Why You NEED to Care About Your Spine

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The following is deep and steeped with big words. However, the words also include definitions, so don’t let it stop you from reading. It’s written by a mentor of mine and I wanted you to get a much fuller and deeper understanding of what chiropractic is and why you NEED to know!

If you have any questions go to www.nevadachiro.com or call 565-7474.

A Four-Dimensional Model of Vertebral Subluxation

By Christopher Kent, DC, Esq.

Vertebral subluxation represents the heart and soul of chiropractic, yet to many chiropractors, it remains a clinical conundrum. I believe that the controversy and confusion surrounding the chiropractic concept of vertebral subluxation is due, in part, to the lack of an operational definition compatible with most techniques.

A review of models of vertebral subluxation has been published elsewhere.¹ However, regardless of the elegance of a theoretical model, it must be capable of being operationalized if it is to be used to develop clinical strategies. The four-dimensional model was developed as an initial step in the operational definition of vertebral subluxation. It incorporates traditional chiropractic constructs and serves as a bridge to contemporary technology.

The First Dimension

The traditional safety-pin cycle (SPC) consists of the transmission of afferent information from the tissue cell (periphery) to the brain cell (epiphery) on one side, and on the efferent side, from brain cell to tissue cell.² In the 4-D model, the first dimension is dysafferentation, representing the afferent portion of the SPC. Aberrant afferent input to the CNS may result in qualitatively and/or quantitatively inappropriate responses to changes in the internal or external environment.1 In the contemporary jargon of the computer industry, there is “garbage in – garbage out.” Dr. Fred Barge, in his book One Cause, One Cure, stated that the cause of disease is “The body’s inability to comprehend itself and/or its environment.”³ Such “comprehension” is dependent upon interference-free afferent input.

Dye⁴ quoted remarks, attributed to B.J. Palmer in August 1935, which express this concept, noting the result of an adjustment: “[T]he restoration of the normal transmission of mental impulse supply from its point of origin within the brain to its point of expression in the diseased part of the body, or vice versa, that the Innate Intelligence within the brain may receive correct, accurate, exact messages as to the external conditions existing at the periphery so that it may direct either the necessary reparative forces or the necessary cooperative forces from that the tissues may be repaired or that the organ or structure may be properly directed that it may perform the normal functioning desired and indicated by the incoming message from me part without.”

The authors of the remarkable book Segmental Neuropathy, published by Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, proposed the concept of a “neural image,” dependent upon the integrity of neural receptors and afferent pathways. This “neural image” is a representation of the organism’s perception of the external and internal environment. If afferent input is compromised, efferent response may be qualitatively and quantitatively compromised.⁵

The clinical implications of aberrant or suboptimal afferent go beyond short-term homeostatic regulation. Dysafferentation may result in anatomical and functional changes in the brain itself. Merzenich⁶ noted, “The brain was constructed to change.” This challenge to the conventional world view that the mature adult brain is stable and unchanging, the only exception being the death of brain cells, has profound implications for the chiropractor.

Gage⁷ stated, “Researchers first demonstrated that the central nervous systems of mammals contain some innate regenerative properties in the 1960s and 1970s, when several groups showed that axons, or main branches, of neurons in the adult brain and spinal cord can regrow to some extent after injury.” The ability of the brain to change both anatomically and functionally is known as neuroplasticity. Three types have been described:⁸

Experience-independent plasticity refers to changes which are not the result of environmental changes or influence.
Experience-expectant plasticity occurs when the brain uses input from the external environment to effect normal developmental changes in its structure.
Experience-dependent plasticity is when a modification to the internal or external environment produces change in a feature of the brain.

Holloway⁶ explained how the brain reconfigures itself and the implications of doing so: “Change the input, be it a behavior, a mental exercise … or a physical skill and the brain changes accordingly. Magnetic resonance imaging machines reveal the new map: different regions light up … [T]he brain can be extensively remodeled throughout the course of one’s life, without drugs, without surgery. Regions of the brain can be taught to do different tasks if need be … This sort of thing will be a part of normal future life … healing plasticity can be driven by behavior.”

The 2nd-4th Dimensions

The remaining three dimensions represent the efferent portion of the safety-pin cycle. Each component may be reliably measured. These measurements provide objective evidence concerning manifestations of vertebral subluxation. The three components are:

Dyskinesia. Dyskinesia refers to distortion or impairment of voluntary movement.9 Spinal motion may be reliably measured using inclinometry.¹⁰ Alterations in regional ranges of motion are associated with vertebral subluxation.¹¹
Dysponesis. Dysponesis is abnormal involuntary muscle activity. Dysponesis refers to a reversible physiopathologic state, consisting of errors in energy expenditure which are capable of producing functional disorders. Dysponesis consists mainly of covert errors in action potential output from the motor and premotor areas of the cortex and the consequences of that output. These neurophysiological reactions may result from responses to environmental events, bodily sensations, and emotions. The resulting aberrant muscle activity may be evaluated using surface electrode techniques.¹² Typically, static surface electromyography (SMEG) with axial loading is used to evaluate innate responses to gravitational stress.¹³
Dysautronomia. The autonomic nervous system regulates the actions of organs, glands, and blood vessels. Acquired dysautonomia may be associated with a broad array of functional abnormalities.^14-19 Autonomic dystonia may be evaluated by measuring skin temperature differentials.²⁰ Uematsu, et al., determined normative values for skin temperature differences based upon asymptomatic “normal” individuals. The authors stated, “These values can be used as a standard in assessment of sympathetic nerve function, and the degree of asymmetry is a quantifiable indicator of dysfunction … Deviations from the normal values will allow suspicion of neurological pathology to be quantitated and therefore can improve assessment and lead to proper clinical management.”²¹ Skin temperature differentials are associated with vertebral subluxation.²² Autonomic tone and balance may also be evaluated by measuring heart rate variability.²³

This four-dimensional model may be used with any technique which has, as its objective, the detection, management or correction of vertebral subluxation. Correction or reduction of vertebral subluxation facilitates the restoration of proper tone throughout the nervous system. Alterations in the tone of the somatic system may be objectively evaluated using surface EMG. Altered autonomic tone may be evaluated using skin temperature measurements. Changes in ranges of motion may be measured to assess dyskinesia. Such objective assessments have the potential to make chiropractic the dominant strategy of 21^st century health care.

References

Kent C. Models of vertebral subluxation: a review. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 1996;1(1):11.
Stephenson RW. Chiropractic Textbook. The Palmer School of Chiropractic: Davenport, IA. 1948 edition, page 9.
Barge FH. One Cause, One Cure. LaCrosse, WI, 1990.
Dye AA. The Evolution of Chiropractic. Published by A.A. Dye, DC: Philadelphia, 1939, page 266.
Segmental Neuropathy. Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Toronto, Ontario. No date. Presumed to be written in the 1960s primarily by H.M. Himes and A. Peterson.
Holloway M. “The Mutable Brain.” Scientific American, 2002;289(3):79.
Gage FH. “Brain, Repair Yourself.” Scientific American, 2002;289(3):47.Neuroplasticity. PowerPoint lecture. www.snl.salk.edu/~nikoosh/Lecture_5.ppt
Dorland’s Pocket Medical Dictionary., 25th Edition. WB Saunders Company, 1995.
Saur PM, Ensink FB, Frese K, et al. Lumbar range of motion: reliability and validity of the inclinometer technique in the clinical measurement of trunk flexibility. Spine, 1996;21(11):1332.
Blunt KL, Gatterman MI, Bereznick DE. Kinesiology: An Essential Approach Toward Understanding the Chiropractic Subluxation. Chapter 11 in Gatterman MI (ed): Foundations of Chiropractic Subluxation. Mosby: St. Louis, MO, 1995.
Whatmore GB, Kohi DR. Dysponesis: a neurophysiologic factor in functional disorders. Behav Sci, 1968;13(2):102.
Kent C. Surface electromyography in the assessment of changes in paraspinal muscle activity associated with vertebral subluxation: a review. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 1997;1(3):15.
Backonja M-M. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy/sympathetically mediated pain/causalgia: the syndrome of neuropathic pain with dysautonomia. Seminars in Neurology, 1994;14(3):263.
Goldstein DS, Holmes C, Cannon III RO, et al. Sympathetic cardioneuropathy in dysautonomias. New Engl J Med, 1997;336(10):696.
Vassallo M, Camilleri M, Caron BL, Low PA. Gastrointestinal motor dysfunction in acquired selective cholinergic dysautonomia associated with infectious mononucleosis. Gastroenterology, 1991;100(1):252.
Baron R, Engler F. Postganglionic cholinergic dysautonomia with incomplete recovery: a clinical, neurophysiological and immunological case study. J Neurol, 1996;243:18.
Soares JLD. Disautonomias. Acta Medica Portuguesa, 1995;8(7- 8):425. Written in Portuguese. English abstract.
Stryes KS. The phenomenon of dysautonomia and mitral valve prolapse. J Am Acad Nurse Practitioners, 1994;6(1):11.
Korr IM. The Collected Papers of Irvin M. Korr. American Academy of Osteopathy: Indianapolis, IN, 1979.
Uematsu S, Edwin DH, Jankel ER, et al. Quantification of thermal asymmetry. J Neurosurg, 1988;69:552.
Kent C, Gentempo P. “Instrumentation and Imaging in Chiropractic: A Centennial Retrospective.” Today’s Chiropractic, 1995;24(1):32.
Heart rate variability. Standards of measurement, physiological interpretation, and clinical use. Circulation, 1996;93:1043-1065.

January 4, 2011November 8, 2016

What You Need to Know About Belly Fat

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The abdominal region has two types of fat: 1. Subcutaneous fat, which lies directly beneath the skin and on top of the abdominal muscles, and 2. Visceral fat, which is deeper in the abdomen beneath your muscle and surrounds the organs. Visceral fat is what gives men their “beer belly”. This beer belly looks soft but is quite hard to touch. This is an enormous storage area of toxins and indicates blood sugar problems.

Subcutaneous fat and visceral fat are a health risk, but studies have shown the excessive visceral fat is even more dangerous than subcutaneous fat. Both types of excessive fats increase the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, various forms of cancer, and other degenerative diseases.

The reason visceral fat is the most dangerous is that it releases more inflammatory molecules into your body on a consistent basis. Bad fats create more bad fats and other toxins. Because the body cannot eliminate the toxins via the liver and kidneys, the body puts the toxins back into the blood stream, which will surround toxins with fluid and fat to dilute and insulate the poisonous effect.

The ONLY solution to consistently lose your abdominal fat and keep it off for good is to combine a sound nutritious diet full of unprocessed natural foods with a specific nutritional supplementation program, designed for that person’s individual needs. Nutritious foods and proper individualized supplementation needs to be combined with a consistent exercise program that stimulates the necessary hormonal and metabolic response within your body. Your food and supplement intake, as well as your training program is important for your looks and your health.

We have the key to unlocking the body’s ability to properly and efficiently clean up the damage and nutrient the body for permanent and lasting weight loss.

For more information, go to www.nevadachiro.com or call 565-7474.

December 21, 2010November 8, 2016

Forward Head Posture and TMJ

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Forward head posture creates a domino effect in the body:

Moving forward, the head shifts the center of gravity.

To compensate, the upper body drifts backward.

To compensate for the upper body shift, the hips tilt forward.

So, the forward head position can be the cause of not only the head, neck and TMJ problems, but also mid back and low back problems. We can gain a better understanding of the interaction between the mouth opening and closing, TMJ bio-mechanics, and neck function with an overview of the structures involved.

According to Rene Cailliet, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Director at U.S.C. states: “It’s an axiom … that the body follows the head … You can realign your entire body by moving your head … your head held in a forward position can pull your entire body out of line.” He goes on to explain that the vital lung capacity is reduced as much as 30%. The gastrointestinal system is affected, particularly the large intestine. When a hunched position is assumed, the body becomes rigid, and range of motion is affected. Since endorphin production is reduced, an increase in pain and discomfort results.

Another researcher Kapandji, in his classic text on spinal function states, “The anterior muscles of the neck … act as the long arm of a lever … they are powerful flexors of the head and cervical column … flattening the cervical column.”

Additionally, numerous investigators describe the effect of altered jaw position on head posture. Forward and side to side head position changes the jaw, throat, and tongue. It compresses the neck joints causing muscular nerve entrapments. Nerve root compression or posterior neck vertebral joint irritation or restriction result in peripheral entrapment neuropathies. One common entrapment is the greater or lesser suboccipital nerves that pass between the occiput and atlas. This may cause headaches or refer pain to the facial region.

General Symptoms by Head Forward Posture problems
A. Chronically tired (lowered hemoglobin, immature cells) 89%
B. Increased nervous tension 86%
C. Malaise 61%
D. Restless sleep (awaken tired) 78%
E. Numbness in hands (awaken with arm or leg asleep) 32%
F. Cold hands and feet (poor circulation) 67%
G. Back aches and leg aches (tired, ache-all-over feeling) 47%
H. Thirsty (much water doesn’t satisfy) 43%
I. Restless nibbling at food (never satisfied)
J. Blood (variations in count and quality; many irregularly formed cells; cell walls even thickness one week after treatment)
K. Lowered hemoglobin
L. Lower thyroid activity (an almost constant finding)
M. Facial pallor
N. Dull, non-sparkling eyes

Forward head posture is an enormous problem of our society. Nearly 100% of new patients presenting in my office have it. If you have it and don’t correct it, it will lead to neck arthritis and damaged discs.

If you are interested in being checked for forward head posture or want more information visit www.nevadachiro.com.

December 20, 2010November 8, 2016

FETAL ORIGINS: HOW LIFE IN THE WOMB SHAPES THE REST OF OUR LIVES

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The connection between life in the womb and what happens later in life has been of great interest to mankind throughout history. But scientific evidence of any real connection was scarce until 1989, when a study found that low birth weight was a positive indicator for heart disease later in life. That was just the beginning.

Initial skepticism of the birth weight studies has given way to widespread acceptance, as newer studies confirmed the original. But new studies have also discovered exceptionally strong evidence that a stressful and/or toxic uterine environment directly affects not only the mental and physical health of babies, but can lead to a whole range of mental and physical problems that can crop up later in life.

These discoveries have spawned a whole new field of study, called “fetal origins”, which has convinced respected scientists, writers and environmentalists to call for serious changes in how we view – and care for – those critical nine months in everyone’s life called pregnancy.

Two recent books on the subject are getting a lot of favorable attention, and are definitely recommended reading for anyone considering pregnancy.

Science writer Annie Murphy Paul’s new 2010 book, Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives, was prompted by her personal decision to have a baby. The publisher says that Ms. Paul “interviews experts from around the world; discovers how individuals gestated during the Nazi siege of Holland in World War II were still feeling its consequences decades later; how pregnant women who experienced the 9/11 attacks passed their trauma on to their offspring in the womb; how a lab accident led to the discovery of a common household chemical that can harm the developing fetus; how the study of a century-old flu pandemic reveals the high personal and societal costs of poor prenatal experience.”

Another 2009 landmark book also discusses the same theme. More than Genes: What Science Can Tell Us About Toxic Chemicals, Development, and the Risk to Our Children. The author, Professor Dan Agin, a neuroscientist and molecular geneticist at the University of Chicago, lays out a powerful array of convincing evidence. Publisher’s Weekly says Agin’s book describes “a silent pandemic…causing untold damage to babies while they are in the womb. Toxic chemicals in the environment are assaulting developing fetuses, as are substances (such as alcohol and nicotine) ingested by pregnant women and are capable of dramatically altering developmental pathways. According to Agin, the role of the intrauterine environment has largely been ignored by scientists who look to genes and a child’s post-birth environment to explain behavior issues, mental illness and IQ.”

Fetal origins as a science may still be in its infancy, but we should not wait for more studies to “prove” what is already evident — pregnant women must be protected from trauma, stress, illness and known toxins like lead, dioxins, PCBs, radiation and pesticides. And we should regulate the tens of thousands of widely used chemicals that have never been tested for safety.

As New York Times columnist Nicholas D. Kristof said in a recent article on the subject, “…we have learned that a uterus is not a diving bell that insulates its occupant from the world’s perils.”

SOURCE: Simon & Schuster, 2010, http://books.simonandschuster.com/Origins/Annie-Murphy-Paul/9780743296625 Oxford University Press, 2009, http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Medicine/Genetics/?view=usa&ci=9780195381504 New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/03/opinion/03kristof.html

If you would like more information visit www.nevadachiro.com or call us at 565-7474.

December 6, 2010November 8, 2016

Dizziness in Older Adults and Chiropractic Care

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I found this information by Mark Studin DC, FASBE(C), DAAPM, DAAMLP
83% of Dizziness sufferes showed improvement or eradication of under chiropractic care

According to Maarsingh and co-researchers as reported in BMC Family Practice in 2010, A Bio Medical Research organization, dizziness in older patients is a very common occurrence as reported by family medical practitioners. They reported that an 8.3% prevalence of dizziness was reported with females having a higher incidence. It was also reported that the number could be higher as this is a symptom reported by the patient.

According to Web MD in 2010 “ Dizziness is a word that is often used to describe two different feelings. It is important to know exactly what you mean when you say “I feel dizzy” because it can help you and your doctor narrow down the list of possible problems.

 Lightheadedness is a feeling that you are about to faint or “pass out.” Although you may feel dizzy, you do not feel as though you or your surroundings are moving. Lightheadedness often goes away or improves when you lie down. If lightheadedness gets worse, it can lead to a feeling of almost fainting or a fainting spell (syncope). You may sometimes feel nauseated or vomit when you are lightheaded.

 Vertigo is a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. You may feel as though you are spinning, whirling, falling, or tilting. When you have severe vertigo, you may feel very nauseated or vomit. You may have trouble walking or standing, and you may lose your balance and fall.

Although dizziness can occur in people of any age, it is more common among older adults. A fear of dizziness can cause older adults to limit their physical and social activities. Dizziness can also lead to falls and other injuries.”

As reported in Hearing Review (2003) dizziness has become such a prevalent problem, that in spite of rising health care costs, Medicare introduced in 2003 that routine screenings for hearing loss, balance disorders and dizziness will be a covered item. The reason is that the government is looking long-term to save money; something that rarely happens, but in this case is the best solution.

The Center for Medicare Services create “RUG,” a classification of patients in nursing facilities by disability and other care needs, for the purpose of determining coverage and rates in the Medicare system and dizziness is one of the prime criteria in determining the reimbursement rates for skilled nursing facilities. According to the text “Improving Care for the End of Life” the costs for a skilled nursing home depending upon the RUG Score ranges from $424.97 to $156.66 per day and the variable is the documented impairment of the resident and the amount of care needed to support that population of residents.

From a financial perspective the Federal Governmental and Medicare have a very high stake in ensuring that hearing and dizziness is cared for and corrected at as early an age as possible to save the system large significant money.

In 2009 Hawk and Cambron studied the relationship between chiropractic care and dizziness over an 8 week course of manipulative (chiropractic spinal adjustments) care. The patients having a “Dizziness Handicap Inventory” baseline score indicating significant dizziness reported an 83% improvement or eradication of the dizziness as a direct result of chiropractic care. Hawk and Cambron did report that more research is needed, but their findings give solutions to a growing problem among older adults in American and can positively impact both the lives of Americans and the financial burden of our economy.

References:

1. Dizziness reported by elderly patients in family practice: prevalence, incidence, and clinical characteristics, Otto R Maarsingh, Jacquelien Dros, François G Schellevis, Henk C van Weert,Patrick J Bindels, and Henriette E van der Horst, BMC Family Practice. 2010; 11: 2. Also Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2817676/

2. Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo-Topic Overview, Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/dizziness-lightheadedness-and-vertigo-topic-overview

3. New Medicare Benefit Includes Screening for Hearing Loss and Dizziness, Retrieved from: http://www.hearingreview.com/issues/articles/2005-03_07.asp

4. 9.1 Medicare Payments for Fee-for-Service Programs : 9.1.2 Skilled Nursing Facilities, Retrieved from: http://www.mywhatever.com/cifwriter/content/66/4332.html

5. Cheryl　Hawk, DC, PhDa, Jerrilyn　Cambron, DC, PhD, Chiropractic Care for Older Adults: Effects on Balance, Dizziness, and Chronic Pain, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, (32 ) (6) Pgs. 431-437 (July 2009)

November 22, 2010November 8, 2016

STUDY CONFIRMS DENTAL SEALANTS PRODUCE BPA

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A recent scientific study confirms that dental sealants used on millions of school children are releasing the potentially dangerous chemical bisphenol A (BPA), the resin used in many kinds of plastics, including some water bottles and metal food can liners.

A growing library of evidence strongly suggests that BPA has harmful health effects, including heart disease and certain cancers, and abnormal brain development in children.

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, cautions that dental sealants, which are brushed onto teeth to smooth them out and reduce decay, as well as some plastic-based white fillings, do contain precursors for BPA which become BPA after coming in contact with saliva.

BPA-related compounds — such as bis-DMA — leech into the saliva, where they are converted to pure BPA, and can be found up to three hours after the filling was placed, according to the authors.

Although the amount of BPA absorbed and the duration of systemic BPA absorption was not clear from the available data, the study did show that scrubbing and rinsing sealants and fillings immediately after they are applied removes 88 to 95 percent of the compounds that can become BPA, reducing whatever risk there might be.

Nevertheless, Dr. Abby Fleisch of Children‘s Hospital Boston, who led the research, advises caution: “We would recommend avoiding sealants during pregnancy.”

BPA is classified as an endocrine disruptor because of its estrogen-like effects on the body. Such chemicals may cause health problems, but most of the direct evidence regarding BPA comes from animal studies, not human studies.

The study authors were unable to recommend BPA-free brands of dental sealants and composites. Manufacturers are not required to disclose the ingredients in their products, making such choices impossible for dentists and patients.

Manufacturers continue to use compounds that have not been studied for human safety, such as triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), which may or may not pose other risks. The FDA and other government agencies responsible for our health and safety continue to ignore the situation.

In fact, there are tens of thousands of chemicals commonly used in products of every kind and description that have never been tested.

In light of the uncertainties and lack of scientific studies, thoughtful people, particularly parents, might best rely on good old-fashioned frequent brushing to maintain oral health.

SOURCE: Pediatrics, Sept. 2010, http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/126/4/760.

November 19, 2010November 8, 2016

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IS A SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEM, SAYS FDA COMMISSIONER

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be increasing its push for more research into antibiotics, says FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, because of escalating antibiotic resistance among many, if not most, bacteria that cause infectious disease in humans.

Use of antibiotics is widespread for common colds and ear infections in children, and they are added to chicken and livestock feed which are then consumed by people. The results are whole new populations of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that do not respond to even the most modern antibiotics, turning formerly ordinary infections into life-threatening diseases.

Also, because antibiotics are destructive to the immune system, taking them year after year has weakened the defenses we have to fight these illness and diseases on our own.

Research and development of new drugs is low, and the range of new antibiotics is limited. “We no longer have effective ways to treat serious infectious disease. Clearly we must encourage more judicious use of these important drugs,” Dr. Hamburg said.

The commissioner said that the agency has increased its internal discussions about the antibiotic resistance problem, and is talking to consumer health groups and the food industry about regulations regarding the use of antibiotics in animal feed and new guidelines on the use of antibiotics for patients. The FDA will increase its collaboration with outside groups in academia and government-industry health organizations next year, she said.

Experts have been warning for years that we are heading into a “post-antibiotic world” when antibiotics will no longer work. The World Health Organization calls antibiotic resistance one of the three greatest threats to human health.

Because of the improper use of antibiotics, strains of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics are now killing hospitals patients around the world. If efforts to combat the problem are not launched now, even more infections that are still curable will make a dangerous comeback. Just like 100 years ago, and thousands of years before that, doctors will be unable to treat a host of common infections.

Here are a couple of relevant ideas:

While the scientists are trying to come up with new antibiotics, we can help avoid illness by maximizing our immune system health and bodily defenses ourselves. A balanced diet of healthy organic foods and regular exercise, along with high-quality vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, can go a long way to healing and to prolonging health.

Regular Chiropractic treatment also helps fend off illness by maintaining positive spinal alignment, ensuring proper nerve communications with the entire body, restore proper blood flow and encourage the body to heal naturally and improve overall function.

Want more information? Check out our website at www.nevadachiro.com

November 17, 2010November 8, 2016

Solutions for Back and Leg Pain

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Back and Leg Pain (Lumbar Radiculopathy) as a Result of Disc Herniation and the Long Term Effect of Chiropractic Care

By Mark Studin DC, FASBE (C), DAAPM, DAAMLP

The term “herniated disc” has been called many things from a slipped disc to a bulging disc. For a doctor who specializes in disc problems, the term is critical because it tells him/her how to create a prognosis and subsequent treatment plan for a patient. To clarify the disc issue, a herniated disc is where a disc tears and the internal material of the disc, called the nucleus pulposis, extends through that tear. It is always results from trauma or an accident. A bulging disc is a degenerative “wear and tear” phenomenon where the internal material or nucleus pulposis does not extend through the disc because there has been no tear, but the walls of the disc have been thinned from degeneration and the internal disc material creates pressure with thinned external walls. The disc itself “spreads out” or bulges.

There are various forms and degrees of disc issues, but the biggest concern of the specialist is whether nerves are being affected that can cause significant pain or other problems. The problem exists when the disc, as a result of a herniation or bulge, is touching or compressing those neurological elements, which is comprised of either the spinal cord, the nerve root (a nerve the extends from the spinal cord) or the covering of the nerves, called the thecal sac.

With regard to the structure that we have just discussed, the doctor must wonder what the herniation of the neurological element has caused. In this scenario, there are 2 possible problems, the spinal cord and nerve root. If the disc has compromised the spinal cord, it is called a myelopathy (my-e-lo-pathy). You have a compression of the spinal cord and problems with your arms or legs. An immediate visit to the neurosurgeon is warranted for a surgical consultation. The second problem is when the disc is effecting the spinal nerve root, called a radiculopathy. It is a very common problem. A doctor of chiropractic experienced in treating radiculopathy has to determine if there is enough room between the disc and the nerve in order to determine if a surgical consultation is warranted or if he/she can safely treat you. This is done by a thorough clinical examination and in many cases, an MRI is required to make a final diagnosis. Most patients do not need a surgical consultation and can be safely treated by an experienced chiropractor.

While herniations can occur anywhere, it was reported in the US Chiropractic Directory in 2010 that 95% occur in the lower back, who stated “The highest prevalence of herniated lumbar discs is among people aged 30–50 years, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. In people aged 25–55 years, about 95% of herniated discs occur at the lower lumbar spine (L4/5 and L5/S1 level); disc herniation above this level is more common in people aged over 55 years.”

It was reported by Aspegren et al. (2009) that 80% of the chiropractic patients studied with both neck and low back (cervical and lumbar) disc herniations had a good clinical outcome with post-care visual analog scores under 2 [0 to 10 with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable] and resolution of abnormal clinical examination findings. Anatomically, after repeat MRI scans, 63% of the patients studied revealed a reduced size or completely resorbed disc herniation. A study by Murphy, Hurwitz, and McGovern (2009) focused only on low back (lumbar) disc herniations and concluded that, “Nearly 90% of patients reported their outcome to be either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’…clinically meaningful improvement in pain intensity was seen in 74% of patients (p. 729).” The researchers also concluded that the improvements from chiropractic care was maintained for 14 1/2 months, the length of the study, indicating this isn’t a temporary, but a long-term solution. It was reported by BenEliyahu (1996) that 78% percent of the low back-lumbar disc herniation patients were able to return to work in their pre-disability occupations, which is the result of the 90% of all low back-lumbar disc herniation patients getting better with chiropractic care as discussed above.

These are the reasons that chiropractic has been, and needs to be, considered for the primary care for low back-lumbar disc herniations with resultant pain in the back or legs. This study along with many others concludes that a drug-free approach of chiropractic care is one of the best solutions for herniated discs and low back or leg pain. To find a qualified doctor of chiropractic near you go to the US Chiropractic Directory at www.USChiroDirectory.com and search your state.

References:

1. http://www.uschirodirectory.com/index.php/patient-information/item/242-cervical-and-lumbar-disc-herniations-and-chiropractic-care
2. Aspegren, D., Enebo, B. A., Miller, M., White, L., Akuthota, V., Hyde, T. E., & Cox, J. M. (2009). Functional scores and subjective responses of injured workers with back or neck pain treated with chiropractic care in an integrative program: A retrospective analysis of 100 cases. Journal Manipulative Physiological Therapy 32(9), 765-771.
3. BenEliyahu, D. J. (1996). Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical follow-up: Study of 27 patients receiving chiropractic care for cervical and lumbar disc herniations. Journal Manipulative Physiological Therapy, 19(9), 597-606.
4. Murphy, D. R., Hurwitz, E. L., & McGovern, E. E. (2009). A nonsurgical approach to the management of patients with lumbar radiculopathy secondary to herniated disk: A prospective observational cohort study with follow-up. Journal Manipulative Physiological Therapy, (32)9, 723-733.

November 15, 2010November 8, 2016

Effects of Forward Head Posture

As a continuation to previous entries about Foward Head Posture (FHP), I wanted to show how it can affect YOU!

FHP is the most common and most troublesome postural problem that patients present with in my office. As I look around in society, I think it would be a safe bet to say it the most common abnormal posture presentation.

FHP is linked to headaches, TMJ, Neck pain, Low back pain, Fibromyalgia, CTS, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, disc compression, disc herniation, pinched nerves and much more!

In fact, use the following picture from www.certaintypracticeproducts.com to understand what FHP looks like.

FHP has been shown to flatten the normal neck curve, resulting in disc compression, damage and early arthritis. Roentgenographic findings of the cervical spine in asymptomatic people. (Spine, 1986;6:591-694)

Looking for more information? Check out www.nevadachiro.com.

November 12, 2010November 8, 2016

Forward Head Posture Facts

: Image via Wikipedia

As a continuation of forward head posture theme, I wanted to share a couple of other vital research tibits you need to be aware of:

1. “For every inch of forward head posture, it can increase the weight of the head on the spine by an additional 10 pounds.” (Kapandji, Physiology of the Joints, Volume 3)

2. “Loss of the cervical curve stretches the spinal cord 5-7 cm and causes disease.” (Dr. Alf Breig, neurosurgeon and Nobel Prize recipient)

I regularly see patients come in the door with 3-4 inches of forward head posture and they don’t even realize it. They are walking around carrying an average of 30-40lbs of additional head weight.

Equally disturbing is that 5-7cm equals 2-3 inches. Imagine stretching the spinal cord 2 inches. It is devastating situation. The impact of that stretch primarily occurs at C1, which has a control effect on the entire body.

That is how a seemingly simply thing such as forward head posture can have an effect on your entire health.