Fibromyalgia: Vitamin Recommendations

Fibromyalgia (FM) can be characterized by pain that is widespread, not limited to a single anatomical area but rather can affect the arms, legs, trunk, head and neck. This Health Update will concentrate on a few specific vitamin recommendations with the understanding that a “good” diet such as one low in glutens (wheat, corn, barley, rye), rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, with an emphasis of omega 3 rather than omega 6 fatty acids, can be highly effective in and of itself.  More importantly, it doesn’t make sense to abuse your diet and expect any vitamin recommendation to be highly effective.  So the plea is, PLEASE practice a good “anti-inflammatory” diet, such as that briefly outlined above PLUS take the following vitamins:

1. Multivitamin/mineral: This captures a little of everything and serves as a foundation (like the base of a pyramid) for more specific vitamin recommendations.  In most cases, it is wise to skip iron as this is not usually a missing nutrient for most people and can be toxic for some.  If however, iron has been recommended for you, feel free to include it.
2. Magnesium (Mg): Magnesium is a missing nutrient as most foods do not include Mg and it is a vital nutrient in many of the pathways where proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down in the body.  Since it cannot be easily obtained through the diet, a supplement of Mg is wise.
3. Omega 3 fatty acids: There must be a balance between the anti-inflammatory omega 3 and the pro-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids.  Most people consume far more omega 6 vs. omega 3 fatty acids (instead of the other way around) by consuming things like fast foods and potato chips.  There are long lists of omega 3 and omega 6 foods available on the internet – just “search” these and try to achieve a 3:1 omega 3 vs. omega 6 ratio. When choosing this supplement, many options will be available such as, “1000 mg of Fish Oil.”  But, take a careful look at the label to determine how many pearls/pills are recommended per day as this can vary quite a bit. There are two primary active ingredients abbreviated EPA and DHA that are the important part of “fish oil.”  Generally, about 1000mg of each per day is ideal, which usually requires 3-4 pearls per day (which may mean 3-4000mg of “fish oil” — not “one-a-day”).
4. Vitamin D: Even if you don’t read magazines or newspapers, you probably have heard some of the many wonderful things about Vitamin D.  Some of these benefits include anti-cancer (cervix, prostate, and others).  It’s also been reported as an anti-depressive and more effective for reversing the symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) than stimulation using the correct type of light. It is a strong anti-inflammatory and hence, has a role in the treatment of most diseases as most conditions include an inflammatory component.  The FDA has recently raised the minimum recommended daily allowance from 400 IU to 2000 IU/day.  It has been reported that 70% of people living in the sunbelt are Vitamin D deficient as the ONLY good source of Vitamin D is from sunlight and most of us avoid too much sun for skin cancer reasons.
5. CoQ10: This is a very strong anti-oxidant and it’s been highly recommended for anyone with any heart related conditions.  Anti-oxidants have MANY health benefits! Try 100mcg/day.

We recognize the importance of including chiropractic in eliminating your fibromyalgia pain.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR TREATMENT THAT ELIMINATES YOUR FIBROMYALGIA PAIN ! FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO www.stopyourfibronow.com

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”):

1. 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.
2. 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!
3. “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!
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Block Out Distractions: Use ear plugs, “noise machines,” or an eye mask to block out sleeping distractions.
9. 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.
10. Reduce Stress: Just struggling with FM is stressful enough!  Yoga, meditation, deep breathing and relaxation exercises can be extremely helpful is reducing stress.
11. 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!
12. 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

Fibromyalgia And Your Upper Neck

How can a spinal problem possibly contribute to your fibromyalgia symptoms? As with many disorders, especially pain, the nervous system is involved. The nervous system can get affected thorough structural changes in the spinal column. The classic one is the disk bulge producing a painful sciatic nerve. But, there are also other ways to interfere with the function of nervous system.

When viewing the neck from the side, there should be a forward curve with your head above your shoulders, not in front of them. When forward head carriage is present or when there is a reduction in this forward arch, this may cause additional strain to the upper cervical spine or spinal cord, allowing delicate nerves to be compromised. Chiropractic care should improve your posture if this forward head carriage is present.

The upper neck can also be influenced by mal-alignment  of the upper vertebrae, such as the atlas. This small bone supports the weight of the skull and is necessary for the great rotational range of motion of the neck.

During neck trauma, the head and neck can be put through a violent range of motion that causes the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) to tear. Blows to the head, childhood or sports injuries and even poor sleeping posture, can cause the upper neck vertebrae to displace, injuring the soft tissues of the joint. Swelling and inflammation can also be a source of irritation to the nervous system. Scar tissue can develop after trauma, which may affect the precise movements of the upper neck.

The atlas surrounds the spinal cord and as it displaces, it can also pull or tether the spinal cord through attachments of delicate ligaments (dentate). This could cause irritation to the nervous system.

The disorders of poor posture and displaced vertebrae can be assessed through x-rays. Range of motion tests are necessary to see how your function may be affected. In some patients, fibromyalgia symptoms can improve substantially. However, most people will need a comprehensive approach that also incorporates an exercise program and nutritional or weight loss support. Chiropractic care is a natural alternative for those who wish a drug-free and non-invasive approach. It carries few risks of side effects and is balanced by the potential to help patients who also have spinal disorders contributing to their poor health.

YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF! FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: http://www.stopyourfibronow.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

Low Back Pain: Is It Serious?

Back problems can cause a good deal of worry and for good reason. Any problem that doesn’t go away on its own in a reasonable period of time should be a cause for concern. Rarely, severe back pain can be caused by tumors and other destructive processes, so it’s important to have these serious conditions ruled out with a thorough examination and x-rays or other imaging.

The other serious aspect of back pain, much more common than a spinal cord tumor, is how it can affect your quality of life, often with devastating consequences. Research has shown how disabling severe back problems can be. In terms of quality of life, the decrease can be even more than that seen with heart and lung problems. This may not seem correct at first glance, but if you think about a back problem making you unable sit or function at work, or basically being able to enjoy life, then it becomes more understandable.

The trouble is, many of us think lying on the couch will do the trick, or taking aspirin every day is a good long-term solution.

We direct our care at improving the posture and mobility of the spine as a way to speed recovery. We find that just addressing the pain with medications or adhering to strict bed rest can be counter productive. The treatments are applied in a careful and specific manner. As the loads on the spine are more equalized and as joints begin to exhibit more flexibility, the body is placed in a more optimal environment for healing. Since self-care is also integral to our approach, we will encourage proper stretching and exercises to help maintain and extend what we can do in the clinic.

YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF! FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: http://www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com

Whiplash: What Are The Odds of a Permanent Injury?

I’m sure you’ve heard someone claim, “…you’re not really injured – you’re just going for a big settlement!”  Or, “…that person isn’t really hurt, they’re just in it for the money!” Though there are cases that may fit this scenario, the majority of people who are injured in a motor vehicle collision would gladly forfeit any settlement to have their health and sometimes their life back. So, where in this process does the truth lie?  Do most people “fake” their complaints or, are they really in pain? And, is there a way to determine who is more likely to suffer with problems long after their case is settled?

To answer this question, the Quebec Task Force (QTF), published two studies to investigate what types of whiplash injuries, which they term “whiplash associated disorders” (WAD), sustained in a rear end or side impact motor vehicle collision might end up with no residual injury vs. those more likely to become permanently disabled or impaired. The first of the two studies published in 1995 introduced 3 categories of injuries:

1. Those with neck pain, stiffness or tenderness only – no clinical (exam) findings;
2. Neck complaints and clinical findings including decreased ranges of neck motion;
3. Neck complaints and loss of neurological function including numbness or weakness in arm strength and/or altered reflexes.

The QTF then set out to investigate whether this approach could indeed accurately predict those more vs. less likely to end up with significant disability with ongoing problems.  They published these results in 2001 and found if they broke down the 2nd category into two groups, those with vs. without neck motion loss, those patients who fell into the 2nd group (with neck motion loss) and the 3rd group (those with neurological signs) were more likely to suffer long term disability compared to those in groups 1 and 2a (without neck motion loss).  However, these conclusions have been challenged by many as being too simple because they do not include the psychological problems like depression, anxiety, and poor coping abilities, all of which play an important role in predicting long term disability.  Also, treatment strategies must include aspects to deal with the post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and coping, not just the biological injury aspects. A convincing study published in 2008 looked at 226 studies on this subject and reported on 7 prognostic factors and found that 50-75% of people with current neck pain will report neck pain again 1-5 years later. Older age and psychosocial factors including psychological health, coping patterns, and the need to socialize were the strongest predictors.  Three other potential predictors that require more investigation include the presence of arthritis, genetic factors, and compensation policies.

The bottom line or best advice to minimize our chances of having chronic, disabling neck pain after a car crash is, don’t stop living!  That is to say, carry on with work and hobbies as much as you possibly can so that you don’t fall into the negative spiral of disability.  If you feel yourself slipping, get help sooner than later!  Pain relief and function restoration are strong goals and chiropractic has been found to be one of the first and most effective forms of treatment recommended by all treatment guidelines published on whiplash management. Comparing potential side effects, medications carry a significant list of negative effects while chiropractic carries very few and, a host of positive benefits.

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

Non-surgical Scoliosis Treatment Without Bracing

One of the toughest things I have had to watch over the last fifteen years of practice, is how people with scoliosis are treated.  Medically, scoliosis is treated with two options,  bracing and fusion surgery.  Both of which are harsh options that can lead to a lifetime of pain and serious health consequences.

The medical people in my area probably won’t like me for writing this article, but I felt that I need to speak up.  And, if I can keep one kid off the operating table or from going through the pain that bracing causes, I feel I’ve done my job.

If you or your child has scoliosis you need to find out the cause.  Are there malformed bones ?  Tumors ?  Infection ?  This requires imaging studies like X-rays, CT or MRI scans.  These conditions are rare, but they do happen and imaging will quickly find them.  Tumors and infections must be treated immediately.

Most scoliosis is called idiopathic scoliosis.  That means, they don’t know the cause.  As a result, the treatments are misguided and detrimental.  Which always leads me to ask the question; how can you correct something if you don’t know the cause?

The typical scenario goes something like this:  A child gets a physical at his primary doctor or at school, and they notice a curvature in the spine.  The doctor or nurse tells the parents and refers them to an orthopedic specialist.  They take some films and find out they have idiopathic scoliosis.  If the curvature is measured to be below 40 degrees, the child is given a brace which the he or she will have to wear as close to 24/7 as possible.  The child is usually terrified at this point and must be talked into (or scared into) wearing it.

Now, keep in mind, idiopathic scoliosis in children is rarely painful.  However, it starts becoming painful after the bracing begins.  Children will often be up all night crying.  They suffer embarrassment at school and become limited in their daily activities like gym class and sports.  All this to find out that six months later when they are checked again, the curvature is the same or worse.

If the curvature is over 40 degrees, or if the parents and child can’t stand what is happening with the brace, surgery is suggested.  The surgery involves cutting the patient open and fusing the spine with rods and screws.  This is done, “to keep the curve from getting worse.”  Which it usually does.  The only problem is, now the area of fusion can’t move.  So the child may be severely limited in terms of activities after surgery.  Also, this fusion can cause biomechanical problems in the spine that can lead to debilitating pain.  Just having the metal hardware in the body can cause a myriad of symptoms.

The surgery may have to be re-done if the child’s growth causes problems.  Another problem many people fail to consider is this…once that rod is in there…it stays in there !  There are very few doctors with the training and the courage to take the rod out once its in there.

So what’s the answer ?  How should scoliosis be managed ?  By people who straighten spines for a living.  Chiropractors.

Chiropractors have been managing scoliosis patients for over 100 years.  Without surgery and with little or no bracing.

Mostly due to competitive reasons, orthopedists tend to scoff at chiropractic, saying it doesn’t work on scoliosis.  They often say there is no evidence that it helps.  There is evidence…its just not published in orthopedic journals.  (for obvious reasons)  There are many chiropractic techniques that help scoliosis.  They can even help after the child has been braced.

Unfortunately, they can’t undo surgery.  At that point, chiropractic can only be used for pain relief.

The smartest thing to do if you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis is to get a second opinion.  Explore your options.  Take a deep breath and relax.  You aren’t in a rush.  Don’t let anybody talk you into immediate drastic action, like bracing or surgery.

See a chiropractor, but not just any chiropractor.  Make sure the one you choose uses techniques that work to correct scoliosis.  Some chiropractors use different techniques that aren’t designed to correct scoliosis.   Some have attended schools that unfortunately do not teach scoliosis management as part of their curriculum.

Don’t expect overnight miracles.  Good scoliosis treatment can take several months to years.  Much like braces on teeth.  But, corrections can be made without dangerous surgery and without painful bracing.

I use a technique that does a consistently good job straightening scoliosis.  I like it because it works on the cause of scoliosis and lets the body correct itself.

To find out more about it, log on to www.painfree-greatposture.com or www.abcmiracles.com/scoltestimonials.htm

To set up a free consultation with me, call Jennifer at 262-251-8306.

Patient Had Vertigo But is Now Doing Much Better

How to Improve Your Odds of Crash Survival

You might ask, what does this headline have to do with chiropractic?  It’s often said case management or patient care is much more than just what we do to our patients (such as in chiropractic, applying a spinal adjustment). The patient education portion of our care plan can frequently make or break a successful outcome in a case.  It is the goal of this Health Update to potentially save your life by empowering you with the knowledge needed when it’s time to purchase your next car.  This is about what specific automobile features contribute to crash survival – hence, saving lives!

Did you know the car you choose can improve the odds of crash survival by 400%? In the popular magazine Consumer Reports, they wrote, “Ultimately, safety is active and passive, balancing the ability to avoid an accident and to survive one.” Typically, the first thing we do as consumers when we consider safety in a particular car is to look at the crash-test results.  While this is important, we must first consider the size and weight so we compare crash-test results between cars in the same weight class since statistics show there are two times as many occupant deaths annually in small vs. large cars. Keeping size and weight in the foreground, when evaluating crash-test results, the front and rear end “crumple zone” of the car should be designed to absorb crash forces by buckling and bending in a serious collision. If you’ve ever watched race cars crash, you usually see car parts bend and break off as they bounce off the guard rail or other cars, sometimes to the point where all that is left is the cage surrounding the driver.  Amazingly, the race car driver often climbs out of the cage and walks away, seemingly unharmed.

The next important car feature to consider is a car with a structurally superior passenger compartment. Look for a high quality “restraint system” made up of 3 components: seat belts, airbags, and head restraints. These work together to keep us safe and in place during a crash while the outside of the car crumples, absorbing the energy of the crash.

So where do you look to get this information?  There are several resources available:

1. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) tests front end impacts at 35 mph, and in 1997 added side impact tests at 38 mph.  They also test for the rollover potential for SUVs and trucks and grade the results for each category from 1 to 5 stars representing the likelihood of suffering a life-threatening injury in a crash.
2. Since 1995, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has used a method reviewed by Consumer Reports as being more realistic by crashing only half of the vehicle at similar speeds into fixed barriers, since most crashes are not direct, whole car strikes.
3. Consumer Reports is a 3rd option. They integrate the data from both NHTSA and IIHS and gives us their “CR Safety Assessment,” and run 40 new cars each year through numerous individual tests.

Other important “accident avoiding” features often overlooked include: Tires – greatly impact braking and emergency handling so REPLACE them as needed; Braking-check for the distance required to stop the car at different speeds- the shorter, the better; Emergency Handling-data about accident avoidance and choosing a vehicle with electronic stability control (ESC), especially in SUVs is wise; Acceleration-the quicker a car can get to highway speeds, the better; Driver position and visibility-a good view of the surroundings, especially the “blind spots” is important.  We realize 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.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR WHIPLASH! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 262-251-8306 OR FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: WWW.THECHIROPRACTICIMPACTREPORT.COM