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QUICK TIPS PREVENTING BACK PAIN.

Image result for back pain clipart

Low back pain or lumbago affects over 3 million people per year, peak age is 19 years old to 80+.  Typically low back pain is caused by injury to a muscle (strain), or ligament (sprain).  Common causes include improper lifting, poor posture (repetitive strain), lack of regular exercise, arthritis, fracture, injured spinal disc.

If you experience low back pain over a two week period, experience leg weakness, numbness, tingling in the legs, feet or hamstrings see your primary care doctor or chiropractor immediately.

http://www.yourwalnutcreekchiropractor.com/fileupload/3_SECRETS_TO_LOWER_BACK_PAIN_RELIEF_eBook.pdf

Preventing Low Back Pain

Maintain a healthy diet and weight

  1. Try cooking your own meals, eating smaller portions, eat early (not eating after 6:30pm so you have a minimum of 12 hours before your first meal of the day), http://www.mensfitness.com/weight-loss/burn-fat-fast/miracle-12-hour-fast

           Drink more water.

        Avoid prolonged inactivity

           Take three to four micro-breaks when sitting (30-40 second stretches for the hips, low  back, possibly look at a sit-stand desk or desk top at work,

http://www.varidesk.com/?utm_campaign=standing-desk-exact&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Sit%20stand%20desk%20top%20workstation&gclid=Cj0KEQiAgJTGBRDLr5_az_Ouk44BEiQAIxaA4tFtx2H95RjQBqSJq_jw9JU0SyJ6eunuJavkofMMzmAaAkle8P8HAQ

 

  1.        Warm up and stretch before physical activity

such as walking, hiking, gardening.  Think dynamic stretching such as partial lunges,  squat-rises, runners stretch, hamstring stretch,  gluteal stretches.

https://totalhealthchiro.me/2015/08/16/7-quick-tips-about-back-pain/

 

  1.       Wear comfortable low heel shoes
  2.       Sleep on mattress that is a medium firmness

This will minimize improper curve in the spine while sleeping.  Use a pillow between the knees,

http://www.greatist.com/happiness/best-sleep-positions

 

Image result for back pain clipart

  1.  Lift with your knees and do not twist the spine when lifting

http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/proper-lifting-technique

 

http://www.yourwalnutcreekchiropractor.com 


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5 Exercises for lower back pain and strength

skeleton-lower-back-pain

Sources of lower back pain

Lower back pain affects almost 100 million Americans adults each year (2011).  Lower back pain can be caused by any of the structures that make up your lower back.   Typical sources of lower back pain could include the muscles, ligaments, the facet joints or the spine, or the large nerve roots that originate from each spinal segment.   This could be from an acute injury like a sprain / strain, from degeneration or arthritis, or another pathological cause.

 Causes of low back pain

Typically younger adults between 30-60 years old are more likely to experience back pain from damage to the spinal disc or a sprain / stain or other soft tissue strain. Older adults over 60 years of age are likely to experience low back pain from degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis or even a compression fracture of the vertebrae.

Exercises for the lower back

Below are 5 exercises, generally for beginners who are not suffering from an acute injury or an active spinal disc with radiating pain into a leg. If you are experiencing low back pain with leg symptoms, active sciatic symptoms, fever, chills, difficulty in urination, or bowel movement then YOU REQUIRE IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE to further investigate you lower back pain.

THESE EXERCISES are for lower back pain maintenance and to strengthen the supporting ligaments and muscles of your low back (multifidi muscles, rotatory ligaments, quadratus muscles, abdominals), not to eliminate acute lower back pain. The muscle and support ligaments typically weaken leading to instability and weakness. When this progresses it leads to injury, inflammation and eventually development of degenerative changes to the joints of your lower back.  Movement, chiropractic treatment and natural anti-inflammatory relief  such as Turmeric can help keep your back strong, mobile and generally pain free.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/strength/exercise/Ex958/superman-on-swiss-ball

ONE: Lie face-down on a Swiss Ball with your feet straight behind you and your arms fully extended in front of you, palms pressed against the floor. This is your starting.

TWO: Extend your back and raise your arms so they form a straight line with your torso. Hold, then return to the starting position.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/strength/exercise/Ex6143/kneeling-superman

ONE: Get on your hands and knees, using a mat if necessary for comfort. Make sure your back is flat and tighten your abs.

TWO: Reach one arm forward while simultaneously extending your opposite leg straight back. Hold the position and then return to starting position to switch sides.

ONE: Lie back on a Swiss ball with knees bent at a 90-degree angle and feet on the floor about shoulder-width apart. Interlace your fingers behind your head. The ball should be under your hips and lower back. This is your starting position.

TWO: Crunch your torso toward your knees, raising your chest upward. Stop when the middle of your back loses contact with the ball. Pause, then return to starting position.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/strength/exercise/Ex973/swiss-ball-crunch

 

 

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/yoga/exercise/YG-IN-0058/high-lunge-prayer-twist-pose

ONE: Begin in high lunge with your right foot forward. TWO: Take your hands together in a prayer at the center of your chest. Take a deep inhale, using your thumbs to slightly lift your chest. THREE: Use your exhale to engage your navel to your spine and twist your torso to the right. FOUR: Hook your left elbow outside of your right thigh. Breathe here for at least three deep breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Plank 1

ONE

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/strength/exercise/Ex695/plank

ONE:

Lie on the floor with elbows directly beneath your shoulders and legs fully extended. Raise your torso into the air until it makes a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles. Tighten your stomach, squeeze your butt and hold this position for the desired amount of time.

Perform each exercise 5 times per week to keep your lower back strong.  Ad pelvic stretches to increase flexibility, have good ergonomics when sitting, to keep a healthy back.

Your Walnut Creek Chiropractor.

 

These exercises are not meant to diagnose or treat or substitute for the recommendations of your care provider.


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When to Get a Joint Replacement

What Happens To a Joint

Joint replacement surgery, weather for a knee, a hip or shoulder can improve mobility and quality of life but should be evaluated carefully before having the procedure.  Your joints can become damaged by injury, illness, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or even food poisoning (http://www.foodpoisoning.com/salmonella.html).  These conditions cause inflammation, stiffness, reduced function which compromises blood flow to the joint.  This additive process causes joint damage, cartilage erosion.

A New Joint

A new joint or prosthesis is usually a combination of plastics and metal which replace the moving part of the joint, preserving the surrounding muscles and ligaments.  Replacement joints are usually reserved for people 60 and over.  In younger patients if performed may need to be performed again in 15-20 years.

Knee and hip replacements are becoming more common due to the aging population.   Currently about 1 million joint replacements are done each year.

Do I need a Joint Replacement

This decision is between your doctors findings from examination, x-rays orthoscopic examination and how it is effecting your quality of life.   Your doctor may try treating you with medications for joint pain (Turmeric for joint pain), prescribe daily therapy you do at home, ad aqua aerobics classes, chiropractic care.  These measures will not cure your joint problem but can improve your health and reduce pain.  One thing to consider is how it effects your mobility and health in general.  Here is an example of a questionnaire https://www.virtua.org/forms/joint-replacement-questionnaire.  If you answer yes to 4 or more questions  consult your primary care doctor for possible joint replacement or further evaluation.  Basically if you experience constant daily joint pain and swelling, taking multiple medications for pain and inflammation, are gaining weight because you cannot walk, interrupts sleep.  Then it may be time to consider a joint replacement.

The surgery itself can take a few hours.  Post-surgery rehab takes about 6 months but usually you are walking with assistance the very next day (https://www.xarelto-us.com/hip-knee-replacement/after-surgery).


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7 Quick Tips About Back Pain

BACK PAIN

As the saying goes, “If you have spine you have at one time or another felt back pain.”  Most people feel back pain due to inactivity or lack of proper back movement throughout the day.  Over time this lack of motion can create tension, tight muscles, shortening of spinal ligaments, muscle weakness.  So how does one keep the back healthy for a lifetime?

ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics is usually associated with your work desk.  But lets think of ergonomics in any situation where you perform a sustained task.  Sleep, driving, a pillow, your shoes, positions you relax in.

SLEEP

Your sleep surface should support your hips and shoulders giving you a neural posture on your side and on your back.  There are many different mattresses, some without a box spring support (sleep comfort and tempurpedic).  Look for a mattress at a store that assesses you, gives you choices and a 30 day return policy.

Your pillow should support your neck, not lift your head.  A side sleeper needs a slightly thicker pillow due to a bigger distance between the neck and shoulder.  I recommend a water filled pillow for most sleeping situations because you can adjust this pillows height and firmness.

Desk

Your company should offer you an ergonomic assessment to assess your desk-chair, keyboard-mouse, monitor arrangement.  You want a basic arrangement where your chair can get close to your desk so your arms are bent and relaxed.  A keyboard tray is a must as this assists in keeping the arms/shoulder relaxed and back upright in the chair. The monitor is set to eye level and centered, if you use duel monitors then you may want a “standing” Desktop as an option.

https://osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/checklist.html

http://www.amazon.com/Height-Adjustable-Standing-Desk-VARIDESK-Black/dp/B00JI6NCCK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1439764770&sr=8-4&keywords=standing+workstation

Shoes

Your shoes are your foundation and support your feet and three different arches, contribute to you standing posture such as neutral pelvis and body lean.  If you are wearing out the inside edge of your shoes you are tilting in or pronating your foot/feet (up to 80% of the population).  This can contribute to knee pain, ITB band pain, hip pain, plantar pain, low back pain.  If you are wearing the outer edges of your shoes then you are tilting outwards or supinating your feet.  This can give you low back pain, ITB Band pain, shin pain, sacroiliac joint pain.  Have your feet assessed by a chiropractor for proper shoe support or even active orthotics.  I use Comfort Fit orthotics when necessary because they are reasonably priced, last 2-3 years, and are inexpensive to refurbish.

Driving

When driving your arms and legs should be bent to relax your shoulders and keep your back in the seat.  A lumbar support should be used to keep you pelvis neutral.  If you are sitting in your care seat and you feel as if your bellybutton is being pulled in then you need more anterior pelvic tilt.  Increase your lumbar support.

How you relax

Your posture when you relax can contribute to your back pain,  If you sit all day, sit when you commute, then sit when you come home, you poor spine has basically not moved all day.  This leads to back deconditioning, shortened spinal ligaments, compressed spinal discs.  When you relax on a couch you are probably still tilting the pelvis backwards and rounding the spine.  When you sit all day you are constantly flexing the spine, the hips and the knees.  You are not using 1/2 of your body!

MOVE AND STRETCH

When you come home in the evening you need to spend some time stretching and moving.  The health of your spinal joints, hips, and knees is dependent on movement for circulation and lubrication.  The old saying goes “if you don’t use it you lose it” holds true here.  During the work day follow a simple rule: 3-4 micro-breaks a day.  A micro-break is a series a few simple stretches performed for 30-60 seconds, that’s it.  OSHA recommends micro-breaks to elevate strain and stress placed on joints, muscle, ligaments when they don’t move for sustained periods.

http://web.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/general/ergo/microbreaks.html

HOME STRETCHES

Here is an example of 8 simple stretches for your low back and hips.  These could be performed 5 days per week for benefit and consistency.  Remember these stretches are not a diagnosis or a cure for your individual low back pain.  If you have not stretched on a regular basis, have current spinal disc problems these  PLEASE consult your primary care doctor FIRST!  Before you perform these stretches.

Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch : Step 1

From <http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/exercise-browse?Filter=category%7C1~equipment%7C4&cluster=fitness>

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/strength/exercise/Ex953/kneeling-hip-flexor-stretch

Legs Up Wall Pose : Step 4

From <http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/exercise-browse?Filter=category%7C1~equipment%7C4&cluster=fitness>

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/yoga/exercise/YG-IN-0139/legs-up-wall-pose

Seated Spinal Twist Pose : Step 3

From <http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/exercise-browse?Filter=category%7C1~equipment%7C4&cluster=fitness>

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/yoga/exercise/YG-IN-0012/seated-spinal-twist-pose

Supine Spinal Twist Pose : Step 4

From <http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/exercise-browse?Filter=category%7C1~equipment%7C4&cluster=fitness>

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/yoga/exercise/YG-IN-0149/supine-spinal-twist-pose

Eye of the Needle Pose : Step 3

From <http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/exercise-browse?Filter=category%7C1~equipment%7C4&cluster=fitness>

Opposite Arm and Leg Balance : Step 2

From <http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/exercise-browse?Filter=category%7C1~equipment%7C4&cluster=fitness>

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/strength/exercise/Ex691/opposite-arm-and-leg-balance

Baby Cobra Pose : Step 3

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/yoga/exercise/YG-IN-0093/baby-cobra-pose

Bent-leg Calf Stretch : Step 1

From <http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/exercise-browse?Filter=category%7C1~equipment%7C4&cluster=fitness>

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/strength/exercise/Ex6020/bent-leg-calf-stretch

REMEMBER: If you have a specific low back condition such as spinal stenosis, disc herniation, severe arthritis THEN CONSULT your primary healthcare provider BEFORE starting these exercises.


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Simple Tips To Roll Away Muscle Tension

Foam RollerAfter a long day at work spent sitting or standing can create tight and congested muscles.  Long term tightness can lead to discomfort, pain, bio mechanical limitations.  In less than 10 minutes you can release this tightness and discomfort in the back, legs, hips, knees and shoulders.

How The  Foam Roller Works

Basically when you roll the body part in question, you are stretching the connective tissue / fascia releasing adhesions.  You are lengthening muscles and increasing circulation to those muscles.

Precautions For Using The Foam Roller  

If you have never used the foam roller, are on blood thinner medication, find it hard to get up from the floor then check with your primary care doctor, your chiropractor or personal trainer before using this piece of equipment.

massage stickAlternative To The Foam Roller

An alternative to the foam roller is the massage stick.  The massage stick is used standing up and is best for the legs, thighs, , feet, forearms.  When using the massage stick try rolling an area for 30 to 90 seconds using alternating light and moderate pressure.   Conditions such as plantar fascitis, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, shin splints, ITB Band Syndrome, knee pain.

Tips For Using The Foam Roller

  • Place the tissue for rolling on the roller, control pressure by partially lifting off the roller the entire time you roll the muscles.
  • Never roll over boney parts, only roll the soft tissue.
  • Start by rolling and area for 30-45 seconds, then move on to another body part.
  • After rolling for a 5 minute session, rest a day in between sessions.  After one week try to increase rolling time to 8-10 minutes.  Build up to 10-15 minute sessions 3-4 days per week.
  • If you feel bruising, pain, more stiffness then STOP! You may be using too much pressure or putting too much strain on the underlying tissue.  Check with your primary care doctor or chiropractor first, before continuing.

Conditions Helped By Foam Rolling

ITB Band Syndrome, shin Splints, Sciatica, and low back pain have all benefited from foam rolling.  If you have low back pain, leg pain, shoulder pain please check with your primary care doctor or chiropractor before starting a routine.  Routines usually start on the side legs first, working towards the back of the legs to the front, then to the low back / mid back.

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF AN INTERMEDIATE ROUTINE FROM MICROSOFT HEALTH.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/pilates/workout/PL-WO-0015/release-muscles-with-a-foam-roller

I recommend foam roller stretching to all my patients, whether an athlete, golfer, office worker, cycler of all ages.  Before starting this exercise please check with your doctor first.


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Why We Love Good Sleep (And You Should , Too!)

Who doesn’t like a good night’s sleep. You wake up energized, refreshed, feeling great both mentally and

Human brain model, studio shot

Human brain model, studio shot

physically. Ready for the day.

POOR SLEEP

Poor sleep not only hurts the body but negatively effects the brain as well. Almost 60% of adults report sleep problems, from un-restful sleep, stress, to sleep apnea. Only 37% of ADULTS GET THE RECOMMENDED hours of sleep every night. Almost half of sleep problems are stress related.

HOW WE SLEEP

The diagram below simulates how your brain regulates our circadian rhythm or master clock and the impact.

Eyes >>> light passes through >>> stimulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus regulating circadian rhythm >> and inhibits melatonin and stabilizes all night until interrupted by morning light. >> Morning light enters the eyes and resets with increase in cortisol from the adrenal gland. This cycle keeps you biological clock synced.

THE FIVE STAGES OF SLEEP

The first Stage and second Stage happen when you fall asleep or in a light sleep phase. This cycle takes 90 minutes on average. Stage three and stage four you enter a deep, restful sleep. Here your respiration lowers and your heart rate lowers. Stage five is when your brain is active, when you dream. This Entire Stage ! Through 5 take 90 minutes then is repeated.sleep

Deep and restful sleep has a major physiologic effect. Here (REM Sleep) your body experiences increased blood flow to the muscle, tissue grown and repair happen, immune system repair takes place, hormones are released and regulated such as Leptin, growth hormone, ghrelin (for appetite regulation), UV damage to skin is repaired. This REM Cycle improved memory, consolidates long term memory, motor skills. During REM sleep your brain cells actually shrink. It is believed this allows the brains cerebrospinal fluid to flush out the small crevices and wash away toxins and waste products. Products such as proteins that can build up and are responsible for neurological disorders.

I always think of the 5 stages to the sleep cycle like the Borg Regeneration Cycle in the Star Trek TV show. Kind of a geeky analogy but this cycle for us Physical beings it is essential for proper healing and health.

HOW MUCH SLEEP IS ENOUGH

Most adults need seven to nine hours each night. After 18 years of age can become more individualized. A New born needs up to 20 hours a day while a 10 year old need about 10 hours a day.
http://www.sleepaidresource.com/sleep-chart.html

5 TIPS TO BETTER SLEEP

Ø Don’t eat dinner after 630pm. This can lead to digestive problems and interferes with the five stages to sleep cycle.
Ø Put technology away a few hours before bed. Let your brain tune down free of all stimuli.
Ø Turn off all the lights, cellphone screens, TV, clock lights (should be RED light), remember that excess light interferes with the 5 stages of sleep. During REM your eyes flutter and expose the eyes to light.
Ø Go to sleep at the same time every night, this sets a pattern for your body and creates more restful and rejuvenated sleep.
Ø Make sure the bed and pillow support restful, comfortable sleep. If you keep waking because the mattress and pillow are nor supportive and comfortable then you interfere with the sleep cycles, shortening them or never Entering REM sleep.

If you snore or your partner keeps nudging you because you do, and feel un-restful sleep then mention this to your primary care at your next physical and have a checkup for possible sleep apnea. Try not to take sleep medications long term as they can lead to disruption of diurnal cortisol levels. We advocate lifestyle changes first to correcting poor sleep.


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Natural Arthritis Pain Relief without The Associated Risks of NSAIDS

What if you could take a natural supplement for arthritis with virtually no side effects, have the same of better relief than some prescription medications, and have other promising health benefits?

A recent study in San Diego presented at The World Congress on osteoarthritis demonstrated a combination of Curcumin and Boswellia extracts relieved knee pain better than Celecoxib (generic brand name Celebrex®).  Turmeric is a member of the Ginger family and contains Curcumin; the principal curcuminoid found in turmeric, is generally considered its most active constituent.  When combined with Boswellia extract the two products complemented well. 1,2,3

Subjects in the study were classified with moderate osteoarthritis and joint swelling between the ages of 18 to 65 of both sexes.  One group was given Celecoxib, 100 mg, two times daily for 12 weeks, the other group was given 500 mg Curcumin and Boswellia two times daily for 12 weeks.  At the end of the study 93% of the group treated with the herbal combination reported improvement or elimination of pain vs. 79 percent of the drug group and there were no serious adverse effects.  Blood and Liver function was monitored throughout the study.  Also 93% of the subjects taking the curcumin-boswellia supplement could walk more than 1,000 meters, versus 86% in the Celecoxib group.  The herbal group also experienced improved joint movement with less crepitus.

Other comparative studies have demonstrated similar results and other health benefits such as cancer prevention and  for co-treatment in Cystic Fibrosis, and other inflammatory diseases.  It is believed curcumin regulated Cytokine reactions involved in immune and inflammatory responses. 2

Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis in people over 55 years of age.  It is estimated that 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis.  To relieve osteoarthritic pain most people turn to Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen or Celebrex.  NSAID’s relieve pain but when taken long term, are associated with gastrointestinal, kidney and heart risks and other possible damage.  So the Curcumin / Boswellia extract combination could offer a safer alternative to NSAID’s.

Caution should be used if you are pregnant or lactating.  You should always check with your doctor before starting a new therapy and to verify possible drug interactions.   I recommend a similar standardized Turmeric and Boswellia supplement for my patients that fit the definition of moderate osteoarthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

 

Curtis Haake D.C.

Health Coach

 

 

 

1 http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/09/28/herbs-beat-pain-drug-in-study/print#ixzz1ZwaliZct

2 (2005: Jane Higdon, Ph.D. Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State

3 Clinical Evaluation of an Herbal Formulation in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis. Poster presentation at the Osteoarthritis Research Symposium International (OARSI) Annual World Congress on Osteoarthritis, September 15-18, 2011. San Diego, CA. B. Antony, R. Kizhakkedath, M. Benny, B. Kuruvilla. University)

 

 

 

This information is not intended as medical advice for individual problems. Liability for individual actions or omissions based upon the contents of this site is expressly disclaimed.


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Natural Arthritis Pain Relief Without The Associated Risks of NSAIDS

What if you could take a natural supplement for arthritis with virtually no side effects, have the same of better relief than some prescription medications, and have other promising health benefits? 

MC900438751A recent study in San Diego presented at The World Congress on osteoarthritis demonstrated a combination of Curcumin and Boswellia extracts relieved knee pain better than Celecoxib (generic brand name Celebrex®).  Turmeric is a member of the Ginger family and contains Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid found in turmeric, is generally considered its most active constituent.  When combined with Boswellia extract the two products complemented well. 1,2,3

Subjects in the study were classified with moderate osteoarthritis and joint swelling between the ages of 18 to 65 of both sexes.  One group was given Celecoxib, 100 mg, two times daily for 12 weeks, the other group was given 500 mg Curcumin and Boswellia two times daily for 12 weeks.  At the end of the study 93% of the group treated with the herbal combination reported improvement or elimination of pain vs. 79 percent of the drug group and there were no serious adverse effects.  Blood and Liver function was monitored throughout the study.  Also 93% of the subjects taking the curcumin-boswellia supplement could walk more than 1,000 meters, versus 86% in the Celecoxib group.  The herbal group also experienced improved joint movement with less crepitus.

Other comparative studies have demonstrated similar results and other health benefits such as cancer prevention and  for co-treatment in Cystic Fibrosis, and other inflammatory diseases.  It is believed curcumin regulated Cytokine reactions involved in immune  and inflammatory responses. 2

Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis in people over 55 years of age.  It is estimated that 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis.  To relieve osteoarthritic pain most people turn to Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen or Celebrex.  NSAID’s relieve pain but when taken long term are associated with gastrointestinal, kidney and heart risks and other possible damage.  So the Curcumin / Boswellia extract combination could offer a safer alternative to NSAID’s.

Caution should be used if you are pregnant or lactating.  You should always check with your doctor before starting a new therapy and to verify possible drug interactions.

I recommend a similar standardized Turmeric and Boswellia supplement for my patients that fit the definition of moderate osteoarthritis and other inflammatory diseases. 

 

Curtis Haake D.C.                                                                  Health Coach

 

 

1 http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/09/28/herbs-beat-pain-drug-in-study/print#ixzz1ZwaliZct

2 (2005: Jane Higdon, Ph.D. Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State

3 Clinical Evaluation of an Herbal Formulation in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis. Poster presentation at the Osteoarthritis Research Symposium International (OARSI) Annual World Congress on Osteoarthritis, September 15-18, 2011. San Diego, CA. B. Antony, R. Kizhakkedath, M. Benny, B. Kuruvilla. University)

 

 

 

This information is not intended as medical advice for individual problems. Liability for individual actions or omissions based upon the contents of this site is expressly disclaimed.


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Spinal Disc Injuries

About 250,000 patients undergo lumbar spine surgery each year. almost 50% will not gain the desired outcome and up to 15% will be worse off following surgery.   Common symptoms of disc related pain are:

  1. Muscle Weakness
  2. Pain shooting down through the buttock and thigh into the back of your leg
  3. Pain when you cough, sneeze, strain, or have a bowel movement
  4. Pain and/or tingling  in the shoulder, arm or hand
  5.  Incontinence brought on by affected nerves to the bladder and bowel

So the spinal disc can contribute to some forms of back/neck pain depending on the severity and longevity of your symptoms.  Understanding the spinal disc and their function will lead to a healthier back.

Basically the spinal discs are cartilage pads between spinal bones filled with a jellylike center.  Think of your car tire, the steel belts are just like the fibrous layers of the disk with the jellylike fluid center where the rim would be.  The disc acts as a connector and spacer / shock absorber for the spine.  When the disc is healthy it is flexible, strong and allows normal turning and bending.

Like most ligaments the spinal disc has poor circulation and blood supply, so movement is critical for proper circulation of joint fluids to bring nutrients in and waste products out.   So proper spinal joint movement acts like a pump to move fluids in and out of the joint and its spinal disc.   As the disc dries out it can become more fragile, brittle and less flexible.  This is how disc problems begin.  Repeated traumas, pressures, and lack of movement can cause a spinal disc to tear from the inside out which leads to disc bulges, herniation or even a rupture.   This causes abnormal pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots which leads to pain and impaired function.

The chiropractic approach to these disc injuries is to restore proper motion to the disc and its related spinal joint.  The adjustments will reduce the disc bulge increase circulation and reduce inflammation and begin the slow process of healing.  Once chiropractic restores mobility and initial stability then we introduce specific exercises to strengthen the surrounding tissues and address the cause of your disc injury not just the symptoms.  Each persons injury is unique so results to chiropractic care and customized exercises will vary.  In our experience with these type of spinal injuries early intervention is best and we can specific nutritional to assist decreasing inflammation and increase healing.

Fun Fact: There are 23 discs in the human spine and as we age the fluid content of these discs begins to dry out.  Just a 1/8″ loss in each of the 23 spinal discs would equal almost 3″ loss in overall body height.  For more information on back pain check out our Free eBook at www.yourwalnutcreechiropractor.com.  At Total Health Chiropractic we have many different treatment modalities to address your unique health crisis.

Dr. Haake


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Re-Think Aging

j0309148The top three diseases that effect the elderly population are arthritis, cancer and cardiovascular disease (Blood Pressure, heart disease, and stroke).  These diseases are currently treated; once developed with prescription medications.

Did you know that these prescription drugs are used to only manage the symptoms of a disease and they do not restore normal function nor can they maintain health.  Once you develop one of the top three diseases prescription medication is used to maintain a better quality of life, but realize you can still be proactive and manage a disease at the same time.

Whether you are approaching your golden years or  any age in between 20 to 80; life style issues are the same.

 

Stay Active-Stay Strong: Age or being young and sedentary can rob your physical strength, decrease muscle mass / bone mass, slow digestion and lower immunity.  The Solution: is regular exercise, a sound and nutrient packed diet, nutritional supplements for mineral and bone support.  If exercise is a problem try classes, community swimming, or home recumbent equipment.  Seek initial supervision / examination and planning through a Health-Coach to get started.

Regular Examinations: If you are already in your golden years or in your 20’s you should have annual examinations / physicals / or selected examinations for known health risksThe Solution: Keep your annual physical biometrics such as blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, vitamin D values To track any changes so early intervention can be implemented or other testing can be performed.

Set  Health Goals: Health goals keep you on track to better quality of life and motivate you to stay healthy.  They are usually challenging but attainable or realistic.  Once reached reward yourself for a healthy job well done!  The Solution: In your golden years try staying in touch with friends and family, involve your life with social events and hobbies.  In your twenties try being more active aerobically and lower daily stress with better coping strategies.

Realize 80 percent of disease is preventable and the younger you start the better off you will be.  In your golden years realize that medication alone will not cure a disease and being proactive goes along way in really managing a disease or health condition.

Walnut Creek Chiropractor

 

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