We're Hiring...

Center for Chiropractic & Wellness is currently seeking a self-motivated massage therapist for a full time position. Our current massage therapist is retiring so we are looking for a provider who will take over current patient care along with continuing to build their practice.  Must communicate effectively in a courteous and professional manner, be punctual, a team player, passionate about their work and willing to take ownership of marketing and making new referral relationships.

Job requirements:

·         Must be North Carolina licensed

·         Evidence of Liability insurance

·         Graduate of an accredited massage therapy school

·         Perform Swedish and Therapeutic Deep tissue massage

·         Carnio-Sacral and Energy Healing Technique a benefit but not required

Center for Chiropractic & Wellness offers:

·         Compensation is percentage based

·         Full supportive /administrative staff

·         Covered overhead cost & clinical supplies

·         Office is located in the American Institute of Health and Fitness building.  An 185,000 square foot medical facility and we are currently the only holistic providers. http://www.aihf.net

Please send resumes to: adminccw@gmail.com

Our Website: http://www.chiropractornc.com/

How can I hold my adjustments?

I get many questions from patients regarding holding their adjustments following treatment.  I find that it is often difficult for patients to remember that daily activities and general stressors can make the body go out of alignment.  It can be crucial to look at habits, work stations, repetitive motions, and auto seat positioning, to name just a few, to find out what is irritating the body, causing micro-trauma that retards the body's ability to heal.

I recall a patient that I saw awhile back who had neck pain.  She would feel better for a short time after treatment, and then would continue to aggravate.  At some point deep into our treatment plan, she said, "I think I finally figured out what is causing my neck pain!"  It turns out that she was watching tv from her computer desk while she played Farmville, which kept her craning her neck to the right to watch her shows.  While this is a humorous story, it is common to find that people are very unaware of the activities that keep their body in pain.

Some of the recommendations that I make to my patients are to evaluate your positioning throughout the day to see if there is an ergonomic factor that could be improved, or some repetitive motion that could be altered.

I also strongly recommend that patients stretch daily and stretch multiple times.  The following are all stretches that can help prolong your adjustment by keeping the musculature released around the joints to keep the muscles from pulling you back out of place. 

Some of my favorite stretches are very simple.  The general instructions for the stretches is to do them 3-4 times daily, 8-15 seconds each stretch, don't stretch into pain, no bouncing, and there is no need for repetition (just one of each).  Stretching the chin to the chest, ear to shoulder and chin to armpit; all of these just allowing the opposite hand to gently pull into the stretch.

My favorite and most powerful stretch for any lower back pain is the psoas stretch.  Because the psoas attaches to the front of the vertebrae in the lumbar spine and connect in the femur, it can compress the lower back and cause significant back pain.  I find this particularly with people that sit for long periods of time, or people that do a lot of hip flexor work without stretching.  It is accomplished by kneeling and lunging forward while keeping the upper torso erect.  The focus of the stretch should be in the groin on the side of the knee on the floor.

 I consider this stretch to be almost miraculous when dealing with lower back pain!

 A common complaint that I see in my office is arm pain, numbness or tingling, often from long hours on the computer.  Some of the best results I have gotten in treating these cases has been stretching the muscles of the lower arms, even if the symptoms are going down the entire arm.  Stretching the pectoralis, or chest muscles, through the door is helpful to clear up much of the upper arm problem.

Understanding that stretching can only take you so far, the perpetuating factors also must be addressed.  Find outlets for your stress such as yoga, walking, journaling, meditation, pilates, and swimming.  These are all relatively low impact activities that can help reduce stress without physically stressing the body unduly.  Take a look at ways to eliminate or reduce areas of stress that you are able.  Stress is one of the major factors in illness and disease in our society, so managing your stress is one area that can add life to your years.

Remember that diet is also a key factor in the ability to hold your adjustments.  If you are regularly eating fast food and fried foods, you can bet that your body is starving for real nourishment.  Your body can only perform and/or heal with what you put into it.  Consider that each bite you take is an investment in your health and longevity. 

And more than anything, find a way to have love, laughter and some enjoyment in every day!

Dr. Darcy Ward

How can I hold my adjustments?

Raleigh Chiropractor Recommends Castor Oil Packs

Castor Oil Packs

One of the most useful home therapies I recommend to patients is the use of castor oil packs.  I've read that humankind has been using castor oil packs for about 3000 years.  During the Middle Ages, castor oil was known as the Oil of Christ. 

I recommend castor oil packs for their detoxification and anti-inflammatory properties.  The packs can be applied to the lower abdomen for assistance with digestive distress (constipation, IBS, chronic indigestion and bloating), menstrual cramps, uterine fibroids, UTI prevention, cystitis, as well as to the breasts and liver.  The heat provided by the castor oil pack helps to provide warmth to organs that are over-stimulated.  The pack also has strong detoxifcation qualities and has been known to assist with bile flow in the liver and inflammation in organs or joints.  I do not recommend using the packs on the head.

To make a castor oil pack, you’ll need a good quality castor oil, a wool flannel, hot water bottle/heating pad, plastic and rags/towels. Most natural food stores sell both the castor oil and wool flannel.

First, cut in half a plastic grocery bag and lay flat. Pour or soak the flannel in the castor oil until saturated but do not let it drip. Lay the soaked flannel across the abdomen and place the open plastic bag on top. Next, place a rag or old towel on top and then the hot water bottle/heating pad. Lie still for 45-60 minutes. When finished, remove the flannel and wash the area with a solution of baking soda and water. Beware that castor oil can stain so keep away from clothing. 


I generally recommend the castor oil pack every 2-3 days until symptoms improve. 

Jennifer Greenfield D.C.

Raleigh Chiropractor Recommends Castor Oil Packs

Before it’s too late...

I have been treating animals, providing chiropractic care for many of the same problems that I treat my human patients.  I often have pet owners calling or emailing me, asking if I can help their beloved pet.  Hearing the stories about a pet who has been progressively experiencing weakness in his legs, inability to engage in the activities that bring him joy, and developing wasting of his muscles, all taking place over a month or more.  I catch myself wishing and wondering how and why I wasn’t able to help this animal until recovery seems daunting. 

In some cases time is often of the essence when someone wants conservative care for their animal, especially in the case of nerve involvement.  Some problems are much more difficult to treat as time goes on.  Sometimes it can even be difficult to tell if your pet is experiencing pain, so we have to look for other indicators.  Some of these are things as simple as behavioral changes, licking a paw continually (indicator for numbness), “skipping” while running, sitting or lying only on one side, unwillingness to participate in a loved game, or not wanting to walk on tile or hardwood floors.

It is crucial to seek help for your pet sooner rather than later.  I believe it takes a lot to slow down an animal that loves to please his master, just like a child who won’t let a little pain stop them from playing! It breaks my heart to have someone carry their dog in on a sling because he is unable to walk any longer, asking me to help.  I entreat pet owners to act at the first sign of trouble.  For this reason, periodic preventative/maintenance care is just as important for our pets as it is for us.  Please don't wait until it is too late...

Before it’s too late...

Raleigh Chiropractor Recommends Eating Beets

Beets are a wonderful food not only for general health but especially for liver health. Now that summer is winding down, I’m starting to think of the root vegetables which generally color my plate in the fall and winter. The most common beet available is the red beet, but golden beets are also available.

To get the most out of beets, I recommend eating the red beets. Beets pack a nutritional punch for the liver because they contains phytonutrients called betalains and betaine. The phytonutrients are supportive and protective of the liver and a healthy liver is vital to keep the body fit, trim, and young.

Not only are the beets themselves healthy and tasty but beet greens are fabulous as well. When I grow beets in my garden, I choose varieties that have abundant green leaves on the top.

Since many people are unfamiliar with beets and how to prepare them, I have some website suggestions for more information

• The World’s Healthiest Foods: http://www.whfoods.com
• Issue 10 (November/December 2009) has a great article called Just Beet It

• One of my favorite blogs has information on roasting beets, http://www.elanaspantry.com/how-to-roast-beets/, plus making beet hummus http://www.elanaspantry.com/beet-hummus/.

• http://sites.google.com/site/spiritualfoodcsa/food-a-pedia/beets

Roasted beets and butternut squash (or sweet potatoes) are a staple in my house during the cooler months of the year. Sauteed beet greens make a tasty side dish to any meal. I also make a beverage called Beet Kvass, which is for the more adventurous beet eaters.  Email me at drgreenfield@yahoo.com for more info on the Kvass. The only thing I don’t recommend is eating beets from a can. Canned food has little nutritional value. Fresh is always best.


I was not an adventurous eater as a child or even a young adult. I remember the “yuck factor” when tasting a pickled beet while in my early 20s. But once I taught myself to cook and experimented with vegetables, I learned to love beets and beet greens. I encourage you to give beets a try.

And a final note…if you eat beets, please be mindful that the color of your urine and stool will turn red. So, no, you are not bleeding, it’s a result of the beets!

Happy Eating!

Jennifer Greenfield D.C.

Beets from my garden, 2009

Raleigh Chiropractor Recommends Eating Beets

Feeling lazy, neurotic or depressed? You may have an adrenal deficiency.

I'm just SO TIRED

I am so depressed!

I never have energy

These three sentences are some of the most common in the healthcare field. In fact, fatigue and depression are a huge contributing factor to the success of the pharmaceutical industry. Not to mention the recent boom of energy drinks on the market.

While many factors can come into  play when discussing these symptoms a large part of the population is actually experiencing adrenal fatigue. In fact up to 90% of the population has some level of adrenal fatigue. So what is this condition and what can you do about it?

What are the adrenal glands?

They are 2 small endocrine glands, the size of a walnut, that sit on top of each kidney.

What do the Adrenal Glands do?

They are the “stress handling” glands.  They produce a variety of hormones that help you handle all types of stress – physical, mental or emotional.  They seek to keep your body functioning in a dynamic balance (homeostasis) amidst whatever external changes or challenges you meet.  They help mobilize you for “fight of flight” in a dangerous situation.

They control:

1. fluid balance
2. blood sugar balance in between meals
3. inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to injury or invasion
4. immune system response and strength

They produce the steroid hormones which:

1. are the vitality hormones that determine overall strength, energy and stamina
2. provide a sense of well-being and maintain healthy mood and emotion
3. are on the backup system for sex hormones, and so are vital for everything from healthy pregnancy to healthy menopause, potency and fertility
4. when functioning in healthy levels and proportions, provide protection against all forms of dis-ease.

 How well you live depends to a large degree upon how well your adrenal glands function!

Adrenal Fatigue

1.        Adrenal Fatigue is not recognized by conventional medicine.  Only the extremes of Addison’s disease or Cushing’s disease are recognized.

2.        Probably 90% of the population is in some degree of adrenal stress or fatigue.

3.        Weak adrenal function sets the stage for a host of other conditions to appear and progress, including digestive problems, allergies, chronic fatigue, hypothyroidism, immune system weakness, diabetes, degenerative diseases and cancer.

4.        Traditional blood tests are almost always normal even though the patient is clearly not well and presents with a host of signs and symptoms.  These patients have often been told, “There’s nothing wrong, it’s all in your head,” or have been branded as a hypochondriac, lazy, neurotic or a difficult patient.

How do you "fix" adrenal fatigue?

The best thing to do is to contact your trusted acupuncturist, chiropractor or holistic nutritionist to discuss your options. Whole food and herbal supplements are usually used to treat this condition but first you should undergo a simple saliva test to see if you are truly experiencing this condition. If you are in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill-Wake Forest area call Dr. Jennifer Greenfield at Center for Chiropractic &Wellness (919-845-3280) to set up your appointment. She was recently voted best chiropractor in the triangle by the Independent, and she has extensive experience and focus with hormones and nutrition related to adrenal fatigue.

Some supplemental suggestions may include Rhodiola &Ginseng, Rehmannia and Ashwaganda, Cataplex B, or Drenamin. High Grade Licorice is also recommended in many cases. The herbs/whole food supplements prescribed to you should be done by a professional and on a specific case by case basis after that professional has reviewed your test and your chart. Monthly follow-ups should be done to re-assess your dosages for the most effective results.

Feeling lazy, neurotic or depressed? You may have an adrenal deficiency.

Yoga labeled as woman's domain: Men are missing out on the benefits!

A world turned upside down—that's yoga for most men because, unlike football, hockey, or baseball yoga is, seemingly, a woman's domain. According to a 2005 Yoga Journal market study, 77 percent of the yoga practitioners in America are female. Legendary teachers like Anusara Yoga founder John Friend and Power Yoga instructor Baron Baptiste believe the numbers might be even higher.

It's not that men don't know they are missing. Nowadays, there seems to be a yoga studio on every corner; Raleigh alone has more than a dozen of quality studios. Men see their wives, girlfriends, and girl-friends strutting yoga fit bods, standing proud and tall, and living a tranquil yet productive lifestyle due to the practice, but most men still refuse to try the discipline.

So why do so many men stay away? A recent   yoga journal article shows that  there are "social, physical, and emotional realities that discourage men from practicing."  It takes a "strong" man and a brave man to tackle the discipline because not only is it socially unacceptable fr a man to hit up a yoga studio for a session of zen and flow, it also forces men to delve deeper into their phsyical and emotional databases that they are used to doing with a game of pickup soccer, for example. Read HERE for a further explanation of these three obstacles and what you can do to overcome them.

As an aspiring Yogi and lover of the discipline, I recommend yoga to all demographics; male or female, indian or latino, young or old...

But why?

Yoga enables presence of mind and body. In today's society we are so bogged down by the future, the next step, the next turn that we forget to see the forest for the trees. Practicing presence, or staying in the moment as many people call it actually enhances productivity and balance. Yoga enables this process to begin for many through the awareness of and importance of breathing and posture, one breaht a

Yoga balances strength with flexibility: Many lifelong athletes have a repertoire of injuries. They may be strong or have a lot of cardio endurance but they neglect to stretch enough. Yoga combines strength and endurance techniques with flexibility all in one package. Preventing injuries is a total plus!

Yoga lubricates  the joints, ligaments and tendons: yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the body. it has been found that the body which may have been quite rigid starts experiencing a remarkable flexibility in even those parts which have not been consciously work upon. Why? It is here that the remarkable research behind yoga positions proves its mettle. Seemingly unrelated “non strenuous” yoga positions act upon certain parts of the body in an interrelated manner. When done together, they work in harmony to create a situation where flexibility is attained relatively easily.

Yoga massages the organs: Yoga is perhaps the only form of activity which massages all the internal glands and organs of the body in a thorough manner, including those – such as the prostate - that hardly get externally stimulated during our entire lifetime. Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on the various body parts. This stimulation and massage of the organs in turn benefits us by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease or disorder.

So get "bendy" men. The benefits far outweigh the social stigma, and your bodies will thank you. Your women friends will probably like it too :)

For a list of Raleigh Yoga Studios please visit this link

Yoga labeled as woman's domain: Men are missing out on the benefits!

Barbequing safety for 4th of July Holiday

Barbecuing is one of America’s favorite pastimes, especially during Fourth of July weekend. However, it’s hard to believe that this enjoyable and easy meal option can cause food poisoning and even cancer! ChicagoHealers.com Dr. Martha Howard M.D. provides the following tips for staying safe during summer grilling:

Safety Hazards:

• An April 2006 presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research showed that when PhIP, a barbecue/char chemical, was added to rats’ food, they developed cancerous changes in their intestines, spleens and prostates within four weeks.
• HCAs, hetero-cyclic amines, are also produced when meat is charred. This compound can increase the risk of breast, stomach, colon, and prostate cancer.
• PAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are produced by smoking fat from chicken, fish or meat and can damage lung, liver, skin and kidney tissue. 

Tips for Safe Barbecuing:

• Clean the grill: get rid of the old fats left over from previous meals.
• Avoid petroleum starters for charcoal: If you use charcoal, use a wood starter and stack your charcoal up in a 2 pound metal can with the ends cut off. Lift off the can with tongs and spread out the coals when they are well started.
• Proper timing: Avoid a time gap between opening the valve and starting the grill.
• Wash your hands: Keep your hands clean and use separate plates and cutting boards for raw and cooked meats.  Be sure to wash hands again before putting on long, heat-proof barbecue gloves.
• Trim meat: Trim most of the fat from meat; less fat means fewer PAHs. 
• Use marinades: This protects the meat from charring.  Put the marinade on, and refrigerate until use. Don’t let meat sit out.
• Pre-cooking: Use pre-cooking prior to grilling, especially for items like raw brats. Avoid taking burgers, chicken or other meats directly from the freezer to the grill.
• Cutting techniques: Cut meat and chicken into smaller pieces so they cook through.
• Flipping: Turn down the fire, and turn your burgers, steaks, chops, or chicken often, so they cook through, and come out golden brown.
• Meat thermometer: If you are cooking a thicker portion of meat or chicken, use a meat thermometer. 
• Chicken:  165 degrees 
• Hamburger: 160 degrees
• Pork: 150 degrees
• Hot dogs: 140 degrees 
• Steak: 145 degrees for medium rare and 160 degrees for medium.
• Cleaning up: At the end of the barbecue, be sure to put out your charcoal completely, and if you are using propane, be sure the valve is turned off.

Barbequing safety for 4th of July Holiday