Monday, July 31, 2017

What Conditions Can Chiropractic Care Help?

You probably know that chiropractic care can help with back pain, headaches and neck pain. Well, you are right! Yo may not know that chiropractic care can help with numerous other problems. Research supports that chiropractic care may also improve the following (see references below):

Ulcers (1)
Athletic/sport performance (2)
Asthma (3-5)
Pulmonary function (6)
Immune function (7, 8)
Chronic pain (9)
Cost-effectiveness (10-13)
Crohn's disease (14)
Whiplash (15-17)
Injuries/Soft Tissue Disorders (18)
Workers compensation injuries (11, 19)
Colic (20)
Ear infections (otitis media) (21)
Vision (22-26)

These are only a few of the studies that relate to things other than what people normally think of for chiropractic. This is in addition to alot of research on the effectiveness of chiropractic care helping back pain (9, 10, 27-36), neck pain (37-41) and headaches (41-44).

Chiropractic care is not about specifically treating any of the above conditions. Chiropractic care improves the functioning of the body and allows it to restore it's health.

Chiropractic uses the spinal adjustment to influence the biomechanics and function of your spine and allow better function to result. In many cases, various disorders can be traced back to the spine, particularly where there are nerves enter/exit the spine. This is one of the reasons why chiropractic can help with such seemingly diverse problems.

References

1. Pikalov AA, Kharin VV. Use of Spinal Manipulative Therapy in the Treatment of Duodenal-Ulcer - a Pilot-Study. J Manip Physiol Ther 1994;17(5):310-313.

2. Schwartzbauer J, Kolber J, Schwartzbauer M, Hart J, Zhang J. Athletic performance and physiological measures in baseball players following upper cervical chiropractic care: a pilot study. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research 1997;1(4):1-7.

3. Bronfort G, Evans RL, Kubic P, Filkin P. Chronic pediatric asthma and chiropractic spinal manipulation: A prospective clinical series and randomized clinical pilot study. J Manip Physiol Ther 2001;24(6):369-377.

4. Balon J, Aker PD, Crowther ER, Danielson C, Cox PG, O'Shaughnessy D, et al. A comparison of active and simulated chiropractic manipulation as adjunctive treatment for childhood asthma. N Engl J Med 1998;339(15):1013-1020.

5. Nielsen NH, Bronfort G, Bendix T, Madsen F, Weeke B. Chronic Asthma and Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation - a Randomized Clinical-Trial. Clin Exp Allergy 1995;25(1):80-88.

6. Kessinger R. Changes in pulmonary function associated with upper cervical specific chiropractic care. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research 1997;1(3):1-7.

7. Brennan PC, Kokjohn K, Kaltinger CJ, Lohr GE, Glendening C, Hondras MA, et al. Enhanced Phagocytic Cell Respiratory Burst Induced by Spinal Manipulation - Potential Role of Substance-P. J Manip Physiol Ther 1991;14(7):399-408.

8. Brennan PC, Triano JJ, McGregor M, Kokjohn K, Hondras MA, Brennan DC. Enhanced Neutrophil Respiratory Burst as a Biological Marker for Manipulation Forces - Duration of the Effect and Association with Substance-P and Tumor-Necrosis-Factor. J Manip Physiol Ther 1992;15(2):83-89.

9. Giles LGF, Muller R. Chronic spinal pain - A randomized clinical trial comparing medication, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation. Spine 2003;28(14):1490-1502.

10. Meade TW, Dyer S, Browne W, Frank AO. Randomized Comparison of Chiropractic and Hospital Outpatient Management for Low-Back-Pain - Results from Extended Follow-Up. Br Med J 1995;311(7001):349-351.

11. Manga P. Economic case for the integration of chiropractic services into the health care system. J Manip Physiol Ther 2000;23(2):118-122.

12. Smith M, Stano M. Costs and recurrences of chiropractic and medical episodes of low-back care. J Manip Physiol Ther 1997;20(1):5-12.

13. Stano M, Smith M. Chiropractic and medical costs of low back care. Med Care 1996;34(3):191-204.

14. Takeda Y, Arai S, Touichi H. Long term remission and alleviation of symptoms in allergy and crohn's disease patients following spinal adjustment for reduction of vertebral subluxations. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research 2003;4(4):1.

15. Davis C. Chronic pain/dysfunction in whiplash-associated disorders. J Manip Physiol Ther 2001;24(1):44-51.

16. Khan S, Cook J, Gargan M, Bannister G. A symptomatic classification of whiplash injury and the implications for treatment. Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine 1999;21(1):22-25.

17. Woodward MN, Cook JCH, Gargan MF, Bannister GC. Chiropractic treatment of chronic 'whiplash' injuries. Injury-Int J Care Inj 1996;27(9):643-645.

18. Crawford JP. Chiropractic intervention in the treatment of joint and soft tissue disorders. Can J Appl Physiol-Rev Can Physiol Appl 1999;24(3):279-289.

19. Jay TC, Jones SL, Coe N, Breen AC. A chiropractic service arrangement for musculoskeletal complaints in industry: a pilot study. Occup Med-Oxf 1998;48(6):389-395.

20. Wiberg JMM, Nordsteen J, Nilsson N. The short-term effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of infantile colic: A randomized controlled clinical trial with a blinded observer. J Manip Physiol Ther 1999;22(8):517-522.

21. Fallon. The Role of the Chiropractic Adjustment in the Care and Treatment of 332 Children with Otitis Media. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics 1997.

22. Bilton D, Stephens D, Gorman F. Tunnel vision information: A paradox of ethics, economics, politics and science. J Manip Physiol Ther 1998;21(7):468-478.

23. Gorman RF. The Treatment of Presumptive Optic-Nerve Ischemia by Spinal Manipulation. J Manip Physiol Ther 1995;18(3):172-177.

24. Stephens D, Gorman F, Bilton D. The step phenomenon in the recovery of vision with spinal manipulation: A report on two 13-year-olds treated together. J Manip Physiol Ther 1997;20(9):628-633.

25. Stephens D, Pollard H, Bilton D, Thomson P, Gorman F. Bilateral simultaneous optic nerve dysfunction after pariorbital trauma: Recovery of vision in association with chiropractic spinal manipulation therapy. J Manip Physiol Ther 1999;22(9):615-621.

26. Wingfield BR, Gorman RF. Treatment of severe glaucomatous visual field deficit by chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy: A prospective case study and discussion. J Manip Physiol Ther 2000;23(6):428-434.

27. Meade TW, Dyer S, Browne W, Townsend J, Frank AO. Low-Back-Pain of Mechanical Origin - Randomized Comparison of Chiropractic and Hospital Outpatient Treatment. Br Med J 1990;300(6737):1431-1437.

28. Breen A, Breen R. Back pain and satisfaction with chiropractic treatment: What role does the physical outcome play? Clin J Pain 2003;19(4):263-268.

29. Harvey E, Burton AK, Moffett JK, Breen A. Spinal manipulation for low-back pain: a treatment package agreed by the UK chiropractic, osteopathy and physiotherapy professional associations. Man Ther 2003;8(1):46-51.

30. Hayden JA, Mior SA, Verhoef MJ. Evaluation of chiropractic management of pediatric patients with low back pain: A prospective cohort study. J Manip Physiol Ther 2003;26(1):1-8.

31. Hurwitz EL, Morgenstern H, Harber P, Kominski GF, Belin TR, Yu F, et al. A randomized trial of medical care with and without physical therapy and chiropractic care with and without physical modalities for patients with low back pain: 6-month follow-up outcomes from the UCLA low back pain study. Spine 2002;27(20):2193-2204.

32. Hsieh CYJ, Adams AH, Tobis J, Hong CZ, Danielson C, Platt K, et al. Effectiveness of four conservative treatments for subacute low back pain - A randomized clinical trial. Spine 2002;27(11):1142-1148.

33. Dishman JD, Cunningham BM, Burke J. Comparison of tibial nerve H-reflex excitability after cervical and lumbar spine manipulation. J Manip Physiol Ther 2002;25(5):318-325.

34. McMorland G, Suter E. Chiropractic management of mechanical neck and low-back pain: A retrospective, outcome-based analysis. J Manip Physiol Ther 2000;23(5):307-311.

35. Blokland MP, Bolton JE, Gration J. Chiropractic treatment in workers with musculoskeletal complaints. JNMS-J Neuromusculosketal Syst 2000;8(1):17-23.

36. Nyiendo J, Haas M, Goodwin P. Patient characteristics, practice activities, and one-month outcomes for chronic, recurrent low back pain treated by chiropractors and family medicine physicians: A practice-based feasibility study. J Manip Physiol Ther 2000;23(4):239-245.

37. Evans R, Bronfort G, Bittell S, Anderson AV. A pilot study for a randomized clinical trial assessing chiropractic care, medical care, and self-care education for acute and subacute neck pain patients. J Manip Physiol Ther 2003;26(7):403-411.

38. Bronfort G, Evans R, Nelson B, Aker PD, Goldsmith CH, Vernon H. A randomized clinical trial of exercise and spinal manipulation for patients with chronic neck pain. Spine 2001;26(7):788-797.

39. Jordan A, Bendix T, Nielsen H, Hansen FR, Host D, Winkel A. Intensive training, physiotherapy, or manipulation for patients with chronic neck pain - A prospective, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Spine 1998;23(3):311-318.

40. Rogers RG. The effects of spinal manipulation on cervical kinesthesia in patients with chronic neck pain: A pilot study. J Manip Physiol Ther 1997;20(2):80-85.

41. Hurwitz EL, Aker PD, Adams AH, Meeker WC, Shekelle PG. Manipulation and mobilization of the cervical spine - A systematic review of the literature. Spine 1996;21(15):1746-1759.

42. Tuchin PJ, Pollard H, Bonello R. A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. J Manip Physiol Ther 2000;23(2):91-95.

43. Nelson CF, Bronfort G, Evans R, Boline P, Goldsmith C, Anderson AV. The efficacy of spinal manipulation, amitriptyline and the combination of both therapies for the prophylaxis of migraine headache. J Manip Physiol Ther 1998;21(8):511-519.

44. Vernon HT. The effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of headache: An exploration in the literature. J Manip Physiol Ther 1995;18(9):611-617.

Disclaimer

Reading this blog should not be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship.

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Lessons For A Long and Happy Life

Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara is a newly found idol of mine. He passed away this month at age 105, still working up to 18 hours a day seeing patients. After reading a couple of articles and interviews with him, he had some of the following gems in regard to living a long and fulfilling life:

Energy comes from feeling good, not from eating well or sleeping a lot.

Don't be overweight.

Have plans and projects well into the future - years into the future.

Don't retire, or if you must do it later than 65.

Share what you know and contribute to help others.

Carry your own things, and take the stairs, not the elevator.

The best way to handle pain is to have fum.

It takes more than science to heal and cure, it takes art and relationships.

Don't be crazy trying to amass material things and more stuff.

When a doctor recommends you take a test or have some surgery, ask whether the doctor would suggest that his or her spouse or children go through such a procedure.

http://www.businessinsider.com/doctor-who-studied-longevity-dont-retire-2017-7?utm_content=buffer89c0d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer-ti

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2009/01/29/people/authorphysician-shigeaki-hinohara/#.WXtFLhXyuUl

Disclaimer

Reading this blog should not be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship.

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

99% of Former NFL Football Players Shown to Have Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

The research is showing a strong association of football players and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the condition that results from multiple head concussions. Autopsy studies of former players brains revealed evidence of CTE at all levels of play, worse in the college and professional athletes.

87% of all the brains studied, and 99% of those of former NFL players had CTE.

This is a real problem that needs to be addressed at all levels - high school, college, professional, etc.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/the-latest-brain-study-examined-111-former-nfl-players-only-one-didnt-have-cte/2017/07/25/835b49e4-70bc-11e7-8839-ec48ec4cae25_story.html?utm_term=.caebe56708e2

Disclaimer

Reading this blog should not be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship.

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Spinal Health and Quality of Life

Image result for spinal health mobility senior

The stronger and more mobile your back and spine is in your 60's and 70's, the greater quality of life you will experience according to a new study out of Japan. Greater back muscle strength standing, better spinal alignment, and more spinal flexibility in a group of men who's average age was 70 was shown to go along with a higher quality of life in physical and mental measures.

Improving spinal alignment, mobility, and strength is exactly what we do in our Chiropractic office. Those who are consistent with their spinal health and wellness care can look forward to the best chances for a better quality of life as they age!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3099149/

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Reading this blog should not be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship.

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

A Life of Meaning and Satisfaction: Can You Have Both?

A study published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, found that people in richer and poorer countries have different levels of life satisfaction and meaning.

In general, life satisfaction was substantially higher in wealthy nations than in poor nations, but meaning in life was higher in poor nations than in wealthy nations. Satisfaction results from having better “objective living conditions” according to the authors.

People in wealthier nations were more educated, had fewer children, expressed more individualistic attitudes, and were less religiously observant compared to those in poorer countries -- all factors that were associated with higher life satisfaction but a significantly lower sense of meaning in life. Richer countries also had higher suicide rates than poorer countries.

The role of religion, especially in poorer countries seems to be the most important factor for developing a sense of meaning in life. More than education, fertility rates, social networks and relationships. People in poorer countries have less resources, more economic stresses, and more personal difficulties in their lives. These adversities are thought to foster a greater need to look and explore religion for deeper meanings and answers to life's questions.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131218100139.htm

Disclaimer

Reading this blog should not be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship.

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Back Pain Relief without Drugs!

"Growing research shows that a combination of hands-on therapies and other nondrug measures can be just as effective as more traditional forms of back care, including drugs and surgery. And they’re much safer."

This quote is from an article in the June 2017 issue of Consumer Reports. In the past

Consumer Reports had not been very friendly, and even biased against, Chiropractic

physicians and other non-drug practitioners. They have come full circle by realizing what

patients, the current research, and expert opinions are now saying. Care by Chiropractors

is a first choice for back and spinal pain conditions.

http://www.consumerreports.org/back-pain/the-better-way-to-get-back-pain-relief/

Disclaimer

Reading this blog should not be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship.

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Monday, July 24, 2017

Food Groups and Health: Results of A Review of The Studies

A review of the studies involving 12 major food groups and their association with death rates (all-cause mortality) was recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The 12 major food groups, including whole grains, refined grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, eggs, dairy, fish, red meat, processed meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages. They found the following associations:

Less mortality (lower death rates) with higher levels of whole grain, vegetable, fruit, nut, legume, and fish consumption.

More mortality (higher death rates) with higher levels of red meat, processed meat, egg, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/105/6/1462.full

Disclaimer

Reading this blog should not be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship.

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Sunday, July 23, 2017

SUNSCREEN: USE LOTIONS NOT SPRAYS

Summer is in full swing! Everyone knows to use some form of sunscreen for protection against the harsh summer sun. At this time it's best to use sunscreen lotions rather than sprays. The FDA is still investigating the safety of inhaling the chemicals in sunscreen sprays. Also, sprays may not be as effective for UV protection.

It's best to avoid sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and retinyl palminate. Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and a maximum of SPF 50, and make sure labels list UVA and UVB (or broad spectrum protection).

Remember to apply at least 2 ounces of lotion (about a shot glass full) and reapply often.

AND, remember that the best protection from the sun is not letting it's rays touch the skin. Hats, clothing, umbrellas, tents, and shades limit sun exposure beyond what's needed for a good dose of Vitamin D and a nice tan!

Disclaimer

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Friday, July 21, 2017

Get Stronger, Get Smarter

A new study out of Finland showed that greater muscle strength is associated with better brain function in aging men and women. This was shown when measuring total upper and lower body strength, not just handgrip strength as was done in the past.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170626093546.htm

Disclaimer

Reading this blog should not be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship.

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Monday, July 17, 2017

Taking Your Brain For a Walk

A 1-Hour walk, 3 times a week, has benefits for dementia according to new research. In the study the walkers had more efficient brains and better thinking skills now than the control group. Walk on!

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/well/move/a-1-hour-walk-3-times-a-week-has-benefits-for-dementia.html?_r=0

Disclaimer

Reading this blog should not be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship.

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Friday, July 14, 2017

A Cup of Tea a Day Can Help Keep Dementia Away

Having your daily tea may keep your brain functioning healthy.

Researchers in Singapore have found that regular consumption of tea lowers the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly by 50 per cent, and those genetically at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease may experience a reduction in cognitive impairment risk by as much as 86 per cent.

Any particular type of tea gave these results, as long as the tea is brewed from tea leaves, such as green, black or oolong tea.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170316093412.htm

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0033062017300488

Disclaimer

Reading this blog should not be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship.

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Running as a Key Lifestyle Medicine for Longevity

In a recent article, "Running as a Key Lifestyle Medicine for Longevity", the authors reviewed the impact of running on overall health. If running was a drug it would be a blockbuster! Here are some of the findings:

Runners have a 25%–40% reduced risk of early death and live approximately 3 years longer than non-runners.

Running is protective against both cardiovascular disease and cancer, the two leading causes of death in most developed countries including the US.

Running may be protective against mortality resulting from neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and respiratory infections.

Runners also tend to engage in other healthy behaviors that contribute to their increased longevity such as maintaining a normal body weight, not smoking, and consuming light-to-moderate amounts of alcohol.

The diagram below highlights the benefits of running:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0033062017300488

Disclaimer

Reading this blog should not be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship.

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates,

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.