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
Chronic Pain and Omega 6 Fatty Acids
If you suffer from chronic pain, you may be surprised to learn that the types of oils you consume are making your pain worse. The biggest offender is the omega-6 type oil. These oils cause the body to become more inflamed. The inflammation not only causes pain, but a whole bunch of other nasty diseases.
Here is what the American Academy of Pain Management has to say:
“Changes in the modern diet are largely responsible for the increasing incidence of essential fatty acid (EFA) imbalances and deficiencies.”
“The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats has changed dramatically due to the
widespread use of vegetable oils (mostly n-6 fats) in cooking and to the processing of oils to alter omega-3 fats to improve shelf life and eliminate their stronger taste (just think of the distinctive tastes of cod liver or flax oil these are high in omega-3).”
“Historical estimates place the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 oils at nearly 1:1 for prehistoric humans.”
By the turn of the century (1900), the ratio had increased to about 4:1.
The current American ratio is about 25:1. (unbelieveable !!!)
“The sharp rise is due to increased vegetable oil consumption:
from 2 lb. per year in 1909 to 25 lb. per year in 1985!”
“Many of the chronic inflammatory conditions that accompany EFA imbalance are currently treated with symptom-specific pharmaceutical drugs such as steroids, prednisone, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sulfasalazine, and colchicine.”
“The problem with such drug therapies is that they prevent the formation of ‘good’ anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, or they shift the production of one type of eicosanoid to another.”
“For effective, long-term management, eicosanoid production should be modified through dietary changes (balancing dietary intake of specific fats) and controlling insulin levels in the circulation.”
“Maintaining a proper balance between the various families of dietary fats may be one of the most important preventative measures a person can take to reduce the likelihood of developing one of the chronic diseases of modern civilization, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, and autoimmune disease.”
“And for patients who may already have one of these diseases, Essential Fatty Acid testing and therapy has been demonstrated to reduce both morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.”
For more information on natural solutions to chronic pain log on to: www.stopyourfibronow.com or www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com
Information for this article was taken from:
American Academy of Pain Management
Weiner’s Pain Management
A Practical Guide for Clinicians
Seventh Edition, 2006, pp.584-585
Edited by Mark Boswell and B. Eliot Cole
What Stretches Can I Do For My Sciatica?
I am asked this question quite often, and the correct answer is a little complicated.
Stretching does not alleviate sciatica. It only makes it worse.
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower back and goes all the way down the legs to the toes. It commonly gets irritated from poor posture, degenerative discs, narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), swollen joints in the spine, or problems with the pelvic joints (sacro-iliac joints).
When the sciatic nerve gets irritated or pinched, it is very painful. As a response, the muscles in the buttocks and the back of the legs spasm up. Because the muscles are cramped and spastic, people with sciatica want to stretch. Typically, they bend forward and stretch the hamstrings or they lay on the back and pull their legs up.
These stretches loosen up the spasms and give slight relief of the pain. However, the stretching also elongates the sciatic nerve and causes more irritation. The nerve irritation causes more pain and spasm. So, the patient stretches more. They get temporary relief from relaxing the spasms, but the nerve gets more irritated. This leads to more pain and spasm…so the patient stretches more…and on and on it goes.
The stretching only gives temporary relief, but in the end, it makes the patient worse.
The best thing to do if you suffer from sciatica, is to get the cause of the problem solved. You should find out if the cause is poor posture, degenerative discs, swollen spinal joints or a sacro-iliac joint problem. All these conditions are treatable. If the condition is properly treated, the sciatic pain and spasms go away.
For more information on sciatica treatment log on to: www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com
Low Back Pain and Balance
What do low back pain and balance have to do with each other? Well, a lot! First (and most obvious), poor balance can lead to falling, which is the number one cause of injuries after the age of 70 (which includes low back pain). Unfortunately, as we age, we lose both balance AND bone density – a double whammy when it comes to falling, as this combination can result in fractures of low back vertebra. Below is a chart that shows what the “normal” length of time we should be able to stand on one foot (eyes open and eyes closed):
As this chart illustrates, over time, we rapidly lose our ability to balance, especially when we close our eyes. In fact, many of us cannot stand on one leg with our eyes closed for more than a few seconds well before the age of 59! Try it! Stand up in a corner of a room or in a doorway where you can grab onto the wall or door jams if you lose your balance. (We certainly do not want you to fall during this test!) Look at your watch or a clock with a second hand and count out loud in time with each second on the clock, “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, …..”– you get the idea. Once you have the rhythm down, try counting first with your eyes open for 30 seconds and then try it again with the eyes closed. Quite different, isn’t it? Now switch legs and try it again – eyes open first and then eye closed counting in time with the passing of each second. If you’re not pleased with you performance, try it over again a few times. If you’re like most of us, you may feel a little inadequate right now. Most of us need to start including some “balance exercises” into our daily routine.
So, why is it that we lose our balance so easily as we age? This is mostly because we become less active or, more sedentary as we advance in age, partially because we’re not interested in doing activities that require balance. Also, we get afraid of falling down. Remember, when we were young(er), we romped around and bounce off walls and fell all the time. It was “routine” to come home from school with grass stains on our knees and backyard sports always resulted in falling, sometimes pretty hard! Rolling down a hill to purposely getting dizzy was quite attractive to us as kids – but certainly not now! In fact, getting on the floor to play with the kids usually leaves us sore for at least a few days. Now, I’m not suggesting we all run out and start rolling down hills, jump up and down or purposely fall down. But, including active “balance” exercises into our daily routine should be THE LEAST we should do. So, go for a brisk walk or a slow jog, ride a bike, walk in the park on uneven ground.
YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR LOW BACK PAIN! FOR MORE INFORMATION< LOG ON TO: www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com
Fibromyalgia: How Do I know I Have It?
To answer this question, let’s first define fibromyalgia (FM). FM is a condition that is diagnosed basically by eliminating all other possible causes, including inflammatory joint conditions. Lab testing includes tests for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and infection. X-ray and MRI’s may be ordered to rule out disc problems, fractures, tumors and infections.
There are essentially no blood tests, imaging studies or neurological tests that can specifically diagnose FM. It is when all these tests come back negative, that the diagnosis of FM is used. The history is probably the most important tool that helps to diagnose FM. Most of these patients will report that the onset is gradual, often present for years. There is usually no specific cause, though there are specific conditions (such as irritable bowel syndrome, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis and others) that can result in “secondary fibromyalgia”.
The big differentiating feature is the presence of widespread, whole body pain – NOT just low back pain or neck pain or headaches, etc. In FM, there is often pain in the legs, arms, torso, back and neck. These people basically, “…hurt all over.” Typically there is no radiating pain down the leg or arm that follows a specific nerve pathway.
Another unique feature of FM includes sleep dysfunction. In many cases, sleep interruptions occur 2, 3 or more times a night, often with difficulty in returning back to sleep. The quality of pain is often described as numbness, tingling, burning, achy, deep, boring, and most importantly generalized in location (all over the body). The intensity is usually reported as high (>6/10 pain scale scores). The past history usually includes multiple visits to many different types of doctors. Many attempts at different medications is common. Most medications do not help.
Even with these unique historical features, it is still necessary to “rule out” other conditions by running tests. This is especially important when FM is secondary to other conditions as FM can overshadowed by other conditions. It is important to find doctors that have the experience to diagnose it and treat it effectively.
Treatment for FM includes many of the same methods for treating other musculoskeletal conditions. Spinal manipulation, various forms of physical therapy and low level laser therapy – LLLT, can improve function, reduce pain, and reduce the need for medications. In addition, dietary management using an anti-inflammatory diet (gluten free diet) and supplementation (a multiple vitamin, calcium/magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, Vit. D, and CoQ10) can be very effective.
YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG_FREE RELIEF FROM FIBROMYALGIA! FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: www.stopyourfibronow.com
Why Gluten Free?
Gluten Free is a nutritional buzz word that is floating around quite a bit lately. You can find these words more and more on the labels you see in the grocery store. But…what does it mean ? And, why are we seeing it more and more ?
Well…gluten is a substance found in grain especially wheat. But , it is also found in corn and some other grains. The problem is that many people are allergic to it. If you have blood type O you are genetically susceptible to reactions to it. But, other blood types can develop an allergy as well.
The allergic reactions can cause a wide range of symptoms. Headaches, stomach upset, stuffy nose, fatigue, constipation, diahhrea, anal bleeding, swelling of the joints, behavioral problems, depression and anxiety. Also, patients with fibromyalgia usually do better on a gluten free diet.
When I started practice 15 years ago, I used to suggest people who are having these problems to stop eating white flour. (bleached flour) The processed white flour concentrates the gluten and gives people stronger reactions to it. However, now thanks to wonders of genetic engineering (sarcasm)…we now have whole grain wheat that is just as high in gluten content if not higher.
The reason the gluten content has been made higher is because gluten is the substance that makes dough sticky. If you want to make a fluffy bread or gooey pastry or a cracker shaped like a fish, the gluten helps the dough or batter hold together. The higher the gluten content, the easier it is to make the wacky treats Americans love to eat and then wonder why they are getting sick.
Gluten is really common because it is present in so much of our food. Try finding a processed food that does not contain wheat or corn. Its tough.
The result is, lots of people are having gluten related health problems. Especially, kids who don’t have well developed intestinal linings. This can lead to the gluten getting into the blood stream undigested. Then you get some really bad problems. Lots of allergic reactions.
As a side note, if you have a child with behavioral problems, take him/her off wheat, milk and sugar for a month. At the end of the month, if you don’t have a different kid, let me know, it will be a first.
The good news is there are many products now available that are gluten free and easy to find. The grocery stores now carry them. Many times right next to the products you normally buy. Just a few years ago, it was really hard to find this stuff. And…when you did…the products tasted…really bad. But things have come a long way.
For more information on nutrition and health log on to www.painfree-greatposture.com
For more information on how I treat fibromyalgia log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com
Neck Pain Self-Help Techniques
Neck pain can flare up for many reasons. Trauma, posture problems, bad pillows and chairs or excess stress can all cause neck pain. Research says that the best treatment for neck pain is chiropractic care. But a good chiropractor is not always available. Here’s what to do when neck pain strikes:
- Acute stage: This is the period of time when neck pain first starts and it’s usually very sore and painful. This stage occurs immediately after an injury and continues for 24 to 48 hours but can be perpetuated for a week or longer if you are careless about your activities and keep irritating it. Injuries to the neck are similar to a cut on the skin. If you pick your cut, it will bleed again. Sometimes, you have to wait a week or two before you can, “…pick off the scab.” This analogy also applies to neck pain after an injury. At this stage, you need to apply the principle of “PRICE” (Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate). OK, I guess we’re not going to “compress” or “elevate” our neck but certainly the others apply nicely. To protect the neck, avoid quick/unguarded movements as these can “…pick at the cut” and re-injure the tissue. Rest means you may have to hold back on some activities that are strainful and might also, “….pick at the cut.” Ice is a WONDERFUL pain killer and anti-inflammatory and should be rotated on/off/on/off/on at 20 minute rotations of ice/no ice/ice/no ice/ice. This creates a “pump-like” action that pushes away the swelling and therefore, reduces pain. After 24-48 hours, you can alternate ice/heat/ice/heat/ice at 10/5/10/5/10 minute intervals as heat relaxes tight muscles and as a result, can help reduce pain. These self-help techniques can continue for a few days to a whole month, depending on the degree of injury and, how “nice you are” to yourself (so you don’t over do it!) Cervical traction (home over-the-door traction) can really help a lot too!
- Sub-acute stage: This stage of healing starts anytime after 48-72 hours and can last 4-6 weeks or more, depending on again, the degree of injury and is “niceness” dependant! During this stage, the callus (scab) is hardening and its becoming stronger/less likely to “re-bleed.” During this stage, range of motion, fiber stretching, isometric exercises can slowly be integrated into your program. Progressively harder exercises and re-introduction back into “normal” activities should be emphasized during this stage.
- Chronic stage: This stage can last from 8 weeks to 1 or more years. When neck pain persists, determine which activities you can do, including exercises. When “flare-ups” occur, a brief time period with PRI(CE) is nice! Exercises here can be helpful based on your tolerance and exercise experience.
If pain persists in any of these stages and you want to get relief, call our office. For more helpful tips log on to www.painfree-greatposture.com.
YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR NECK PAIN! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 262-251-8306
Fibromyalgia: The Dirty Dozen of Exercise
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common chronic condition that affects millions of people. The overview of the symptoms is widespread pain in the muscles accompanied by pain, fatigue, and “…just feeling wiped out!” Sleep deprivation is a common problem and some feel sleep loss for any reason — stress, past injury, current illness, etc. — can result in FM and restoring sleep is a key component to treatment. Here are 14 key points to consider to effectively “manage” or gain control of FM (as there is no “cure”):
- Keep Moving: Exercise of a REGULAR BASIS. The presence of pain is NOT a reason to NOT exercise – a common mis-belief about FM. Exercise is not only good for your muscles but it also helps improve the circulation, maintain bowel regularity, and reduce stress.
- Talk To Your Doctor: Always discuss your fitness plans with us, your chiropractor! It’s important to have a structured plan to follow and most importantly, START SLOWLY!
- “Learn” Your Limitations: Around the house, at work and in the gym, learn what you can handle by slowly introducing new activities into your routine. Don’t feel guilty about taking multiple breaks during your day!
- Remember to Stretch: To improve flexibility, improve muscle tightness, and reduce pain, gentle stretching exercises are VERY rewarding! These can be done at any time of the day and also as a “warm up” and “cool down” before and after your exercise session.
- Make It Fun: Choose exercises that appeal to you such as bicycling, swimming, or walking – make it fun! Exercise in a location that is appealing such as walking in a park, or in the woods. Take your dog (or the neighbor’s dog) for a walk. Try to achieve thirty minutes of movement-based exercise each day.
- Set Realistic Goals: Don’t try to run a marathon on your first day of exercise. You need to determine what you can handle by gradually introducing the activity. For example, start with a 5 or 10 minute walk and set a goal of 30 minutes by the end of the 1st or 2nd week. Then work on speed or pace. Make sure the exercises you choose do not aggravate your condition further.
- Make Sleep a Priority: Restless, non-restoring sleep is a common complaint of FM patients. Exercise can really help faulty sleep patterns. Set a sleep schedule – go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Also, talk to us about nutritional options.
- Block Out Distractions: Use ear plugs, “noise machines,” or an eye mask to block out sleeping distractions.
- AVOID Caffeine: Coffee, chocolate or caffeine rich soda can disrupt sleep patterns well into the night. Avoid these for at least four [4] hours before bedtime.
- Reduce Stress: Just struggling with FM is stressful enough! Yoga, meditation, deep breathing and relaxation exercises can be extremely helpful is reducing stress.
- Learn To Say No: It’s OK to say “no.” We’re all too busy but with FM, additional worries and stress really take their toll!
- Socialize Wisely: Socialize with people who have a positive attitude – choose your friends wisely. Remember, the glass is always at least “half-full!”
We recognize the importance of including chiropractic in your treatment planning and realize you have a choice of providers. If you, a friend or family member requires care for FM, 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 REAL RELIEF FROM FIBROMYALGIA FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: www.stopyourfibronow.com
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
So what IS CTS? According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (National Institutes of Health), CTS occurs as a result of the median nerve, which is located in the middle of the forearm and hand on the palm side, getting pinched or squeezed at the wrist. This results in numbness, or tingling and later, weakness in the part of the hand that is innervated by the median nerve (palm and index, 3rd and half of the 4th fingers). The reason this occurs so frequently is primarily due to the way the wrist is designed. There are 8 little wrist bones that make up the “tunnel” (“U” shaped-see pictures)
There are 9 tendons that travel through the tunnel and the median nerve sits on top of the 9 tendons, just under the “roof” of the tunnel (a ligament). When the hands and fingers have to move rapidly such as when typing, playing piano, working on a fast paced, repetitive motion job (eg., packing cookies, meat packaging, etc.), the tendons rub together and create friction. As a result, the tendons swell and the median nerve gets squeezed or pinched between the swollen tendons and the roof (ligament). This process results in the symptoms: numbness, tingling, burning, itching, “half-asleep,” driving numbness, difficulty picking up things with the finger tips, buttoning a shirt, grip/pinch weakness (opening a jar weakness), difficulty in differentiating between hot and cold, and sleep interruptions from the numb/tingling sensations. If not properly treated, the muscles at the base of the thumb can shrink (“atrophy”).
Chiropractors are appropriately trained to diagnose and treat CTS – most importantly, WITHOUT SURGERY! The following represents a logical, effective chiropractic treatment approach for CTS: 1) Joint manipulation: this includes the hand, wrist, forearm, and in some cases, the elbow, shoulder, and neck; 2) Exercises: wall/wrist stretches, isometric and isotonic resistance; 3) Cock-up wrist splint use, especially at night; 4) Ergonomic modifications (workstation issues); 5) Physical therapy modalities such as low level laser therapy.
We realize that you have a choice in who you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend or family member require care for CTS, we would be honored to render our services.
YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR RELIEF FROM CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME! OR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: www.relieffromcarpaltunnel.com
Vitamin Therapy For My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
As with most problems of the body, there are a multitude of causes and cures and rarely is there a magic bullet for anything, including carpal tunnel syndrome. At our clinic, we look at how the wrist and neck are aligned to see if there is an irritation or compression on the nerves that pass through the carpal tunnel. We use a detailed examination of both the wrist and neck to see if your carpal tunnel symptoms may actually be referred from your neck.
Most patients will benefit from other aspects of our comprehensive approach, such as specific stretches or exercises and appreciating how our lifestyle choices can also influence symptoms.
While excessive weight is a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome (obese and overweight patients have a greater risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome), there are also other dietary approaches that have been tried to cure or alleviate symptoms. One of these is vitamin therapy, specifically vitamin B6. This is an important vitamin for many complex bodily functions, including maintaining a strong immune system. It also supports glucose or blood sugar functions.
Recent research (Ryan-Harshman M, Aldoori W. Carpal tunnel syndrome and vitamin B6. Canadian Family Physician 2007;53(7):1161-2.), has shown that although the research is weak on the subject, there appears to be modest evidence that supplementing their diet with vitamin B6 can help some patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. This effect has to be balanced against any known risks, which appear to be very rare and not severe. The recommended daily dose is about 100-200 mg and this can be taken for a few months with a gradual reduction in the dose after this time. Other authorities believe it’s better to take the B vitamins in a complex form rather than one vitamin in isolation. There may be some biochemical synergy to taking the various B vitamin forms together, which is how they are often sold in stores. You can also get B6 from natural food sources such as potatoes, garbanzo beans, and fortified cereals. Older adults and those who consume excessive alcohol can be at risk for developing a vitamin B6 deficiency.
But proper treatment can only begin after a thorough diagnosis to determine the cause of your symptoms.
YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF! FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: http://www.relieffromcarpaltunnel.com
