Traction – Does It Help Neck Pain and Headaches?

1 Jan

Traction is defined as, “…the act of pulling a body part.” Therefore, it is commonly used in many regions including legs, arms, low back, mid-back, and the neck. We will be limiting this discussion to cervical or neck traction, and the question of the month is, “…does it help patients with neck pain and headaches?” Though I’m assuming you already know, the answer is YES! You may want a little “proof,” so here it goes!

REDUCES DISK PROTRUSIONS: In 2002, a medically based study found traction to be very effective in the treatment of cervical radiculopathies (pinched nerves in the neck that radiate pain into the arms). A 2008 study using MRI (images) described the effect traction had on the disk protrusions in the neck reporting 25 of 35 (or 71%) were reduced while in traction with a 19% increase in the spacing (disk height) and improved neck range of motion after the traction was applied. They postulated that by pulling the vertebrae in the neck apart, there was a suction-like effect pulling the disk material back in place.

RECOMMENDED BY GUIDELINES: Around the world, guidelines have been published giving doctors information that allows us to know how well certain forms of treatment work for different conditions. In a 2008 publication, it was reported that, “Clinicians should consider the use of mechanical intermittent cervical traction, combined with other interventions such as manual therapy and strengthening exercises, for reducing pain and disability in patients with neck and neck-related arm pain.”

CLINICAL PREDICTION RULES: These help us determine who is most likely to benefit from a certain type of treatment (in this case cervical traction and exercise). If 3 of 5 variables are found, the likelihood of success with traction & exercise was reported to be 79%, and if 4 of the 5 are found, 90%. The 5 variables are: 1. Radiating neck to arm pain in certain positions; 2. Positive shoulder abduction sign; 3. Age >55years old; 4. Positive limb tension test; 5. Relief of symptoms using manual distraction test (if pain is relieved while the neck is being pulled).

INTERMITTENT AND CONTINUOUS TRACTION: Either way, significant improvement in neck and arm pain, neck mobility, and nerve function occurred with both approaches.

TRACTION VS. SURGERY: In this study, patients with radiating arm pain and positive neurological findings on exam were offered a course of traction before surgical options. They reported 63 of 81, or 78%, of the patients experienced significant or total relief, 3 could not tolerate traction and 15 simply didn’t respond. They concluded that when neck and arm symptoms with neurological deficits were present for 6 weeks, that 75% will respond to neck traction over the next 6 weeks.

There are MANY additional studies available that show well beyond doubt that cervical traction is a GREAT option in the management of neck and arm pain and sometimes headaches. Next month, we will discuss “HOW TO” apply cervical traction.

We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for neck pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

 

Fibromyalgia and Neurotransmission.

1 Jan

Neurotransmission is the method by which nerves “speak” to each other so impulses can be sent from one part of your body to the brain and back. For example, when you touch a hot plate by accident, it doesn’t take long before you quickly let go of the plate. The reason you let go quickly is because of neurotransmission. Certain types of neurons or nerves (called afferents) bring information to the central nervous system where the information is processed and then signals are transferred back to the target site (such as your hand touching the hot plate) by different nerves (called efferents) telling you to immediately let go of that hot object. It’s like the flow of traffic into a city during rush hour. People work all day and then drive in the opposite direction on their way home (afferents in the morning going in the city or “brain” and efferents in the evening bringing new information home). This “give and take” process of information coming in, being processed and going out helps coordinate our bodily functions. This allows us to constantly adapt to surrounding changes in temperature, stress, noise, and so on.

Each neuron has as many as 1500 connections from other neurons, but they don’t actually touch one another. Rather, there are “synapses” where nerve impulses stimulate the release of calcium and neurotransmitters, which either inhibit or excite another neuron and each neuron may be connected to many other neurons. If the total excitatory stimuli are greater than the inhibitory stimuli, that neuron will “fire” and create a new connection resulting in an action (like dropping the hot plate).

Okay, sorry for the enthusiastic description and details of neurotransmission. More importantly, how does all this relate to fibromyalgia?  A new study (published May 14, 2012 in NATURE by scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College) discovered that a single protein (alpha 2 delta), “…exerts a spigot-like function controlling the volume of neurotransmitters and other chemicals that flow between the synapses of brain neurons.” This study shows how brain cells “talk to each other” through these synapses relaying feelings, thoughts, and actions and how this powerful protein plays a crucial role in regulating effective communication in the brain. They found that if they added or decreased this single protein (alpha 2 delta), then the speed of neurotransmission increased or decreased by opening or closing the calcium channels that trigger neurotransmission release.

The relationship between calcium and neurotransmission has been known for 50 years, but how to “turn on or off” the volume is a new discovery. They hope this finding will help in the design of new medications that will help regulate the neurotransmission in the brain, thus help reduce the increased pain perception found in people suffering from fibromyalgia.

Our aim in sharing this information with you is to keep you informed with what is on the cutting edge of research as we’ve said many times before, a “team” of health care provision is the BEST way to manage FM including chiropractic and primary care!

If you, a friend or family member requires care for FM, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services!

 

What You Can Do One Hour Before Grilling Beef To Reduce Your Risk Of Cancer…

31 Dec

In a world where there is so much disagreement, here is a statement we can all agree on: No one wants cancer.  If there is a simple and inexpensive way to help prevent it, why not do it?  While there is great buzz about “cancer genes” and how much of a role they play in an individual actually getting cancer, there should also be great buzz about eating right, reducing stress, getting the proper amount of sleep, and doing all the other things that help optimize your immune system so you can live up to your full genetic potential, whatever that potential may be for you.

That being said, there are several studies on the subject of “grilled meat.”  In the research, the various authors discuss heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs are SUSPECTED human carcinogens (cancer causing) formed in muscle foods (meat) during high temperature grilling or cooking.  One study, published in the Journal Food Science, studied the effect of marinades rich in polyphenolic antioxidant containing spices in HCAs.  According to the study: “The marinades were formulated according to the package label instruction in an oil, water, and vinegar mixture, and the steaks were treated for one hour prior to grilling.  All three marinades: Caribbean, Southwest, and herb, significantly decreased the imidazo-azaarene HCAs (MeIQx, PhIP) as contrasted to controls and liquid blanks.  The Caribbean mixture showed the highest decrease in the total HCA content (88%), followed by the herb (72%) and Southwest (57%). With a few exceptions, there were significant decreases in HCAs for treatments with only the marinade bases (ingredients without any spices/herbs).  As measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the marinades contained considerable amounts of the polyphenolic antioxidants carnosic acid, carnosol and rosmarinic acid with Caribbean being the highest.  Commonly available spice-containing marinades can be effective inhibitors of HCA formation and provide reduced exposure to some of the carcinogens formed during grilling.”  

Does this mean if you marinate your steaks one hour before grilling them in this Caribbean mixture you will not get cancer?  No.  Does it mean you will… for sure… reduce your risk?  Can’t say that either.  But it’s pretty safe to say this:  Science and research are not perfect.  They are only as good as the imperfect humans doing the research and interpreting the data.  Every month, there are studies that say what we believed last year (“proven” in a study) was wrong.  But that doesn’t mean you should throw your hands up in the air and ignore everything and eat junk food and sugary drinks all day.  Try eating natural foods over processed foods.  Exercise moderately instead of sitting on the couch.  Think positive thoughts more than negative thoughts. And maybe… just maybe… if you eat steak… consider a Caribbean marinade one hour before. 

 

Great Autumn Fruits and Vegetables.

31 Dec

Fall is upon us, and with that comes beautiful fruits and vegetables that are ready to be harvested and consumed. When produce is consumed at its ripest (when it is in season) more nutrients are delivered into the body. Here are some delicious foods you can get your hands on to enjoy the beauty of autumn (in the Northern Hemisphere at least):

Apples: Even though apples are available 365 days a year in grocery stores, fall is their time to shine. Apples are full of fiber and vitamin C. Due to the anti-oxidant properties found in apple skin, they are also great for reducing inflammation.

Squash: Fall gourds like butternut squash are low in fat, high in fiber, and full of potassium. Not only is squash great for you, it is also highly versatile. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned professional, you can make an awesome fall meal involving squash.

Carrots: Whether you munch on carrots as a mid-day snack or use them as a key component in a comfort-filled fall stew, carrots are an absolute treasure when it comes to nutrients. Carrots have an incredible amount of vitamin A. Vitamin A assists in maintaining vision, a healthy immune system, and cell growth.

Eggplant:  These strange and beautiful vegetables are harvested in late summer and can be found at their best in early fall. The phytonutrients in eggplant have been found to protect cell membranes against free radicals. Want more reasons to eat eggplant? One cup contains only 19 calories!

Is This The Blueprint To Losing 68 Pounds?

31 Dec

Inspirational Story Of The Month (Names And Details May Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)

Woman claims these two things helped her go from 210 lbs. to 142 lbs.  Will they work for you?

It might be because of what we see on television, the Internet, or magazines but it seems like almost everyone wants to lose weight. Some just want to drop a few unwanted pounds while others need to lose a whole heck of a lot more.  For that reason, weight loss is estimated to be a $60 billion industry.  When there is that much money involved, you know it will attract con artists and scammers who want to sell you the next magic pill, exotic diet, or whiz bang gadget that will make the pounds fall right off your body. Some of their approaches may work, but doesn’t it seem like within a couple years, the same people are pitching the next miracle doo-dad? What happened to the last one?

Believe it or not, there is a proven and effective way to lose all the weight your heart desires. It is 100% free, and this story tells it all.

It’s the story of a young woman named Dawn who is married to Steve, a soldier deployed in Afghanistan.

Dawn gained 55 pounds while pregnant with their first child, though she readily admits that she had started gaining weight long before that.  She was still surprised when her doctor told her she weighed over 200 lbs.

Six weeks after their son was born, Dawn weighed 210 pounds. Then, Steve left for Afghanistan.  On Facebook, Dawn wrote, “At the time, I still weighed 210 pounds. I grew to hate mirrors, and my attempts to squeeze myself into my old clothes left me feeling defeated.  One day, not long after Steve had left, I decided I was done feeling bad about myself.  I wanted a healthy body again, so I had to get to work.

“I started a strict exercise routine and committed to two daily workouts, including a bootcamp class and 45 minutes spent on the treadmill.  I cut out fast food for 11 months without cheating and never skipped a workout.  My husband was in awe of my commitment.  While he’s deployed, we rely on Facebook to communicate, and I sent him updates from home, pictures of our son, and messages about my progress in the gym. I was getting stronger every day, and I loved that he got to cheer me on from overseas.”

When Steve came home just before their son’s first birthday, Dawn weighed 142 lbs. (less than she weighed when they first met)!

So, what is the “blueprint?”  The blueprint is simple:  Commitment and hard work.  Dawn said, “It wasn’t easy.  There is no magic pill for good health…”  

Making that acknowledgment and accepting that statement as fact is the first step in losing any amount of weight you want and living a much healthier life.

Yes, losing weight is NOT complicated.  In fact, it is quite simple, but simple doesn’t not mean “magic” or “overnight” or “no work” or “take this pill and wake up skinny while eating ice cream and sitting on the couch.”

All those statements are tactics used by marketers trying to get their share of the $60 billion weight loss industry.  Listen to Dawn.  Make the commitment, eat right, and do the work… for the rest of your life.  Forget about those magical fat burners.

Want The Best For Your Newborn?

31 Dec

Research Shows Breastfeeding Creates Bigger Brains – Why What Your Baby Eats For The First 1,000 Days Is So Important!

 

Doctors, researchers, and parents have always wanted to know how much nutrition in early life affects adults later in life.  Can adults overcome poor nutrition in the first few months or years of life or are there consequences to starting off life eating sub-optimal food? Both epidemiological and animal studies have shown the risk of metabolic syndrome is significantly increased after exposure to suboptimum nutrition during crucial periods of development.  Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke.

What about IQ?  According to an article published in Neuroimage (May 28, 2013), “The prevailing consensus from large epidemiological studies posits that early exclusive breastfeeding is associated with improved measures of IQ and cognitive functioning in later childhood and adolescence. Prior morphometric brain imaging studies support these findings, revealing increased white matter and sub-cortical gray matter volume, and parietal lobe cortical thickness, associated with IQ in adolescents who were breastfed as infants compared to those who were exclusively formula-fed.”  

In other words, a majority of researchers believe (based on studies) that breastfed babies have higher IQs than babies who were given formula.  A new study from Brown University has found more evidence to the superiority of breastfeeding over formula. The study used MRIs to look at the brain growth in a sample of children under the age of four. The research found that by age two, babies who had been breastfed exclusively for at least three months had enhanced development in key parts of the brain compared to children who were fed formula exclusively or who were fed a combination of formula and breast milk. The research showed the extra growth was most pronounced in parts of the brain associated with language, emotional function, and cognition.

“We’re finding the difference [in white matter growth] is on the order of 20 to 30 percent, comparing the breastfed and the non-breastfed kids,” said the study’s lead researcher, Sean Dioni. PhD. “I think it’s astounding that you could have that much difference so early.”  

With everything researchers and doctors now know, breastfeeding is the clear choice if you want the best for your child both now and as an adult.

 

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