Chronic Back Pain- Treatment Can Reverse Abnormal Brain Function

Anyone who has been in pain, knows how quickly their mood can change.  You can get symptoms like fear, grouchiness and depression.

It is well-known that low back pain is the most common form of chronic pain among adults.  Lesser known is the fact that those with chronic pain also experience cognitive impairments and reduced brain size. Patients can experience the emotional components of pain, like depression and anxiety from the brain shrinking.

If the pain is treated, can the problem be reversed ?  YES.  Researchers fromMcGillUniversityfound that patients in chronic pain who showed loss of brain tissue and brain activity, regained the brain matter and its normal activity when the chronic pain was relieved.

The senior author of the study, Dr. Laura Stone, said “If you can make the pain go away with effective treatment, you can reverse these abnormal changes in the brain.”

This means that if you have been in pain a long time, and you are getting symptoms of anxiety and depression, these symptoms will go away when your pain goes away.

The problem is, most treatments for pain involve drugs and surgery.  Surgery can be risky and if it doesn’t go right, can lead to long term debilitating pain.  Drugs have side effects and don’t treat the cause of pain, only the feeling.

Relieving back pain can be achieved through non-drug, non-surgical means.  For more information, log on to:  www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com

Sleeping With Chronic Pain

Just about everyone with chronic pain has problems sleeping.  Some of the latest research on chronic pain shows a connection between the two.  The research is showing that when you are sleeping poorly, you feel more pain.

Some doctors say that chronic pain (like fibromyalgia) comes from the sleep disturbance.  Others say that you don’t sleep well because you are in pain.  I like to take a different approach.  I think you need to treat both at the same time.

Get the patient out of pain as much as possible and at the same time, help to get them to sleep better.  You would be surprised at how much sleep can improve, even if you haven’t slept well in years.

Here are some quick tips that can help you sleep better:

1. Change your mattress.  If your mattress is over ten years old, it’s a goner.  They just don’t last longer than ten years.  If its over five years old, it could be bad.  Look for signs of pitting.  Mattresses should be firm.  Do not use pillow tops, exotic foams or water beds-all are bad for your spine and will create more pain.
2. Change your pillow.  If you sleep on your back, sleep with a very small pillow or none at all.  If you are on your side, sleep with a large pillow.  Stay off your stomach- it’s bad for your spine.
3. If you nap, take short naps during the day- less than one hour.  Try to take it before 3 o’clock.  This will minimize any disturbance to your night sleeping.
4. Watch what you feed your brain before you go to sleep.  Read and watch calming things.  You don’t want horror stories, political arguing, violence or intense sadness going through your mind when you are trying to relax.
5. Keep your head cool and your feet warm.  This is a little tidbit from Japanese medicine that I find works.  I don’t know why, but it does.

If you can’t sleep or wake up feeling lousy, check one of the above.  If you are doing well with everything above and you still are having problems, you may be in too much pain to relax.  You should be treated by someone who knows about chronic pain and sleep disorders.  If you get out of pain, you’ll sleep better.

For more information on chronic pain disorders, log on to:  www.stopyourfibronow.com or  www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com

Whiplash: Can It Be Prevented?

Whiplash, or cervical acceleration-deceleration disorder (CAD) often occurs in car collisions. So, the question is raised, “…can it be prevented?”  To answer this we must first consider the obvious facts about minimizing your distractions when you drive: intoxication, engaged conversation (especially if you’re trying to make eye contact), talking on your cell phone or worse, texting while driving (equal to 3 mixed drinks!!!), messing with the radio, GPS, or other “gadgets” in the car, eating while driving, putting on makeup, shaving, and yes, even reading a book while driving! If you’re getting tired, pull over for a “power nap.” Even a 15-20 min. “shut eye” session can really help.  But these things are obvious (and WELL DOCUMENTED)!  What other factors, like features in cars can minimize or possibly prevent injury in the event of a crash?

The headrest is a very most important feature in the vehicle for preventing or at least reducing the degree of injury in a crash.  Unfortunately, most people do not bother setting the headrest at the correct height, as it’s usually in a position that is too low. When this occurs, the head can slide over the top of the headrest which can actually result in greater injury because it acts like a fulcrum allowing the head to hyperextend over it. This situation makes the injuries associated with whiplash much worse.  The proper height of the headrest should be no lower the top third of the head, especially if the headrest is small in size or, if the seat is reclined. The angle of the seatback is important with reference to headrests because when the seatback is reclined, there is a certain amount of “ramping” that occurs in rear-end collisions.  This is because when the seat is reclined back, the seatback can act literally like a ramp and your whole body can slide up the ramp/seatback and your head can end up over the top of headrest.  Therefore, keep the seatback as vertical as you can tolerate. The degree of “spring” or bounce of the seat back also affects the speed or acceleration of the rebound that occurs in a crash but ,unfortunately, the seat’s “springiness” can’t really be changed.

Seat belts and airbags are a great pair of safety features as they work together to reduce the chances of a serious injury, as well as whiplash. The seatbelt’s job is to stabilize the trunk and prevent the occupant from being ejected from the vehicle. The airbag protects the chest, neck and head from hitting the steering wheel or windshield. Seatbelts arrived on the scene in the 1970s, shoulder restraints shortly thereafter, and airbags in 1985. An 8 year study by the U of Pittsburgh reported on over 7000 spine injured patients, and found a significant reduction of spine related injuries when both seatbelts and airbags were utilized.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises at least a 10-inch distance between the steering wheel and the breastbone in order to avoid airbag injuries, which reportedly occur within the first 2-3 inches of the airbag.

The “take home” message here is when you combine: 1. Staying alert by avoiding all the many distractions that can lure your eyes off the road; 2. Slowing down when you see or sense trouble, and, 3. Making sure your seatbelt is fastened (and those of your passengers, as well) and your airbag still works, you can be quite confident you are doing your part in preventing injury (including whiplash) for both yourself and potentially others!

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR A TREATMENT OF WHIPLASH, THAT ACTUALLY WORKS!

FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: http://www.painfree-greatposture.com

FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 262-251-8306

When Are Headaches Dangerous?

This month’s topic will address dangerous headaches. To keep this in perspective, most headaches are NOT dangerous. In fact, tension-type headaches and migraines are very common and remain the focus of most health care providers and patients who suffer from headaches.  With that said, it’s important to discuss the signs and symptoms that might help all of us differentiate between headaches that are safe versus those which are not safe.

The most important factor to consider is when the “typical” headache is suddenly “different.” Some of these “different” symptoms may include slurred speech, difficulty communicating or formulating thought, seizures, fainting or loss of consciousness (even for a few seconds), memory lapses, double or blurred vision, profound dizziness, numbness in the face or half of the body, an “alarm” should sound off telling you to get this checked ASAP. These symptoms deviate from “the norm” and may be indicative of a more serious condition.

Signs of a dangerous headache include:

1. A headache that starts suddenly, especially if it’s of a severe degree.
2. Headaches that start later in life, especially after the age of 50.
3. A change in the quality of headaches.
4. Visual changes, including double vision or loss of vision.
5. Weakness, numbness, or any other neurological symptoms.
6. Fevers – especially of rapid onset.
7. Change in mental status including sleepiness, hallucinations, speech changes or confusion.
8. Weight loss.

If there is ever ANY doubt about a dangerous headache, your physician should be contacted.

Typically, the migraine patient will notice a fairly consistent set of symptoms and even though the headaches can vary in intensity, the sequence of events is fairly consistent.  Dangerous headaches are the ones that deviate significantly from that migraine sufferer’s “norm.”  For example, suppose a patient’s “typical” migraine is: aura (bright, flashy lights in the visual field or, a strange odor precedes the migraine about 30 min. before the headache strikes), followed by a gradually increasing pain in half of the head which worsens to a point of nausea and sometimes vomiting if something isn’t done to stop it (such as a chiropractic adjustment and/or some form of medication).  If this is that patient’s “usual,” than when any of the 8 items previously listed above accompany the headache, it should be further evaluated.  Evaluation will often require an EEG (electroencephalogram) and/or MRI (Magnetic Resonant Image). The EEG will test for any electrical signal changes in the brain and the MRI will show space occupying structures such as tumors, bleeding, infection, aneurism, and if performed with a contrast agents, arterial malformations (that is, abnormal networks of blood vessels).

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR HEADACHES! LOG ON TO: http://www.painfree-greatposture.com

What are Tension Headaches

At some point, everyone will have a headache, whether it’s from stress, lack of sleep, hormonal related or even self-induced after having way too much fun the night before! In fact, 9 out of 10 Americans suffer from headaches.  For the most part, headaches are not indicative of a dangerous condition, but they can be.  The focus of this Health Update is to discuss the most common form of headache – the tension-type headache or, TTHA.

Tension-type headaches (TTHA) are defined by the Mayo Clinic as  “a diffuse, mild to moderate pain that’s often described as feeling like a tight band around your head.” Ironically, even though this is the most common form of headache, the causes of TTHA are not well understood. These are sometimes described as muscle contraction headaches but many experts no longer think muscle contractions are the cause.  They now feel that “mixed signals” coming from nerve pathways to the brain are the cause and may be the result of “overactive pain receptors.”

Regardless of the cause, the triggers of tension headaches are well known and include stress, depression/anxiety, poor posture, faulty awkward work station set-ups, jaw clenching and many others. Risk factors for TTHA include being a woman (studies show that almost 90% of woman experience tension headaches at some point in life) and being middle aged (TTHA’s appear to peak in our 40s, though TTHA’s are not limited to any one age group). Complications associated with TTHA’s may include job productivity loss, family and social interaction disruption, and relationship strain.  The diagnosis is typically made by excluding other dangerous causes of headaches and when all the test results return “normal,” the diagnosis of TTHA is made.

Treatment utilizing over the counter medications can be effective so long as side effects of stomach irritation and/or liver and kidney issues don’t arise. Controlling stress by trimming out less important duties or “…taking on less” can help.  Meditation, biofeedback and relaxation therapy are also great! An “ergonomic” assessment of a workstation and how it “fits” the headache patient can also yield great results.  Chiropractic is a GREAT choice compared to standard medical care, especially when side effects to medications exist.  This is because manipulation of the cervical spine addresses the cause of the headache and doesn’t just try to “cover up” the pain.  In 2001, Duke University reported compelling evidence that spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those with headaches that originate in the neck with significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief compared to commonly prescribed medication. Chiropractic treatment approaches include (partial list): spinal manipulation, mobilization techniques, exercise training, dietary and supplementation education / advice, lifestyle coaching and ergonomic assessments.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR HEADACHES!

CALL PAIN FREE GREAT POSTURE FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION !  262-251-8306

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Exercise

We have discussed the topic of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) exercises previously but this topic is so important, it warrants another look at this subject from a different perspective.  Please keep in mind there are many exercises that will help patients with CTS, including a general, aerobic exercise program where walking, elliptical, stepping, cycling, rowing, swimming and more will facilitate either directly or indirectly.  In other words, just “staying in shape” will greatly enhance your health and is therapeutically beneficial for many conditions, including CTS.  Remember, if your BMI (Body Mass Index) is over 25 (especially 30) and/or, if your waist size is greater than 35” and especially 40”, the risk of CTS increases significantly.  Therefore, diet and exercise are important components of improving your overall health– including conditions like CTS! Here are 5 exercises and/or suggestions for managing CTS:

1. Circles : This exercise will strengthen the wrist & forearm muscles, increase the wrist’s range of movement/flexibility, and decreases wrist pain. This can be done multiple times a day as a “mini-break” from keyboard/computer work, as well as a “morning warm-up.”  Slowly rotate your wrist/hand from a palm up to a palm down position and repeat up to 10 times.

2. Prayer Stretch:  Stretching helps to breakup adhesions that form in the carpal tunnel.  Place the palms together, fingers straight & pointing up (prayer position).  Keeping the heels of the hands together, slowly lower the hands and raise the elbows so that the angle at the wrist decreases. Push your fingers together for 5 sec. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat up to 10 times, depending on time availability.  Do this multiple times a day.

3. Strengthening:  Using a hand weight or TheraTubing, assume the same position as #1 above and slowly raise the weight or stretch the tubing by flexing the wrist with the palm in each of 4 positions: palm up, thumb up, palm down and pinky up. Use your opposite hand to support your wrist with the pinky up exercise

4. Ergonomics:  Consider modifying your workstation, especially if your monitor is off to a side or too high, if your elbows are bent more than 90°, if your forearms are digging into the edge of the desk, use a trackball mouse so your arm can stay still, consider a larger screen, and an “ergonomic” keyboard (one that is not flat); use a “good” chair with adjustable arms to rest the forearms on.

5. Posture: Sit “tall”, relax your shoulders (no shrugging), feet flat on the floor, and take mini-breaks” at your workstation.  If you have to, set a timer for every 30-60 minutes that will remind you to stretch.

Two more “tricks” that really help: 1. Reduce your stress on the job – treat others like you would like to be treated (get along with your co-workers); 2. Enjoy your job!

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME!

For more information log on to: www.relieffromcarpaltunnel.com

What Really Causes Whiplash?

Whiplash is a non-medical term for a condition that occurs when the neck and head move rapidly forwards and backwards or, sideways, at a speed so fast our neck muscles are unable to stop the movement from happening.  This sudden force results in the normal range of motion being exceeded and causes injury to the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) of the neck. Classically, whiplash is associated with car accidents or, motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) but can also be caused by other injuries such as a fall on the ice and banging the head, sports injuries, as well as being assaulted, including “shaken baby syndrome.”

The History Of Whiplash. The term “Whiplash” was first coined in 1928 when pilots were injured by landing airplanes on air craft carriers in the ocean. Their heads were snapped forwards and back as they came to a sudden stop. There are many synonyms for the term “whiplash” including, but not limited to, cervical hyperextension injury, acceleration-deceleration syndrome, cervical sprain (meaning ligament injury) and cervical strain (meaning muscle / tendon injury). In spite of this, the term “whiplash” has continued to be used usually in reference to MVCs.

Why Whiplash Occurs. As noted previously, we cannot voluntarily stop our head from moving beyond the normal range of motion as it takes only about 500 milliseconds for whiplash to occur during a MVC, and we cannot voluntarily contract our neck muscles in less than 800-1000 msec. The confusing part about whiplash is that it can occur in low speed collisions such as 5-10 mph, sometimes more often than at speeds of 20 mph or more.  The reason for this has to do with the vehicle absorbing the energy of the collision. At lower speeds, there is less crushing of the metal (less damage to the vehicle) and therefore, less of the energy from the collision is absorbed.  The energy from the impact is then transferred to the contents inside the vehicle (that is, you)! This is technically called elastic deformity – when there is less damage to the car, more energy is transferred to the contents inside the car.  When metal crushes, energy is absorbed and less energy affects the vehicle’s contents (technically called plastic deformity).  This is exemplified by race cars.  When they crash, they are made to break apart so the contents (the driver) is less jostled by the force of the collision.  Sometimes, all that is left after the collision is the cage surrounding the driver.

Whiplash Symptoms. Symptoms can occur immediately or within minutes to hours after the initial injury.  Also, less injured areas may be overshadowed initially by more seriously injured areas and may only “surface” after the more serious injured areas improve. The most common symptoms include neck pain, headaches, and limited neck movement (stiffness). Neck pain may radiate into the middle back area and/or down an arm.  If arm pain is present, a pinched nerve is a distinct possibility. Also, mild brain injury can occur even when the head is not bumped or hit. These symptoms include difficulty staying on task, losing your place in the middle of thought or sentences and tireness/fatigue.  These symptoms often resolve within 6 weeks with a 40% chance of still hurting after 3 months, and 18% chance after 2 years.  There is no reliable method to predict the outcome. Studies have shown that early mobilization and manipulation results in a better outcome than waiting for weeks or months to seek chiropractic treatment. The best results are found by obtaining prompt chiropractic care.

We realize that you have a choice in where you go for your health care needs and we truly appreciate your consideration in allowing us to help you through that potentially difficult process.

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

How to Choose a Good Shoe?

Every shoe company has their own little twist on what makes their shoe better.  You see bigger cushions, arch supports, odd shaped soles, inflatable shock absorbers and just about anything a shoemaker can dream up.

But, what makes a good shoe ?  And, how do you know if a shoe is really good for you ?

As I have written in other articles, arch supports are no good.  Contrary to what shoe companies, orthotic makers and many doctors say, arch supports do nothing to treat or prevent injury.  This is not just my opinion.  The British Journal of Sports Medicine did an extensive study of footwear in 2008.  They concluded that there is no scientific evidence anywhere, that arch supports either treat or prevent injury.

You can also test whether arch supports are good for your body.  Stand barefoot and walk around, take deep breaths, stand on one foot, move side to side or any movement you want to test.  Then put your arch supports on.  You will notice that it is more difficult to do any movement you choose while wearing arch supports.  (Yes, even your breathing can feel more restricted.)

So, when you look for a shoe, make sure the inside is level from side to side.

Also, make sure the back of the heel of the shoe is the highest point.  If any part of the shoe is higher than the heel, it will cause your shoulders to droop when you walk.

Make sure the shoe is wide enough across the toes.  If it is too tight, not only does it hurt your foot, it will cause balance problems.  You can test this by putting on a tight pair of shoes and standing for a while.  You will notice that you sway more in tight shoes.

To find out more about how I treat foot problems, balance disorders and back pain: log on to:  www.painfree-greatposture.com and order a free report.

“My Neck Is Killing Me!”

When patients present with neck pain, they always ask, “where is the pain coming from?” Of course, this can only be answered after a careful history and thorough evaluation is completed, which is what we do in this office.  Let’s take a closer look at what this involves.

The History: This includes a careful description of how the injury occurred, if there was an injury.  For example, in a slip and fall injury, it makes a difference if the patient fell forwards, sideways, or backwards; if they landed on their knees, hips, buttocks, back or if they hit their head on the ground.  Also, if there was a dazed feeling or loss of consciousness in the process.  If there was a head strike, were there any signs of concussion: fatigue, mental “fog,” headache, difficulty communicating or forming words or sentences.  When there is no specific injury, we will ask if there were perhaps one or more, “mini-“ or “micro-“ injuries that may have occurred sometime within 2-3 days prior to the onset of the neck pain.  The cumulative effect of several small “micro-injuries” can result in a rather significant onset of symptoms several days later.  The next batch of information gathered includes factors that increase and decrease the pain, the type of pain quality (sharp, dull, throb, burn, itch, etc.), pain location – “…put your finger on where it hurts and “does it radiate into the arms or legs, severity (pain level 0-10), and timing such as, “it’s worse for the 1st 30 min. in the morning and then loosens up.” Information regarding past history, family history, medical history (surgeries, medications), social history, habits (caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, etc.), and a systems review (heart, lungs, stomach, nervous system, etc.).

The Physical Exam: This includes vital signs (blood pressure, etc), observation – the way the head is positioned (forwards, to the side, rotated, etc.); palpation – touch/feel for muscle spasm, trigger points, spinal vertebra position and motion; range of motion, orthopedic and neurological tests. The exam procedure may also include x-ray, depending on each case.

The Diagnosis: This is determined after taking all your information and “…putting the puzzle pieces together” to determine what is causing your pain.

The Treatment: Chiropractic spinal manipulation (often referred to as “adjustments”) is performed by applying energy or force to the misaligned or fixed vertebra structures by one of many methods depending on the patient’s size, pain level, tolerance, and so on.  The use of physical therapy modalities such as ice,  laser therapy, and/or others, again, depending on your specific situation and needs can also be very helpful.  Similarly, exercises to teach you how to hold your proper posture, to improve flexibility or range of motion, and to strengthen the muscles that are weak really help the beneficial effects last longer. A work station/job assessment may also be needed if that appears to be irritating your condition.

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

Neck Pain – Can Chiropractic Really Help?

Neck pain is a very common problem affecting up to 70% of the adult population at some point in life.  Though there are specific causes of neck pain such as arising from a sports injury, a car accident or “sleeping crooked,” the vast majority of the time, no direct cause can be identified and thus the term nonspecific is applied. There are many symptoms associated with patients complaining of neck pain and many of these symptoms can be confused with other conditions.  Wouldn’t it be nice to know what neck related symptoms are most likely to respond to chiropractic manipulation before the treatment has started?  This issue has been investigated with very favorable results!

The ability to predict a favorable response to treatment has been termed, “clinical prediction rules” which in general, are usually made up of combinations of things the patient says and findings from exams. In a large study, data from about 20,000 patients receiving about 29,000 treatments, was collected and analyzed to find out what complaints responded well to chiropractic treatment.  The results showed that the presence of any 4 of these 7 presenting complaints predicted an immediate improvement in 70-95% of the patients: 1. Neck pain; 2. Shoulder, arm pain; 3. Reduced neck, shoulder, arm movement; 4. Stiffness; 5. Headache; 6. Upper, mid back pain, and 7. None or one presenting symptom.  Items not associated with a favorable immediate response included “numbness, tingling upper limbs,” and “fainting, dizziness and light-headedness in 4-12% of the patients.  The “take-home” message here is that was far more common to see a favorable response (70-95%) of the patients compared to an unfavorable response (4-12%), supporting the observation that most patients with neck complaints will respond favorably to chiropractic treatment.

So, what do we do as chiropractors when a patient presents with neck pain?  First, after gathering preliminary information such as name, address and insurance information, a history of the presenting complaint is taken. This consists of information including what started the neck complaint (if you know), when it started, what makes it worse, what makes it better, the quality of pain (aches, stiff, numb, etc.), the location and if there is radiating complaints, the severity (0-10 pain scale), timing (such as worse in the morning, evening, etc.), and if there have been prior episodes. Various questionnaires are included that are scored so improvement down the road can be tracked and a past history that includes a medication list, past injuries or illnesses, family history and a systems review are standard.  The exam includes vital signs (BP, pulse, height, weight, temperature and respiration), palpation, range of motion, orthopedic and neurological examination.  X-ray and/or other “special tests” may also be included, when needed. A review of all the findings are discussed and after permission to treat is granted, a chiropractic adjustment may then be rendered.

We realize you have a choice in healthcare providers.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, 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 NECK PAIN! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 262-251-8306