Health First Research

As a chiropractor, I view the body holistically. A healthy, nutritious diet a big part of the chiropractic lifestyle philosophy. Balance, whether it is in physical movement or in the foods we eat, is a vital part of any healthy lifestyle. Still, many people who come to see me are overweight and often have overweight children. So, I was pleased to read about a recent study that found junk food to be addictive, which may explain at least in part why more and more men, women, and children in our country are obese.

Researchers discovered that junk food elicits addictive behavior in rats similar to the behaviors of rats addicted to heroin. And, as the pleasure centers in the brains of rats addicted to high-fat, high-calorie diets became less responsive as the binging wore on, the rats consumed more and more food.

The junk foods used in the study were typical “Western fare,” such as Ho Hos, sausage, pound cake, bacon and cheesecake. Rats that ate the junk food soon developed compulsive eating habits and became obese.It is suspected that the results of this newest study (presented October 20 at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience) will help to explain the changes in the brain that lead people to overeat.

For a full report on the study, go to: discovery.com

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The Road to Longevity is Paved With Balanced Lifestyle Choices
by Guest Contributor Jamie G. Phillips, DC

If you’re like me, you may be wondering whether or not our human pursuit of longevity has suddenly been displaced by a quest for immortality. No doubt, you’ve been reading a lot recently about the miraculous heart benefits of red wine (resveratrol), the extraordinary memory retention benefits of coffee (caffeine), and the countless benefits of a horde of natural supplements that, in one way or another, promise to reduce or prevent all known causes of mortality.

To begin with, let me make it unquestionably clear that I unwaveringly believe that certain~particular things that we put into our bodies can be beneficial to our health. Therefore, I’m definitely not opposed to taking supplements. Not only do I recommend them to my patients, but take them myself. Secondly, if confession is good for the soul, and red wine is good for the heart, then I’d like to take this opportunity to help both by stating for the record that I appreciate drinking a glass of red wine. The suggestion that it might have heart-healthy properties, well, that’s like icing on the cake, so to speak. And, lastly, as far as caffeine’s ability to actually reverse or prevent Alzheimer’s disease goes, I believe that if that were generally true, life would be far less frightening and far more enjoyable for many people and their families.

But, let’s pause and consider the prudence of aimlessly adding an extra cuppa to your breakfast routine, drinking more red wine with dinner, or plunking down a pile of cash on high-priced minerals and herbs that guarantee near-immortality.

For example, let us think about the fact that we, humans, are dynamic, biological beings, free to uniquely interact with life. We have not been detained in a cage, and none of us has been “propagated” to artificially develop the age-related debilitation and disease that lab animals are bred to do, conditions that are then “reversed” by resveratrol, caffeine, or some exotic herb.

Essentially, our being dynamic and biological means that we are not “robots,” and that we are more than the sum total of our parts. We are each biologically unique in certain ways, that is, we respond differently to internal stimulating factors and external instigating influences. For example, though generally, smoking cigarettes is harmful, there is a small minority of people who appear to be able to smoke and live to be ninety years old without any obvious ill effects.

The results upon which scientific research and testing are rely upon the isolation of a particular variable. It is this method that gives scientific inquiry its legitimacy. However, because tests related to human health issues occur through this very method, and are most often done on lab animals, when it comes to human beings, the effects are very likely to be quite different. In fact, to paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, what might benefit some of the people all of the time, most likely won’t work for all of the people all of the time (and sometimes won’t work at all!).

You make choices each day, some that are intentional and others that may be indifferent, that will affect your physical health, now and in the future. You decide what (and how much) you’ll eat and drink, and the amount of physical activity and rest you’ll get. Even though you can “sense” what is healthy for you, by the way your body responds, sometimes, perhaps too often, you may override the feedback. Clearly, when you don’t consciously make healthy choices, you jeopardize your health and longevity.

Then you, like many others, may enthusiastically jump on the bandwagon of the latest report that announces that researchers have uncovered THE VERY THING that has the potency to reverse all of the excessive and unhealthy things you have been doing to your body on a routine basis! Talk about wishful thinking!

The elegantly balanced system of your body (homeostasis) is highly responsive and intricate. This delicate system becomes “off balance” when you live an unhealthy lifestyle. Eventually, the imbalances nurtured through poor health choices, result in diseases.

As a chiropractor, I advise that you supplement if you need it. Pour that added cup of coffee if it feels right. And, have a little more red wine if it genuinely feels beneficial for your individual system. But all the while remember, the only truly reliable way that we, humans, can avoid or reverse age-related health issues is by changing our unhealthy lifestyle. Good health has nothing do with luck. And, there is no “magic potion” when it comes to health and longevity.

Dr. Jamie Phillips, a Santa Barbara Chiropractor, has been in private chiropractic practice for 24 years. She is also a consultant for Bloczone Marketing, a chiropractic internet marketing company specializing in chiropractic websites that attract new patients. She can be reached at (805) 882-1956.

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Scoliosis an Introduction

When the body is looked at from behind, a normal spine is straight without much deviation from one side to the other.Scoliosis is a disorder that is generally associated with a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature of the spine.The disorder shouldn’t be confused with poor posture, even though it often gives the appearance that the individual is leaning to one side. Scoliosis is a troublesome deformity that is defined by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra often causing a symptomatic “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is created by the vertebrae in the area of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their fastened ribs posterior hence producing the characteristic rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. The pulmonary and cardiac functions can be obstructed if the thoracic curve and rib rotation exceeds 70 degrees. Often later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients, this amount of curve and resulting cardiac and pulmonary changes can be life threatening.

Anatomy

The spine reveals four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral, all of which are observable from a side view of the trunk. The thoracic, in the chest vicinity, has a normal round curve, “reversed C,” called a kyphosis, while in the lower spine there is a healthy “C” curve, known as swayback or lordosis. Increased kyphosis in the thoracic area is called hyperkyphosis, while increased swayback is termed, hyperlordosis. Scoliosis changes regularly accompany diversions from normal on a side view. A few round back deformities are simply due to poor posture and can often be resolved with postural exercises. A small percentage of people with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are coincidental with vertebral deformity. This kind of deformity, called Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is much harder to treat than postural kyphosis, and it’s cause is unknown.

Even a layman can help to identify a child or fully-grown individual with scoliosis just by viewing the person in a standing position, preferably with no shirt and in shorts, and observing the following:

• One shoulder may be raised than the other.

• One scapula (shoulder blade) may be raised or more prominent than the other.

• With the arms hanging loosely at the sides, there may be more area between the arm and the body on one side.

• One hip may look to be raised or more conspicuous than the other.

• The head is not centered over the pelvis.

• When the person is analyzed from the rear and asked to lean forward until the spine is horizontal, one side of the back seems higher than the other.

The child or adult should be sent to a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for further evaluation once scoliosis is suspected. your chiropractor would be happy to help.

The most prevalent type of scoliosis is, by far, Idiopathic, and though there are various origins and many types, Idiopathic Scoliosis accounts for about 85% of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is observed with equal prevalence in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes. Depending on the age of onset, this condition can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent cases. Idiopathic Scoliosis may be linked to genetic or hereditary influences as it commonly runs in families. Though it is unknown why, girls are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves increase in size and require treatment. The most general time for the development of Idiopathic Scoliosis is during adolescence when children are finishing the last major growth spurt. Unfortunately, at this age young people are reluctant to allow their body to be looked at by parents and other adults, so it is very important to have this age group examined on a regular basis.

If a scoliotic curve is observed in the growing adolescent, it is very important that the curves be monitored for advancement by periodic examination and from time to time standing X-rays. In ninety percent of instances, the scoliosis is mild and does not require active treatment, however increases in spinal deformity necessitate evaluation to ascertain if a brace or other management is required. In a small number of patients, surgical treatment may be required.~Surgery may be necessary for a small number of patients.

Brace treatment (orthosis) is recommended for newly-identified symptoms of moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis, as well as when an increase in scoliosis or kyphosis is discovered in both juvenile and adolescent children. There are a number of types of braces, all created to prevent curves from increasing by acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Bracing is effectual in preventing curve progression in a very large portion of skeletally-immature adolescents. Nevertheless, braces generally won’t make the spine completely straight, and cannot always keep a curve from getting bigger.

Scoliosis has no simple resolution. The majority of cases, even though often monitored, are not actively treated. The standard medical treatment for moderate cases is a brace, whereas severe cases in some cases are treated surgically. You may want to see your local chiropractor first.

Along with bracing, many other therapies have been used successfully like specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments. It seems like the most effective results have been sustained with a multi-faceted approach to the management of this condition.

There are chiropractors, that have expertise treating scoliosis conditions.

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Earache is the most common purpose for office visits to pediatricians. More than 70 percent of children will have had at least one earache by the age of three, and nearly one-third will have had three or more earache episodes. What you might not expect, however, is that earache is also the most general reason for children under the age of five years to be taken to the chiropractor’s office.

How Chiropractic Care Relates to Earache and Ear Infections

When a child who has an earache is determined to have a middle ear infection by the pediatrician, the standard treatment encompasses a course of antibiotics. New study, however, has ascertained that such practices are often misguided. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial pathogens, and due to the fact that the child’s middle ear infection may be generated by a virus, antibiotics are ineffectual. This may account for a child’s chronic ear infections.

One of a variety of determinations that a Honolulu chiropractor can make is whether the earache or ear infection is produced by inflamation of the small nerves in the spine, called free nerve endings.

When these nerve endings are inflamed, an undue tension is produced in the small muscles of the neck. Pressure generated on the lymphatic drainage ducts as a consequence of muscle tension can prevent adequate drainage from inside the ear. This problem keeps the body from naturally rectifying the problem. In addition, balance can also be affected.

Inadequate drainage of lymphatic ducts can be identifed by a chiropractor if there is increased tension in the neck and paraspinal muscles on the side with the earache. In addition, the chiropractor will palpate to see which spinal vertebrae are either slightly out of alignment or not moving within their normal range. There are a number of reasons for such acondition as the result of the many bangs, jolts, and falls almost all children encounter growing up. Restoration of normal lymph drainage is most often accomplished with a short regimen of treatments that include spinal adjustments and manipulation of the neck muscles. If your child is suffering from an earache or an ear infection, call your Honolulu chiropractor as soon as possible.

Advanced Research and Guidelines

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ear infection, the most widespread childhood disease after the common cold, accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits every year. In addition, at least 6 million courses of antibiotics are causelessly prescribed for the problem.Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for treating pediatric ear inflammation, and definitively recommended a period of “watchful waiting” since, in many cases, infections clear up on their own, without medication.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) commends the AAP on the guidelines and emphasizes that chiropractic management is a “good first option” for treating ear infection conservatively. “Doctors of chiropractic have been treating children for decades with great success – helping them to avoid painful ear infections, antibiotic overuse and resistance, and ear tube surgery,” said ACA President Donald Krippendorf, DC. “Particularly when dealing with young children, drugs and surgery should be an absolute last resort.”

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions called nerve entrapment disorders and is clearly the most well-known of these disorders. As the name suggests, these conditions take place when a nerve is trapped or constricted between other tissues of the body causing irritation and dysfunction of the nerve.

Anatomy

The carpal tunnel rests within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve journeys on its way to energize and animate the hand and fingers. Along with the median nerve, the carpal tunnel includes the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. There are also arteries and lymphatic vessels that provide circulation to the hand located within the tunnel. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a sinewy band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The diameter of the carpal tunnel is about the same as the index finger making the carpal tunnel a jam-packed space. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are designed to glide easily past each other during wrist and finger movement.

If the size of the tendon enlarges due to irritation or overuse, or if the carpal tunnel size shrinks due to  a misalignment of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become compressed or entrapped by the carpal tunnel. The initiatory symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome commonly include pain, numbness, paraesthesia (pins and needles) and tingling in the fingers and hands especially the thumb and adjacent two fingers.  The symptoms are markedly apparent at night, often awakening the sufferer from sleep and making it necessary for the person to “shake out” or rub the hands in an attempt to relieve the unpleasant sensations.  The hands can also feel clumsy, weak and fatigue easily with activity. Over time, the ability to hold small objects using the thumb and fingers can be affected dramatically and if left untreated, can lead to total dysfunction of the hand.

The following are typical causes and corresponding conditions:

• repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands

• prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position

• activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist

• broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling

• arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type

• thyroid gland imbalance

• sugar diabetes

• hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy

Although any of the above can make one susceptible to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, in many cases the cause is unknown. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms.  In addition, repetitive housework as seemingly inconsequential as wringing clothes by hand, can bring on carpal tunnel symptoms. However, the continuing increase in computer use is the most compelling explanation for the number of individuals who are suffering with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome today. This is becoming a major concern in the developed world where people of all ages are spending much of their time typing on a keyboard & clicking on a mouse.

Treatment

Competent diagnosis and treatment is vital to relieving the painful and debilitating symptoms of CTS. Your Ventura Chiropractor is highly skilled in the diagnosis and managment of CTS. Chiropractors are equipped to deal with this problem and can offer many sufferers with relief.  In addition to chiropractic adjustments of the wrist joints, treatment by chiropractor may include inflammation reduction therapy such as ultrasound or low level laser. Electromusclestim can often help to strengthen the weak muscles of the forearm and soft tissue massage is effective in stretching contracted tissues. You might be advised to wear a splint or support, particularly at night, to aid in the decompression of the carpal tunnel. Your Ventura Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.

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Our pillow, bed, or sleep position is not always the reason for our stiff and painful neck when we arise in the morning. We also try to figure out what is occurring when sudden neck movement causes a sharp pain that feels as if “something” has slipped out of position or that a nerve is being “pinched.” Though it may seem so, one single incident is rarely the cause of most neck problems, but rather the cumulative effects of unsuitable sitting posture, bad work and lifestyle habits, and lack of healthy exercise for strength and flexibility. Naturally, some neck challenges are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

To understand neck pain, it is helpful to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck are comprised of posterior joints, called facets, that connect vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, comprised of strong cartilage, join the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This dense cartilage encases the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The main function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is situated between the facets of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and supply energy to muscles and organs of the body. Transversely, they carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that leave from the neck are responsible for the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The neck has a natural forward curve when viewed from the side that helps properly balance the weight of the head, as well as to decrease stress on the neck joints. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen significantly over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a large number of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users take on), puts tremendous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed producing more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. Awkward posture and repetitive stress can create spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve inflammation. Conjointly with general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can cause symptoms including headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are usually associated with disorders of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are caused when the cervical vertebrae lose their natural position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, connected with structures in the head are stretched or inflamed. In many instances the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head.  Many other factors are related to headaches such as toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Still one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when considering the cause of headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to exceptionally beneficial in the treatment of headaches. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Beyond question the most common auto accident is when one car collides into the rear-end of another car. During such an accident, the passenger in the front car gets his or her head powerfully wrenched backward and then forward causing injury to the structures of the back and front of the neck. Such a strong force can cause injury to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. It is crucial to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. More often than not in most cases, the injuries are primarily to the soft tissues and joints. Proper treatment is essential in recovery from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is educated to understand whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from beginning to end.

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Low back pain is second in prevalence only to the common cold. It affects more than 80% of human being. However, unlike the common cold, back pain is often a mystery to most of its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving the puzzle.

Anatomy

To understand back pain, it is helpful to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are comprised of posterior joints called facets that connect vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the action of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs join the bodies of the vertebrae and are composed of a form of strong cartilage that covers a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also join the vertebrae. The sacrum is a wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. It is attached to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. In a canal positioned between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves exit the spine between the vertebrae.

Causes of Back Pain

In most cases, back pain comes about without a trauma, an accident, or a major injury prior to the onset. The source of most back pain is the cumulative effects of awkward sitting posture, harmful work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of proper exercise and other poor lifestyle-related factors.  These cumulative factors create stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, some may injure their back just by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The instability of the spine makes it vulnerable to even the most simple movements, such as bending. When this occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles around the spine can come about during and after prolonged sitting, particularly in a unsuitable position. After a while the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses. In the end, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, allowing the soft nucleus to distend the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it causes the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. Sciatica develops when the disc presses on the spinal nerve. The symptoms of sciatica include pain, tingling, numbness, and often weakness in the lower extremities. Sometimes if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is necessary to clear away the herniated disc material. But, with the correct chiropractic adjustments and management, as well as postural exercises, most of these cases can healthfully heal. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms defined above, it is essential for you to seek chiropractic attention.

Spondylosis

Increased wear and tear and weight-bearing stress on the spine occurs when there is repetitive injury to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments. This stress can adversely affect the cartilage around the joints and engender calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae, forming bone spurs. These spurs can compress adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This condition – known as Spondylosis – is a type of arthritis that appears to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. Nevertheless, influences such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic treatment and overall chiropractic management is extremely beneficial in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as assisting Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has assisted many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

The sacroiliac joints are a prevalent area of dysfunction or injury in the low back. These weight-bearing joints link the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. Damage from falls, sports injuries, or the lifting of heavy objects can cause the joints to become unstable and change to an abnormal position.  This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Women may experience this condition during or after their pregnancy. Sacroiliac subluxation causes imbalances in the lower extremities giving a person a functional long and short leg. Pain is felt particularly with prolonged standing and walking, or during and after physical activity, and the individual may experience a lack of energy and exhaustion.  Other symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches, can move further up the spine. Chiropractic adjustments establish the proper alignment of the joints and are extremely affective in correcting sacroiliac problems. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can get effective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

A prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine, is subluxated or misaligned facet joints. Subluxations can exist on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only produce pain, but they can also endanger the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and cause nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is a variation of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities usuallyoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is commonly associated with nerve problemsin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also belinked to, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best eliminated by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Injury such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can create over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine and lower back and create considerable pain and immobility. Corrective chiropractic care at the onset of symptoms is very important in order to avoid long term disability and the development of any of the above conditions. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.

When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and expert treatment for any of the above-mentioned problems of the spine and lower back.

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Besides spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as reduced foot mechanics due to foot pain frequently cause painful knee problems. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, problems as the result of arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: The most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain is deficient mechanics of the knee joint and the corresponding stress on the soft tissues of the knee. The patella or knee-cap is the most common area affected because frequently the patella does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee causing unusual stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The problem usually begins when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that join to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, especially in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the foremost reasons for imbalances in the muscles having to do with knee movement, and subsequent knee problems. Imbalances in muscle groups that connect to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stretched and tight.   Mechanical knee pain is also caused by gait deviations such as pronation.

Indications of overuse include pain during activities such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, as well as pain upon standing after prolonged sitting. Many women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, but such problems are frequently due to wearing high heels on a regular basis.

The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In some cases, a brace is adopted to assist with the alignment of the patella or to support the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are completely trained to provide the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries commonly happen during activities that involve running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. Sprains occur when tissue is torn as the result of the knee being stretched or contorted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together. Strains to muscles that give motion to the knee can arise when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a slight injury that needs little care to a severe injury needing surgery. In addition the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which provide for fluid mobility and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury frequently needs surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can create intense pain and swelling and need immediate diagnosis and attention. In most instances an experienced chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can manage these problems, however there are some injuries that do need the dexterity of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to ice the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be evaluated.

Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be corrected at an early stage. Otherwise, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will begin to erode. If tissue and cartilage deteriorate, the bones will rub together unprotected and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful problem, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is frequently progressive with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that produce excellent results such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely helpful in relieving the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, people can frequently aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

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The average human takes between 3,000 and 5,000 steps everyday. Add to that activities such as running and aerobic exercise, and we add not only more steps, but stress, to our already overly-worked feet. It is no wonder that plenty of people have aches and pains in this part of the body. Components such as flat feet or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears can determine if a person will develop foot and ankle pain. However these factors can also affect the health of a person’s back, knees and legs. Listed below are a few of the most prevalent conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing condition, is noticeable when the big toe or hallux angles off towards the outside of the foot, often practically overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Moreover, a bump, called a bunion, many times develops on the inside of the big toe. The pain associated with Hallux Valgus is generally apparent during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing.But, if someone has developed a bunion, the pain can be present at rest and is often described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.

To be precise, the true dysfunction is not in the bone, itself, but in the joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone, i.e., the first metatarsal-phalangeal. The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to damage to this joint. The condition is generally the aftereffect of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that creates undue pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. Another cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can damage the joint and create degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal properly can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. Although, one of the most prevalent causes of the affliction is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put extra stress on the joint, but also help in pushing the big toe to the outside.

If you think you may have Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your challenge, and then use a variety of chiropractic techniques and modalities to lessen pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

One of the most prevalent foot afflictions is heel pain, and the cause is generally irritation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles on the bottom of the foot, connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It supports the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock.

A familiar compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain when they first stand up in the morning, as well as pain after getting up after prolonged sitting. The pain begins just in front of the heel bone, but can advance over the entire bottom of the foot.

Over time, inflammation associated with the problem can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and finally heel spurs. These spurs are a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia attaches and can cause a acute stabbing pain with walking

Individuals with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, but other factors often partly responsible as well. One of the most crucial contributing factors is muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot, both of which attach to the calcaneus or heel bone. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an strong pull on the back of the cancaneus. Such a problem produces unnatural stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are adhered to the other side of the calcaneus. In addition to running and jumping activities, wearing high heels can also cause a shortening and tightening of the calf muscles. Sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, atypical walking patterns (such as over-pronation), unsuitable footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity all stress the plantar fascia.

People who are continuously on their feet, such as nurses, teachers and waiters, are more disposed to Plantar Fascitis, as are athletes who participate in foot-stressing activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis.

Once an individual develops plantar fascitis, it is often hard to manage and can become painfully persistent. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your condition and what treatment is most fitting. Care might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis is a painful, and often, debilitating inflammation of the Achilles tendon, also called the “heel cord.” This large tendon is an extension of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg connecting to the heel bone or calcaneus. Harm to this valuable tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. The challenge may be caused by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more frequently it results from an accumulation of smaller stresses that produce small tears in the tendon over time. In most cases, the appearance of symptoms is gradual. The discomfort may be relatively minor at first, but continuously worsens if the individual tries to “work through” the pain. Many Achilles tendonitis sufferers ascribe their initial discomfort to the aches and pains that accompany age or fatigue. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can take place, resulting in traumatic harm and excruciating pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Achilles tendonitis is often associated with athletes and performers, such as dancers, who are involved in running and jumping activities, specifically those that involve sudden starts and stops. Also at risk are women who regularly wear high-heeled shoes then switch to sport shoes for exercise because the tendon and muscles have gradually habituated to the shortened position produced by wearing high-heels. When this comes about, the shift to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is accustomed to, hence causing stress and aggravation. If possible, high-heels should not be worn everyday. But, if it is absolutely necessary, then stretching every morning and night can help to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.

Achilles tendonitis frequently appears in middle-aged people, especially in men who are athletes, as a result of the changes that occur in the foot as a person ages. The arch tends to flatten as we grow older causing over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon as well as the calf and foot muscles. Achilles tendon pain is also common in those who exercise infrequently, such as the “weekend warrior” and in those who are just novices at exercise. In both cases, muscles and tendons have little flexility due to inactivity. Therefore, people who are just beginning to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.

Despite the cause of the problem, if a person is experiencing the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, he or she should contact a qualified professional, such as a chiropractor, to provide care for the problem before it becomes severe. Your chiropractor has many years of experience in treating Achilles tendonitis.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

It is likely that close to one quarter of humans have Pes Planus, more commonly known as flat feet. Newborns have flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. However in certain people this development never takes place. There are a number of factors, in addition to genetic disposion that can cause flat feet, or predispose a person to the condition. Sometimes people develop arches only to have them collapse later in their life. This many times depends upon lifestyle, job, and level of activity. Age and weight also are a factor in the development of the problem. Middle-aged persons who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight sufferers who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.

Having flat feet does not necessarily mean you will have pain, as it is possible for some people to have the problem and never feel any annoyance. For people who do develop pain, it most often happens in the feet and knees, and possibly in the hips and lower back. If you have flat feet and are experiencing distress, your Orlando chiropractor can prepare a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing additional problems from developing. Chiropractic therapy includes joint adjustments to correct foot function and eliminate painful symptoms. Your chiropractor may also prescribe arch-supporting insoles, called orthotics, for additional support and stability.

Metatarsalgia ( Pain in the ball of the foot )

Metatarsalgia, sometimes called “ball-of-foot pain,” is a pain in the bottom of the foot just behind the toes where the foot bends during walking. The pain is caused by a irregularity in one or more of the five metatarsal bones that extend from about halfway up the foot to the toes.

While many people with metatarsalgia feel irritation where their metatarsal bones join their toe bones, some also feel discomfort along the entire length of the metatarsals and most probably between them. Problems in this area can vary from a stiff feeling upon movement of these bones to a burning or stinging sensation. The degree of discomfort depends upon whether the problem is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an inflammation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.

The cause of the condition is due to either structural or functional reasons. When a structural problem takes palce, such as when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short, it produces aberrant mechanics in the feet and unnecessary on the entire area. Flat feet or extreme arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

There are other factors that can affect these bones that are many times in the control of the person. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Excess weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both augment stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve inflammation. Repetitive foot activities, like running, directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

A chiropractor is able to beneficially treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After determining the underlying factors, you will be given a number of non-invasive therapies, inluding orthotics when necessary, and you will be advised on how you can avoid future pain.

See your Orlando chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.

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Arthritis is generally confusing to most people.When some people hear this word they anticipate a future with crippled and twisted joints.  But, many conditions from benign to severe are filed under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will limit this discussion to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

The most common form of arthritis has many names: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the breakdown of the cartilage that protects the joint surfaces. Degenerative changes in the joint happens when joint cartilage is damaged and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is usually preserved by the cartilage. Now and then, osteophytes, or bone spurs, can ensue when the bone around the joint increases quickly. Bone spurs create painful inflammation to other tissues adjacent to the joint exacerbating the already grievous condition. 

As a rule areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, particularly in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, the hips and the fingers. Everyone may experience DJD at one point in their lives, though previous trauma, ones occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity affect the degree of the condition and its onset.

Pain and/or stiffness in the affected joints are primary indicators of DJD. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, ones mobility can be affected especially in the more advanced stages of the condition.  In some cases, if the joint is measurably worn and the person can no longer walk without severe pain, the joints are surgically replaced with synthetic devices. Of course, one should try to manage the condition early on in ones life to avoid the need for surgery.

Prevention is invariably the best option, beginning at an early age.

• Making sure that all injuries to joints are properly treated will help to avoid future problems.
• People involved in occupations that require standing or walking should wear proper shoes that offer good support and shock absorption.
• Excess body weight can produce increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.

• Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and produce knee pain.

• The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provided by fruits and vegetables are crucial for healthy joints and a healthy body.

Recently there have been some studies that reveal that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and can possibly help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over time and does not work in all conditions.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only a smart idea, but an efficient treatment for arthritis, and can aid in the restoration of proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your Chicago chiropractor has many of years of expertise in helping people with arthritis pain. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is required to stabilize the joint and relieve pain. Movement is vital to the maintenance of arthritic joints. A chiropractor often suggests gentle, mobilizing activities such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial.

Gout

Gouty arthritis is caused by increased levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by severe pain and swelling. A large number of people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Particular foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms contain the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, the buildup in the bloodstream creates joint problems. In addition to the foods described and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions must be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is systemic in nature and thought to be created by immune system dysfunction. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, though other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is generally associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Frequently people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily identified through particularized blood tests. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic manipulations. In addition, joint mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy and massage can help with the pain and stiffness associated the condition. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to assisting sufferers in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

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