MIGRAINES ARE MORE THAN A PAIN

12 percent of Americans suffer from migraines. One in four families has an affected member. If you or anyone you know suffers with migraines, you know how much time and life is lost waiting for the pain to subside.In addition, after the headache is over there is often a period of fatigue, poor concentration or mood changes. 

The pain of a migraine can be so searing you may feel like drilling a hole through your head. In fact, this was the remedy of choice 3,000 years ago when evil spirits were thought to be the culprit behind migraines.While there are plenty of drugs that combat migraines, no magic bullet exists.

Many migraines have multiple causes, including irritation on the nervous system from the joints of the neck (cervical spine), jaw (TMJ), and head (cranial bones). Chronic strain on the muscles of the head and neck from poor posture or bad movement habits also contribute to migraines. TOO MANY PEOPLE WHO MAY BE HELPED BY CHIROPRACTIC CARE DON'T KNOW IT!

Our treatment approaches include: 1.Adjustments to the neck, jaw, and head (cranial work); 2. Muscle and fascial release (Active Release Techniques or ART, trigger point stimulation, myofascial release); 3. Posture correction exercises and other exercises; 4. Education about job modifications; 5.Co-management with other health care providers, if medication or injection therapy is needed. People in chronic pain, such as migraine headaches, often have bad outcomes. Below is one such story: 

Music legend Ian McLagan has died of complications related to a stroke. He was discovered in his home in Manor last night after he failed to show up for a band rehearsal. He was 69. McLagan was rushed to University Medical Center Brackenridge and placed on life support. He passed away this afternoon at 2:39. "He was a beloved friend to so many people and a true rock n roll spirit," McLagan's manager Ken Kushnick said in an e-mail. "His persona and gift of song impacted the music across oceans and generations."

Though the British Invasion may have led the way, the Small Faces weren’t far behind in the 1960s, with a pounding pub rock driven by McLagan’s keyboard. McLagan’s Hammond B3 swirl would also drive the sound of Rod Stewart and Faces in the 70’s. In later years, McLagan made his home in Central Texas, rekindling his career both as a solo artist and a sought-after sideman recording with the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, among many others. 

In recent years, McLagan had undergone a series of treatments for debilitating migraines. "I've been on about five, six medications over the period of the last 9, 10 years," he told KUT in 2010. "I was starting to feel suicidal."

 "I walked on the stage of the Lucky Lounge one Thursday night and didn't know what the hell I was doing. I started one song about four, five times. I made a joke out of it, but I knew it was the medication and I decided I was going to stop it," McLagan said. "I never took it again, and I actually should have [instead] slowed it down." "I've taken all kinds of medications. Nothing really does it, frankly. Honestly, I think pot is the only that's a real distraction for me and I wish they'd make it legal," he said.  McLagan was set to begin a tour with veteran rocker Nick Lowe in Minneapolis. 
 http://kut.org/post/music-legend-ian-mclagan-dead-69

MIGRAINES ARE MORE THAN A PAIN

12 percent of Americans suffer from migraines. One in four families has an affected member. If you or anyone you know suffers with migraines, you know how much time and life is lost waiting for the pain to subside.In addition, after the headache is over there is often a period of fatigue, poor concentration or mood changes.

The pain of a migraine can be so searing you may feel like drilling a hole through your head. In fact, this was the remedy of choice 3,000 years ago when evil spirits were thought to be the culprit behind migraines.While there are plenty of drugs that combat migraines, no magic bullet exists.

Many migraines have multiple causes, including irritation on the nervous system from the joints of the neck (cervical spine), jaw (TMJ), and head (cranial bones). Chronic strain on the muscles of the head and neck from poor posture or bad movement habits also contribute to migraines. TOO MANY PEOPLE WHO MAY BE HELPED BY CHIROPRACTIC CARE DON'T KNOW IT!

Our treatment approaches include: 1. Adjustments to the neck, jaw, and head (cranial work); 2. Muscle and fascial release (Active Release Techniques or ART, trigger point stimulation, myofascial release); 3. Posture correction exercises and other exercises; 4. Education about job modifications; 5. Co-management with other health care providers, if medication or injection therapy is needed.

People in chronic pain, such as migraine headaches, often have bad outcomes. Below is one such story:

Music legend Ian McLagan has died of complications related to a stroke. He was discovered in his home in Manor last night after he failed to show up for a band rehearsal. He was 69. McLagan was rushed to University Medical Center Brackenridge and placed on life support. He passed away this afternoon at 2:39. "He was a beloved friend to so many people and a true rock n roll spirit," McLagan's manager Ken Kushnick said in an e-mail. "His persona and gift of song impacted the music across oceans and generations."

Though the British Invasion may have led the way, the Small Faces weren’t far behind in the 1960s, with a pounding pub rock driven by McLagan’s keyboard. McLagan’s Hammond B3 swirl would also drive the sound of Rod Stewart and Faces in the 70’s. In later years, McLagan made his home in Central Texas, rekindling his career both as a solo artist and a sought-after sideman recording with the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, among many others.

In recent years, McLagan had undergone a series of treatments for debilitating migraines. "I've been on about five, six medications over the period of the last 9, 10 years," he told KUT in 2010. "I was starting to feel suicidal." 

"I walked on the stage of the Lucky Lounge one Thursday night and didn't know what the hell I was doing. I started one song about four, five times. I made a joke out of it, but I knew it was the medication and I decided I was going to stop it," McLagan said. "I never took it again, and I actually should have [instead] slowed it down." "I've taken all kinds of medications. Nothing really does it, frankly. Honestly, I think pot is the only that's a real distraction for me and I wish they'd make it legal," he said.  McLagan was set to begin a tour with veteran rocker Nick Lowe in Minneapolis. 

http://kut.org/post/music-legend-ian-mclagan-dead-69

Texting Is A Pain In The Neck!

Smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-readers and other electronic devices are causing havoc with their users spines.
 
People between the ages of 30-50, are sending and receiving on average at least five or six text messages on a daily basis. 

People under the age of 30, average sending a minimum of 3,000 text messages per month. In many cases, the volume is much higher.

79% of 18-44 year olds  have their phones with them 22 hours a day.

There's even a new term for people developing headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and back pain from using these devices: Text Neck.

Text Neck is an overuse syndrome involving the head, neck and shoulders, usually resulting from excessive strain on the spine from looking in a forward and downward position at any hand held mobile device, i.e., mobile phone, video game unit, computer, mp3 player, e-reader. This can cause headaches, neck pain, shoulder and arm pain, breathing compromise, and much more. 

What to do? I recommend these following:

1. See your Chiropractor. Chiropractors are the spinal health and posture experts. We can examine and find the cause(s) of your pain and poor posture and develop a treatment plan specifically for you to get results.

2. Practice good posture habits (ergonomics) when using your mobile device. These include:

• Hold your phone close to your body and at approximately eye level. To do this keep your elbows close your body, bend them so your phone is now eye level.

• Avoid using mobile devices while in bright sun light. Straining to see the screen leads to jutting the chin forward, shifting work from the spine to the muscles that hold up the head. 

• If sitting on a couch or chair, provide yourself with good back support (a pillow will work), then place pillows on your lap to support your arms and raise your phone closer to eye level. This also works well when using your iPad or laptop as well.

• Be mindful of holding your head over your shoulders and frequently perform chin tucks. A chin tuck is a simple stretch that can counteract poor posture. With your head level, simple pull your chin back (like you would be making a double chin), hold a few seconds, and repeat 5-10 times or more as needed.

• If your phone or device has a dictation program, use it!

• The best way to avoid text neck is to limit the use of your mobile device. If you need to send a longer e-mail, wait until you have access to a computer or consider calling the person rather than texting.

3. Exercise  to improve your posture and reverse the effect of Text Neck. This link has a series of 4 good exercises to do: 

http://www.thedoctorstv.com/articles/576-text-neck-exercises



For more information:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/omg-youre-texting-your-way-to-back-pain/
http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/Technohealthy/Text_Neck.pdf

The Dangers of Chronic Untreated Back Pain

This past weekend I attended a seminar by Dr. James Cox, the renown expert on treating chronic back pain, herniated discs, and stenosis. Dr. Cox is the founder and developer of the Cox Technic, and has published books on Low Back Pain and Neck and Shoulder Pain which are in their 7th and 4th printings respectively.

Some key points covered that all people with ongoing or returning spinal pain conditions should know:

~ Back pain that recurs or is ongoing and chronic causes nerves for pain and the sympathetic nervous system to grow in the joints and the discs of the spine. That means that each episode of back pain will be worse due to an overreaction of the nervous system. Pain that would previously have been a 3 then feels like a 9. Pain trains the brain to amplify pain signals. Then, even slight movements or activities set it off.

~ Chronic pain physically changes the brain, making it more susceptible to sensing pain. 

 ~13% of people with chronic back pain are suicidal.


~ Chiropractic adjustments and exercise decrease the brain's pain perception.


~ 3/4 of the people with herniated discs do not have nerve pain.

~ Sciatica (leg pain) without back pain is chemically based. Disc material leaks out and irritates the nerve.

~ Chiropractic adjustments reduce pressure in the spinal discs.

SMOKING IS A PAIN IN THE BACK!

Smoking contributes to chronic back pain. A new Northwestern Medicine study has found that smokers are three times more likely than nonsmokers to develop chronic back pain. If you want to lessen your chances of chronic and often debilitating back pain, avoid cigarettes.

How this happens is fascinating. Smoking stimulates parts of the brain that register pain signals, making them more sensitive. Essentially, if a pain signal from back pain would normally be 3, smoking primes the brain to register it as a 7. There seems to be a connection to addiction, so smokers who stop smoking show a lowered sensation to the chronic pain.

Medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, were shown to help manage pain, but it didn't change the activity of the brain circuitry. These overactive circuits remained ready to fire and flare up causing ongoing back pain.




http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141103142320.htm

YOUR NECK MAY BE CAUSING ALOT OF YOUR HEALTH PROBLEMS

Many people suffer from a number of symptoms and conditions that are coming from their neck (cervical spine). Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Headache that usually starts in the back of the neck or base of the skull and radiates to the head or around the ears
• Slight blurring of vision with slight pupil dilation
• Dizziness or easy loss of balance
• Nausea or poor digestion
• Pressure behind the eyes
• Unexplained fainting attacks
• Ringing in the ears
• Numbness in side of the face, neck, head or tongue
• Tight neck muscles
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain behind shoulder blade
• Shoulder pain, arm pain, tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome
• Weakness, pain, or tingling in arm, forearm and/or hand; weak grip
• Increased sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations, slightly elevated blood pressure or fast heart rate
• Frontal chest pain
• Numbness and tingling of the fingers when awakening
• Anxiety, panic attacks or insomnia

Most of these symptoms are neurological in nature, but a few are purely postural. The simplest explanation is that poor movement or misalignment of the neck irritates the sympathetic or "fight or flight" nervous system. This could be caused by a recent or old car accident, sports injury, fall, or other neck trauma that didn't heal fully or correctly. Long term poor posture can also be a factor.

Our office is focused on finding the causes of these nerve irritations and correcting them through Chiropractic adjustments, exercise, and other hands-on and non-invasive treatments.

NSAID DRUGS FOR PAIN CAN BE DANGEROUS

NSAID drugs are used for pain (Motrin, Advil, Motrin IB, Naproxen, Naprosyn, Aleve, etc.). These drugs are NOT designed for long term use. If you're in chronic ongoing or recurring pain, we may be able to help you and keep you off these common but potentially dangerous drugs.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, NSAIDs use for pain (Motrin, Advil, Motrin IB, Naproxen, Naprosyn, Aleve) leads to more than 103,000 hospitalizations for internal bleeding, and also cause 16,500 NSAID-related deaths yearly, at an estimated cost of $15,000 to $20,000 per hospitalization. The annual direct costs of such complications exceed $2 billion. [1] It is also likel;y these deaths are under-reported.

  According to this graph, NSAID-related deaths now equal all deaths cause by AIDs death, and appears to be killing 3 TIMES as many people as asthma!

 

Reference

1. Recent Considerations in Nonsteroidal Anti–inflammatory Drug Gastropathy
New England Journal of Medicine 1999 (Jun 17); 340 (24): 1888-1899
http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/ABSTRACTS/Recent_Considerations.shtml

CHIROPRACTIC STUDENTS EVALUATE NEW POSTURE PRODUCTS!

Students at New York Chiropractic College evaluated several products that claim to improve posture -- including Posawear, the Lumoback belt and app and the Buoy seat -- and awarded them grades of B, C and A, respectively. "However, the products don't go very far to educate patients about what good posture is, and that's a really important part of what chiropractors do," said Dr. Karen Erickson.
 
TODAY SHOW

OCTOBER IS SPINAL HEALTH MONTH!

October is Chiropractic Health Month! Spread the word of natural and drug-free solutions to health problems!

Hot Packs and Creams Don't Work For Back Pain

A recent study found that 2/3 of patients self-treating their back pain using hot/cold compresses, wrapping various substances on the back, and herbal preparations get no relief or get worse. 

While I am a big advocate of people doing self-care for their back and neck pain, getting proper treatment is still the first thing. After 2 weeks of self-care with little relief, it's time to have your back and neck evaluated professionally.

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24882024

A single yoga pose each day may improve spine curvature for scoliosis patients.

A new study claims performing a single yoga pose for 90 seconds for at least 3 days a week could reduce spine curvature in patients with scoliosis in as little as 3 months. 

The side plank involves lying on one side of the body with straight knees, and propping up the upper body with the elbow and forearm. Patients required to perform the side plank on weaker side of spine.
  
The Yoga pose improved spine curvature by around 32% among all patients





 
http://bit.ly/1o7UElQ

Backpacks For Children Should Not Exceed 10-15% of the Child’s Body Weight

Backpacks have an influence on back pain in children and the weight limit should not exceed 10-15% of the child’s body weight, according to a study in the Journal of  Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics.

Heavy backpacks have been shown on MRI's of  healthy children to compress the the discs of the lower spine with increasing weight, as well as increased asymmetry of the discs.



















NY Times Backpack

"What's a Chiropractic Adjustment?"

A Chiropractic physician is a primary care professional who is focused on delivering care that is safe, natural and effective through chiropractic adjustment. Today, many people still don’t know what chiropractic adjustment is or what it is like to be adjusted by a Chiropractic physician. In this video, Dr. David Graber, an ANJC Chiropractic Physician, joins Dr. Donald DeFabio to talk about chiropractic adjustment, its benefits and so much more. Watch it here:

ANJC - How Well Adjusted Are You? 

 

Dr. Graber Goes Back To School! FAKTR training.

This past weekend I attended a fabulous seminar on FAKTR ( Functional and Kinetic Treatment and Rehabilitation), cutting edge soft tissue techniques for handling (without surgery) the most stubborn joint, tendon, muscle, and ligament conditions!

It was great to spend many hours with some excellent doctors learning how to help more people. I am incorporating this technique in the practice. Bring me your pain!

Dr. Graber training in the soft tissue technique, FAKTR.

Fruits and Vegetables Reduce Hip Fractures!

Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of hip fracture:

A Swedish study out this week has found that men and women eating less than 5 servings/day of fruits and vegetables have more hip fractures. From the study:

"We conclude that there is a dose-response association between fruit and vegetable intake and hip fracture such that an intake below the recommended 5 servings/day confers higher rates of hip fracture. Intakes above this recommendation do not seem to further lower the risk."

While that's not a large amount of food, over 93% of us don't hit our vegetable target, and 92% of us don't hit our fruit target, according to stats from the Produce for Better Health Foundation's State of the Plate: 2010 Study.

To find out how much a serving is, these links are helpful:

http://www.cookinglight.com/healthy-living/healthy-habits/how-much-serving-fruits-vegetables/apple-serving-size
http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/what_is_a_serving_of_vegetables

Eat well, be well!


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25294687

Overtraining in one sport can harm youth athletes

My letter to the NJ Star Ledger editor , published on Saturday, October 11, 2014. 

Overtraining in one sport can harm youth athletes: Letter

youth-sports.jpg

In this file photo, Newark Bears players run through drills at their Pee Wee football practice at Weequahic High School in Newark. (Andrew Miller/For The Star-Ledger)

 

Letters to the Editor/The Star-Ledger By Letters to the Editor/The Star-Ledger
on October 11, 2014 at 9:00 AM, updated October 11, 2014 at 9:07 AM

As a chiropractic sports physician who has taken care of hundreds of youth athletes during the past two decades, and a youth sports coach for 10 years, I applaud Mario Colitti's guest column in the Oct. 6 Star-Ledger.
I have seen more injuries in children and teenagers from overtraining due to specialization than from competition. Parents and coaches need to remember that these are not mini-adults and their teams are not the "junior Yankees" or "junior Giants."
Young athletes are in various stages of development in body, mind, and emotionally. Youth sports may be the only time many of them will play and compete in sports. It should be a good experience, not one of stress and injury.
David I. Graber, Mountain Lakes

Link to letter:
 http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/10/overtraining_in_one_sport_for_youth_athletes_can_be_harmful_letter.html

Mario Colitti's guest column:
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/10/young_children_should_play_multiple_sports_rather_than_specialize_in_one_opinion.html