LOW BACK PAIN

Nearly 80% of our population complains of low back pain at some time in their life. Let's have a little discussion about the spine and how chiropractic may be able to help this pain the back. The spine is made up of 24 segment called vertebra. There are 7 cervicle (neck) vertebra, 12 thoracic (mid back) vertebra and 5 lumber (low back) vertebra along with the sacrum and pelvic bones. The spinal cord runs from the brain through the vertebra and the spinal nerves exit between the vertebra to ALL BODY PARTS. Between each vertebra is a disc pad that helps give strength and cushion to the spine. The vertebra are held together with ligaments. These soft tissue structures are the portion of the spine that are susceptible to injury. A snapping back and forth of the neck (whiplash) can damage the ligaments in this area. A twisting and bending motion along with lifting can damage the ligaments or disc of the low back. With the injury there will be swelling and muscle spasm. Of course this will be painful. The vertebra can actually twist out of alignment. This is called a vertebral subluxation. The swelling and spasm can "pinch" or irritate the nerves. Of course this is also painful! This pain can be localized right in the region of the injury or can be radiating into an arm or leg or even cause a headache. Most of the time most people want to treat only the pain. "Give me a muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever". You know what? These will help the discomfort decrease. NONE of these will help correct or stabilize the problem. As chiropractors we will do a complete evaluation, take X-rays if needed and make a determination if we can help or if a referral for further study is necessary. Most people respond to conservative chiropractic care, but there are times when the damage is more than the body can repair. It's conditions like this that may require medication and or surgery. All we ask is to just give us a chance.

GOOD HABITS/Bad Habits

Bad habits---easy: smoking, drinking, biting your fingernails, taking illicit drugs, smacking gum, saying "uh" when you speak. OK enough, let's talk about some GOOD DAILY HABITS for a long healthy life. According to the WELLNESS EXPRESS written by Dr Marty Hughes there are 5 daily habits that will help you have lifelong health. The earlier you develop these habits the better. They will help you avoid serious chronic diseases and make it easier to live your latter years with more independence. #1. Food: not prepackaged, stick with whole foods. These foods contain fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals that can improve health. Whole and unrefined foods can help improve your cholesterol levels help with colon function. Here are some examples: dark green, yellow, and orange fleshed fruits and vegetables. Also, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. #2. You have to exercise. Do something over and above your normal routine at least 3 days per week. Get your heart pumping. This will help you burn calories, decrease your weight and increase your energy level as well as lighten your mood. Here are some examples: yoga, tai chi, Pilates, walking, running, strength training and swimming. #3. Drink lots of water. At least 1/2 gallon per day. Water helps to flush toxins from the organs, keeps ears, nose and throat moist, and just overall keeps you hydrated. De hydration causes fatigue. #4. Breathe. Boy that sounds simple doesn't it? Well I think Dr Hughes means is "relaxed" breathing to help control stress. There are several breathing techniques that you can do a Google search on. But a simple way is to periodically take 8-10 slow deep breaths several times per day. Stop and sit quietly in your chair, rest your hands palm up in your lap, close your eyes and just simply begin to breathe in and out very slowly for about 5 minutes-almost to a point of getting sleepy. Do this about every 3-4 hours. You'll be amazed often restful feeling you get and how much energy you'll generate. #5. Social bonding. Work hard to build strong loving relationships with family, friends, relatives and co-workers. Encourage and be encouraged. Belong. AND as always keep up with regular chiropractic check ups and just give me a chance to help.

A Low Cost Solution to the High Cost of Health Care

This information is from ACA's Talking Points: ~In a 2012 study to identify early predictors of lumbar spine surgery after occupational back injury, reduced odds of surgery were observed for those under age 35, women, Hispanics and those whose first provider was a DOCTOR of CHIROPRACTIC. 42.7 percent of patients who first saw a surgeon had surgery, in contrast to only 1.5 percent of those who first saw a DC!! A result NOT due to ANY difference in severity of cases seen by DCs and surgeons. ~A 2012 study published tin the Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients with acute and subacute neck pain found spinal manipulation therapy provided by DCs more effective than medication in BOTH the short and long term. ~In 2012, an article published in Medical Care showed that costs are LESS for patients with neck pain and back pain who see a DC, based on a risk adjusted analysis of a large nationally representative data set. ~A 2010 study evaluating data from BC/BS of Tenn. found that risk adjusted cost for low back pain episodes of care initiated with a DC were 20% less costly than episodes initiated through a MD. ~A 2010 study at the University of British Colombia found that guidelines-based care which included spinal manipulation provided by a DC was SIGNIFICANTLY more effective than "usual care" provided by a MD for patients for lower back pain for less than 16 weeks duration. ~A 2009 Milstein and Choudhry report stated "------when considering effectiveness and cost together, DC care for low back and neck pain is HIGHLY COST EFFECTIVE [and] represents good value in comparison to MD care----". ~A study published in 2004 showed that patients enrolled in an HMO network using DCs as primary care physicians experienced significantly fewer hospital visits, spent less time in a hospital for care, underwent fewer surgeries and used far less pharmaceuticals than other HMO patients who received traditional medical care. These findings were confirmed in a 2007 follow up study. Chiropractic is NATURAL!! Our goal is to help mobilize, stabilize and rehabilitate and injured spinal joint in an effort to allow the area to heal---naturally. In the same fashion that a cast does not heal a fractured bone, the body does. Stitches do not heal cut skin, the body does. Our hope is to do this WITHOUT drugs or surgery. Not ALL cases respond to conservative Chiropractic management. 85-90% DO!! All I ask for is a chance.

HEY!! Let Me Ask You A Question!

This information is taken from our weekly publication The Wellness Express written by Dr Marty Hughes. Question #1: Are Chiropractic adjustments painful? In general, no. But if you hurt you're going to feel the area we work on. It's like if you have a bruise and I touch it or push on it to assess it, its going to hurt. When you get an adjustment we are working on an area that has swelling and spasm. To touch or move that area may cause an increase of the symptoms. This will be minimal and very temporary. It's not unusual to have some soreness afterward. This is similar to soreness after exercising when you haven't exercised in a long time. Really, no big deal. If you do experience a headache, soreness or pain beyond this minimal affect let the chiropractor know. Sometimes just a simple change in the adjustment technique will alleviate this. Question #2: Is Chiropractic unscientific? Interestingly enough, chiropractic schools have done research since its start in 1895. But, chances are you would dismiss this research as biased. Well, Harvard University did a study several years ago that showed regular chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical (neck) spine had a positive effect on reducing blood pressure. Just last year,2012, the Journal Annals of Internal Medicine, published an article stating that 75% of those treated for neck pain saw much relief compared to 38% that only took pain medication. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics published the outcome of a study where patients treated for low back pain had more satisfaction and improvement with chiropractic care than with treatment from their general medical physician. Question #3: Do Chiropractors only work on the spine? Simply--nope. Most DC's can treat most any extremity and joint such as knees, elbows, wrists and ankles. Soft tissue treatment is very common. This is the of treating muscles and ligaments. Chiropractors take X-Ray and refer for CTs and MRIs in an effort to get a good diagnosis. Headaches, sinus conditions,asthma, and high blood pressure have all seen positive results with spinal adjustments. AND, DCs are always willing and prepared to refer a patient for medical care when the diagnosis or lack of response to conservative chiropractic warrants. Question #4: Is chiropractic care expensive? I guess it's all in your perspective. If you compare chiropractic adjustments and the rehab therapy that goes with it to an aspirin, muscle relaxer and pain killer----sure chiropractic IS more expensive. BUT---you treated a symptom such as spasm, swelling and pain. You DIDN'T treat the problem. If you compare adjustments and therapy to what some perceive to be similar care (not me) such as Physical Therapy, the time and cost is very close. But again, the structural condition of the spinal misalignment is not addressed by the PT. The lack of correcting the spinal, structural misalignment will allow the joint to deteriorate and osteoarthritis to develop over the next few years. If you compare conservative spinal adjustments and rehab to invasive and possibly very dangerous surgery with its hospital stay and rehab----well, as you can imagine its not even close. Why use a shotgun when a BB gun may get the job done. Chiropractic IS safe and effective. Chiropractic First, Medicine Second, Surgery Last. Question #5: Is chiropractic considered "mainstream"? Chiropractic is the second largest healing profession in the country. It's licensed in every state. The Doctorate Degree is conferred by every state per the degree earned from one of sixteen different accredited chiropractic colleges. So yes, a Chiropractor IS a doctor regardless of what the uneducated or ignorant may tell you. Chiropractic is recognized by nearly all insurance and Medicare. Many state Medicaid programs pay for it. As of today, it will be covered under the national health care program. Many of today's medical doctors refer their patients to DCs. This wasn't so 40 to 50 years ago when the medical profession attempted to "contain and eliminate" the chiropractic profession. Sparlin Health Care is a chiropractic and medical clinic all in one. We have a medical doctor, a PA-C and 8 DCs. We also have 15 support staff. We have a full lab for blood work and can do drug as well as DNA testing. Pre-employment exams and DOT exams are also available. Like I always say--just give me a chance.

Sit Too Much!?!?

This information is from our weekly patient newsletter " The Wellness Express" written by Marty Hughes,DC. I've never thought of sitting as being a disease but this article gives a compelling argument that it may be. 50-70% of us may sit up to six or more hours every day. We watch TV, ride in our car(that's me for a minimum of two+ hours every day), eat, or it's just our standard position while we work. Of course, this inactivity can lead to many types of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, weight gain(meaning more health issues), and low back pain. OK, so the big thing here is the inactivity. Check this out: a study by the CDC gave indication that a sedentary life style can decrease your life expectancy. AND, the study also notes that you can boost your life expectancy by 2 years by reducing your sitting time to less than 3 hours per day and by keeping your TV time to under 2 hours per day you can add 1.4 years to your life. Neat huh!? Your prolonged sitting is "time spent in behaviors involving minimal energy expenditure". This can lead to life shortening diseases such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic problems which can cause you to become overweight. So let's get to an area where I can help. Sitting around a lot can wear out the musculoskeletal system. Joints and soft tissue(muscle and ligaments) need lots of movement to stay healthy. Over time this lack of movement can permanently limit your full range of motion. We as chiropractors, of course, can help with the structural, mechanical problems of your spine. Along with your treatment plan, that would include spinal adjustments, physiotherapy modalities and home exercise we can coach you on ergonomic changes that you may need to make at work. Even your sleeping habits may need to be modified. Hey!! Quit reading this blog now, it's time to get up and MOVE!!!!! As always all I ask for is a chance to help.

Are You Exercising?!

Are you exercising-----maybe-----just a little bit? Sometimes it really doesn't take a lot of time or energy. My belief is you can always do SOMETHING over and above your normal daily routine. An example would be to walk a mile a day, do twenty push-ups and 20 sit-ups, or ride a bicycle for thirty minutes. The CDC says that strength training can reduce the signs and symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, depression and even back pain. Not everyone can go to a gym for an hour or pay for a trainer. So, being able to do these thing on your own is less expensive and less time consuming. You can do a google or bing search to find explanations of simple exercises as well as something for the more energetic such as aerobic videos. WII has some great stuff that is also fun and that you can do with others. Check with me if you want to know something specific for you. Remember the easiest way to lose weight is to UP your calorie burn off (exercise) and lower your calorie intake (diet). Have goals and set target weights and times. Make it fun. Don't use your mirror to decide if you are doing OK, use your scale. Limit weighing to once per week. Only plan to lose 3-5 pounds per week. Stay positive and work hard. You'll do great!!

Concussions: Bam!

As I'm writing this post I'm watching a college football game on TV. Only five minutes into the game and there has already been three helmet to helmet hits. No one "injured", yet! Not only football but several sports make it very easy to get a concussion. Concussion or TBI-traumatic brain injury can be caused by an impact to the head causing the brain to move inside the skull. This can lead to bruising, blood vessel damage, swelling and bleeding. If this is severe enough and not evaluated medically serious brain injury or death may occur. This type of injury, although seemingly healed can show up many years later as long term neurological problems. Other sports like soccer, hockey and boxing have a strong possibility of causing concussions. It may be that part of what Mahammed Ali experiences today can be a result of the blows to the head he received countless times boxing. Common symptoms of concussion include: headache, confusion, blurred vision, slurred speech, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, light and noise sensitivity, and memory/concentration problems. Loss of consciousness of 15 minutes or more would require the injured person to be evaluated by a physician. This is not somethinjut hat just happens in college or pro athletes but also high school and little/midget league sports. Small children falling off bicycles or out of bed or just rough housing can be injured and have a concussion. Auto accidents have also been known to cause concussions when the head hits something in the vehicle or just the snapping back and forth of the head violently. Sparlin Health Care is a medical and chiropractic facility and we are capable of examining these types injuries and make the necessary referral if needed. As I always say, just give us a chance. I think you'll love the service and care you receive. The seargent on Hill St Blues always said "be careful out there!"