Pain Relief Chiropractic

With all the hype about cholesterol, where does the truth lie? On one hand, some doctors recommend EVERYONE be placed on a statin (cholesterol lowering medication) regardless if their cholesterol levels are high or not. On the other hand, some experts report that statins are unnecessary and cholesterol is both essential and good for us. So, where does the current research fit into this picture?

Let’s look at a July 2015 Harvard School of Public Health publication that reported “….it would be cost effective to treat 48-67% of all adults aged 40-75 in the [United States] with cholesterol-lowering statins. By expanding the current recommended treatment guidelines and boosting the percentage of adults taking statins, an additional 161,560 cardiovascular-related events could be averted.” The authors of the report start their discussion by recognizing the “new cholesterol treatment guidelines have been controversial” and seek to weigh the pros and cons of their recommendation. They point out that on one side, “there is strong evidence that statins reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke” and on the other, they report that “…more people would be at increased risk for negative side effects, such as memory loss, type 2 diabetes, and muscle damage.”

Of interest, in November 2013, the American Heart Association and others recommended that statins be prescribed for people with a 7.5% or greater risk of heart attack or stroke over a 10-year period (down from 10-20% or higher in previous guidelines), including many with no existing cardiovascular issues. An article in the July edition of Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports the 7.5% was acceptable in terms of cost-effectiveness, “…but more lenient treatment thresholds of ≥3.0-4.0% would be “optimal…and would avert an estimated additional 125,000-160,000 CVD-events.”

The opposing camp regarding cholesterol management says that inflammation is at the core of heart disease and stroke, NOT cholesterol. Moreover, RAISING the amount of cholesterol-rich foods in our diet is reportedly WISE since only a small amount of our body’s cholesterol actually comes from diet and most is produced by the liver. Cleveland Clinic’s cardiologist Dr. Steven Nissen says we NEED cholesterol, a theory that is now embraced by the new 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), as they have taken a TOTAL about-face compared with their 2010 recommendations (which had “stood” strong since the 1960s). The DGAC are now stating that “cholesterol is not considered a nutrient of concern for overconsumption.”

Other researchers say lowering dietary cholesterol is likely causing far more harm than good. Our cell membranes, as well as activity that goes on INSIDE our cells, our liver (cholesterol is a precursor to bile acids needed to digest the fat we eat), our digestive system, and our brain (which contains 25% of the cholesterol in our body) REQUIRE adequate cholesterol levels. Low levels of HDL cholesterol have been linked to several brain-related malfunctions including depression, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, violent behavior, and suicide. Also, cholesterol provides insulation for our nerve cells and plays an important role in the production of hormones (particularly testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen). Cholesterol is also important for the production of vitamin D, as when sunlight hits our skin, the cholesterol in the skin is converted into the vitamin.

Obviously, we have a choice: limit / reduce our cholesterol or embrace it. Which camp appeals to you the most?

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.

 YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 717-697-1888

Obesity is one of the leading health-related problems facing the developed world. In fact, more than 1/3 (34.9% or 78.6 million) of adults in the United States (US) are obese. Obesity is linked to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and many preventable conditions that can lead to a premature death. The estimated costs associated with obesity in the US topped $147 billion dollars in 2008 alone. Obesity is more common among middle age adults 40-59 years old (39.5%) than younger adults age 20-39 (30.3%) or adults over 60 (35.4%).

When patients present for chiropractic care, their doctor of chiropractic will be interested in their total health needs even though their low back pain (or some other complaint) may have been the driving force behind making the appointment. During the initial visit, he or she will take a thorough history as well as a review of systems to determine ALL of the patient’s issues. The chiropractor may also check the patient’s vital signs (age, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, height, weight, and recently the “new vital sign,” the BMI or Body Mass Index). In a recent study comparing groups of people with normal vs. high BMIs, the average lower lumbar angle in the overweight group was significantly greater than that in the normal weight group, and ONLY the lower lumbar angle was associated with a significant increase in the BMI (waist circumference showed no association with the lower lumbar angle). Another study looked at the degree of pain and function between non-obese, those with mild-obesity, and those with greater obesity and found that those with greater obesity had higher ratings of pain while walking and stair climbing, had greater weakness in the back extensors and abdominal muscles, and took the fewest number of steps per day. Another study found an association in young women (18-30 years) between higher BMI and waist circumference and greater cardiometabolic risk, greater insulin resistance (diabetes risk), and lower physical activity.

Knowing all the risks associated with obesity, it’s fair to say, most patients want to lose weight. Many have tried a lot of different approaches and yet continue to struggle with the seemingly never-ending “battle of the bulge.” So, how can chiropractic help? Because chiropractors are interested in your whole-person health, they cannot ignore the risk factors that cause and/or perpetuate other health problems that drive patients to their offices – such as low back pain. They can manage pain with the usual approaches (manipulation, mobilization, massage, trigger point, and other soft tissue therapies and modalities) but can also discuss dietary changes and ways to improve your general health. Studies show that an anti-inflammatory diet will address many of the issues facing the overweight person, including low back pain. Hence, they may promote eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean meat/protein, avoiding gluten, and fortifying the diet with a broad spectrum multivitamin-mineral, magnesium (with or without calcium), fish-oil, vitamin D3, and co-enzyme Q10. Your doctor will assess you as an individual, work with other allied healthcare practitioners, and help guide you in diet and exercise in the quest of establishing NEW health habits to obtain and maintain your ideal weight.

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.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 717-697-1888

Longevity is important, but longevity with a high quality of life is MORE IMPORTANT! So what can you do to live both longer and better? This month, let’s look at heart disease.

According to the Mayo Clinic, heart disease can be prevented A LOT EASIER than treating it once it’s present! Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in many developed nations, what KEY heart disease prevention steps can we take to reduce our likelihood of heart problems? Here are six heart disease prevention strategies that we have FULL CONTROL over:

1) SMOKING CESSATION: This is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease prevention. It has been clearly shown that chemicals in tobacco damage the heart and blood vessels and can lead to narrowing of the arteries (“atherosclerosis”), which can result in a heart attack. The GOOD NEWS is that once you quit smoking, your risk of developing heart disease drops almost to that of a nonsmoker in about five years!

2) EXERCISE: Exercise with moderate physical intensity (a brisk walk, for example) for 30 minutes, five to seven days a week. You can even break the 30 minutes into three ten-minute session to get similar health benefits. Gardening, housekeeping, going up and down flights of stairs, and walking the dog are other easy options!

3) DIET: A heart-healthy diet can reduce your risk as well! The Mayo Clinic recommends the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and the Mediterranean diet as two great options. Simply emphasize fruits, vegetables, and lean meats (especially fish and poultry) and stay away from fast/processed foods (saturated and trans fats are the “bad-guys”).

4) WEIGHT: A Body-Mass-Index (BMI – use a height/weight calculator) of 19-25 is ideal, as a BMI over 25 is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Maintaining a healthy weight improves quality of life SIGNIFICANTLY and reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, and reduces the risk of developing diabetes and some cancers.

5) GET QUALITY SLEEP: Sleep deprivation increases an individual’s risk for obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, and depression. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Feeling “refreshed” is the goal! Set a schedule and stick to it by getting to bed each night and rising in the morning at similar times.

6) PREVENTION SCREENING: High blood pressure (BP) and poor cholesterol levels can damage your heart and blood vessels, and regular screening can tell you whether you need to take action. Most guidelines recommend screening once every two years if your BP is over 120/80 mmHg. Those with risk factors like obesity and hypertension should get their cholestrol levels checked every five years starting at age 20; otherwise, healthy men should get their cholesterol levels checked every five years starting at age 35 and women at age 45. If you have a family history for any particular diseases or disorders, check with your doctor if screening is available and/or recommended at your current age.

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.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE!

FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 717-697-1888

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, and we all want to provide the best environment for both mom and baby. The question of whether or not chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy is frequently raised by the newly-expectant mother as she plans for a healthy pregnancy. Chiropractic care during the nine-month time frame is a common practice, as many moms require professional care for biomechanical complaints (most notably back pain) or they simply want to feel “their best.”

A “normal” pregnancy is defined as “about 40 weeks, ranging between 37 and 42 weeks from the point of fertilization to delivery.” It’s the “norm” NOT to know exactly when fertilization happens, so we typically calculate the expected gestation period from the point of the woman’s last normal menstrual period. During the first trimester (the three-month period starting on the first day of the last menstrual period through the thirteenth week), the fertilized egg implants into the womb. This period of time is usually asymptomatic unless morning sickness occurs. Because the mom is often unaware of being pregnant, medication use and alcohol intake should be carefully watched FROM THE MOMENT SHE STARTS TRYING TO BECOME PREGNANT!

During the second trimester (the fourteenth to the twenty-seventh week), most women feel GREAT! No more morning sickness, increased energy, and by now, fetal movements are a pleasured sensation! Ultrasound during this time will be able to detect any problems, as well as identify the child’s sex.

The third trimester starts at the twenty-eighth week and finishes with the birth of the child. As the baby grows to fill the womb, the mom usually becomes more uncomfortable, especially in the last two to three weeks when the contractions begin that are needed to move the child down into the birth canal in preparation for birth. A vaginal delivery usually occurs within 24 hours of labor, and if labor does not occur by week 42, it may be induced by using medications that purposely initiate labor (such as pitocin).

With this as a foundation, chiropractic offers the pregnant mom many benefits. First regarding safety, a 2009 literature review found 33 references on this subject and concluded the results revealed a favorable outcome regarding the use and safety of chiropractic care thoughout pregnancy. The authors concluded that chiropractic is a safe and effective means of treating common musculoskeletal complaints that often affect pregnant women. The use of chiropractic includes (but may not be limited to): making the pregnant mom feel more comfortable during her pregnancy, helping to facilitate an uncomplicated labor and delivery process, and to help control low back, mid back, and/or neck pain during the nine-month process. They reported that 50% of all pregnant women experience back pain during their pregnancy and 50-75% experience back pain during labor. The study points out that only 21% of pregnant women with back pain consult their medical physician about it. More than seven out of ten expectent mothers in a study who sought chiropractic treatment for back pain benefitted from care. There are also special techniques some chiropractors are certified  in such as the “Webster Technique” in which pediatricians and midwives will frequently refer the pregnant mother to a certified DC to move the fetus from a breach position to a head down (proper) position.

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.