Friday, January 29, 2010

Subluxation Degeneration and Your Health part 2

 

The Four Phases of Subluxation Degeneration

If left unattended, a spinal subluxation can progress to varying degrees of spinal degeneration. Depending upon the degree of degeneration, chiropractic care is more likely to reverse the effects and offer a cure. Here are the four different phases of subluxation degeneration:
Phase I: This phase represents the early changes caused by chronic spinal subluxation. It’s characterized mainly by abnormal segmental motion and/or gross changes to the normal postural curves without any degenerative changes that could be seen on an x-ray. Soft tissues surrounding the subluxated joints often show changes in tone and the early stages of scar tissue (fibrosis).

Phase II: This stage represents the onset of bone and joint changes that accompany chronic spinal subluxations. The most common early signs of degeneration are irregular joint surfaces and decrease disc height.


Phase III: This point is typically associated with extensive joint and/or disc degeneration, accompanied by the bone changes that occur (i.e. bone spurs) when the body tries to stabilize the area. Early stages of spinal fusion begin to appear during this phase.

Phase IV: This phase is characterized by the extensive bony fusion that occurs when degenerative changes are left uncorrected for many years. Typically only seen in the elderly (65+ yrs), it may occur in younger individuals who experience severe trauma, infection or surgery.

Can subluxation degeneration be corrected? Fortunately, chiropractic care has been shown to stop the progression of degenerative changes in most individuals in phases I to III. The
chiropractic adjustment accomplishes this by re-establishing proper alignment and movement of the affected motion
segments of the spine. As a result, abnormal tension is removed from the joints, discs and nerves, and this promotes the health of these tissues.

Some acute episodes of subluxation spinal pain can be alleviated with one chiropractic adjustment. But most spinal conditions require weeks, months or even years of consistent care
to create total correction. Ask your chiropractor to assess your spine for subluxations in the early phases of spinal degeneration. And have your spine adjusted to prevent these smaller problems from progressing into more serious health conditions.

Chiropractic pioneer D.D. Palmer made an important observation about the impact of subluxation: “A subluxated vertebra… is the cause of 95 percent of all diseases… The other five percent is caused by displaced joints other than those of the vertebral column”

Exercise of the week.

image image

Child’s pose with forward reach – lumbar flexion.
Difficulty: Easy
(Consult your chiropractor before
engaging in this or any other exercise.)
Start: On hands and knees. Be aware of position of spine – start
with a neutral spine or a flat back.
Exercise: Allow hips to lower toward heels, and reach arms out
in front. Try to achieve a fully rounded lower back. Hold for 10-30 seconds.

Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.  ~Redd Foxx

Disclaimer: Information contained in this Topic of the Week™ Newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Subluxation Degeneration and Your Health

What is a subluxation, and how can it affect your health? imageYour chiropractor uses the term subluxation to describe the improper alignment and/or function in a specific area of the spine. This
situation affects the normal spread of nerve impulses between the brain and the rest of the body.

Chiropractic is the only profession dedicated to the proper identification and correction of spinal subluxations. The chiropractic adjustment is the main tool used for subluxation correction. Whether by hand, or with the use of a
mechanical adjusting tool, your chiropractor applies a specific force to the affected vertebra to restore natural position of your bones and movement of your joints.

Why is alignment of your spine so important? First and foremost, it provides stability for your skeletal structure. Without it, you would resemble a jellyfish! Spinal structure and alignment lends balance and flexibility to your frame.

Secondly, contained within the spine  is the spinal cord. It's a collection of nerve fibers and cells connecting the brain and the rest of the body. The nervous system is a fast-acting communication network. It monitors and regulates all other vital systems of the body - such as the circulatory system, immune system, muscular system and digestive system. Improper coordination or regulation of any one of these physiological systems can lead to health problems.

How does a subluxation cause disease? The spine contains 33 vertebrae (including those that comprise the sacrum and coccyx) and each is positioned to allow for the safe passage of nerve tissue. Between every vertebra, nerve roots branch off the spinal cord and exit the spine to become peripheral nerves. These nerves then travel throughout the body to connect to the various organs, tissues and other bodily systems.

Studies have shown that very little pressure or irritation is required to cause a significant impairment to the nerve that is connected to the root.  Given the nerve roots close proximity to the spinal facet joints and the intervertebral discs, even small amounts of compression or inflammation caused by joint misalignment or damage may produce disease in these local tissues.image

Next time, we’ll go over The Four Phases of
Subluxation Degeneration.

 

“I had no shoes and complained,until I met a man who had no
feet.”
- Anonymous

Disclaimer: Information contained in this Topic of the Week™ Newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Exercise of the week

Lumbar flexion – “angry cat”
Difficulty: Easy
(Consult your chiropractor before engaging in this or any other exercise.)

Start: On hands and knees. Be aware of position of spine – start
with a neutral spine or a flat back.
image image

Exercise: Engage inner abdominals first by bringing belly button inwards. Then, curl lower back up toward ceiling. Imagine belly button pushing lumbar spine up toward the ceiling. Also tuck chin in toward chest to create full spinal flexion.
Hold for 10-15 seconds.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Interval Training: Get into Great Shape in Less Time.

 

At this time of year, many of us set goals to lose weight and get in shape. But as we all know, that’s easier said than done. Time is in limited supply, which makes it difficult to participate in a regular exercise routine. But did you know you can slash the length of your exercise session and still get the benefits of a longer workout? Fitness Secrets of Pro Athletes Interval training has been used by professional athletes for years to reach optimal physical condition. But recent research shows that just about everybody can benefit from incorporating interval training into their exercise program. Your chiropractor definitely supports
your goal of staying physically active. But each of us has unique considerations when it comes to exercising, such as taking into account age, chronic health conditions and fitness level. This is why you should always discuss your fitness plans with your chiropractor before starting any exercise routine.exercisehb7

So what exactly is interval training? It’s simply stepping up your exercise intensity for short bursts, then returning to a more reasonable pace. You implement these short sprints several times during your exercise routine. What makes interval training so appealing is that it works for almost all types of cardiovascular exercise, even walking! For example, after a few minutes of strolling, you might increase your walking speed for 15 to 30 seconds before returning to your regular pace. You continue alternating between sprint speed and moderate speed throughout your walk. That’s really all there is to it.

Pro athletes and their trainers often keep detailed records of interval training. But there’s nothing wrong with taking a more relaxed approach: match your exercise intensity to how energetic you feel. If you’re tired, then reduce the intensity of each sprint interval.

Multiple Benefits from Interval Training
Studies on interval training show several key advantages …


Burn more calories. When you increase your exercise intensity,you lose more calories. Research from Australia indicates that during sprinting the body boosts the levels of catecholamines – chemical messengers that instruct fat cells to let go of their fat.


Get fit. Save time. One of the biggest reasons we don’t exercise frequently is we can’t fit it into our hectic schedules. Interval training can deliver the same cardiovascular benefits of longer, steady pace exercise but in less time.

Fewer aches and pains. Interval training reduces certain biochemical reactions in the body that contribute to muscles soreness.

Adds variety. If your workout routine is the same each time, you may lose interest. Interval training freshens the pace and engages your brain more actively than simply putting your mind on “auto-pilot” when you exercise.

Researchers at McMaster University in Canada made an interesting discovery about the heart and blood vessels when interval training is used. In a six-week study conducted by the university, researchers had one group of participants do interval training on exercise bikes for 30 minutes, three times a week. They did four to six 30-second interval sprints for each session. A second group did moderate, non-interval cycling for at least 40 minutes, five days a week. The results? The interval group’s blood vessel function was improved as much as the non-interval group. Researchers remarked, “We conclude that SIT (sprint interval training) is a time-efficient strategy to elicit improvements in peripheral vascular structure and function that are comparable to ET (endurance training).1 An Australian study found evidence
of interval training’s effectiveness for weight loss. Three times a week, participants rode for 20 minutes on stationary bikes. They included a series of intense eight-second sprints during each session. Another group did 40 minutes of steady-pace riding with no sprints. During the four-month study, the group that did interval training lost six pounds while the non-interval group
lost less than two pounds. The advantages of interval training are proven. But the best advice is to start slow; adjust your interval intensity to your current fitness level. If you push your body too hard and too fast, you could injure yourself. Always warm up your muscles to prevent strain, and do some stretching after completing your exercise routine.

Quote of the Week
“Learning together is a beginning, working together is progress,
keeping together is success.”

- B.J. Palmer

Disclaimer: Information contained in this Topic of the Week™ Newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.
Copyright 2010 Mediadoc™

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Exercise of the week.

 

Exercise of the Week Lumbar extension – “lazy cow”
Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate (Consult your chiropractor before engaging in this or any other exercise.)

Start: On hands and knees. Be aware of position of spine – start with a neutral spine or a flat back.image


Exercise: Allow spine to sag toward floor, bringing lumbar spine into full extension. Also extend neck by bringing chin up toward the ceiling. Hold for 10-15

 image

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

A New You

happy-new-years

Did you make a New Year’s resolution for 2010? A good portion of us make resolutions at the start of every year. But what’s the best way to make your goals achievable? In this issue, we share some interesting statistics about New Year’s resolutions, reveal some strategies to ensure their success, and give tips for increasing your overall wellness (which should always be one of your top resolutions). Research on New Year’s resolutions reveals…
• 40% to 45% of North American adults make one or more resolutions each year.
• The most popular New Year’s resolutions involve weight loss, exercise and quitting smoking. Also popular goals are better money management and debt reduction.

Here’s how many people keep their resolutions after specific periods of time…
• Past the first week: 75%
• Past two weeks: 71%
• After one month: 64%
• After six months: 46%

The same research shows people who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't make resolutions.1 So, set your sights on making one this year.
No matter what you choose for a resolution, use the S.M.A.R.T. system to improve your odds for success.


S = SPECIFIC
It’s difficult to hit a target if you haven’t defined it. Being specific
allows you to sharpen your focus. And with more focus, your chances for success increase. Example: I will see my chiropractor every month to help me achieve optimum health.

M = MEASURABLE
You need to quantify what you would like to achieve. Saying that you want to lose weight in 2010 is not the same as saying you want to lose 15 pounds and 3 inches off your waistline during the
same period. How will you know you’ve achieved your goal if you cannot measure it? Being able to measure your achievements also allows you to create smaller milestones on your way to ultimate success. Experiencing smaller accomplishments delivers positive reinforcement, sometimes providing the necessary boost you need in more difficult times.


A = ACHIEVABLE
With goal setting, the ultimate purpose is to experience the feelings associated with achieving success. If your sights are set too high, it’s unlikely you’ll ever realize these feelings. Furthermore, if goals are set with unachievable expectations, your feelings are more likely to be associated with failure instead of success. See setbacks as opportunities to practice your will power and resolve, and not as examples of inabilities.


R = RELEVANT
What makes your resolution meaningful? Your goals are more likely to be completed if they are significant to you. What impact will it have on your life in the days, weeks, months or years ahead? When you connect with its value, you’re more likely to invest the time and energy to make the goal happen. Example: Having regular chiropractic adjustments not only feels good, but they improve the quality of my life!

T = TIME SENSITIVE
Having a specific time frame toaccomplish something lends a sense of urgency to the task. And it slashes
procrastination. This year, make one of your resolutions to take good care of your mind and body. Every other intention you
set for 2010 will work better when you enjoy good health. So remember to…
1. Get regular chiropractic
adjustments - your chiropractor will help you determine the appropriate frequency for you.
2. Exercise regularly – movement prolongs the life of all bodily systems.
3. Eat a healthy diet - to maintain good health and prevent disease.
4. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. The body consists of 65%
water.
5. Think positively - good thoughts lead to good feelings, and good
feelings contribute to good health.
6. Sleep at least 7-9 hours per night - sleep is restorative for all
systems of the body Most importantly, we wish each other a Happy New Year? Focus on being happy. Start by appreciating what you have now. Then, look forward to your New Year’s resolution as a means to enhance your life!

“When you get dressed, put on a smile.”  BJ Palmer

 

Disclaimer: Information contained in this Topic of the Week™ Newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.
Copyright 2010 Mediadoc™

Monday, January 4, 2010

Maybe it’s your hammies?

 

“My pain is in my back Doc, not the back of my legs!”

Chances are, if you have tight hamstrings, you most likely have a few back issues.  It may not be your back causing you problems after all.  It may be tight hamstrings. The hamstrings are located on the back of each thigh.  When your hamstrings are tight, it places stress on the pelvis by limiting pelvic motion.  This in turn can alter your posture causing stress across your low back making you think it’s just a back issue.

We’ve selected a couple of safe and effective hamstring stretches that will help increase hamstring flexibility.  For a more detailed description, please come in and see us.  We’d be happy to help.

If you are able to get to the floor easily, this is a great stretch.  hamstring-stretching-exercise 

  • Lie down on your back.
  • Bend both knees while placing your feet on the floor.
  • Grabbing behind one knee, bring your knee into the chest. Slowly extend your leg towards the ceiling until you feel a comfortable stretching sensation behind your leg in the hamstring.
  • Circle your ankle to loosen the calf muscles.
  • When you are ready, slowly straighten the other leg along the floor. 
  • Hold 10 sec and release.  Switch sides.

 

Standing hamstringstanding_hamstring_stretch

  • you can use a table or chair to brace yourself with if needed.
  • Extend one leg in front of you.
  • Keeping your back flat, lean forward and bend the leg you’re standing on.
  • Place your hands either on a table, chair or your bent leg for support.
  • Hold 10 sec, repeat on the other leg.

Come in and see us for more tips.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. 

     --Irish Proverb