You need a Massage

Massage + chiropractic = an awesome combination!

You went to the gym, and now every muscle in your body hurts and you’re just aching to get a massage, but it seems like such an extravagance in terms of money and time. Yet, many different activities make up a good wellness routine and massage is just one of those elements in addition to nutrition, exercise and chiropractic care. So there's no need to feel guilty when you call to schedule that massage!

Physical, mental and emotional health benefits of massage: 

• Massage improves the circulation of oxygen-carrying blood to the extremities and helps eliminate wastes from the body 
• Massage relaxes you, relieves stress and anxiety, and supports feelings of general well-being 
• Massage works with your chiropractic care to retrain muscles that support your spine 
• Massage helps in managing the pain associated with certain physical conditions, such as arthritis and sciatica 
• Massage serves to either stimulate or relax the nervous system, depending on the type of massage being administered 

Just keep in mind that a massage is not a substitute for chiropractic care! Although the two may work in conjunction with one another, massage provides “feel good” therapy while chiropractic adjustments keep your nervous system functioning properly. That’s far more important than a temporary “feel good” luxury!

Time for some FACTS!!!

KEY FACTS ABOUT THE CHIROPRACTIC PROFESSION
American Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Blvd. – Ste 200,
Arlington, VA 22209
www.acatoday.org

By the Numbers

• There are 77,000 Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) in the United States who are required to pass a series of four national board exams and be state licensed. Roughly another 3,000 DCs work in academic and management roles.
• There are approximately 10,000 chiropractic students in 18 nationally accredited, chiropractic doctoral graduate education programs across the United States with 2,500 Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) entering the workforce every year
• An estimated 40,000 chiropractic assistants (CAs) are in clinical and business management roles for chiropractic practices across the United States.
• It is estimated that Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) treat over 27 million Americans (adults and children) annually.
• Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are educated in nationally accredited, four-year doctoral graduate school programs through a curriculum that includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical internship, with the average DC program equivalent in classroom hours to allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical schools.
• Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are utilized by all 32 National Football League teams in optimizing the functionality, endurance and overall conditioning of professional football players in the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal strain injuries, including neck pain, low back pain, strains to hamstrings and quadriceps, and whiplash injuries.
• Injured workers with similar injuries are 28 times less likely to have spinal surgery if the first point of contact is a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), rather than a surgeon (MD).
• A recent study showed that treatment for low back pain initiated by a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) costs up to 20 percent less than when started a MD.  Patient Satisfaction/Clinical Effectiveness
• Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are designated as physician-level providers in the vast majority of states and federal Medicare program. The essential services provided by DCs are also available in federal health delivery systems, including those administered by Medicaid, the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Federal Workers' Compensation, and all state workers' compensation programs.
• Chiropractic outperformed all other back pain treatments, including prescription medication, deep-tissue massage, yoga, pilates, and over-the-counter medication therapies.
• Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are the highest rated healthcare practitioner for low-back pain treatments above physical therapists (PTs), specialist physician/MD (i.e., neurosurgeons, neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons), and primary care physician/MD (i.e., family or internal medicine).
• Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) provide a patient-centered, whole person approach to health care marked by greater interaction and better communication, resulting in consistently higher patient satisfaction ratings than medical doctors.
• With prescription pain drug abuse now classified as an epidemic in the United States and the number of spinal fusions soaring 500% over the last decade,20 the essential services provided by Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) represent a primary care approach for the prevention, diagnosis and conservative management of back pain and spinal disorders that can often enable patients to reduce or avoid the need for these riskier treatments.
• Chiropractic care has an excellent safety record. This should be viewed in the context of other treatments for back pain such as steroids, pain medications and surgery. As a result, Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) pay malpractice premiums at significantly lower rates than allopathic doctors (MDs).
• The Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) collaborative, whole person-centered approach reflects the changing realities of health care delivery, and fits well into Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and patient-centered, medical home (PCMH) models bringing greater clinical efficiency, patient satisfaction and cost savings.
• A systematic review in 2010 found that most studies suggest spinal manipulation achieves equal or superior improvement in pain and function when compared with other commonly used interventions for short, intermediate, and long-term follow-up.
• The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society jointly recommended in 2007 that clinicians consider spinal manipulation for patients who do not improve with self-care options.

CASE HISTORY - Female with Migraine

CASE - Female with Migraine

(not the actual patient)

A fifty year old executive female appears in my office with a 15 year history of migraine headaches.  She owns her business with 15-20 employees and puts in 60-70 hours per week minimum working her business. She presents me with a calendar of the previous two years wherein she records each time during the day that she does not have a migraine headache.  She has been to multiple doctors but never to a chiropractor.  She has tried many different prescription medications over the years with marginal results.  She has had MRI and CT of her head many times, each with negative results.  She has had physical therapy, massage and acupuncture.  She says that due to the severity of her headaches if she has heard of a possible solution she tries it.  She comes in today seeking relief regardless of whether her insurance covers the treatment or not.

My patient describes every headache beginning in the base of her skull where the neck and head “join”.  She relates multiple motor vehicle accidents prior to onset of her headaches 15 years ago.  At no time did any of the multiple doctors examine or X-ray her neck. 

I sent for copies of records from those doctors seen by my patient in the last two years.  I completed an in depth consultation of the headache episodes of the last two years. Her calendar reflected a 15 minute segment of one day every two weeks in which she did not have a headache.  She simply had learned to function and conduct her business in spite of the headaches.

Examination of my patient revealed a restricted ROM in the CSP with an overall reduction in normal ROM of 40%.  Reflexes of the UE were +2 bilateral.    Cervical compression tests were negative.  Shoulder depression tests positive bilateral.  Costoclavicular tests positive bilateral.  Palpable joint restrictions at C2, C5, C7, T2, T5. Palpable spasms in CSP & TSP.

The patient was advised of my findings and sent for X-rays of her neck.

The patient returned two days later with her X-rays.  I reviewed her X-rays with the patient.  There was a markedly reversal of the normal cervical curvature.  In addition there was a significant rotation of C2 on C3 cervical vertebrae.  Secondary misalignments at C5, C7, T2 and T5.  Amazingly there were very little degenerative changes in the joints of the neck.

My findings were discussed with the patient.  I suggested a short two week course of treatment to see whether chiropractic care could affect her headaches.  The patient agreed.  Treatment began today with a single adjustment to C2. The patient tolerated the procedure well.  She was instructed to return in two days.

Two days later the patient returned and reported very little change. She may have slept better.  Single treatment to the C2 subluxation was administered again.  The patient was instructed to return on Friday.

The patient returns on Friday and noted she went one hour without a headache following the second adjustment and then “everything” came back.  However, she definitely slept better.  Treatment to C2 and T2 was administered.  The patient was instructed to return on Monday.

Monday the intensity of her headaches was much improved but the frequency was the same (constant).  She was able to sleep all night long since the last treatment. 

I advised the patient to be seen for 6 more weeks at a frequency of 3 times per week. She agreed saying this is the only relief she has had in 15 years.

Over the course of treatment that lasted three months this patient obtained tremendous relief from her headache.  However, she continued to have a migraine type headache for 30 minutes every thirty days.  She celebrated with us by bringing in champagne and cake (Chocolate).


NEXT WEEK:  NEW TOPIC -NEW CASES

GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT ON AUGUST 20, 2015

Male Having Headaches

MALE HAVING HEADACHES

A twenty-six year old male appeared in my office with complaints of headaches of one year duration. The patient describes his headaches as starting in his neck, creating a tightness that runs to the top of his head then behind his right eye. The patient relates some relief when he "pops" his neck. The patient has been to six medical physicians in the last year. He has had multiple examinations and tests including MRI and CT. All the examinations were negative. He has been on numerous medications including steroids without relief. The patient gives a past history of being involved in an automobile accident approximately six years ago.

Examination of this patient showed his reflexes to be +2 in the upper extremities. Cervical range of motion was restricted and painful. Palpable tenderness at C1, C2, and C6-T2. Cervical compression tests were positive on the left and right. Cervical distraction tests were positive.

X-rays were taken of this patient’s neck. The x-rays were reviewed with the patient. The intervertebral foramina were open. There were no thin discs and no signs of significant degeneration. The vertebral bodies were rotated to the right with a misalignment noted at C2.

I explained my findings with the patient including the x-rays. I discussed his options. He realized that he had tried almost everything before coming here. I suggested a series of spinal manipulations to try to restore normal function to the vertebrae of the neck. The patient agreed. The patient was given his first spinal manipulation. I advised the patient to return the next day.

The patient stated that his headache felt a little better. However, he slept much better. The patient was treated again. He was told to return the next day.

The patient comes in saying that his headaches are a lot better. I suggested a course of treatment of six weeks and then I would do a re-evaluation. The patient agreed.

During the course of treatment the patient had good days and bad days. The bad days involved headaches however, never as bad as the original complaint. The patient continued to sleep and rest better.

At the end of the six weeks the patient was re-evaluated. His original findings had improved however; there remained a restriction in the cervical range of motion. The patient was advised he needed two to three more weeks of care. The patient agreed.

At the end of three weeks the patient appeared to have fully recovered.

Stress Induced Headaches

STRESS INDUCED HEADACHES

A twenty-seven year old female appears in my office with multiple symptoms, including pain in the neck and shoulders, tightness in both arms, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, knots in her stomach, some nausea, irritable and nervous.  The patient was the manager of a local business.

The patient has recently had a physical exam including blood work.  All tests were within normal limits.  The patient had been placed on a number of medications, including anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxers and “nerve pills”.  The patient has tried her medications without satisfying results.  She continues to have pain and symptoms.

Examination of this patient revealed normal reflexes of the upper and lower extremities.  Range of motion was restricted in the neck and low back but without additional pain.  The remainder of the orthopedic tests was essentially negative.  Neurological tests were negative.  Palpable muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders and low back.  Trigger points were located in the trapezius muscles, scalene muscles, supraspinatus muscles, and the latissimus dorsi.  Motion palpation suggested a subluxation (segmental dysfunction) at the levels of C1, T2, T8, and L5. 

X-rays were taken of the patient. Radiological findings were negative for fractures and pathologies.  Subluxations (vertebral misalignments) were noted at C1, T2, T8 and L5.  My findings from the clinical examination and X-rays were discussed with the patient and her husband.  I suggested that physical and emotional stress from her job was the most probable cause of her symptoms but that the stress was superimposed upon an underlying spinal weakness. I advised a trial course of spinal manipulations for the reduction of her nerve pressure symptoms and specific therapies for her muscle problems.  The patient and her spouse agreed.

The patient was treated for four weeks and then re-evaluated. The headaches were gone and the patient was sleeping much better.  The trigger points were approximately sixty percent better.  She had no nausea and no knots in her stomach.  She continued to work in the high stress of her job as manager but without the symptoms and without medications.

Her treatment continued until her spinal problems stabilized.   She was placed on a once a month program to handle the continued stress of her job and to prevent the return of her multiple symptoms.

NEXT WEEK-MORE CASE STUDIES OF ACTUAL PATIENTS WITH HEADACHES.

If you or someone you know suffers from headaches, let me try to help.

CHIROPRACTIC - the great stress reliever. 

HEADACHES!!

There are lots of people with different types of headaches (some sources cite 39 different types).  I have helped a hundreds+  headache sufferers to get varying levels of improvement, from resolved to very seldom having a headache.  Not by choice I have specialized in headaches.

Any headache is too many!

You feel a pounding headache coming on, but what kind of headache is it?  The most common types of headaches include:

Tension-type Headaches - There are two types, episodic and chronic. Someone with chronic headaches often wakes up and goes to sleep with a headache and feels a constant tightness or ache in the head and neck areas.

Migraine Headaches - A vascular-type headache, migraines are debilitating and often are accompanied by nausea/ vomiting and acute sensitivity to sound and light. Women suffer more from migraines than men, possibly due to frequent hormonal changes.

Cluster Headaches - Occurring more often in men, cluster headaches may actually be the most severe of all headaches. They usually only last 30-60 minutes, however, they may recur several times throughout the day. Chronic smoking and alcohol use often contribute to the onset of cluster headaches.

Hormone Headaches - More frequent among women, hormone headaches usually occur in conjunction with PMS and menstruation. Women who take birth control pills may also experience hormone headaches with greater frequency. Symptoms are similar to those associated with a migraine – a one-sided, throbbing headache that includes light/noise sensitivity.

Rebound Headaches - Caused by the over use/abuse of over-the-counter and prescribed headache remedies that often contain caffeine. Headache sufferers tend to use the medications in higher dosages or more frequently than prescribed, causing a headache “rebound effect.”

NEXT WEEK - CASE STUDIES OF PEOPLE I HAVE HELPED WITH HEADACHES!

Do you know someone who complains frequently of headaches? Based on the success our practice enjoys with all types of headaches, direct them to our practice!

Supplementation for Prescription Depletions

As previously stated the topic for the last 5 weeks has been that we work with basically three kinds of people that need supplements. First are those people having multiple symptoms (recognized or unrecognized) that do not yet have a diagnosed health problem. Second are those that are near to or new to a diagnosis of a health problem. Third are those folks that have been on medications for a while for a specific set of health problems.

This week we cover the third category, those folks that have been on medications for a specific set of health problems. Tennessee pharmacies fill an average of 18.7 prescriptions per person per year and ranks second in the country for prescription drug abuse. It also has the eighth highest drug overdose mortality rate in the U.S.

An aspect of this drug abuse is the wear and tear that each prescription takes on your body by depleting essential nutrients.

As examples, the well known prescription drugs: (do not take it upon yourself to determine which of this information you need, consult your doctor)

Anti-Hypertensives - it is possible that they can cause depletion of : calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins C, B1, B6 and/or zinc.

Beta Blockers - might affect C0Q10 and melatonin.

Acid Blockers - might affect vitamin D3, B12, folic acid, calcium, chromium, iron, zinc and phosphorus.

Hormone Replacement Therapy - calcium, folic acid, magnesium, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C and zinc.

This is by far not an exhaustive list of drugs and their effects. Physicians must look more deeply and determine underlying causes to determine whether drugs are harming patients – and what we can do to reverse these effects.

If you have concerns, please call (423) 954-9591 for a free consultation.

NEXT WEEK; NEW TOPIC (YET TO BE ANNOUNCED)

Supplements to consider for specific situations

By now, if you have done your homework, you have eliminated your food allergens, you have filled out your Systems Survey and evaluated your overall health.  Now we need to talk over the second type client that needs supplementation.  (NOTE: There are basically three kinds of people that need supplements. First are those people having multiple symptoms (recognized or unrecognized) that do not yet have a diagnosed health problem. Second are those that are near to or new to a diagnosis of a health problem. Third are those folks that have been on medications for a while for a specific set of health problems.)

That is no way that I can give an exhaustive discussion of supplements and ailments in the context of a blog article. Just be aware that many times there are natural alternatives to the initial stages of health problems. Not everyone responds and no one should venture to treat themselves without keeping their PCP informed and aware.

I have utilized specific supplements for conditions like gallbladder (and lack of a gall bladder), early onset diabetes, arthritis, ulcers, allergies, sinus, poor circulation, loss of energy, ED, bladder problems, etc., the list is endless.

In trying to provide information to my readers I finally decided that I would be unable to provide enough information to any reader in this format. Therefore, if you have specific questions, please e-mail me at doc@docros.com and I will get back with you in a timely fashion. Be as specific with your information as you can.

What Supplements Should I take??

Now that you have discovered your food allergens and eliminated them let's talk supplements.

It seems that most folks have this inner feeling that they should be taking a general all round supplement, most often a multi-vitamin.  Once the decision is made these same folks do not think about supplementation until something happens to their health or a friend tries to sign them up on a business plan selling the greatest "new" supplement that is guaranteed to carry them to financial success.

Some folks recognize the need for more than a multi-vitamin and do their own research (via the Internet) to come up with 10-12 supplements that they are sure is going to restore their fountain of youth.

None of the above scenarios are recommended.

There are basically three kinds of people that need supplements.  First are those people having multiple symptoms (recognized or unrecognized) that do not yet have a diagnosed health problem.  Second   are those that are near to or new to a diagnosis of a health problem.  Third are those folks that have been on medications for a while for a specific set of health problems.

This week we talk about group one.  Shotgun supplementation is no better than shotgun medicine.  You need to get organized and focused.  For my folks (really the only ones I can focus on) I suggest filling out my Systems Survey.  If you are my patient you can stop by the office and pick one up; or you can e-mail your request and I will forward it to you, there is no charge for this service.  If you are not a patient of mine, you can e-mail your request and I will forward the survey to you.  There is no charge for this.  However, for the non patient, for liability reasons, I will give you the results of the survey only, but not a recommendation for the supplements, unless you send me a consent to treat form which I can supply to you.

The Systems Survey will organize the various symptoms you are having into a suggested list of conditions that you may have going on.  This list is not definitive but only a suggestion and is not diagnosing your problems.  However, I have used it for over 35 years to help my patients feel better.There is no guarantee.

Please e-mail for your survey, for informational purposes.  There is no charge.  This is a free service.

Take It Out . . . . Put It Back!!

Last week I discussed how to eliminate your food allergy.  I hope you started then because you would be one week into your elimination.

Briefly, eliminate the suspected food intolerance completely from your diet for 2 weeks. After two weeks reintroduce one food item at a time and watch for reactions over the next 4 days. (I will cover what to look for).  Do this for each food item you suspect.  Your core food allergen/intolerance complicates the healing process by increasing the overall body inflammation.

The main food allergens are wheat (gluten), corn (zein), dairy (casein), soy, chocolate, peanuts, eggs, tomatoes and beef.

THE TEST:

Eliminate the suspected food intolerance completely from the diet for 2 weeks then reintroduce the suspected food and watch for reactions for 4 days (see below). 

Immediate histaminic response (within hours, that night or next day)

•  Red, burning eyes or teary eyes
• Tiredness, sleepiness
•  Headaches
• Mood changes, irritability
• Rashes, hives
• Nausea, cramps, diarrhea
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness, difficulty sleeping

Delayed Immunological response (onset 2-7 days later)

•  Colds & flu
• Tiredness, sleepiness
•  Colored phlegm, inflammation of mucous membranes
• Fever
• Skin itching and irritation and dryness eczema
• Rashes and hives
•  Increase inflammation/pain
•  Achy body
•  Vomiting

Common Severe Allergy Symptoms are the following:

Dairy=skin eczema and respiratory conditions (asthma, etc.)
Wheat=excessive sweating, colitis, bowel irregularity and high blood pressure
Corn=neurological symptoms (like tremors, ticks, shakes seizures)
Soy is a learned food allergen, discontinue 3 months then many people can do limited amounts

Next week:  Determining what needs supplementing and which supplements to take.

Supplementation is a process

Supplementation is a process.  You have to know what your "needs" are before you decide what to take.  Some physicians depend on blood work to determine deficiencies.  In my opinion (and others), by the time a deficiency shows up in blood work the problems created are well advanced.  For example, most cases of arthritis are diagnosed after damage is done to the joints of the body.  If there were a way to determine that there is inflammation in the body that could lead to arthritis before the damage is done, would that be better?

Today, PART ONE of "THE PROCESS".

Determine your core food allergens.

This can be a simple process that you can do at home at no cost to you (no charge).    The majority of food allergies are delayed sensitivity reactions.  The most accurate way for you to determine the delayed sensitivity reaction is to eliminate the foods.

To do this, eliminate the suspected food intolerance completely from your diet for 2 weeks (I will suggest foods to consider).  After two weeks reintroduce one food item at a time and watch for reactions over the next 4 days. (I will cover what to look for).  Do this for each food item you suspect.  Your core food allergen/intolerance complicates the healing process by increasing the overall body inflammation.

The main food allergens are wheat (gluten), corn (zein), dairy (casein), soy, chocolate, peanuts, eggs, tomatoes and beef.  Start now to eliminate these items from your diet for two weeks.

Next week:  What to eliminate and what to expect.






W

Getting Started the Right Way

Several years ago I had a patient that came in after moving from North Carolina to Chattanooga.  I was asked to provide continuity of care based on her previous chiropractor's findings.  During the consultation she revealed that her previous chiropractor had put her on three supplements that were special formulated by the doctor with his own label.

She relates that when she started taking the supplements she felt great.  When asked what she was taking the supplements for she had a vague understanding that it was for pain.  She said that after 3-4 weeks she seemed to be getting less relief and maybe some side effects (nausea, irritability, restlessness, etc,)  I asked that she bring in the bottles.

When the patient returned for her next visit, she brought the three bottles of supplements.  I reviewed the labels.  Each bottle had thirty (30) ingredients most of which were herbs.  I asked for her to leave me the bottles until her next visit.  She agreed saying that because she felt bad she quit taking them anyway.

That evening I made a list showing each the ingredients in each bottle, arranged side by side so the patient could compare apples to apples (that is a nutritional joke).  After all was said and done each bottle was a duplicate of the other two except for one ingredient per bottle.  Except for the different ingredients every thing else was an herbal stimulant or a fiber.  After I showed that to the patient she agreed to let me order one tablet that had all three supplements in it, just to lower her level of herbal stimulation.

Needless to say the shotgun approach is not the recommended course.  Next week: Do It Right.



Needless to say

The Return of Back Scratch

I am back.  I have been gone because I was depending on other people to publish my articles for me.

I am going to allocate a specific time each week to update and publish this blog.  

More and more of my time is spent in counseling and recommending proper nutrition for my patients and their family (and some of their friends).  

With this in mind I am going 
to discuss this weeks - 

"HOT TOPIC"

"INFLAMMATION" !!!

More and more research is showing that the root cause of many of the chronic diseases is inflammation.  This includes cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, dementia, digestive problems, etc.  By far the most common complaint I see is digestive problems.  I am finding that digestive problems serve as the jump off point for many more serious diseases.

My philosophy is that whole food nutrition provides phytochemicals necessary for the absorption of the nutritional value of the plant involved.  As opposed to a pharmaceutical that is a chemical reproduction or synthesis of one aspect of one nutritional aspect of the whole plant. 

In my opinion, pharmaceutical drugs taken to address diseases do not address the causes of the inflammation.  Most seem to be designed to suppress the inflammation.

The problem is "chronic" inflammation.  Inflammation of itself is your body's best defense against "invasion".    Invasion comes in many forms:

germs

harmful toxins

environmental pollutants

injury

stress, and others.

The body, through its innate intelligence, responds to these invaders by way of the immune system, the vascular system, and the many biochemical reactions which work to remove the offenders and protect tissues from damage.

In the next few weeks I will be explaining these processes and how proper nutrition can assist your body in healing, not just feeling better.