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August 2016

Care for scoliosis, shoulder pain and brain function.

By Newsletter

Health-E-News August 2016
empowering you to optimal health

The Role of Chiropractic Care in the Management of a Child’s Scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis is defined as a side-ways curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees and has no known cause. The effects of scoliosis go beyond back pain and may include psychological distress, decreased respiratory function, changes in biomechanics and movement, and it can give rise to other debilitating conditions. Typical courses of management include physical therapy, monitoring with self-care, use of back braces, and surgical intervention in severe cases. Chiropractic is a vital role in the management of scoliosis by removing as much stress as possible to the fragile spinal joints.

A 10-year old female came to a chiropractic clinic complaining of migraines accompanied by dizziness, pain behind the right eye, loss of flexibility, shoulder tightness, and ringing in her ears while reading. Tylenol and rest were her go-to remedies; however the migraines would still occur 2-3 times per week. The initial findings of her x-rays and postural assessment showed a lateral curvature in her thoracic spine (area between shoulder blades) of 35 degrees, indicating moderate scoliosis. These were concurrent with the results of an x-ray performed by an orthopedist a month earlier. Other findings included a leg length difference of ¼ inch with the left leg being shorter, as well as a shift in her right shoulder and hip.

Over the course of six months, adjustments were delivered followed by a reassessment of leg length and posture to monitor the changes after the course of care. The child had x-rays taken for the same orthopedist she saw before beginning chiropractic care to monitor the progression of the scoliosis. The medical radiologist found the curve had decreased by 10 degrees, and was now a 25 degree curvature. There was a decreased frequency of migraines with a 75% symptom reduction, improved neck range of motion, as well as a balanced right hip and shoulder.

An upper cervical subluxation could affect the flow of information from the brain to the body about posture, proprioception, and balance which may have caused the distortion in her spine. In six months, there was a 10 degree reduction in curvature and many other benefits to the symptoms she had been experiencing. Continued chiropractic care may help further reduce the curvature and alleviate her migraines by affecting the subluxation in the upper cervical region.

Chung, J., & Salminen, B. (2011). Reduction in Scoliosis in a 10 Year Old Female Undergoing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Case Report. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health, 2011(1), 23-30.

 

What’s The 2nd Highest Risk For Early Death?

Being out of shape is a bigger risk for early death than either high blood pressure or high cholesterol, finds a large new study. In fact, the only thing worse for longevity was smoking, the study found.

The study, which spanned 45 years, was published Tuesday in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

In 1967, at 54 years of age, the 792 men did an exercise test. Of those, 656 men also did a maximum exercise test in which they pushed themselves to the limit. The remaining men were excluded from the maximum exercise test because they had a health condition that could make it unsafe.

The studies determined the men’s VO2 max, or maximal oxygen uptake, as a way to measure their aerobic capacity. The higher the VO2 max, the more physically fit the men were.

The men underwent several physical examinations every 10 years until 2012, when they would have reached 100 years old. Data on their cause of death was obtained from the National Cause of Death Registry.

“The benefits of being physically active over a lifetime are clear,” said lead author Dr Per Ladenvall, a researcher in the Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

“Low physical capacity is a greater risk for death than high blood pressure or high cholesterol.”

Original Report

If back pain, neck pain or spinal pain in general is preventing you from exercising, call us. Chiropractic can help you live a long and healthy life.

 

Another Study Shows How Chiropractic Helps Shoulder Pain

The term frozen shoulder does not refer to temperature, but is a condition involving great pain and reduced range of motion in the shoulder accompanied by inflammation and stiffness.

Traditional first line approaches to treating this condition involve nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combined with activity modification and physical therapy. If these do not work, more invasive treatments such as injections with local anesthetics and corticosteroids are prescribed. Many of these options involve looking at the shoulder itself without considering the root of the problem.

A 51 year old male presented right shoulder pain with restricted range of motion that began two days ago without any known trauma or overuse. Following examination, upper cervical adjustments were used as a trial of care. After the first adjustment, the client noted a significant reduction in pain and increased shoulder range of motion. Upon the fourth visit, the client indicated continued improvement in both pain and range of motion.

Often times the problems and symptoms are indications of a deeper problem elsewhere in the body. Subluxations of the upper cervical region of the spine may affect the function of nerves that pass through this area, including the nerves that are involved in moving the shoulder and arm. Adjustments to this portion of the spine can enhance the natural healing properties of the body to restore optimal function.

Shin, M. & Alcantra, J., (2015). Resolution of Frozen Shoulder Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2015(4), 213-216.

 

Chiropractic Does Affect Brain Function

We do know that spinal function does affect brain function. A recent study, published in the Journal of Neural Plasticity provides solid evidence that adjusting the spine changes brain function. This is the fourth time that the effect of adjusting the spine has on the brain has been studied.

This study indicates that adjustments impact the function of the prefrontal cortex. The significance of this finding is that the prefrontal cortex is the ‘conductor’ in the brain, controlling many functions within the body.

Such a finding can explain many of the previous findings of Chiropractic’s effects such as improvements in sensorimotor function relevant to falls-prevention; better joint-position sense in both the upper limb and the lower limb; improved muscle strength in lower limb muscles; better pelvic floor control; and better ability to carry out mental rotation of objects.

If, as this research suggests, adjusting improves prefrontal cortex activity, a part of the brain that is responsible for just so much higher level function, then what does this mean in terms of chiropractic’s impact on things like behaviour, decision making, memory and attention, intelligence, processing of pain and emotional responses, and more.

This study showed that Chiropractic care doesn’t just alter brain function a little, it increases the prefrontal cortex activity by 20%! This means every time you receive a Chiropractic adjustment, the part of the brain that is responsible for ‘higher level functions’ is being stimulated, increasing body awareness and allowing your body to function at a much higher level.

Lelic et al. “Manipulation of dysfunctional spinal joints affects sensorimotor integration in the pre-frontal cortex: A brain source localization study,” Neural Plasticity, Volume 2016. Original Report

Chiropractic Helps Olympians, and How Your Diet Can Save You

By Newsletter

Health-E-News September 2016
empowering you to optimal health

Are orthotics for you?

Back pain will affect seventy to eighty percent of adults at some point in their life, with millions currently affected in North America. There are many causes of back pain such as degenerative disease of the spine and hips, nerve injury, musculoskeletal disorders, lower extremity joint disease, and many more according to the literature. Focusing on the role the lower extremity plays in back pain; disorders such as flat feet alter the function of the foot due to the loss of an arch and produce abnormal motion, which can affect the biomechanics of the rest of the body. A case study looking at the relationship between lower extremity dysfunction, pelvic disorder, and back pain is discussed below.

A 26-year old male came to a Chiropractor with chronic back, leg, and ankle pain. The back pain arose three years ago following an injury lifting bricks. The pain in his leg and ankle began nine years prior and was felt in both legs, however following a broken ankle the pain in his right leg went away. Being flat footed since childhood, it was reported that after his right ankle had broken an arch in his right foot had formed and the left foot remained flat.

Upon examination it was noted that subluxations were present in the upper cervical, mid thoracic, upper lumbar, and sacral regions. During an examination of the lower extremities it was revealed that there was abnormal function of the left foot, where the collapsed arch existed. Adjustments were delivered to the areas where subluxations were present three times a week. The lower back pain resolved within three weeks of care, however the leg pain persisted. The patient was then fitted with orthotics to correct the alignment of the feet.

During a follow up examination, the patient reported a significant decrease in leg pain. Alignment problems can arise from childhood injuries and manifest in different ways during adulthood. Through the use of chiropractic care and orthotics, there was a correction of a collapsed arch as well as resolution of chronic back, leg, and ankle pain.

Mattson, R. (2008). Resolution of Chronic Back, Leg and Ankle Pain Following Chiropractic Intervention and the Use of Orthotics. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation, 2008, 1-4.

 

7 Top Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

/While the Mediterranean Diet may be well-known for benefits, such as helping your waistline and your heart, it may have other benefits you’re unaware of. This type of diet isn’t hard to shop for at a grocery store and contains plenty of nutrient-packed foods. It’s actually an older diet plan coming from the way people used to and still do eat in Spain, Italy, Turkey and Greece.

Not only will the Mediterranean diet provide all seven benefits found on this list, but it’s also a very tasty way to eat. If you’ve been searching for a new diet plan you can actually sustain, consider the benefits gained from the Mediterranean Diet.

  1. Type 2 Diabetes Protection: One of the major benefits you gain from practicing the Mediterranean diet is protection from type 2 diabetes. Since the diet includes many foods rich in fiber, it helps to slow down your digestion and keep your blood sugar from going haywire.
  2. Increases Longevity: One of the best-known benefits of the Mediterranean diet is an increase in longevity. Those practicing the diet as a way of life reduce their chances of developing cancer or heart disease. Studies have actually shown, those following the Mediterranean diet have a 20% less chance of dying, regardless of age.
  3. Better Bone Health: One of the newest benefits discovered about the Mediterranean Diet is better bone health. A study showed the quality of bone health in postmenopausal women improved after following the Mediterranean diet. This article details how the diet has proven to help with bone health.
  4. Great for Healthy Weight Loss: When you want to lose weight, you often choose a diet leaving you hungry and irritated. The Mediterranean diet won’t do that. It will provide the healthy benefit of helping you lose weight, but will also allow you to feel fuller. Since the diet is sustainable, it becomes a way of life instead of just a fad diet you practice for a month and forget about.
  5. Protects Cognitive Health: Following the Mediterranean diet has been shown to help with treating Parkinson’s disease and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s. It’s an excellent choice for preserving your memory and helping keep your mind sharp.
  6. Help you Stay Agile: The nutrients found in foods consumed when following the Mediterranean diet may help to reduce muscle weakness in seniors. This diet has also show to help with other signs of frailty.
  7. Great for Relaxation and Relieving Stress: Those suffering from chronic stress often don’t live the quality of life they want. Following the Mediterranean diet has proven to reduce stress and help you relax. Eating at a slower pace and eating local foods nearly every day helps with your mood. Of course, adding in regular physical activity will also help to reduce stress.

Whether you’re worried you might be at risk for disease or you just want to shed a few pounds in a healthy way, the Mediterranean diet may be the answer. It’s a wonderful way to eat, live and remain happy without feeling hungry or like you’re stuck hating what you eat. If you want to diet in a better way, make the Mediterranean diet your new lifestyle choice.

 

4 Top Advantages of Chiropractic Care for Athletes

Chiropractic care has become more widely accepted over the 100-year history. Many athletes, from high school football stars to Olympians, count on chiropractors to help with physical ailments. Chiropractic focuses on the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system allowing for plenty of support for all types of injuries and ailments athletes may face.

Athletes gain several advantages from regular chiropractic care before, during and after performing. Chiropractic care has become so common in sports medicine, that every NFL team has their own team Chiropractor. Here are four of the main advantages gained by athletes using regular chiropractic care.

  1. Helps Undo Punishment on the Body from Sports: When speaking of their personal successes, many athletes state that chiropractic care was a huge part of it. Top athletes, such as Dan O’Brien, Barry Bonds, and Arnold Schwarzenegger say their ability to perform was partly due to the chiropractor they saw regularly.
  2. Drug-Free Treatment/Non-Invasive: The last thing an athlete wants to do is become hooked on pain medicine or go through an invasive surgery. Surgery could mean the end of the season or even the end of a career for some athletes, such as Prince Fielder. However, with chiropractic care, athletes get the help their body needs in order to continue to perform at their best. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady believes chiropractic care helps with performance. He even says he feels about three inches taller after seeing his chiropractor.
  3. Improved Mobility: Seeing a chiropractor regularly also helps to increase mobility, which is a must for athletes. Chiropractic care fundamentally increases joint flexibility and allows for pain-free movement. Football players, weight lifters, runners and many others have all noticed an improvement in flexibility after receiving Chiropractic care.
  4. Improved Strength and Endurance: Along with increased mobility, athletes using chiropractic care often show improved strength and endurance. World-class Olympic athletes have worked with chiropractors for many years to help with range of motion, strength and endurance when training. These athletes even take their own Chiropractor to the Olympic Games.

Olympic athletes need to do everything they can to shave off mili-seconds and they rely on Chiropractic to help them. Imagine what Chiropractic can do for you!

 

Great Reasons to Eat More Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables should play a huge role in any diet. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to lose weight or just trying to eat healthy, making sure you get plenty of fruits and vegetables will provide plenty of necessary health benefits. There are several excellent reasons to eat more fruits and vegetables. Here are five of the most important.

Disease Prevention

The old adage, “an apple a day will keep the doctor away,” rings pretty true. Many fruits and vegetables help to prevent cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Fruits and vegetables with a high fiber content help protect you from coronary heart disease. In addition, potassium-rich foods, such as strawberries, bananas and potatoes can help to reduce blood pressure and decrease bone loss. Many fruits and vegetables also provide antioxidants and phytochemicals, which help to ensure healthy cells.

Low in Calories

One of the best reasons to eat more fruits and vegetables is the calorie content. Most are very low in calories. Reaching for an apple or a few grapes instead of a sugary snack is a great way to lose weight and maintain a healthier body. Some vegetables contain so few calories that you may burn more calories during the eating process than the vegetable actually provides.

Filling up on fruits and vegetables may help with weight loss, as well. Making substitutions, such as fresh applesauce for oil in a muffin recipe may not only provide a delicious treat, but a healthier one. You can also add sautéed vegetables to an omelet to fill up at breakfast without adding many calories.

Packed with Nutrients

Vegetables are rich in fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin A and vitamin C. Folate-rich foods, such as tomatoes, bell peppers and spinach are especially important for women of childbearing age. These foods help to prevent certain birth defects in babies.
Eating foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and sweet potatoes helps with eye health and skin health. The high content of fiber in vegetables, such as broccoli can also help with digestion.
Fruits are also packed with vitamins, fiber, folate and potassium. High fiber fruits help to protect against heart disease and fruits rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and strawberries help wounds heal and keep teeth healthy.

Convenient

You don’t have to cook most fruits and vegetables to enjoy them. Grabbing an apple, grapes or even a few carrots is effortless compared to the time it takes to cook a meal or prepare certain snacks. Even making a salad takes less prep time than most meals.
If you want to add something nutritious and delicious to your diet, add fruits and vegetables. You can fill up without consuming too many calories and your body will thank you for the many needed nutrients.