How To Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep is really important for your health.  Lack of sleep has been shown to cause blood sugar problems, heart disease, poor work performance and increases in musculoskeletal pain.  Along with many other health problems.

When you sleep, your body repairs itself.  If you aren’t sleeping well or long enough, the body tends to get broken down.  You also have more pain when you haven’t slept enough.

Here are some keys to a good night’s sleep:

1. Get your body adjusted.  Body alignment problems can irritate your nervous system, causing it to be overstimulated.  You will feel uncomfortable or unable to wind down enough to sleep.  Getting chiropractic care relieves nervous tension and helps you to sleep.
2. Make sure your mattress and pillows are correct.  A firm mattress is necessary to support your spine along with a pillow set at the proper height.  This is a BIG key to getting comfortable and waking up without pain.  If you wake up with pain, something is wrong with how you are sleeping.  If you sleep on your back, be as flat as possible.  If you are on your side, use a higher pillow.  Stay off your stomach.
3. Don’t eat too much sugar.  Eating sugar can cause your blood sugar to drop in the middle of the night.  This is a big reason why people wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep.

The best company to get a mattress from is called Chiromatic Sleep Systems.  You can check them out at www.chiromatic.com.  The Mattress model we like is the 5842 for adults and the 5840 for kids.  They have a 15 year warranty, which is un-heard of in the industry.  Most mattress warranties are 5 years.  They have a 30 day sleep warranty, you can sleep on it for 30 days and if you don’t like it, you can send it back. They also come to your house to deliver it and they haul the old one away.

The prices are very comparable to mattresses you would get at other mattress stores.  The 5842 goes for $999.00 twin, $1299 full, $1499 queen and $1799 king.   The 5840 goes for $799 twin, $899 full, $1099 queen and $1399 king.  You can contact our office for more information on ordering.  Call 262-251-8306.

If you like taking a short nap, check out www.powernap.com.  They have a CD I use and really like.  It’s like getting 3 hours of sleep in 20 minutes.  I like it a lot and it works really well.  They also have a product called Fibronap which is helpful for fibromyalgia sufferers who need to enhance different sleep cycles.  I like the products, and they are cheap and easy to use.  All the data is on their site.

For more information on how I treat fibromyalgia and back pain log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com  or www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com

Does Weather Increase Back Pain?

Did you ever know someone who could predict the weather based on their aching joints?  They might be pretty accurate according to a recent scientific paper.

A study that appeared in the journal Spine on June 15, 2004 stated that there was a link between weather conditions and spinal pain.

26,862 patients were evaluated at 23 different centers across the US.  Patients were evaluated with an assessment tool called an SF-36, which is a survey that measures general health status. They found a positive correlation between barometric pressure and negative health status.

The article noted “The most commonly implicated climatic variables are high humidity, cold temperature, and low barometric pressure, interesting all indicative of impending storms.”

The research suggests that “abnormal impulses generated at injured areas could contribute to increased pain and paresthesias and that these impulses are sensitive to and aggravated by cold temperature.”

The weather doesn’t cause pain, but it does aggravate pain that is already there.  The best course of action is to get the underlying causes of the pain addressed so you don’t feel so bad when the weather shifts.

For more information on non-drug, non-surgical relief for chronic pain, log on to:  http://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

Fibromyalgia – Tips From Real Patients

We have discussed fibromyalgia (FM) from many perspectives but what we haven’t done yet is listen to what actual FM patients have to say about what works and what doesn’t work.  Rather than reading about what “the experts” say about FM and what to do for it, let’s take a different perspective – let’s talk to those who have FM and hear what they have to say about the “do’s and don’ts.”

Consider the following great “pearls of wisdom” for those suffering from FM:

• Stick to a schedule—it helps.
• Know when you’re pushing too much, and listen to what your body is telling you.
• Keep a journal every day about what you do and how you feel.
• Focus on the 4 P’s: pacing, problem solving, prioritizing, and planning.
• Work on your communication skills, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.
• Exercise and diet are very important.
• Acknowledge your limits—recognize what you can and can not do.
• Exercise if you can—swimming helps me because it’s easier on the joints.
• Don’t overdo it or your symptoms will really kick in.
• Know your limitations—if you’re tired, know when to rest.
• Join a support group—or even start one yourself.
• Stay informed—there’s a lot of research and helpful information out there.
• Find a doctor who really sits down and listens to you and understands your pain.
• Use your friends and family as support.
• Learn about Fibromyalgia by reading up on the subject.
• Accept help when you need it.
• Wear a sweat suit when you exercise on the stationary bike; the heat may help to soothe your muscles.
• Sleep is very important. Try not to nap during the day so you can sleep better at night.
• It’s important to take your medication as prescribed.
• Balance your meals with a low-fat, high-protein diet. Drink plenty of water.
• Stretching, swimming and walking may help you deal with the pain.
• Keep moving and enjoy life.
• Exercise! Keep those muscles and bones flexed and firm. But do not overdo it!
• Write down the things that may have brought about your pain.
• Keep this list on your refrigerator as a reminder.
• This is just one way to help you manage the severity of your next “bad” day.
• List the people you can rely on ahead of time to help you on your “bad” days.
• Just knowing that you have backup may help reduce your stress.
• Your support network can help with completing important tasks.
• For example, on a “bad” day, ask them to run an errand or pick up your children from school.
• Sometimes, they could just be there to listen.

With all the above in mind, you may also consider alternative treatments for your fibromyalgia.  There are some excellent pain relieving therapies available, that most doctors don’t know about.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG-FREE TREATMENT FOR FIBROMYALGIA!

FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: http://www.stopyourfibronow.com

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Can We Prevent It?

The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is commonly associated with repetitive motions or, working long hours with fast hand movements such as on an assembly line, food packing line, waitress work, or on a computer keyboard and mouse.  However, there are many other possible causes that are less commonly discussed such as pregnancy (caused by generalized water retention), birth control pills (same reason), obesity (same reason), rheumatoid arthritis, hormonal disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease, and menopause and others.  Of course, if one combines a fast repetitive job with a hormonal disorder, the chances are increased even more for developing CTS. Essentially, any condition that results in an increase in swelling within the carpal tunnel (wrist), will potentially cause CTS so injuries like sprains/strains, fractures, sports injuries, tendonitis and so forth are all potential causes of CTS.  Common symptoms of CTS include: numbness in the 2nd to 4th fingers/hand, pain in the same location, waking up at night needing to shake or “flick” the fingers, driving related numbness, weakness in the grip, difficulty buttoning a shirt, and performing fast repetitive tasks (sewing, crocheting, knitting, cooking) or awkward wrist position tasks (auto mechanic, waitress, musicians, electricians, plumbers, carpenters).

Knowing the cause is important when considering CTS prevention. It is also important to realize the pressure within the carpal tunnel doubles in people without CTS and increases six times in people with CTS when we flex or extend our wrist up or down so sleeping with the wrist straight REALLY HELPS!  This is why patients wear a wrist “cock-up splint” so they don’t accidentally bend their wrist when sleeping.  Night splints like this are also very effective so the swollen tendons and/or other structures in the carpal tunnel can properly “rest.” If a person has a history of CTS that comes and goes, depending on how active they are, wearing a night splint as a prevention approach is appropriate. The use of a wrist splint during the day is often NOT a good idea if it impedes one’s ability to do their normal or needed tasks.  This is because we will irritate the forearm where the splint hits when we flex / extend the wrist and localized bruising can result (sometimes increasing the symptoms of CTS).  Using a splint on long drives can also be helpful as driving frequently irritates CTS.

Here is a list of precautions that may help in reducing the onset, or if present, the frequency/intensity of CTS symptoms:

1. Reduce your force and relax your grip
2. Take frequent breaks
3. Watch your form
4. Improve your posture
5. Keep your hands warm

Though these strategies can help, make sure you properly manage any existing “other problems” listed in the middle of the 1st paragraph.  Also, as discussed in prior Health Updates, chiropractic management offers a great non-surgical solution to the management of CTS and should FIRST be utilized before considering surgery!

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR NON-DRUG NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OF FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME!  FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO; WWW.RELIEFFROMCARPALTUNNEL.COM

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

How Much Does Back Surgery Cost?

According to the Virginia Healthcare and Hospital Association, the average spinal surgery without complications costs $77,107.  If the surgery has complications, it ranges from $117,901 to $260,584.  This does not include doctors fees.

Of course, this does not include human costs like pain, suffering, time spent in rehabilitation, time spent away from family, lost activities like sports and hobbies, continued pain after surgery, doctors visits and on and on.

As a contrast, according to Chiropractic Lifecare of America, an insurance organization,  the average course of chiropractic treatment, for the same conditions, is $3,799.

Quite a difference.

If you consider the success rates of surgery when compared to chiropractic, it’s a wonder anyone has spinal surgery at all.

For more information on low back pain, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and sciatica, log on to www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com

The Little Known Secrets to Treating Degenerative Discs

Degenerative disc disease is rampant in America.  It affects almost everyone to a certain extent, but roughly 65 million American get pain from it every year.  But, what is it ? and, what can be done about it ?

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is really another term for arthritis of the spine.  The discs of the spine are located between the spinal bones (vertebra).  They are made of a tough outer layer (the annulus) and a soft inner layer (the nucleus).  The discs allow the spine to bend and give your body flexibility.  They also act like shock absorbers, which take the pressure off your bones when you jump run or walk.

Unfortunately, just like the shock absorbers in your car, discs wear out.  The process is called DDD.  It starts when bones of the spine get out of position and cause more pressure on weaker parts of the discs.  These parts will tear a little bit and swell.  This will cause some pain.  After a while, if left untreated, the swollen area will attract calcium and you will get arthritis in the area.  That leaves the area stiffer and more prone to injury.  The arthritis will progress throughout your life if left untreated.

The disc is just like a shock-absorber in your car that wears out faster, the harder you are on it.  Wear and tear on your spine, speeds up arthritis.  If you injure yourself often, have bad posture, lift heavy things, run with bad shoes, etc., you will wear out your discs faster.

You can wear out a disc at age 20 or age 90, it all depends on how badly it has been injured or mis-treated.  The pain from DDD is usually at its worst between ages 30 and 60.  After 60 elements of the disc that feel pain die off, as the bones fuse together.  The pain may lessen, but the stiffness remains.

A common comment I hear from patients is “ I went to see Dr. So and So, and he told me I have the spine of a 80 year old”.  I usually am polite when I hear this and nod my head.  But in the back of my mind I am thinking “Dr. So and So, doesn’t know much about DDD.”  I’ve seen 80 year olds with no DDD whatsoever and I’ve seen 25 year olds with discs that are completely destroyed.  DDD gets worse over time, but wear and tear is the biggest reason discs wear out.

What can be done if you have a degenerative disc ?  You will need to address the problem from multiple angles.  First,  the bones around the disc need to be in proper alignment.  If they are left mis-aligned the disc tissue will continue to be swollen and wear out.  So spinal and posture re-alignment is the key to helping the disc heal.

From there, dietary and lifestyle changes will need to be made to keep the disc healthy.  Adding anti-oxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to the diet help decrease inflammation.  Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and heavy drinking definitely help.  Also, sleeping on the correct mattress, wearing good shoes and sitting in better chairs will help take pressure off the spine and help the area to heal.

For more information on degenerative disc disease, log on to: www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com

What Happens in “Whiplash?”

Whiplash is a slang term for an injury that occurs to the neck after the head has been literally “whipped” either forwards and backwards or sideways after a sudden jar. Therefore, this can occur from a slip / trip and fall, a bar room brawl, as well as from the classic car accident or motor vehicle collision. But what REALLY happens in a “whiplash” injury? To answer this, let’s talk about: 1. The mechanism of injury; 2. The different types of injuries; and 3. The treatment options.

1. The Mechanism of injury: Let’s take the example of a rear-end crash from a motor vehicle collision (MVC). In this scenario, the “target” vehicle is struck from behind by the “bullet” vehicle propelling it forwards.

All of this occurs in LESS TIME than what we can NORMALLY voluntarily contract a muscle, which takes about 500 msec., so even when we anticipate the impending crash and we brace ourselves, we can’t really stop our neck from going through these movements.

2. Types of injuries: The term “sprain” refers to ligament (tough non-elastic tissue that holds bone to bone) injury and “strain” muscle/tendon (elastic tissues that move our bones) injury. There are 3 grades of sprain & strains (mild, moderate, and severe).  When these tissues are injured, there is usually a loss of movement and neck pain but not arm numbness or pain. When there is nerve injury, there is arm pain, numbness &/or weakness and generally, this is more serious but usually manageable without the need for surgery. When fractures occur, it’s either stable or unstable and may require surgery &/or a rigid collar.

3. Treatment: Most whiplash injuries are safely managed by chiropractic approaches (fractures are the exception).  Studies have shown that early movement results in a better result than wearing a collar or, not allowing movement. Therefore, gentle mobilization and manipulation approaches “…as soon as tolerated” favor a better outcome or result. There are many different techniques we use to help speed up the recovery process. Prompt treatment is important!

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR WHIPLASH! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 262-251-8306 Or log on to: www.painfree-greatposture.com