Sciatica

 

Sciatica is defined as pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and down the back of one or both legs, caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerves, the largest nerves of the body.  It usually begins as an acute pain in the lower back and then radiates down the back of either or both legs.
There are 5 pairs of nerves that exit the spine in the lower back.  These nerves make up what we know as the sciatic nerves.  If the vertebrae or bones in the lower back are misaligned or out of place; or the disc between the vertebrae are swollen, bulged or herniated, the result is pressure on those nearby nerves.  This can cause tremendous pain and normal daily activities becomealmost impossible.  
Chiropractic care works on correcting misaligned or out of place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function. Let us know if we can help you. 
SYMPTOMS

• SENSATION CHANGES ON THE BACK OF THE CALF OR THE SOLE OF THE FOOT
• NUMBNESS, TINGLING, BURNING, PAIN IN BACK OF CALF OR THE SOLE OF THE FOOT
• WEAKNESS OF THE KNEE OR FOOT
• DIFFICULTY WALKING
• INABILITY TO MOVE THE FOOT (in severe cases)
• INABILITY TO BEND THE KNEE (in severe cases)

Come in a see us. We have a few exercises that can help.

Scoliosis

 

Everyone's spine has natural curves. These curves round our shoulders and make our lower back curve slightly inward. But some people have spines that also curve from side to side. Unlike poor posture, these curves can't be corrected simply by learning to stand up straight.
This condition of side-to-side spinal curves is called scoliosis. On an X-ray, the spine of an individual with scoliosis looks more like an "S" or a "C" than a straight line. Some of the bones in a scoliotic spine also may have rotated slightly, making the person's waist or shoulders appear uneven.

Who gets scoliosis?
Scoliosis affects a small percentage of the population, approximately 2 percent. However, scoliosis runs in families. If someone in a family has scoliosis, the likelihood of an incidence is much higher - approximately 20 percent. If anyone in your family has curvature of the spine, you should be examined for scoliosis.
Children - The vast majority of scoliosis is "idiopathic," meaning its cause is unknown. It usually develops in middle or late childhood, before puberty, and is seen more often in girls than boys. Though scoliosis can occur in children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal bifida and other miscellaneous conditions, most scoliosis is found in otherwise healthy youngsters.
Adults - Scoliosis usually develops during childhood, but it also can occur in adults. Adult scoliosis may represent the progression of a condition that actually began in childhood, and was not diagnosed or treated while the person was still growing. What might have started out as a slight or moderate curve has progressed in the absence of treatment.
In other instances, adult scoliosis can be caused by the degenerative changes of the spine. Other spinal deformities such as kyphosis or round back are associated with the common problem of osteoporosis (bone softening) involving the elderly. As more and more people reach old age in the U.S., the incidence of scoliosis and kyphosis is expected to increase.

Products For Health and Wellness

Priority Health Chiropractic offers a number of products. Below is a brief description of some of the ones we like the best and why. If you don't see what you need below, don't worry, our clinic can custom order what you need and want.

AgelessXtra® from Univera

If you are like us, you would like to feel better at every age and to slow down the aging process as much as possible.
Well, we have found a product that does just that. Backed by tons of scientific research and clinical studies, AgelessXtra® from Univera is the world's first cell renewal formula designed to give you increased energy, mental clarity, stress relief, and joint comfort.
We believe so much in this product that we would like to send you a two-day supply for you to try. See if you don't feel the benefit of this powerful product in just two days. Please click here if you would like to receive this gift.

Xperia™ from Univera

Xperia™ is a version of AgelessXtra® that contains Stevia and is sweetened with agave nectar and concentrates of apple and white grape for those who prefer a stronger more tart flavor.

RegeniCARE® from Univera

A powerful formulation of chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM with a natural anti-inflammitory, Protectin™, that promotes joint comfort, lubricates joints, aids in regenerating and renewing cartilage, and promotes flexibility and ease of movement. Also available for your furry loved ones is Joint Health for Pets. It is similar to RegeniCARE® but formulated especially for your pets.

PRIME™ from Univera

Contains the primary and most comprehensive repair signal in your body,  a hormone called DHEA. Prime™ is nature's signal for optimal regeneration.

MetaGreens® from Univera

One tablespoon provides provides five servings of vegetables which is important in maintaining a healthy acid/alkaline balance. It is especially useful for various skin conditions.

Aloe Gold® from Univera

Is a superior form of aloe vera with biologically active ACTIValoe® from the aloe leaf inner gel fillet. Aloe vera is beneficial for the GI tract and promotes healing throughout the entire GI tract. Conditions that respond well to aloe vera are GERD and colitis.

Inthinity® System from Univera

The Inthinity® System is comprised of MetaFuel™, MetaPower™ and MetaBurn™. It is the ultimate weight loss formula. It will increase your metabolic rate by maximizing your energy, minimizing your hunger and burning fat efficiently. Combined with exercise this program will improve your health.

Customized Orthotics

Custom orthotic fitting provides stability to the foot and spinal joints. Often patients with lower back and leg conditions greatly benefit with custom orthotics.

Metagenics Vitamins

Provides our patients with high quality supplements aimed at specific muscle and joint problems.

Dee Cee Labs

Offers Bromolain and Formula 303 for acute muscle spasm and inflammation.

Pillows and Rehab

We also carry a wide variety of pillows, back supports and rehab equipment.

Free 1/2 Hour Massage for New Patients!

 

Receive a free 1/2 hour massage after your first chiropractic adjustment. This offer is only for new chiropractic patients at Priority Health Chiropractic. This special offer is only for patients who receive chiropractic care at Priority Health Chiropractic. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers. The cost of the examination, consultation, any necessary x-rays, and the chiropractic adjustment are not included in this special offer. There is a separate charge for these services. Massage cannot be scheduled until after your first adjustment.  Please submit this coupon on your first appointment to be eligible. For scheduling please call 360-882-7733  

Offer valid Jan 01 2010 through Dec 31 2010

Restrictions may apply. Inquire for details.

What You Need to Know About Osteoporosis

Does grandma really need to worry about suffering a hip fracture?

According to recent statistics, she does. One in four women over the age of 50 is at risk for osteoporosis, and 80% of all fractures occurring in people over the age of 60 are osteoporosis related.
Hip fractures are common when those with osteoporosis experience a fall.
Osteoporosis is a disease defined by a person losing a significant amount of bone density compared to normal values
Since this disease is not typically painful, usually the first symptom of osteoporosis is a bone fracture. The most common bones fractured are the wrist, the hip and the spine.

How serious are bone fractures?
Fractures caused by osteoporosis are associated with considerable suffering and illness. Hip fractures related to osteoporosis result in death in up to 30% of all cases! One study reported that women with established osteoporosis frequently report fear, anxiety and depression. Another study of elderly women reported that the majority would choose death over having a hip fracture and being admitted to a nursing home.

• How do I know if I have osteoporosis?
  X-rays can show the quality your bone density. But to see quantity, your bone mineral density (BMD) must be measured. The most accurate BMD testing device is the DEXA scanner.
  The results of this test are compared to the results from a healthy 30-year old of the same sex and ethnic background as you. This creates a T-score, which represents the number of standard
  deviations away from the normal score. From this information, your condition can be diagnosed. According to the World Health Organization:
   
• If the bone density is normal,
• the T-score should be -1.0 or higher.
  
• If the T-score is -2.5 or lower, a person is said to have osteoporosis. If the T-score is between -1.0 and -2.5, a person is said to have osteopenia.

What causes osteoporosis?

There is no single known cause for this disease.

However, since the normal formation of bone requires the adequate absorption of calcium, anything that can interfere with the metabolism of dietary calcium in the body can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. This includes any diseases affecting the kidneys, parathyroid gland or intestines.

Inactivity may also lead to decreased bone density. Weight bearing loads on the large bones of the body trigger the uptake of minerals and encourage their proper structural integrity.

Major Risk Factors for Osteoporosis:

• Age 65 or older
• Family history of osteoporotic fracture (especially if mother had a hip fracture)
• Long-term (more than 3 months continuously) use of glucocorticoid therapy
  
• Medical conditions that inhibit absorption of nutrients
  
• Primary hyperparathyroidism
• Osteopenia apparent on x-ray
  
• Hypogonadism (low testosterone in men, loss of menstrual periods in younger women)
  
• Early menopause (before age 45)

How is osteoporosis treated?

Currently, there are a number of medications used to treat this problem. Their function is to improve the absorption of calcium into the body, and enhancing the uptake of calcium by the bones.

Increasing the dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D3 is also known to help reduce the risk of fractures in those with osteoporosis.

The best treatment is prevention – and because peak bone mass in adolescents is usually a strong indicator of
whether a person will develop osteoporosis later on in adulthood, the prevention of this disease begins in childhood.
The best treatment is prevention – and because peak bone mass in adolescents is usually a strong indicator of whether a person will develop steoporosis later on in adulthood, the prevention of this disease begins in childhood. Below are recommendations for daily dietary calcium intake:

Age	Calcium
4-8 yrs old	800mg
9-18 yrs old	1300 mg
19-49 yrs old	1,000 mg
50+ yrs old	1,500mg
Pregnant or lactating	1,000mg

Vitamin D can help increase the absorption of calcium by 30-80%. It is recommended people between 19 – 50 years old should get 400IU daily of vitamin D3, and people over 50 should
get 800IU daily.

Chiropractic and Osteoporosis
If you think you may have osteoporosis, tell your chiropractor. If your bones are fragile, there is an increased risk for fractures with spinal manipulation - although it is a very rare occurrence.

Physical activity is one of the best ways of both preventing and treating osteoporosis. In order to keep active, a healthy musculoskeletal system is paramount. Alignment, posture and
coordination are all important factors.
Chiropractic adjustments, with their positive influence on the nervous system, assist in the prevention of osteoporosis by improving functionality in each of these areas.

 

Disclaimer: Information contained in this Wellness Express 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™

Exercise of the Week -

Glute Stretch – Pigeon Pose

Difficulty: Moderate
(Consult your chiropractor before starting this or any other exercise.)
Start: Four-legged position, on hands and knees.
Exercise: Cross one foot/leg under body. Then, slide other leg back as far as you can, keeping hips parallel to floor. Hold for 30-60 seconds, then return to start position. Switch sides, and repeat 2X per side.

Come see us if you have any questions.  Mention our blog and receive $10 off your next massage.

Vegetarian Sources of Protein

When it comes to consuming protein, our North American diet skews heavily toward meat and dairy products as our main source. Unfortunately, these traditional choices can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, contributing to problems like heart disease.

Fish is a good protein alternative to meat. But there’s a growing concern about the levels of environmental toxins, such as mercury, found in fish.

That’s why many people are looking toward plant-based protein as an alternative. Vegetarian sources are often high in fiber and other nutrients. In fact, a 2009 study indicated that vegetarian protein can help lower blood pressure. Due to its high levels in this type of protein, glutamic acid may be the key ingredient responsible for reducing blood pressure levels.

Protein plays many vital roles in your body, including growth and repair. It’s made up of amino acids, which serve as building blocks for your body to create protein. Amino acids are classified as either essential or non-essential. The essential amino acids are not produced by your body, so you must obtain them from food.

The Recommended Daily Allowance of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of ideal body weight for an adult.

If you’re trying to lose weight, be sure to include adequate amounts of protein with your meals, as it gives you a fuller feeling compared to eating carbohydrates.

Let’s look at some good sources of vegetarian protein.

Soy and Other Beans

Long a staple food in Asian countries, the soy bean is a superb source of protein. It contains all the essential amino acids and is a good source of magnesium, B vitamins, calcium, iron and omega 3 fatty acids. Soy also contains phytochemicals – compounds that help prevent and protect the body from some diseases.

Because of its calcium content, soy is also good for maintaining bone health. In a study that appeared in the Archives of Internal Medicine, research revealed that postmenopausal women who had a diet rich in soy foods had a lower incidence of bone fractures.

Soy bean is the source of many food products, including soy milk and tofu.

Consuming soy milk can help reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides.

Tofu is bean curd created from coagulated soy milk and is an excellent alternative to serving meat at mealtime. It comes in varying degrees of texture, from soft to hard. But firmer varieties of tofu contain more protein. It also has very little fat, plenty of iron and is low in calories.

Recently, there was concern about soy’s possible link to increasing the risk of some types of breast cancer. While it
grabbed a lot of headlines, the fact is much more soy research needs to be conducted before a definitive conclusion can be made. The American Institute for Cancer Research makes
this recommendation: “Current research shows that it is safe to eat moderate amounts of soy foods (e.g., soymilk, tofu), up to two to three servings per day. As a precaution, women receiving anti-estrogen treatments such as tamoxifen, should minimize soy foods and avoid isoflavone supplements.”

Beans are low on the glycemic index. This makes them a nice way to obtain sustained energy without creating spikes in your blood sugar levels.
Besides soy, other beans that are high in protein include fava, lentils and lima.

Nuts

Nuts are another good choice as an alternative protein source. Keep in mind that nuts are high in calories, so eat in moderation. Nuts contain many important nutrients, such as selenium, vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids. The good omega fats may be the key reason why nuts may help protect against heart disease.

One study on men and nut consumption indicated: “Compared with men who rarely or never consumed nuts, those who consumed nuts 2 or more times per week had reduced risks of
sudden cardiac death and total coronary heart disease death.” Other research reveals the heart health benefits of nuts for women. The Iowa Women’s Health Study stated: “Frequent nut consumption may offer postmenopausal women modest protection against the risk of death from all causes and CHD
(coronary heart disease).”

Seeds

Another tasty source of vegetarian protein is seeds. For example, 100 grams of pumpkins seeds contain 29 grams of protein. Sesame seeds deliver 26.4 grams of protein per 100 grams, and sunflowers have 24 grams of protein for the same quantity. Many
seeds also contain the nutrients phosphorous, calcium and potassium.

Quote of the Week

“Money is the most envied, but the least enjoyed.

Health is the most enjoyed, but the least envied.”

- Charles Caleb Colton

Disclaimer: Information contained in this Wellness Express 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™