Dr. Mary Howard, DC

Chiropractor

4570 Van Nuys Blvd #140 Sherman Oaks CA, 91403 Show map

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About

Dr. Mary Howard is a Chiropractor practicing in CANOGA PARK CA. Dr. Howard specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patients functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck and back pain, knee, shoulder and jaw pain among many others. Dr. Howard seeks to reduce pain and discomfort through manipulation and adjustment of the spine and other joints in the body.

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Dr. Mary Howard, DC

Dr. Mary Howard, DC's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Can chiropractic care help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
You will find that some Chiropractors are better er versed in helping a patient with Carpal Tunnel than others because some chiropractors only treat the spine. So if you find a Chiropractor who also specializes in extremities arms and legs you may get some help because many times the muscles of the forearm are contributing or are the problem. It is possible that the entire problem originates in the spine, also. Or it can be a combination of all of the above. Actually, one patients solution was a prolotherapy injection into the joint. Keep an open mind and realize that there is not just one solution. READ MORE
I have knee pain?
This is a case where the problem is likely due to ligament laxity caused by a ligament sprain. In the past it was known that ligaments never heal. More recently it was discovered that ligaments could be pushed to heal through a process of irritation. This process is called Prolotherapy and is performed by an MD usually an Orthopedist because they know where the ligaments are located. I have had this done successfully ti several of my own joints and I highly recommend it. READ MORE
So my gf walked on my back?
You stated that the muscles on the right side of your spine are spasming. Muscle spasm near any joint, and in this case the many joints of the vertebral column, indicates that a bone is not aligned in relation to the READ MORE
I have pain in my leg?
I am sorry but this is a very complex problem and I dont feel that I have enough information to give an opinion. READ MORE
Bicep tendon?
I understand your angst. Will you be able to fully heal? I think that is the question. Well, if you are willing to pay out of your pocket, I believe the answer is yes. This is a case where the problem is likely due to ligament laxity caused by a ligament sprain. In the past it was known that ligaments never heal. More recently it was discovered that ligaments could be pushed to heal through a process of irritation. This process is called Prolotherapy and is performed by an MD usually an Orthopedist because they know where the ligaments are located. I have had this done successfully ti several of my own joints and I highly recommend it. And I also had a tear in my rotator cuff which healed following prolotherapy. READ MORE
How do I know if my knee is out of alignment?
The question is: How do I know if my knee is out of alignment? Since you may have as many as 360 joints, I wonder how do you know whether any of them are out of alignment and very important: why should you care? Pain is one of the indicators of malalignment, but shoddy alignment may not be the only cause of pain. I have been confronted with a painful knee and found the bones to be in perfect alignment. Of course, I am disappointed because that means I can’t help by aligning the bones that are involved in the knee joint: the distal femur, proximal fibula, proximal tibia and the patella. Other components of the knee may be involved such as one or more of 11 ligaments, or the bursa, or tendons. There may be a genetic problem such as Osgood-Schlatters causing inflammation. Sometimes it is necessary to have an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to determine how serious the problem is or to learn more about the components of your knee. The simple answer is that as a chiropractor who has taken special courses to also specialize in extremity alignment, I would need to perform some orthopedic and chiropractic tests and possibly some special studies to determine the alignment condition of your knee. I think that in order for you to determine the answer you would need to consult an expert Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in extremities. The reason you should care about joint alignment is because when joints are left out of alignment they wear wrong- just like tires, but with the painful consequence of arthritis in years to come. READ MORE
What do chiropractors do to treat back pain?
Back pain, when treated by Chiropractors, is relieved using a procedure to align the vertebra. There are many different ways to accomplish this and it depends on not only the Doctor’s skill but also how long the patient has been suffering. Since everybody is different it becomes not only a science but also an art. Some Doctors of Chiropractic only use their hands while others use physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound or electrical muscle stimulation. READ MORE
What is better for sciatica acupuncture or chiropractor?
For treatment of sciatica for myself, my first thought is I need to see my Chiropractor because most of the time there are bones out of alignment causing the nerve to have improper pressure on it. If there is muscle spasm in the low back or pelvic area then acupuncture may help speed the recovery. READ MORE
Can you go to a chiropractor for foot pain?
You can go to the chiropractor for foot pain. However, some chiropractors do not treat foot pain. Also, there will also be a division among the ones who do treat foot pain. First, it is necessary to determine what is causing the foot pain with an exam. After that, some chiropractors will simple put ultrasound or electrical muscle stimulation or other physical therapy on your foot. Other chiropractors have taken special classes to determine how to set the bones in your feet back in alignment and will not use physical therapy. And other chiropractors will do both: correct the alignment and use physical therapy. Personally, the last choice is my preference and that is what I do for my patients. Find out by asking the office staff prior to making an appointment. READ MORE
Is it bad to crack your back every day?
In answer to the question: “Is it bad to crack your back every day?” you should never “crack your back.” As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I take care and adjust lots of backs. I never “crack” them. If you are “cracking” your own back you are loosening the ligaments and making it more unstable. Usually when someone “pops” or “cracks” their own vertebra it feels better for a couple of hours. But then discomfort returns because all that happened is you moved a bone that was already too moveable. That is the wrong bone. When a bone is slightly out of place it is fixated and really stuck. This requires expert care. READ MORE