Everyday Office Ergonomics

Posted on October 30th, 2009

Nearly anyone who has used a computer has experienced discomfort in the neck at some point. The most common cause is overuse of the neck musculature to hold the head up, instead of letting the spine do the job. This occurs when the worker juts the head forward while viewing the screen. People are rarely conscious they are doing this. When a screen is too far away for the eyes to see properly our heads move closer to the screen to fix the problem. Unfortunately, this creates other problems such as neck strain.

Adjusting the Monitor

In general the screen should be about an arm’s length away; it can be moved within a six-inch range, either way, depending on the worker’s vision. Monitors should always be placed where the user can look straight at them. Constantly looking off to one side to view the screen creates static load in the neck musculature, as well as muscle imbalances that can add up to significant injury. Adjustable monitor arms allow the screen to be placed in front of the worker and then slid out of the way for other tasks.

For users without glasses or for those who use single-vision lenses, the top of the glass screen should be at eye height. This position will let the eyes gaze down on the screen at the preferred angle. Workers who have bifocals will often tilt the head up to view the screen through the lower part of the lenses. The best solution is to discuss single-vision computer glasses with an optometrist. Otherwise, workers should lower the screen a few inches, so they can view the monitor with the head in a straight forward position, without the chin pointing up or down.

Positioning the Chair

A properly adjusted office chair is the most important tool that allows an office worker to work efficiently and safely. If there is insufficient lumbar support, patients can compensate with a back support, rolled towel or small pillow. If the seat is too deep—keeping the workers from being supported—they can use a back support or full-length pillow to take up the extra room.

In addition, educate your patients about how to adjust their chairs:

*Lower the chair until feet are well supported on the ground. If they are not firmly planted, use a footrest to provide support.
*Adjust the seat depth so there is one-to-three-fingers’ space between the front of the chair and the back of the knee.

*Adjust the armrests so they are one inch below the forearms. If the patient has any neck issues, bring the armrests up to provide support, without reaching down or up to use them.

Choosing a Keyboard

Design
Most keyboards have a standard design copied from typewriters with a number pad thrown on the right side for increased efficiency. Users typically plop down in front of the computer and center themselves between the side of the keyboard on the left and the mouse on the right. Now the right arm is externally rotated and reaching to use the mouse and then reaching across the mid-line of the body to type, so it is never in a good position.

The best solutions are to move the mouse to the left or use a keyboard that has the number pad on the left side. Workers can then center themselves by lining the bellybutton up with the “B” key.

Angle
Due to the variability of people’s shoulder widths and forearm lengths, many workers cannot use a standard keyboard without sustained ulnar deviation at the wrists. This causes static use and overload of the forearm muscles. A keyboard that allows angle and pitch adjustments is the solution to this problem.

Reach
Reaching to use a keyboard that is too high forces the upper traps to fire continuously, creating tension, fatigue and pain. A keyboard tray is the most helpful of the ergonomic tools, as it can fix problems ranging from excessive reach for the keyboard and mouse to improper wrist angles when typing. Since the proper writing height is several inches higher than the proper typing height, the tray will allow both functions to be performed safely.

Rest Breaks and Task Rotation

To work properly over time, muscles need a break to rid themselves of lactic acid and waste products while delivering oxygen to the tissues to prevent overuse and damage.

Teach patients to take a 15-second micro-break each hour. This is an easy solution for employers to accept, which helps gain compliance. During the micro-breaks, the office workers should shake their arms out or do simple stretches you can provide for them. Computer users should also frequently look away from their screen to focus on something about 20 feet away. This allows a break for the eye muscles. If they can’t seem to remember to take breaks, an egg timer can serve as a reminder. A software program such as RSI Guard can also help workers tailor breaks to the amount of work.

People are always concerned about how it will look if they seem to be taking too many breaks or are unproductive. By spreading tasks, like going to the fax and copier, returning phone calls and meeting with co-workers throughout the day, they can still be productive while giving their body a break from the computer.

Starting with these simple adjustments, your patients who work in an office should feel happier and healthier at their jobs in no time.

This article was in the magazine:
ACAnews: The Official Publication of the American Chiropractic Association
October 2009 edition pp 28-29 by Chris Sorrells

Tags: Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Neck Pain, Treatment
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Relief for Aching Backs

Posted on September 16th, 2009

Relief for aching backs

Hands-on therapies were top-rated by 14,000 consumers

About 80 percent of U.S. adults have at some point been bothered by back pain. The Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center recently surveyed more than 14,000 subscribers who had lower-back pain in the past year but had never had back surgery. More than half said pain severely limited their daily routine for a week or longer, and 88 percent said it recurred through the year. Many said the pain interfered with sleep, sex, and efforts to maintain a healthy weight.

photo is from photobucket.com

Back pain can be tough to treat. Most of our respondents tried five or six different treatments. They rated the helpfulness of the treatments tried and their satisfaction with the health-care professionals visited.

Hands-on therapies were among the top-rated. Fifty-eight percent of those who tried chiropractic manipulation said it helped a lot, and 59 percent were “completely” or “very” satisfied with their chiropractor. Massage and physical therapy were close runners-up.

Many of those who tried spinal injections found them to be very helpful, although the techniques their doctors used varied. Most respondents had used some type of medication. Forty-five percent of those who took prescription drugs said they helped a lot, double the percentage of those who said they were helped by over-the-counter medications.

Where to go for treatment

“Everyone seems to be selling some kind of gimmick, treatment, or pill for low-back pain,” says neurologist Scott Haldeman, M.D., who co-edited the January/February 2008 issue of The Spine Journal, which reviewed ways of treating low-back pain. But when treatments abound, it’s usually because there’s no clear winner.

A visit to a primary-care doctor is a smart first step when back pain is severe. A doctor can help rule out disease, such as infection or cancer. Although many of our respondents who saw a primary-care doctor left dissatisfied, doctors can write referrals for hands-on treatments that might be covered by health insurance.

Enduring the pain or seeing a chiropractor or physical therapist as a first step might be OK for a recurrent, familiar back problem. Most of the 35 percent of our respondents who didn’t see a health professional had severely limiting pain for less than a week. Many of those with more prolonged pain who didn’t see a healthcare professional said it was because of cost concerns or because they did not believe professional care could help.

Research suggests that chiropractic manipulation can reduce acute low-back pain, and many, though certainly not all, of the respondents who tried it said it helped. Albert McCann, 54, a respondent from Lakeland, Fla., has kept working as a petroleum transport engineer, driving a semi truck and using 20-foot-long hoses several times a day. By following a chiropractor’s recommendations and getting treatment every few weeks—including manual adjustments, electric stimulation, and a spinalator (roller-massage table)—he is able to keep his back pain to a minimum.

Massage and physical therapy were other treatments rated very helpful by 48 and 46 percent of consumers, respectively. “My back pain was unrelenting,” says survey respondent Charlene Mower of Fayetteville, Ark. “Before physical therapy, I thought I was done for.” Mower, 51, hurt her back while trying to lift her bedridden mother. She credits the training in lifting and bending techniques that a therapist gave her and continued exercise for her long-term success in staving off pain.

Lifestyle changes can help .

Cindy Pickett developed low-back pain at age 22, when she was building a bookcase and suffered two slipped disks. Over the years back pain and other factors led to a 100-pound weight gain. At 59, Pickett, a schoolteacher from Flagstaff, Ariz., retired and decided to make weight loss and exercise her full-time job. She credits her improvement to the combination of weight loss and abdominal-strengthening exercises that reduced pressure on her lower back. Pickett reports that she has not had to take pain relievers for months.

Forty-four percent of our survey respondents found exercise helpful, making it the top self-help measure. And a surprising 58 percent of respondents wished that they had done more exercises to strengthen their backs in the past year. That is more than twice the number who told us they wished that they had reduced or avoided activities that might make the pain worse.

Use caution with surgery

Your doctor might suggest you see a surgeon if back pain is unrelenting and no other treatment seems to work. We conducted a separate survey of almost 1,000 consumers who have had back surgery in the past five years.

Those who had back surgery had tried nine to 10 treatments and described themselves as much more impaired by their pain than people with back problems who did not have surgery. Just 60 percent of the back-surgery respondents were completely or very satisfied with the results, compared with 82 percent of respondents who were satisfied after hip- or knee-replacement surgery in our 2006 survey.

But satisfaction depended on the diagnosis and the type of surgery. Those with degenerative disk disease (arthritis of the spine) were far less likely to be highly satisfied with surgery (54 percent) than those with a herniated disk (73 percent) or spinal stenosis (71 percent).

Alfonso Sanchez, 38, a state senatorial aide from Sacramento, Calif., was highly satisfied with his lumbar discectomy. His back pain turned excruciating when he was canvassing door-to-door in the hills of San Francisco last June. After failing to improve with acupuncture, physical therapy, and chiropractic treatments, Sanchez underwent a microdiscectomy last August. Remarkably, as soon as he woke up from the anesthesia, his pain was gone. He is now back to gardening and riding a bike to work.

But not everyone does so well. More than 50 percent of respondents reported at least one problem with recovery, finding it lengthier and more painful than they had expected. Indeed, 16 percent of back-surgery respondents said that their back pain did not improve, and half of those said it became worse after surgery. The most common regret was that more post-surgery rehabilitation was not planned.

If you’re told you need surgery, get a second opinion from another practitioner, preferably one who is not a surgeon. If you decide that surgery is the best approach, ask whether the surgeon is board-certified and find out how many operations he or she has done.

For more guidance, see our free diagnostic tool for back pain at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org. More detailed information is available to subscribers to that site, including consumer ratings and the medical evidence for 23 back remedies

Who helped the most?

The percent of people highly (completely or very) satisfied with their back-pain treatments and advice varied by practitioner visited.

Professional - Highly satisfied
Chiropractor 59%
Physical therapist 55%
Acupuncturist 53%
Physician, specialist 44%
Physician, primary care 34%

Differences in Ratings for physical therapists and acupuncturists were not statistically significant.

Article is from “Contents: Consumer Reports” Magazine
May 2009 pages 12-13

Tags: Anti Inflammatories, Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Spinal Decompression, Sports Injury, Treatment
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Fibromyalgia

Posted on July 30th, 2009

“It just hurts all over…”

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and multiple tender points. These “tender points” refer to sensitivity that occurs in precise localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and other symptoms.

Tender/trigger points are specific sites on the body that cause pain when pressed.

The pain may spread when a tender point is pressed and trigger pain in a larger area.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, though men, children, and the elderly may also be affected.

Currently, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases, it is very difficult to diagnose.

The current criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis includes:

• Widespread joint and muscle pain that has been present for at least three months.

• Pain at 11 or more of the 18 specific tender/trigger points when the areas are pressed.

Other symptoms that are less common but can occur are constipation or diarrhea, headache, difficulty concentrating, tingling sensation in the hands and severe or excessive fatigue.

Though the cause and cure for fibromyalgia is not yet known, studies suggest that chiropractic care can help provide relief.

A recent study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics stated that more than 60% of the participants who underwent thirty chiropractic treatments showed significant reductions in pain intensity and improvement in their overall fatigue and quality of sleep.

Your chiropractor will take a comprehensive approach in evaluating and designing a specific care plan for those who suffer from fibromyalgia. Nutrition, exercise and regular chiropractic adjustments have all shown to play a role in reducing pain and other symptoms, while improving whole body health.

Schedule an appointment today to discuss fibromyalgia care options with Dr. Mike Trudeau at 909-648-3551.

Options for relief.

A study published in the British Medical Journal reports that patients who participated in aerobic exercises twice per week for one hour over a 12 week period, were twice as likely to report feeling “much better” or “very much better” than those who did not participate.

THE CHIROPRACTIC LIFESTYLE
Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All of the joints in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its optimal function is necessary for overall good health. Ask your Doctor of chiropractic for more information about a care program that may include specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations, nutritional advice or other conservative methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.

Call Dr. Mike Trudeau at 909-648-3551.
Advanced Injury Center-a Wellness Clinic
4695 Hallmark Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407

Tags: Anti Inflammatories, Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Foot Pain, Headaches, Invisible Illnesses, Leg problems, Neck Pain, Nutrition, Oxygen Therapy, Reflexology, Standard Process, Treatment, Vitamins, Whole Food Supplements
Filed under Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia: It Just Hurts All Over, Invisible Illness | No Comments »

Anti-inflammatory Diet Tips

Posted on July 30th, 2009

Can the Foods You Eat Make a Difference in Chronic Pain?
You may be familiar with the anti-inflammatory medications, but have you heart of anti-inflammatory foods? The foods you eat really do have an affect on how you feel.

What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is defined as a localized reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection.
Symptoms of inflammation include pain, swelling, red coloration to the area, and sometimes loss of movement or function. We commonly think of inflammation as the painful component of arthritis. Inflammation is also a component of chronic diseases such as heart disease and strokes.

Medical Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Common medical anti-inflammatory treatments include rest, light exercise, weight maintenance, stretching, and medications designed to reduce the inflammation and control the pain.

These medications include Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), steroid medications, and perhaps ultimately joint replacement surgery.

Avoid Pro-Inflammatory Foods
Pro-inflammatory foods will increase inflammation, increase your pain from the inflammation and may also raise your risk for chronic disease. Loading up on junk foods, high-fat meats, sugar and fast foods will increase inflammation in your body.

This is partially due to the unhealthy fats used in preparing and processing these foods, especially trans fats and saturated fats. Processed meats such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages contain chemicals such as nitrites that are associated with increased inflammation and chronic disease.

Saturated fats are also found in meats, dairy products and eggs. While all of these foods are important source of minerals and vitamins, you don’t need the extra saturated fat. These foods also contain fatty acids called arachidonic acid.

While some arachidonic acid is essential for your health, too much arachidonic acid in the diet may make your inflammation worse.

Be sure to choose low fat milk and cheese and lean cuts of meat, which will not promote inflammation.

Diets high in sugar have also been associated with inflammation, obesity and chronic disease such as diabetes. Eliminate high sugar foods such as sodas, soft drinks, pastries, presweetened cereals and candy.

Another possible source of irritation comes from the nightshade family of plants.

What Are Nightshades?
Tomatoes, white potatoes, red and green bell peppers, the “hot” peppers such as chili and paprika, as well as eggplant belong to the Nightshade Family, a botanical genus called Solanaceae species.
This species also includes tobacco, poisonous belladonna, and the toxic plants herbane, mandrake, and jimson weeds.

Whole fruits and vegetables are important to eat for their vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants, however some vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant may actually make pain from inflammation worse.

These vegetables are part of the nightshade family of plants and contain a chemical alkaloid called solanine. Solanine can trigger pain in some people.

Choose Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Adding foods that reduce inflammation will improve how you feel and help to decrease your risk for chronic diseases. Here are some suggestions.

Fats and Oils
The right types of fats in your diet will impact pain and inflammation in a positive way. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents.

They are found in cold water oily fish, walnuts, flax seeds, canola oil and pumpkin seeds.

Adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements from Nordic Naturals fish oil may also help reduce inflammation, pain and promote healing.

Healthy oils include Coconut, Macadamia oil, rice bran oil, grape seed oil, walnut oil and Olive oil.

It is very important to avoid any saturated fats and oils such as: hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils. These oils will increase inflammation in the body and can contribute to several different health disorders,

Protein
Your body needs protein to build healthy body tissues. Good protein sources include lean poultry, fish and seafood, nuts, legumes and seeds.

Red meats may trigger inflammation, so cut back on fatty red meats. When you do eat red meat, choose lean cuts of bison, venison and other game meats, or the lowest-fat cuts of beef, preferably grass-fed beef.

Carbohydrates and Fiber
Most of your carbohydrates should come from vegetables and fruits. These are excellent sources of fiber, and a high fiber diet will reduce your inflammation.

Choose green leafy vegetables, green and brightly colored vegetables and lots of fresh whole fruits.
You should eat at least five and preferably more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Green vegetables and whole fruits are also important as sources of dietary fiber.

Berries are also a great food choice, especially blueberries and strawberries which are packed with anti-inflammatory phytochemical’s and anti-oxidants.

The pigments in brightly colored fruits, vegetables and berries contain many phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory properties. One example is quercetin, which is found in apple and red onion skins and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Ask Dr. Trudeau about New Greens or Greens First products. These 2 products contain several fruits, vegetables and additional compounds that can reduce inflammation, promote good health and reduce the acidity in the body which also contributes to inflammation in the body.

Healthy Beverages
Your body needs water day. The simplest and best form of water is distilled water (make sure you are also taking a good multi mineral supplement) or purified drinking water. The best water in Washington county can be purchased at Water 2 Go.

“Food Allergies and/or Food Sensitivities
Some people believe that allergy-like reactions to foods may increase inflammation and pain. These type of “food allergies” may make pain and inflammation worse. The underlying problem may be due to faulty digestion or excessive consumption of any particular food. Most any food that is consumed more than four days a week can be suspected as a possible allergen, but some of the more common allergic foods are milk and dairy, wheat, corn, eggs, beef, yeast and soy.

Even healthy foods can cause problems if you are sensitive to them. There are certain types of tests that can be performed, or elimination diets that can be undertaken to determine the problem foods.

Anti-inflammatory Diet Tips
Over all, when you are choosing anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce your inflammation and pain, choose fresh foods instead of heavily processed foods.

Here are some tips:

 Breakfast could be oatmeal served with fresh berries and walnuts, with a cup of almond or rice milk.

 Snack on whole fruits, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables throughout the day instead of cookies and candy.

 Eat more fish and less fatty red meat.

 Stay away from deep fried foods and bake or stir fry your meals instead.

 Choose green, orange, and yellow vegetables for your side dishes.

 Drink plenty of water, fresh 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas and green tea.

Advanced Injury Center / Dr. Mike Trudeau
4695 Hallmark Pkwy
San Bernardino, Ca 92407
909-648-3551
advancedinjurycenter.com

Tags: Anti Inflammatories, Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Foot Pain, Headaches, Invisible Illnesses, Leg problems, Neck Pain, Nutrition, Oxygen Therapy, Sports Injury, Standard Process, Treatment, Vitamins, Whole Food Supplements
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Spinal Decompression Therapy Effectiveness

Posted on February 8th, 2009

Decompression therapy is a non-surgical, non-invasive, effective treatment for chronic and acute low-back pain sufferers.

Genuine decompression therapy has relieved some common problems that are related to the vertebral disc including: sciatica, disc herniation and disc bulges, degenerative discs, failed low back surgery, posterior facet syndrome and spinal stenosis /arthritis.

Decompression therapy holds great potential in treating a large population of people who might not otherwise be able to regain health and the ability to enjoy pain-free living, without restrictions and risks associated with back surgery.

There is now hope for the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic and severe low back pain with decompression.

Why Decompression Works

Decompression relieves pressure that builds up on the discs and nerves.

The task of relieving pain is a result of the application of negative pressure to reverse high intra-disc pressure.

The pain is relieved by moving areas of herniated disc back into place by the creation of negative pressure to draw disc material back into the disc space and relieve pressure.

Decompression allows for strengthening of the outer ligament bands that hold the disc material in place and which become weak and stretched during the bulging effect.

Protocol

We have developed a comprehensive decompression treatment protocol based on extensive clinical studies utilizing decompression therapy and in-house physiotherapy; ultrasound, diathermy, massage, and electric muscle stimulation, etc.

Initially, approximately 20 sessions lasting 20 minutes are often recommended to achieve maximum results.

With a symbiotic blend of proven technology and expert clinical reasoning, our program has often achieved high success – without painful surgery.

If you have a low back pain or a question about low back pain. Call 909-648-3551 and discuss it with Dr.Mike.  Or, email to drmike@advancedinjurycenter.com

Tags: Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Spinal Decompression, Sports Injury, Treatment
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Chiropractic: Hitting It Big With College Athletes

Posted on March 18th, 2008

It’s estimated that more than one-third of the American public uses the services of doctors of chiropractic and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers each year. Among those who take full advantage of CAM’s benefits are professional athletes; in fact, many pro sports teams now have chiropractors and other CAM providers as part of their medical or training staff. A new study shows that chiropractic and other types of CAM are extremely popular among athletes on the college level as well.

In this study, researchers gave a survey to more than 300 college athletes attending a Division I school in Hawaii. The survey asked the athletes about their use of different types of CAM in the previous year, along with their use of traditional medical care. Fifty-six percent of the athletes reported using some type of CAM within the past 12 months, with more women using CAM than men. Chiropractic was the second most popular form of CAM, just behind massage; 29 percent of the athletes said they had used chiropractic at least once in the past year.

While considerable evidence suggests chiropractic can improve the performance of elite athletes, there’s just as much evidence which shows chiropractic care is effective for a variety of everyday problems, too. Back pain, neck pain and migraine headaches are just a few of the many conditions that can be treated with an adjustment by a well-trained doctor of chiropractic.

If you suffer from any of these conditions, make an appointment with your chiropractor today. You’ll be thankful you did. To learn more about chiropractic’s many benefits, schedule an appointment for consultation with Dr. Mike Trudeau at 909-648-3551. Dr. Mike is a Chiropractor and Personal Trainer specializing in performance peaking. He presently performs Athletic Physicals for the surrounding schools and colleges and also treats many of the surrounding school athletes for sports injuries utilizing chiropractic adjustments, massage and physiotherapy.

Nichols AW, Harrigan R. Complementary and alternative medicine usage by intercollegiate athletes. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine May 2006;16(3):232-7.

Tags: Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Headaches, Leg problems, Neck Pain, Sports Injury, Treatment
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Sports Injuries

Posted on October 4th, 2006

MANY sports related injuries involve the spine.

Sports injuries among youngsters are often ignored as “growing pains.” Regular chiropractic checkups can help avoid problems seen later in adults.

Spinal injuries can be reduced range of motion, reduce strength, slow reflexes, shorten endurance, and decreased performance. Chiropractic care for these types of injuries has become increasingly popular. Professional sports teams, Olympic trainers, and competitive athletes are employing chiropractic doctors, because they demand results.

Chiropractic care helps restore function to spinal joints that are “locked up,” exceeded, and not moving properly. Besides helping to relieve pain, chiropractic care can also help reduce inflammation. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments depend upon proper joint movement for peak performance. Injuries to these tissues can reduce range of motion, affect delicate nerves, decrease blood supply, and can take you out of the game. Normalizing spinal function helps beat the healing of the soft tissues and reduce the deconditioning effect of being on the sidelines.

An aerobic exercise program or a plan of brisk walking can improve muscle tone and help you avoid strains, sprains, and other activity-restricting health problems. Help prevent sports injuries by proper stretching, warm up/warm down exercises, and by staying in shape.

Whether you golf, play tennis, bicycle, or bowl, the best treatment for sports injuries is prevention!

Ask Dr. Mike for day care plan based on your age, condition, and health objectives. Find out if chiropractic care can restore your health, improve your performance, and increase or competitive edge.
Call 909-648-3551 or send an email to Dr. Mike at: drmike@advancedinjurycenter.com

Professional athletes, “weekend warriors,” joggers, and those who want to stay in shape are discovering the benefits of chiropractic care. Why is that?

Tags: Anti Inflammatories, Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Headaches, Neck Pain, Sports Injury, Treatment
Filed under Injuries, Sport's Injury, Sports | No Comments »

Scoliosis

Posted on October 4th, 2006

SCOLIOSIS IS MORE OFTEN SEEN IN GIRLS!

It is thought that scoliosis is the result of a hereditary problem or an adaptation to some type of trauma, such as the birth process, or an injury, such as falling off a bicycle. It usually starts with problems in the lower back.

Because spinal bones continue to grow well into the early 20s, if left uncorrected, scoliosis often worsens.

Regular chiropractic examinations can reveal small problems before they become serious.

Unfortunately, the most common treatment approach has been to wait and see how bad it gets, resorting to unsightly braces, or eventually surgery, if it progresses too far.

The chiropractic approach is to use specific spinal adjustments, often combined with corrective exercises. If detected early enough, chiropractic doctors have had excellent success with scoliosis cases.

Early detection in chiropractic correction is important for optimal results. Do you know someone who could benefit from the chiropractic examination?

The symptoms associated with scoliosis are often dismissed as “growing pains,” which often delays appropriate care.

WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?

Scoliosis is a sideways curving of the spine that often gets started in childhood, when the bones of the spine are still growing. In many cases, the exact cause of scoliosis is unknown.

Scoliosis is detected by uneven shoulder heights, a loss of structural balance, or a change in posture.

Article is from Back Talk Systems, Inc. 2006

Tags: Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Treatment
Filed under Back Pain, Chronic Pain, Scoliosis | No Comments »

Whiplash

Posted on October 3rd, 2006

Collisions that occurred during sporting events, slips, falls or automobile crashes can all have a damaging effect on your neck and back. These types of collision-related injuries are often called a “whiplash.”

The resulting instability of the spine and soft tissues can contribute to headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the shoulders, arms and hands, reduced ability to turn and bend, and low back problems. As the body attempts to adapt, symptoms may not appear until weeks or even months later.

The chiropractic approach to these types of injuries is to use specific chiropractic adjustments to help normalize spinal function. After a thorough case history and examination, the doctor will recommend a series of visits to help restore proper motion and position of spinal bones. If caught early enough, inflammation can be reduced and scar tissue can often be minimized.

OCCUPANTS OFTEN SUFFER MORE THAN THE CAR

Whiplash is most commonly received from riding in a car that is struck from behind or that collides with another object. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting the head and spine can be stretched or torn. The soft, pulpy discs between spinal bones can bulge, tear, or rupture. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal position, reducing range of motion.

Chiropractors are experts in the care of bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All the joints in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and optimal function is necessary for overall good health. Ask Dr. Mike for more information about a care program that may include specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations, nutritional advice or other conservative methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.

Tags: Anti Inflammatories, Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Headaches, Leg problems, Neck Pain, Oxygen Therapy, Reflexology, Spinal Decompression, Sports Injury, Treatment
Filed under Accidents, Chronic Pain, Injuries, Sports, Whip Lash | No Comments »

Chiropractic: Alternative Medicine

Posted on October 3rd, 2006

Skeptics: The Simple Truth about Today’s Chiropractic

Chiropractic is different.

This difference, because it avoids drugs and surgery, has delighted millions for over a century. And like anything different it has produced misunderstandings and a few skeptics.

Here’s the simple truth about today’s chiropractic…

While chiropractic is different, it certainly isn’t something that you have to “believe in” for it to work.

Instead, chiropractic results are produced by adhering to scientifically confirmed facts:

The nervous system controls every cell of your body. Nerve impulses flow from the brain, down the spinal cord, and to every organ and tissue. Impulses sent back to the brain confirm that the body is working as it should.

The moving bones of the spine can interfere with this exchange by irritating adjacent nerves. Ill health can result from distorted or compromised nervous system control of the body. Chiropractic care helps restore the integrity of the nervous system by reducing interferences caused by the spine.

How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

Since many spinal problems get started from traumatic births, accidents, or other long-standing problems, permanent correction can be difficult. Years of muscle damage, scar tissue, and ligamental instability can set the stage for a relapse. Some patients find a program of supportive care (like regularly brushing your teeth) to be helpful.

After enjoying initial relief, many patients choose to continue with periodic checkups.

“IF YOU START, do you have to go for the rest of your life?”

Decide for yourself whether you want Initial Intensive Care for temporary relief, Rehabilitative Care to stabilize and strengthen the spine, or Wellness Care for non-symptomatic elective care.

“Aren’t chiropractic results just a ‘Placebo Effect’?”

This is a convenient claim made by critics who have chosen to overlook convincing proof to the contrary.

The placebo effect depends on the power of suggestion. Yet chiropractic results have been enjoyed by newborns, infants, pets that have been hit by cars, and others for whom the power of suggestion isn’t possible!

Plus, there are alterations to a patient’s spine from chiropractic care. Many see dramatic changes when they compare X-ray views taken before and after a period of care. Other tests show improved range of motion and flexibility.

There’s no question that the power of suggestion can be an important ally in the healing process. However, it can’t begin to explain the millions of patients who have been held with chiropractic care.

“I’ve heard chiropractic wears out your joints.”

Chiropractic care can help prevent joints from wearing out!

Bones don’t “rub” on each other. Instead, each joint is enclosed in a “capsule” of fluid that should offer a lifetime of friction-free movement. When there is a loss of proper motion or position of spinal bones, this movement can be restricted. Spinal joints, above or below, attempt to make up the difference by moving too much.

Obviously, areas of too much movement are left to stabilize during that healing process. Instead, chiropractic spinal adjustments are directed only to those areas that are “stuck” and not moving enough.

“Is chiropractic care safe?”

Critics mislead by suggesting that adjustments to the neck can subject patience to unnatural stress or compromise blood supply to the brain. But if the spine were that fragile, people would fear bending over to tie their shoes laces or looking up to enjoy an evening sunset!

Thousands will die this year from anesthesia or needless back surgeries. Thousands more will perish from common aspirin or destroy their kidneys from so-called “safe” pain medicines. Adverse reactions to prescription medication are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
Meanwhile, the rare complications from chiropractic care can be counted on one hand.

Chiropractic is Different

Chiropractic doesn’t add anything. And chiropractic doesn’t take anything away. It honors the wisdom of your body and your inborn potential to be healthy. It is the difference that has helped millions and produced high levels of patient satisfaction.

Ask questions. Discover the simple truth about today’s contemporary chiropractic care. And then make the natural choice.

“For Skeptics: The Simple Truth about Today’s Chiropractic”
Back Talk Systems, Inc. Copyright 1999

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