Back School 101… 3 Ways To Prevent Making Your Back Pain Worse

Chiropractic care for patients with low back pain (LBP) not only includes spinal manipulation or adjustments but also patient education in regards to heat/ice, performing daily activities and exercise.

Heat vs. Ice: This topic is controversial, as often, patients will be told by their friends and family to use the opposite of what we may recommend to our patients. In general, when pain is present, there is inflammation… so use ice to reduce swelling and pain. When heat is inappropriately utilized during this inflammatory phase of healing, vasodilation or, an increase in blood supply to the already swollen injured area often results in an increase in pain. The use of heat may be safely applied later in the healing process during the reparative phase of healing, but as long as pain is present, using ice is safer and more effective.

Daily Activities: Improper methods of performing sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, and lifting can perpetuate the inflammatory phase, slow down the healing process, and interfere/prevent people from returning to their desired activities of daily living, especially work. Improperly performing these routine activities is similar to picking at scab since you’re delaying the healing process and you can even make things worse for yourself.

Exercise: There are many exercises available for patients with low back pain. When deciding on the type of exercise, the position the patient feels best or, the least irritating is usually the direction to emphasize.

When bending backwards results in pain reduction (referred to as “extension-biased”), standing and bending backwards, performing a sagging type of pushup (“prone press-up”), laying backwards on large pillows or on a gym-ball are good exercises. The dosage or duration exercises must be determined individually and it is typically safer to start with 1 or 2 exercises and gradually increase the number as well as repetition and/or hold-times. If sharp/”bad” pain is noted, the patient is warned to discontinue that exercise and report this for further discussion with their chiropractor. It is normal and often a good sign when stretching/”good” pain is obtained at the end range of the exercise.

We recognized the importance of patient education in our approach to managing low back pain cases, and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR LOW BACK PAIN!  FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 262-251-8306

What Does Vitamin-D Have To Do With Back Pain?

Vitamin D deficiencies have long been the culprit of many aches and pains.  This problem is widespread, especially in the northern United States.  Because, the winters are long, people don’t get enough sunshine to make there own vitamin D.  Aches and pains are usually widespread, but a recently published article zeroed in on low back pain.

The article was published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine in 2009.  It found that some people with chronic low back pain or failed back surgery were deficient in Vitamin D.  When the Vitamin D deficiency was brought back to normal, through supplementation, their pain improved.  In some cases, the pain completely went away.

The article stated that physicians should have a high suspicion for vitamin D deficiency in patients with chronic low back pain.  It also recommended blood testing for patients before and after surgery.

Personally, I am recommending a vitamin D test for anyone in chronic pain.  This year, I have joined up with Labcorp labs, to provide this type of testing to my patients.

I have found that vitamin supplementation, combined with chiropractic care that focuses on rebuilding posture, yields dramatic results.

For more information on how I treat back pain log on to: www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com

Back Pain? You Need to Treat the Whole Body.

Yesterday, I had a patient say to me “wow, its amazing that everything in the body is connected.”  She said this after I had adjusted her low back and her neck pain went away.

I get this type of comment often and its sort of strange when you think about it.  The fact that everything in your body is connected is self-evident.  One part of the body cannot be damaged without all the other parts being affected.

Think about it.  When you get a sinus infection, what happens ?  You get a fever and chills from your body temperature elevating.  You heart rate goes up.  Your respiration changes.  Your appetite goes down.  Your head aches, the neck can get stiff, and on and on.  All caused by an infection in your nose.

American medicine tends to look at the body as a collection of a bunch of parts.  If the appendix gets infected, take it out.  If the blood pressure rises, take a pill to make the heartbeat weaker.  If the low back hurts, inject the area with numbing medication.

American medicine never seems to stop and consider that maybe the appendix is infected because of an intestinal problem.  Or the blood pressure is high because of dehydration.  Or the low back is hurting because of poor posture.

Now, I’m not saying that you don’t need to treat things medically.  For example, an appendix operation could save your life.  What I am saying is, that people need to focus on the issues that caused the condition to occur in the first place.  If you don’t, you are simply masking over issues that will come back to haunt you later.

When it comes to the spine, this is especially true.  John Bland MD author of Disorders of the Cervical Spine says:

“ We tend to divide the examination of the spine into regions: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine clinical studies.  This is a mistake.  The three units are closely interrelated structurally and functionally-a whole person with a whole spine.  The cervical spine may be symptomatic because of a thoracic or lumbar spine abnormality and vice versa ! Sometimes treating a lumbar spine will relieve a cervical spine syndrome, or proper management of a cervical spine will relieve low backache.”

The spine needs to be treated as a whole unit.  To be even more accurate, the body needs to be treated as a whole.

To find out more about how I treat low back pain, log on to www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com.

Blood Tests for Fibromyalgia

While there are no blood tests that definitively tell you whather you have fibromyalgia, there are tests that tell you some critical information if you want to get better.

A large percentage of fibromyalgia patients have problems related to chronic inflammation.    The inflammation is caused mainly from poor nutritional practices and intake of toxic drugs.  This leads to pain in the muscles and joints, and can also lead to depression and skin sensitivity.

Two tests that you should seriously consider having run, if you have fibromyalgia are a Homocysteine test and a C-reactive protein test (CRP).

Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid that can damage the linings of your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.  It is also present in people who suffer from chronic pain and can be a primary cause of inflammation.

What causes Homocysteine to be high ?  A detoxification process called methylation isn’t working properly.  It isn’t working properly mainly because of nutrient deficiencies in the diet.

CRP is a special protein that is formed when there is inflammation in the body.  High levels are seen when you have a cold or flu or even if you have arthritis.  It may be responsible for some of the all over achy feelings some fibromyalgia patients feel.

These problems can be fixed and they can be a real key to getting out of your chronic pain.  Medical doctors try to treat them with drugs, but this approach has two big problems.  First, the drugs have all kinds of side effects, including stomach bleeding, liver disease, strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease.  Second, the drugs don’t fix the nutrient deficiency and can actually cause your body to burn up more nutrients to detoxify the drugs.

The best way to work on this is to use vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that work on getting these inflammatory toxins out of the body.  And, working with a doctor who is familiar with fibromyalgia and can prescribe doses that will actually work for you based on blood testing.

For more information about how I treat fibromyalgia, go to www.stopyourfibronow.com.  You will learn about some of the methods that have helped my patients get out of pain fast.

Low Back Pain – Seasonal Injuries

Every season brings unique activities that require us to perform some physical activity we may not want to do but have no choice.  In the winter, shoveling snow comes to mind (at least in some parts of the country) while spring, summer and fall may include yard clean up, mowing, and raking.  All of these seasonal activities are, “…I have to..”  activities of daily living (ADLs), rather than ADLs we want to do.  Therefore, let’s talk about shoveling snow since that time of year is upon some of us, though hopefully on its way out!  Of course, if snow is not an issue based on where you live, this information can also be applied to gardening, digging a hole or some other yard related shoveling activity.

First, a few facts that help us appreciate why back pain is so common when we shovel: 1. When we bend over, approximately 2/3rds of our body weight is being lifted in addition to what we’re lifting.  Hence, a 180# person has to lift 120# of body weight every time he or she bends over.  2. A 5# weight equals 50# to our back when it is held out in front of us – consider the 10-20# weight on the end of a shovel! 3) Our legs are much stronger than our back and arms. If a person can bench press 300#, they can usually leg press 500# – almost 2x more weight. Yet, most of us use our arms, not our legs, when shoveling. 4) Most of us bend over using poor technique, lift the shovel with the arms and back (not the legs), and rapidly extend and twist the back when we throw the substance from the shovel – 3 bad things! 5) Then, this faulty action is repeated many, many times, and on top of that, it is not something we’re used to doing and hence, we’re not physically adapted or “in shape” for shoveling.  With all of these “truths,” it’s no wonder why we often can barely move after an hour of shoveling!  So what can we do about it?

I suppose hiring the neighborhood kid to do our shoveling makes the most sense but we’re not that smart!  We can’t change the fact that most of our body’s weight lies above our waist so that one we’re stuck with and, we’re not going to lose weight in time for shoveling. But, we can certainly put less material on the shovel so the load on our back is less. It’s important to squat down using our strong leg muscles while keeping our back as vertical/straight as possible- DO NOT BEND OVER.  Try sticking out your fanny (to keep an inward curve in your back), lift the shovel / load of material straight up with your legs, maintaining that arched back / butt out position.  Keep your arms / elbows straight and walk the shovel load over to the dumping location – DON’T try and throw the load a distance by twisting your body. Take multiple breaks and switch sides so you don’t “beat up” the same muscle groups repeatedly.

If you do hurt your back – using an analogy of a cut on your skin –avoid picking at the cut so it can heal.  If your back hurts after shoveling, use ice/rest followed by gentle stretching and modified activities – DON’T go back out and shovel (ie, don’t pick at your cut!). Some wise considerations for shoveling include warming up before starting, staying “in shape” by regular exercise throughout the year, maintaining a good nutritional diet and getting enough sleep.

If you, a family member or a friend require care, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR LOW BACK PAIN!

For more information on how we treat back pain log on to: www.newbackpain reliefinfo.com

Fibromyalgia – Important “Fibro Facts”

So you think you may suffer from Fibromyalgia (FM) and you’re trying to find out more information about FM…..but where do you start?  Certainly you can “Google” the word “fibromyalgia” and spend the rest of the day, week, or maybe month reading about the symptoms, clinical signs, the many treatment options and the different types of doctors who treat FM patients.  You will certainly learn a lot!  But you will still most likely remain confused as to what to do about it.

First, what is fibromyalgia? It is a chronic (long standing) painful condition resulting in widespread pain throughout the body and it’s usually difficult to isolate a cause or reason for such significantly disabling symptoms.  It is very common, affecting 3-6% of the general population (global) and 6-12 million Americans (2-4% of the US population). Woman are affected more than men (75-90% are women), and it is typically diagnosed between 20-50 years of age.  It affects people physically, emotionally, and socially.  The symptoms can fluctuate but it never completely disappears. The cause, though still debated, points to the central nervous system in which a “minor” pain signal reaching the brain is somehow magnified and perceived as more intense (this is called “central sensitization”).  This makes the FM patient hypersensitive to normal stimulations like a hug or a when hitting a bump in the road with the car.

How is it diagnosed? Prior to 1987, it was not recognized by the AMA as an illness or cause of disability.  In 1990, The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) reported the initial criteria for diagnosing FM.  There are no blood tests, x-rays, biopsies, EEG’s, EMG’s or other tests for FM.  Hence, a thorough history (frequently revealing fatigue, sleep problems, mental fog, depression, headache, and bowel problems) and examination ruling out other disorders is appropriate.  Diagnosis includes a history of widespread, chronic pain and the presence of multiple tender points (at least 11 of 18) located all over the body.

What is the treatment? Pain management has been the focus and this can include medication, ice/heat, exercise, lifestyle adjustments, counseling when anxiety/depression are issues, dietary strategies, sleep management, but perhaps most important is education – about FM and how to “live with it.” That is, learning how to “control it” since no one has found the “cure.”  Exercise in short durations of time by walking or swimming (not too strenuous). Expect post-exercise soreness so don’t overdo it initially, or you’ll be “convinced” you shouldn’t be exercising.  Diet – avoid glutens/grains and emphasize fruits, vegetables, lean meats (grass fed chicken, beef, and fish), and consider nutritional support from a multiple vitamin, calcium/magnesium, fish oil (omega 3 fatty acids), Vit D3, and Co-Q10.  Find a good “team” of doctors – chiropractic, family doc, and rheumatologist who YOU are comfortable with and who will work together for you.  Don’t expect miracles – it may lead to disappointment.

We recognize the importance of including chiropractic in the team to help those suffering with FM.  If you, a friend or family member require care for fibromyalgia, we would be honored to offer our services.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR FIBROMYALGIA!
For more information log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): What Are My Options?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS, has been reported to be the most expensive of all work-related injuries, costing the average CTS patient about $30,000 in medical bills and lost work time over his or her lifetime. CTS is primarily found in adults, is 3x more frequently found in woman, and usually affects the dominant hand first.  The pain can be quite severe and disabling. Certain occupations tend to cause CTS more than others, such as manual labor jobs (assembly-line / manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, meatpacking, food processing and packing occupations). Other jobs like computer work, playing a musical instrument and waitressing can also cause CTS.  Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, pregnancy, the use of birth control pills, inflammatory arthritis and hypothyroidism can predispose patients to CTS.  CTS is caused by a pinch to the median nerve that runs down the arm from the neck, through shoulder, elbow and wrist. The pinch can occur in one or more of these locations making it important to obtain a complete evaluation including the neck and upper arm – not just the wrist.  There are a total of 9 tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels jammed into the tight confines of the carpal tunnel formed by 8 small carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament that serves as the “roof” of the tunnel.  Symptoms include burning, tingling, aching, and/or numbness primarily into the 2nd to 4th fingers and at times, the thumb. Some sufferers develop weakness in their grip making it hard to open jars, stubborn door knobs, holding onto a newspaper or steering wheel.  Waking up multiple times at night is also a common complaint caused by sleeping with the wrist bent, which increases the pressure inside the tunnel, thus pinching the nerve more firmly.

A CTS diagnosis is made by reproducing the symptoms by further compressing the median nerve inside the tunnel.  This is accomplished by applying pressure over the tunnel, by bending the patient’s wrists 90 degrees backwards (dorsiflexion) and forwards (palmar flexion), compression over the proximal forearm, at the thoracic outlet (under the collar bone) and / or at the neck.  Special tests like an EMG/NCV (electromyogram and nerve conduction velocity) can determine the degree of nerve damage and verify the diagnosis.  At times, x-ray or MRI are helpful if arthritis or a bone spur is suspect, or to measure the size of the carpal tunnel.  Laboratory blood tests to determine secondary causes, described earlier, can also be of benefit.

Treatment consists of 1. Rest; 2. Modifying the activity or workstation suspected of causing CTS; 3. Using a splint- especially at night and when driving; and 4. Managing any underlying disease condition. Managing inflammation is also important, which can be accomplished by the use of ice of. (Ice massage is very effective.  This consists of freezing water in paper cups, tearing off the top half of the cup, and rubbing the ice against the skin for approximately 5 minutes.  The sequence of sensations includes cold, burning, aching, and numbness (“C-BAN”). Make sure you quit when numbness is reached, as frost bite is a risk if performed for too long.)  Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, or herbal remedies such as ginger, turmeric, boswellia, and/or vitamins like bromelain & papain, vitamin B6, fish oil (omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin D (2000-5000IU); calcium/magnesium are all potentially helpful. Manual manipulations to the joints of the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand and soft tissue manipulation to the muscles and tendons of the forearm and hand can also be used.  Other non-surgical treatments include exercises and physical therapy modalities such as low level laser therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and others.

We realize you have a choice in where you choose for your healthcare services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for CTS, chiropractic care is a logical first choice and we would be honored to offer our services to you.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME! For more information log on to www.relieffromcarpaltunnel.com