Fibromyalgia – Does This Sounds Familiar?

“I am exhausted and hurt all over.  I can’t get to sleep at night and when I do, I wake up at the drop of a dime.  I went to my doctor and they ran some blood tests and took some x-rays and said that nothing was wrong.  I just don’t know what is wrong or what to do about it.”

This is a classic history obtained from a patient suffering from fibromyalgia or FM.  Because the onset of fibromyalgia is slow and gradual, it is common for patients to postpone visiting their health care provider until the symptoms are quite significant. The diagnosis may also be delayed as many healthcare providers do not feel fibromyalgia is a legitimate medical condition and minimize the symptoms frequently categorizing them as “depressed,” which postpones an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

The classic definition as defined by the American College of Rheumatology includes at least a three-month duration of symptoms with the presence of 11 out of 18 potential tender points although diffuse, widespread pain not necessarily restricted to these exact locations may also represent an appropriate diagnostic finding in fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is more common in females and affects approximately 2% of the population in the United States. The risk of developing fibromyalgia increases with age, usually developing during early and middle adulthood but can also develop in children and older adults. Other risk factors include a positive family history where one may be more likely to develop FM if a relative suffers with the same condition.

A major risk factor of developing fibromyalgia includes is disturbed sleep pattern and this remains controversial as to whether sleeping disorders are a direct cause or simply the result of fibromyalgia. However, in either case, people with FM cannot obtain deep “restorative” sleep and feel fatigued and tired upon waking in the morning. Sleep disorders including sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome are often present in patients with fibromyalgia.

Certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroid, and other endocrine/hormonal conditions may preceded the onset of fibromyalgia in which case the condition is considered “secondary fibromyalgia.” Hence, a diagnostic evaluation usually includes a blood test for hypothyroid, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and a complete blood count to rule out infections and/or anemia. In most cases, these tests prove negative and the diagnosis is made by excluding other possible primary conditions.

Other causes can include physical and/or emotional trauma where a high-level of stress can trigger this condition. Although experts still debate why patients with fibromyalgia hurt so intensely, the current explanation centers around a theory called central sensitization. This is essentially a lower pain threshold where patients with FM feel pain much sooner than those without it because of increased sensitivity in the brain and/or spinal cord to incoming pain signals.

Treatment of FM relies on a multidiscipline, multifactorial approach including stress reduction, obtaining enough sleep, exercising regularly, pacing yourself, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise. Other highly effective treatments, according to the Mayo Clinic website, include chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, and/or acupuncture. The concepts of chiropractic treatment includes restoring movement in restricted spinal joints resulting in improved nerve function and subsequently, improved overall function and reduced pain. Chiropractic care also includes cold laser, nutritional counseling and patient education. We recognize the importance of including chiropractic in your treatment of FM and realize you have a choice of providers. We would be honored to be part of your management team.

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

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) – Can It Be Prevented?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS is a very common problem affecting many workers and is one of the most costly conditions afflicting today’s workforce.  It is most often caused by repetitive activity using rapid movements of the arms and hands and can lead to work loss and disability when not properly managed.  CTS occurs when the median nerve that travels through the carpal tunnel (CT) located on the palm side of the wrist becomes pinched by the swelling of the 9 tendons that also travel through the CT and essentially, pinch the nerve up against the transverse carpal ligament.  This results in numbness, tingling and/or pain of the index, middle and forth fingers.

Other symptoms include sleep interruptions where shaking and flicking of the fingers is required to allow for a return to sleep.  This is frequently caused by sleeping with the wrist in a cocked position, increasing the pressure inside the already swollen carpal tunnel.  This is why a cock-up wrist splint usually helps as it disallows the wrist from bending to the extremes and the nerve is not pressured or pinched as much.  Other symptoms include weakness of the grip, making it a challenge to unscrew a jar, open a door, and even sometimes turn the key when starting a car.  Driving can also be affected as the hands often fall asleep while holding onto a steering wheel.

Pain can also affect the rest of the arm and sometimes the neck area.  The median nerve can also be pinched in more than one place and may include the neck, shoulder, elbow as well as the wrist making it necessary to have all the areas treated for a satisfying result.

People at greatest risk are women > men, workers who handle small tools, computer workers, fast repetitive line workers, and people older than 40 years of age.  People with other health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, Lymes disease, rubella, pregnancy, birth control pill use, diabetes mellitus and menopause are at an increased risk of developing CTS.  Certain foods such as caffeine, tobacco, and/or alcohol may also contribute to CTS.

Though treatment is very important –the sooner the better- prevention is most important.  In fact, some simple approaches can make a big difference!  Some of these include modifying the position of a computer chair, keyboard, monitor, or mouse (work station modifications), alternate between different tasks to reduce the repetition of work, stretch your forearms and fingers before, during and after work, and treat any underlying conditions.  When symptoms first occur, these recommendations, as well as wearing a night wrist cock-up splint and seeing your chiropractor, will often reverse the condition without difficulty.  If you wait too long and nerve damage occurs, it becomes a more challenging process to manage CTS and at times, even surgery will not be very helpful.

Some of the non-surgical treatment approaches you might expect from your chiropractor include joint manipulation and/or mobilization applied to the neck, wrist, elbow and/or shoulder, the application of physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stim, and/or low level laser therapy (“light” therapy), as well as the use of wrist splints.

The University of Maryland Medical Center cites two research articles on chiropractic treatment for CTS. They report good results are usually obtained and that these good results continued for at least 6 months after treatment ended.  The same reference also recommends nutrition and supplements in the management of CTS.  Some of these include: eliminate food allergens (often milk, cheese, eggs, ice cream, glutens/wheat-grains, soy, corn, and preservatives) and eating foods high in B-vitamins (dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and sea vegetables), anti-oxidants (fruits – blueberries, cherries, tomatoes; vegetables – squash, bell peppers),  avoiding refined foods, using olive oil and adding omega 3 fatty acids to the diet (fish oil).  Other vitamins including a multivitamin, B complex, Vit. C, alpha-lipoic acid, MSM, resveratrol, Vit. D, Co-Q10, magnesium can also really help.

We realize that 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 A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 262-251-8306

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

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

How to Improve Posture

Unlike what you may have been told, posture is the way your body appears when you are relaxed.  It is not how it appears when you are working like heck to hold yourself upright.  Posture cannot be controlled by muscles, exercise, tractioning your body or any other thing except getting the skeletal structure corrected.   In the past, Chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapists and others have not been able to consistently correct posture problems.   Advanced Biostructural Correction is an innovative technique that can correct posture without bracing or exercise.  You stand the way you are supposed to, without effort.  Take a look at these pre and post treatment photos.

To make an appointment for a Free No Obligation Consultation to see how we might be able to help your posture problem, call Jennifer at 262-251-8306.

Why I Wear Vibram Five Fingers

A few months ago I started wearing Vibram Five Finger shoes after reading the book “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall.

I’ve been an advocate of barefoot training for almost 8 years now and I have been working out in stocking feet or barefoot most of that time.  I started doing it in order to overcome metatarsal fractures to my right foot.

All of the experts told me I needed arch supports, but when I wore them, my feet hurt worse.  In fact, I broke the fifth metatarsal again while in my arch supported shoes.

Then I started working out barefoot and it was the only time my feet didn’t hurt.  In my office, I would wear a dress shoe that I had custom tailored to have no arch support.  It worked better than “off the rack” shoes, but I still had some pain in my feet and in my back after a long day of treating people.

In treating my patients, I and several doctors from around the country, have noticed that people who wear arch supports have bad posture.  This is contrary to what the experts tell you when you buy them.  We have suggested that our patients wear flat shoes with no arches and the results have been excellent.

A few months ago, I bought the Vibram Five Fingers and to break them in, I wore them to the office.  They looked funny with my white coat and tie, but my patients got a kick out of them.  At the end of the day, I was less tired and much less sore.  So I decided to make them a part of my daily wardrobe.  I love them.

It is not a totally easy transition.  I did notice that if I have to maintain good posture or my feet will start to hurt when I walk.  If I stand tall…no problems.

I ran two miles in them the other day and I feel really good.  I’m looking forward to doing some outdoor running this summer when the weather is nicer.

To find out more about how I treat patients with foot problems, log on to www.stopyourfootpain.com