advantage to interval traction. Every time you release and reapply traction, your neck experiences gentle movement. Healthy joints depend on movement. This repeated motion can help:
When you gently compress and release a sponge, fresh water moves in and out. Likewise, gentle cycles of movement help exchange fluids within the discs and surrounding tissues, supporting their health. Comfort MattersHome traction should never be painful. The goal is a gentle stretching sensation—not a strong pull. If you experience increased pain, numbness, tingling, dizziness, headaches, or worsening symptoms, stop using the device and consult your healthcare provider. The amount of force should always remain comfortable. Neck Traction Is Only One Piece of the PuzzleEven the best traction device cannot correct every cause of neck pain. Many neck problems involve:
The Bottom Line Using your home neck traction device smarter—not longer—may produce better results. Rather than holding continuous traction for long periods, short repeated intervals may help:
Ready to Find the Cause of Your Neck Pain? If you're experiencing chronic neck pain, headaches, arm pain, or stiffness, don't just treat the symptoms. Discover why your neck is hurting and whether traction is appropriate for your condition. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh provides gentle, personalized chiropractic care designed to restore healthy joint movement, reduce nerve irritation, and improve overall spinal function. Call Soft Touch Chiropractic today at (818) 831-0100 to schedule your consultation and learn the safest, most effective treatment plan for your neck. |
