Do Thoughts Really Shape Reality?

1 Aug

While some believe that our thoughts shape our reality 100% without question, others say beliefs like that have no place in the real world.  Whichever camp you may be in on this topic, here is some information you may find interesting and helpful…

New research shows that sad music is not “sad” to everyone.  In fact, researchers found that sad music can provide either enjoyment, comfort, or pain to different people.

The study surveyed 2,436 people in the United Kingdom and Finland.  The participants identified reasons for listening to sad music, emotions they felt, and memorable events linked to the music.

Researchers said the majority of participants focused on the pleasurable aspects of the sad music.  In other words, the sad music had a positive impact on their emotional state and improved their mood.

However, researchers also found that some people associate painful experiences such as a divorce, a bad break up, the death of a loved one, or other depressing events with sad music.

One researcher wrote:

Previous research in music psychology and film studies has emphasized the puzzling pleasure that people experience when engaging with tragic art.

However, there are people who absolutely hate sad-sounding music and avoid listening to it. In our research, we wanted to investigate this wide spectrum of experiences that people have with sad music, and find reasons for both listening to and avoiding that kind of music.

The results help us to pinpoint the ways people regulate their mood with the help of music, as well as how music rehabilitation and music therapy might tap into these processes of comfort, relief, and enjoyment.

The findings also have implications for understanding the paradoxical nature of enjoyment of negative emotions within the arts and fiction.

What does all this have to do with thoughts shaping reality?

One way to interpret these results may be to say that pleasure and pain are relative.  In other words, the same stimulus can cause pleasure or pain depending on how the person perceives the stimulus.  In this case, the same sad songs make some people sad and others happy.  It seems like it’s all about how you look at something and not what that something is that makes the difference.

So, do thoughts really shape reality?  We will leave that up to you.  But it looks like they might have at least some impact on it.

Sincerely,

Dr. Binder

Whiplash: What’s the “Best Evidence” These Days?

28 Jul

Whiplash, or WAD (Whiplash Associated Disorders), refers to a neck injury where the normal range of motion is exceeded, resulting in injury to the soft-tissues (hopefully with no fractures) in the cervical region. There are a LOT of factors involved that enter into the degree of injury and length of healing time. Let’s take a closer look!

Picture the classic rear-end collision. The incident itself may be over within 300 milliseconds (msec), which is why it’s virtually impossible to brace yourself effectively for the crash as a typical voluntary muscle contraction takes two to three times longer (800-1000 msec) to accomplish.

In the first 50 msec, the force of the rear-end collision pushes the vehicle (and the torso of the body) forwards leaving the head behind so the cervical spine straightens out from its normal “C-shape” (or lordosis). By 75-100 msec, the lower part of the neck extends or becomes more C-shaped while the upper half flexes or moves in an opposite direction creating an “S” shape to the neck. Between 150-200msec, the whole neck hyper extends and the head may hit the head rest IF the headrest is positioned properly. In the last 200-300 msec, the head is propelled forwards into flexion in a “crack the whip” type of motion.

Injury to the neck may occur at various stages of this very fast process, and many factors determine the degree of injury such as a smaller car being hit by a larger car, the impact direction, the position of the head upon impact (worse if turned), if the neck is tall and slender vs. short and muscular, the angle and “springiness” of the seat back and relative position of the headrest, dry vs. wet/slippery pavement, and airbag deployment, just to name a few.

Some other factors that can predict recovery include: limited neck motion, the presence of neurological loss (nerve specific muscle weakness and/or numbness/tingling), high initial pain levels (>5/10 on a 0-10 scale), high disability scores on questionnaires, overly fearful of harming oneself with usual activity and/or work, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress, poor coping skills, headaches, back pain, widespread or whole body pain, dizziness, negative expectation of recovery, pending litigation, catastrophizing, age (older is worse), and poor pre-collision health (both mental and physical).

Research shows the best outcomes occur when patients are assured that most people fully recover and when patients stay active and working as much as possible. Studies have shown it’s best to avoid prolonged inactivity and cervical collars unless under a doctor’s orders. It’s also a good idea to gradually introduce exercises aimed at improving range of motion, postural endurance, and motor control provided doing so keeps the patient within reasonable pain boundaries. Chiropractic manipulation restores movement in fixed or stuck joints in the back and neck and has been found to help significantly with neck pain and headaches, particularly for patients involved in motor vehicle collisions. A doctor of chiropractic may also recommend using a cervical pillow, home traction, massage, and other therapies as part of the recovery process.

It is important to be aware that fear of normal activity and not engaging in usual activities and work can delay healing and promote chronic problems and long-term disability. It’s suggested patients avoid opioid medication use due to the addictive problems with such drugs. Ice and anti-inflammatory herbs or nutrients (like ginger, turmeric, and bioflavonoids) are safer options. Your doctor of chiropractic can guide you in this process!

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.  If you, a friend, or family member requires care for Whiplash, we would be honored to render our services.

My Baby Has Colic – Can Chiropractic Help?

27 Jul

There is NOTHING quite so troubling to a young couple as a crying baby who can’t be settled down, especially if the infant is their first child! One of the leading causes of a distressed baby is colic—at least, this is probably the condition blamed the most for cranky baby behavior!

WHAT IS COLIC? By definition, the term “colic” applies to any healthy, well-nourished baby who cries more than three hours a day, three days a week, for more than three weeks. Colic remains a bit of a mystery. (Perhaps if a baby could speak, he or she might tell us their stomach hurts, they’re constipated, or something else.)

Colic usually starts when an infant is about two weeks old if the child was carried to full-term; however, for a premature baby, colic may manifest later on. Colic often self-limits or resolves on its own by month three or four. Whether or not a child is breast fed doesn’t appear to have any effect on colic, and there are no identifiable difference in older kids who had vs. didn’t have colic when they were babies.

WHAT CAUSES COLIC? As stated above, the exact cause is not well understood, which according to WEB-MD is why there is “no clear way to help it”. Here are some “theories” on causation: a growing digestive system, gas, hormone changes, noise or other sensory oversensitivity or overstimulation, a “moody” baby, and/or an immature or still developing nervous system.

RULE OUT OTHER ISSUES: Make sure there is no infection (check the baby’s temperature), acid reflux or stomach conditions, brain or nervous system pressure, eye problems, irregular heartbeat, or injury to muscles, bones, or to the extremities. Observe your baby for irritability, rubbing eyes, pulling on ears, and look for redness, rash, or other skin changes.

IS THERE A TREATMENT? Common attempts or methods a parent can try at home include using a pacifier, changing the baby’s formula, alternate between breast feeding and formula, minimize air swallowing when feeding (try a bottle nipple with a smaller hole), soothing background music, singing to the baby,  white noise or another type of sound machine, the sound and perhaps vibration of a clothes dryer or washer (but DON’T put the baby directly on the machine!), a vacuum cleaner sound, rocking the baby, a baby carrier that holds the baby over your chest, a baby swing, a musical mobile over the crib, switch off holding the baby when you feel stressed out, and when all else fails, place the baby in your car and drive around – as long as you’re not so tired that you risk falling asleep at the wheel!

Had enough? Bring the baby to a chiropractor! Gentle techniques work great for most babies with colic! One technique described in research studies has to do with gentle manipulation of the mid-thoracic region, as that region of the spine includes the nerves that innervate the stomach area. In MOST cases, only a few treatments are needed before parents observe improvement in their child’s symptoms. If possible, both parents should observe the procedure as it frequently “gets lost in translation” when trying to explain to the other spouse what took place. Infrequently, if results fall short of satisfying, the TEAM approach between your MD and DC may be best for everyone involved!

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.  If you, a friend, or family member requires care, we would be honored to render our services.

How Is Dizziness Related to My Neck Pain or Headaches?

26 Jul

Dizziness, neck pain, and headaches are very common symptoms that may or may not occur at the same time. Though this interrelationship exists, this month’s article will focus primarily on dizziness, particularly related to dizziness that occurs after standing.

First, it is important to point out that it is VERY common to be light headed or dizzy when standing up too fast, which is typically referred to as orthostatic hypotension (OH). OH is frequently referred to as a benign symptom, but new information may challenge this thought.

Let’s review what happens. When we are lying down, our heart does not have to work as hard as when we are upright; therefore, our blood pressure (BP) is usually lower while we lay in bed. When standing up, blood initially pools in the legs until an increase in blood pressure brings oxygen to the brain. This either resolves or prevents dizziness.

Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a blood pressure drop of >20 mm Hg systolic (the upper number—heart at FULL contraction), 10 mm Hg diastolic (lower number—heart at FULL rest), or both. This typically occurs within seconds to a few minutes after rising to a standing position.

There are two types of OH—delayed OH (DOH) where the onset of symptoms are not immediate but occur within three minutes of standing and “full” OH, which is more serious and occurs immediately upon rising. According to a 2016 study published in the prestigious journal Neurology, researchers reviewed the medical records of 165 people who had undergone autonomic nervous system testing for dizziness. The subjects averaged 59 years of age, and 48 were diagnosed with DOH, 42 with full OH, and 75 subjects didn’t have either condition.

During a ten-year follow-up, 54% of the DOH group progressed to OH, of which 31% developed a degenerative brain condition such as Parkinson’s disease or dementia. Those with initial DOH who also had diabetes were more likely to develop full OH vs. those without diabetes.

The early death rate in this 165 patient group was 29% for those with DOH, 64% with full OH, vs. 9% for those with neither diagnosed condition. The authors point out that those initially diagnosed with DOH who did NOT progress into full OH were given treatment that may have improved their blood pressure.

The authors state that a premature death might be avoided by having DOH and OH diagnosed and properly managed as early as possible. They point out that a prospective study is needed since this study only looked back at medical records of subjects who had nervous system testing performed at a specialized center, and therefore, these findings may not apply to the general population.

The value of this study is that this is the FIRST time a study described OH (or DOH) as a potentially serious condition with recommendations NOT to take OH/DOH lightly or view it as a benign condition. Since doctors see this a lot, a closer evaluation of the patient is in order.

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.  If you, a friend, or family member requires care for neck pain or headaches, we would be honored to render our services.

Fibromyalgia – “What Is the BEST Diet?”

25 Jul

Fibromyalgia (FM) and its cause remains a mystery, but most studies suggest that FM is NOT the result of a single event but rather a combination of many physical, chemical, and emotional stressors.

The question of the month regarding the BEST FM diet is intriguing since one might assume that the many causes should mean that there isn’t one dietary solution. But is that true? Could there be a “best diet” to help ease the symptoms from such a multi-faceted disorder?

Certainly, healthy eating is VERY important for ALL of us regardless of our current ailment(s). Obesity is rampant largely due to the fact that 60% of the calories consumed by the “typical” American center around eating highly inflaming food that include those rich in Sugar, Omega-6 oil, Flour, and Trans fats (“SOFT” foods, if you will!). Obesity has been cited as “an epidemic” largely due to kids and adults becoming too sedentary (watching TV, playing on electronic devices, etc.) and eating poorly.

Perhaps the BEST way to manage the pain associated with FM and to maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index, or ratio between height and weight) is to substitute ANTI-INFLAMING foods for those that inflame (or SOFT foods).

You can simplify your diet by substituting OUT “fast foods” for fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. So there you have it. It’s that simple. The problem is making up your mind to change and then actually doing it. Once these two things take place, most everyone can easily “recalibrate” their caloric intake and easily adapt.

Not only have studies shown that chronic illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes significantly benefit by following this simple dietary shift, but so does pain arising from the musculoskeletal system! This is because the human body is made up largely of chemicals, and chemical shifts are constantly taking place when it moves. If you reach for an anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen or naproxen and it helps, it’s because you ARE inflamed and the drug reduces the pain associated with that inflammation. This is an indication that an anti-inflammatory diet WILL HELP as well (but without the negative side effects)!

The list of chronic conditions that result in muscle pain not only includes FM but also obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type II diabetes. Conditions like tension-type and migraine headaches, neck and back pain, disk herniation, and tendonopathies and MANY more ALL respond WELL to making this SIMPLE change in the diet. For more information on how to “DEFLAME,” visit http://www.deflame.com! It could be a potential “lifesaver!”

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

The Most Important Principles for Staying Young: YOU Can Win The Jackpot!

21 Jul

Our basic premise is that your body is amazing.  You get a do over. It doesn’t take that long, and it isn’t that hard if you know what to do.  In these notes, we give you a short course in what to do so it becomes easy for you and for you to teach others. We want you to know how much control you have over both the quality and length of your life.

This month, we want to discuss My Feeling About the DHA-Omega-3 Jackpot. (By the way, check out my new book, This is YOUR Do-Over: The Seven Secrets to Losing Weight, Living Longer, And Getting A Second Chance at the Life You Want (shameless plug—you can order it here) .  You can send us questions anytime to youdocs@gmail.com, just put the phrase “Question for Dr Mike Roizen to answer” in the subject line, and I’ll try to get to it.)

In October 2015, a group of eleven women working together at the Canada Post won a nine million dollar lotto jackpot.  And when your author learned that 900 mg of DHA a day can make one’s memory six years younger and maybe even protect you from sugar binges, all of us won a jackpot without even buying a ticket. If you read my articles even occasionally, you probably know my feeling about sugar being a trigger for brain dysfunction.

Sugar for the slightly and very diseased brain is like cocaine—short-term increases in sugar levels in blood and in the brain improve brain function (more sugar in damaged cells temporarily improves function—as sugar or insulin through the upper plate in the nose do for Alzheimer’s patients, and even substances that decrease the blood brain barrier like saturated fats help this temporarily). But chronically (even over a two-week period in humans) slightly raised sugar levels—even if you don’t have diabetes or prediabetes—will decrease your memory. That excess blood glucose you get from a sugar donut (made worse by the saturated fat in it)—you can substitute any sugar laden food here—damages brain cells.

In one study, people had their sugar levels tested and were asked to memorize 15 words, then repeat them a half-hour later. Those with higher levels of blood sugar (chronically elevated) remembered, on average, two fewer words. Higher blood sugar is linked to a smaller hippocampus, which means poorer ability to form and store new memories. The same thing (or at least its rat equivalent) occurs when rodents were fed the equivalent of a liter of sugared soda a day.

The rats that got the sugar in their diet took twice as long to run mazes and learned them much slower. But there is some good news here (don’t skip ahead). These decreases in learning new memories were associated with a large number of changes in gene function as sugar changed the “C” function (cytosol) of the DNA making it less visible to protein manufacturing.

No matter if that is the cause, the decrease in ability to learn and store memories and the gene changes were prevented if the rats were given the equivalent of 900mg of DHA-omega-3 a day (conflict of interest note: I did chair the scientific advisory board of a company that made DHA-Omega-3 from algae; I no longer do so. Algae are where the fish get DHA-Omega-3 from, as like us, fish generally do not make it themselves).

Now we do not know if these gene effects are why sugar is bad, or DHA-Omega-3 fat is beneficial for memory because of its gene effects (that specific part of fish oil that reversed the effect). But we have known for several years from randomized studies in individuals who were 55 to 75 years of age and had started to lose their memory that 900mg of DHA a day made their memory forming and brain speed about six years younger. Additionally, a recent study also showed that consuming a little fish each week can lower one’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. So, take 900 mg of DHA-Omega-3 a day from either supplements or by consuming 18 ounces of salmon or ocean trout a week (the only fish with predictable amounts of DHA in the USA) to protect your brain and keep it young.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to send questions—to youdocs@gmail.com, and some of them we may know enough to answer (we’ll try to get answers for you if we do not know).

Young Dr Mike Roizen (aka, The Enforcer)

 

 NOTE: You should NOT take this as medical advice. This article is of the opinion of its author. Before you do anything, please consult with your doctor.

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