The symptom of pain tells us something in our body may be misaligned. There are some aches and pains that just won't go away. These could be signs of a larger problem and may get worse. If you have subtle neck pain, and/or low back pain, the faster you take care of it, the better off you are. Chances are there is a subluxation. A subluxation represents a bone out of alignment that puts pressure on a nerve, causing certain symptoms. This subluxation is what chiropractors treat.

Dr. Basco is a Doctor of Chiropractic, correcting those subluxations in the skeletal make-up of our bodies. When a bone is out of alignment, it can cause tingling, sciatica, headaches, referred pain, and/or numbness from pressure being put upon a nerve. It may even affect function of an internal organ. If a spinal subluxation isn't fixed, it may turn into a degenerative disc, which could lead to further complications.

This mis-alignment can happen from an auto or sporting accident, slip and fall, incorrect pillow or mattress, bad posture, and may have happened several years ago. For those of you who do not understand, it all stems from the subluxation where a bone is out of alignment or position and is putting pressure on the nerve, causing pain, or tingling. Over a period of time, that subluxation of the spine will wear down, just like an automobile tire that is out of alignment, until a "blowout" occurs.

"Those of you who have severe low back pain, and have tried everything you could, with no relief, I want you to know that I have a Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Machine. I believe this is the only one in Alameda," said Dr. Basco, "This state-of-the-art machine really helps those in distress. A combination spinal decompression and the traditional hands-on technique of chiropractic has helped many of my patients that were in dire need of relief from their low back condition."

Dr. Basco offers free patient orientation classes. Prospective patients can go in and sit down with a questionand- answer period. Dr. Basco informs the patients what he can do. "We teach them what they need to do to get them back to their optimum health," said Dr. Basco. "This is a way for people who may not know if they need a chiropractor or not, to find out if a chiropractor could help. Some people are going to an MD to get a prescription. They are just taking the medicine the MD doctor is handing out, and even though it is not helping, they continue to go to the doctor because they don't know, think or believe a chiropractor can help them," Dr. Basco continued. "By attending this class, a person can talk to me and weigh the pros and cons of whether or not to make an appointment with me. This class will help you understand what is going on with you and your condition."

"In the state of California, we are considered primary care doctors," furthered Dr. Basco. "We can diagnose conditions. I will let you know if I can help you and I will also let you know if I can't, and will refer you to someone who can."

Dr. Basco said that 80 percent of people will have lower back pain at some time in their lives. He recommends you bend your knees when you are lifting. "When gardening and bent over pulling weeds; don't reach out to one side to do a major pull. Also, sit with both feet flat on the ground with your back straight-up, with your back against the backrest of the chair. And if your health is a priority and are concerned about those 'little' aches and pains that just will not go away, consult a chiropractor," said Dr. Basco.

Dr. Basco will help with neck, lower back, whiplash, sciatica, headaches, auto accidents and more. Dr. Basco is located at 1201 Lincoln Ave. You can call him at 523-6773. www.bascochiro.com.