Dr. Michael A. Dorn Jr., DC Explains "What a new patient can expect from their first chiropractic appointment."

Patients visiting Dr. Michael Dorn of Baltimore Back and Pain Center for the first time (or any doctor of chiropractic for that matter) may feel a bit apprehensive while waiting for their appointment. We hope that knowing what to expect on the first visit can help alleviate any new patient's concern.

When you arrive for your first chiropractic appointment, you will receive a free, thorough chiropractic evaluation to determine conditions which may be appropriate for chiropractic care. Dr. Dorn will ask you questions about your pain or discomfort and examine your back or area of pain. If you are having ankle or knee discomfort, Dr. Dorn will have you walk to see how your pain is impacting your gait.

If Dr. Dorn feels that you will benefit from chiropractic care, he will discuss the type of care to be administered, and what results may be expected. Discussion of your treatment will continue as the care continues, to evaluate both treatment effectiveness and projected duration. You will also be referred to another health care provider for conditions which are not appropriate for chiropractic care.

Finally, you will be given a clear understanding of your insurance and financial arrangements. Dr. Dorn and the staff at Baltimore Back and Pain Center guarantee appropriate, ethical care will be delivered in confidence, with respect for your privacy and dignity.

Call Baltimore Back and Pain Center at (410) 662-4476 for a free chiropractic evaluation and hydro massage. Directions and office hours are posted on the Baltimore Back and Pain Center website.

Chiropractic for Sore Joints and Muscles by Dr. Michael A. Dorn Jr., DC of Baltimore Back and Pain Center

Summer is now in full gear, and it's the best time of year to get fit and stay healthy. Like everything else related to summer, keeping things easy and simple will help you make the best health decisions without losing your "cool." We tend to be more active and physical in the summer months. And often it's our muscles and joints that end up paying the price for this. Whether gardening, jogging, biking or playing sports, an increase in physical activity can cause our bodies some minor discomfort.

If you're body is feeling a little off kilter, instead of high-tailing it to the medicine cabinet or local pharmacy for some over the counter pain relief, try something that will actually fix, and not mask, the problem. Dr. Michael Dorn of Baltimore Back and Pain Center says "Chiropractic is a great way to realign the spine and extremities, balance the nervous system, relax muscles, and promote healing." Instead of simply covering up your pain symptoms with drugs, chiropractic adjustments can fix the cause of the pain, and in turn, will make your body even stronger and healthier.

Hydro massage therapy is another great treatment for relieving sore and tired muscles, removing built up toxins and lactic acid, improving lymph flow, and promoting overall relaxation. Together, chiropractic and hydro massage therapy can keep your physical body going strong throughout all of your summertime activities.

Call Baltimore Back and Pain Center at (410) 662-4476 for a free chiropractic evaluation and hydro massage. Directions and office hours are posted on the Baltimore Back and Pain Center website.

Common Chiropractic Misconception by Dr. Michael A. Dorn Jr., DC of Baltimore Back and Pain Center

It's 2013 and yet many people still have the misconception that chiropractic care is nothing more than someone just "cracking your back." This of course, is not the case.

Chiropractic is a holistic health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs and headaches.

One of Baltimore's premier chiropractors, Dr. Michael Dorn of Baltimore Back and Pain Center, has been providing residents of the Baltimore area and surrounding communities of Roland Park, Mt. Washington, Pikesville, Towson, Baltimore City and Hampden with a natural way to relieve aches and pains for over a decade. He treats people of all ages for various conditions including pain as a result of a car accident and even pregnancy. As with the rest of the medical community, Baltimore Back and Pain Center's goal is to make sure that you find the relief you seek.

Baltimore Back and Pain Center accepts most insurance plans. Blue Cross/Blue Shield, AETNA and Cigna are just a few of the many health plans for which they will process your chiropractic claims. Their friendly staff will go over your insurance coverage and benefits with you. They are also up-to-date with the changes in Workers' Compensation laws and handle personal insurance cases for car accidents.

Call Baltimore Back and Pain Center at (410) 662-4476 for a free chiropractic evaluation and hydro massage. Directions and office hours are posted on the Baltimore Back and Pain Center website.

Prevent Summer Back Pain by Baltimore Back and Pain Center's Dr. Michael A. Dorn Jr., DC

Family summer road trips are up there with baseball, hot dogs and apple pie - an American tradition. These days, many families opt for the open road when it comes to holidays, vacations, and the chance to see the country. But sitting in a car for hours on end can take a toll on your spine.

Dr. Michael Dorn of Baltimore Back and Pain Center says, "You need to protect your back during a long car trip whether you have had a history of back pain or not."

Most people with back or neck pain find the prospect of a long car trip to be daunting. Millions of Americans experience the most common form of back pain: muscle tension. It turns out that being behind the wheel of a car puts drivers at great risk for this since they're in a static position at the very time that their sense of awareness is most heightened. Driving requires constant tension, which itself can create the scenario for muscle pain.

Dr. Dorn recommends the following steps to help prevent back pain while driving:

SUPPORT YOUR LOWER BACK. If your car seat doesn't offer enough support for your lower back, there is a wide selection of seat cushions, pillows, and other things on the market that can help make you much more comfortable on the road. If you don't want to spend the money, you can always roll up a towel and create a cushion between your lower back and the car seat. Keep in mind that the widest part of the support should be between your waistline and the bottom of your rib cage.

TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS. Sitting in the same position for long periods of time is sure to exacerbate your back pain or cause strain. Make sure you take the time to get out of the car and stretch at rest stops along the way. Stretching for just a few minutes can make a big difference in preventing pain.

BRING ICE PACKS. You'll probably be traveling with a cooler anyway, so pack a few extra ice packs to relieve pain on the road. If you need to ice your back, limit it to 15 minutes at a time. And make sure to wrap the ice with a towel before placing it on your skin.

MAINTAIN GOOD POSTURE. It's important to maintain good posture while driving to prevent injuries to your back and neck. Try to avoid a slumping posture and keep your pelvis as far back as possible in the seat. Keep your spine as straight as possible, and let your shoulders relax.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN HELP. If you follow these simple tips on the road, you can enjoy pain-free, safe travel. Of course if you do experience pain and stress on your back, Dr. Dorn is trained and licensed to diagnose and treat problems of the spine and nervous system. He can help you alleviate your pain naturally, so you can relax and enjoy future road trips. If you or someone you know suffers from travel-related back or neck pain, call Baltimore Back and Pain Center today to make an appointment at (410) 662-4476 or request an appointment online at www.baltimorebackandpaincenter.com.