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Topic of the Week: Chiropractic - Effective Beyond Just Pain Relief

If you do an internet search on the prevalence of back pain in North America, you will discover an alarming statistic: approximately 80-85% of the population experience at least one episode of disabling back pain in their lives. Most of these people report disturbances in their daily lives for a week or longer, and the vast majority of back pain sufferers say their back pain is a recurring problem.

Where do people go to find relief?
Many people go to their doctor to find help. Out of all patient visits to medical physicians’ offices, musculoskeletal disorders are the most common resulting diagnoses. If you are looking for long term relief, you will not find it in the MD’s office. The best most medical doctors can do is to offer you an explanation for the cause of your symptoms, and perhaps prescribe medication to reduce the inflammation and pain; however, these often only provide temporary relief. The other option is for your MD to refer you to someone who specializes in the treatment of back pain. But who provides the best results?

Better options for back pain
There are many health care providers who offer assistance for patients with back pain. Orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncturists are the most popular. But how does one decide which of these is best?
When faced with any health challenge, most of us either seek treatments that are more effective (i.e. get us better faster), or accomplish the same thing for less money and fewer risks. Considering these factors, it is no surprise that chiropractic is used so often. Chiropractic is an effective treatment. Chiropractic spinal manipulation is listed consistently in many publications and journals as an effective tool for back pain, especially when compared to sham adjustments (procedures used to give the patient the impression that an adjustment has been delivered when it actually was not), or therapies that have already been proven ineffective. In addition, it has also been shown to be a relatively safe option for those seeking for treatments that carry fewer side effects.

What about the cost?

Given the economic burden of the back pain epidemic, the costs associated with patient care are a significant consideration. North Americans spend approximately $50 billion on treatments for back pain annually.

One recent study compared the cost of chiropractic, general medicine, or osteopathy when used as a first option for back pain sufferers. What the researchers found was that consultation with chiropractic doctors resulted in an outcome that was at least as beneficial as the other options (i.e. MD or DO), but cost 20-40% less. This shows the use of chiropractic for back pain can offer a greater value than the other options, and is a lesser economic burden on our health care system.

What are the patients saying?
Choosing a healthcare provider who will help take good care of your body is a very important consideration. Before making this decision, we often seek the opinion of others. In his book Stumbling on Happiness, Daniel Gilbert reviews the available research on the topic, and he suggests that one of the most influential and consistent factors determining whether someone will be happy with a decision is to find out what others are saying after they made the same decision. Choosing the best option for your back care is no different. Thankfully, experts on consumer trends have already done this research for us. They surveyed over 14,000 individuals who experienced back pain in the previous year (and did not receive surgery). The results showed that out of five of the most popular therapists to consult for back pain (family physician or specialist, chiropractor, physical therapist and acupuncturist), chiropractors most often received the highest rating of satisfaction (completely or very satisfied) than all other professionals in the group. In general, therapists using manual techniques consistently achieved the highest ratings overall.

Chiropractic is the best choice for back pain!
When all these different criteria are taken together (therapeutic effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction), chiropractic for back pain sufferers stands out as the treatment of choice. It is as effective, if not better, than any other treatments for acute and chronic back pain. It costs less than other studied treatments for the same condition and more patients report being highly satisfied with the care they receive from their chiropractor than all other treatment options studied.

Disclaimer: Information contained in this Wellness Express™ newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Copyright 2011 Wellness Express™

Exercise of the week: http://ping.fm/c0TbM

Quote of the Week: “You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” - Mark Twain

Exercise of the Week: Hip Thrust, Straight Legs (easier arm position)

Start on your back with both feet on the ball, legs straight. Arms rest on the floor, straight out from the shoulders, palms up. Pushing down into the ball with both feet, lift your hips toward the ceiling. Stop when body is straight. Hold for 2 counts. Return to... starting position. Repeat 10-15 times.

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In case you don't receive our bi-weekly newsletter, this week's topic is: 'Above-Down, Inside-Out': http://ping.fm/gmvje

Wellness Workshop tonight w/ Dr. Shannon at 6:30pm. Learn how to take better care of yourself and your family. Learn simple Trigger Point Therapy to use at home (so bring a partner), and finally we will be serving dinner. And it's all FREE! If you are interested, give us a call at 952-435-5300 before 4:00pm today.

Quote of the Week: “Inside myself is a place where I live alone and that’s where you renew your springs that never dry up.” -Pearl S. Buck

Are you as tired of winter as we are? Then come and help us welcome in Spring! Monday, March 22 is the offical 2nd day of Spring and we are excited to celebrate! In doing so, every patient that comes in on this day will have their name entered in for a drawing for a FREE one hour massage! Bring your family members in that day as well to increase your odds of winning. The staff of LWC will be dressed in their Spring fashion and we may even have a few goodies on-hand too. Call today to schedule your appointment(s): 952-435-5300

Topic of the Week: Does Male Menopause Really Exist?

Can middle age men suffer something comparable to female menopause? Some medical experts believe so. But the debate still continues as to what exactly constitutes the definition of andropause – the male version of menopause. The term andropause is not recognized by several prominent medical associations. Many medical doctors say andropause is actually late-onset hypogonadism, which is a deficiency of the hormone testosterone in older men.

When she goes through menopause, a woman’s reproductive system shuts down and she experiences a dramatic drop in hormones. Men do not have a major dip in their hormones and their reproductive system never completely stops functioning. After the age of 30, men’s testosterone levels drop about 10% per decade. Low amounts of testosterone can lead to health problems. For example, your chiropractor will confirm low testosterone can leave men at a greater risk for osteoporosis.

What Are the Symptoms?
Men with low testosterone may complain about depression, low energy, poor concentration and memory problems. It is usually accompanied by sexual issues, including erectile dysfunction and low libido. Men who are most likely to develop andropause have the following risk factors:

• Smoking

• Alcohol use

• Drug use (prescription & non prescription)

• High blood pressure

• Lack of exercise

• Poor diet

• Psychological issues

Mysteries of Andropause
Puzzling factors remain about andropause. Why do some men develop symptoms and other do not? And why do some men have symptoms but have normal levels of testosterone. Hormonal health is a complex science. Deficiency and imbalances in hormones may affect one person differently from another. Health specialists may have different criteria as to what qualifies as low testosterone levels. The symptoms can also be connected to other health conditions. For example, low mood, lack of energy and sexual problems can be caused by depression. Various medications and some diseases can serve up the same symptoms. Changes to our environment, diet and lifestyle play vital roles in hormonal health. The obesity epidemic throughout much of the Western world impacts testosterone. Fat in the abdominal area is biologically active, which increase levels of the hormone estrogen. This can lower men’s testosterone levels and throw hormones out of balance.
Researchers also point to increased exposure to toxins in our environment. Pesticides and growth drugs in our food supply contain chemicals that mimic estrogen. Industrial chemicals and materials may also be rich in xenoestrogens.

Diagnosis
If you have symptoms of low testosterone, consult your physician. Because other health conditions can have similar symptoms, your doctor may request some medical tests. This usually includes a blood analysis to determine your testosterone levels.

Treatment
If you are diagnosed with this condition, your physician may recommend boosting testosterone with a topical gel, skin patch, injections or tablets. Unfortunately, not all men who receive testosterone treatment see benefits.
For many years, doctors were concerned that testosterone treatment might increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Recent research indicates there is little evidence to support this theory. Aside from medications, science reveals that regular exercise and proper diet can help improve some of the problems associated with andropause.
Cardiovascular exercise helps your body keep hormones balanced. In one study, men who did 45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 5 days a week saw a healthy boost to their free testosterone levels. Weight training is also often recommended as it helps develop muscle mass, which may shrink from low testosterone. Follow a healthy diet with appropriate amounts of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Some fitness experts believe you should consume more fat and protein than carbs for enhanced testosterone production. However, this theory is still controversial. Research published last year by the European Journal of Applied Physiology showed that subjects who participate in regular weight training while on a low-carb diet actually saw a considerable decrease in testosterone production. When the body uses fat as energy, it also increases the production of cortisol. This hormone boosts the development of abdominal fat, which in turn suppresses testosterone production.

Disclaimer: Information contained in this Wellness Express™ newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Copyright 2011 Wellness Express™

Quote of the Week

“Inside myself is a place where I live alone and that’s where you renew your springs that never dry up.” -Pearl S. Buck

Exercise of the Week: Lateral Glide in a Reverse Bridge Position

Start: Lie on your back on the ball in the Reverse Bridge position as shown. Arms are straight out to the side, palms up

Exercise: Keeping your body as still as possible, shuffle your feet over to one side, until one shoulder comes off the ball. Stabilize in this position... for 1-2 counts, then shuffle back to the starting position. Pause, then shuffle your feet over to the other side & hold. Repeat 6-12 times per side, alternating.

SPRING FEVER!

Are you as tired of winter as we are? Then come and help us welcome in Spring! Monday, March 22 is the offical 2nd day of Spring and we are excited to celebrate! In doing so, every patient that comes in on this day will have their name entered in for a drawing for a FREE one hour massage! Bring your family members in that day as well to increase your odds of winning. The staff of LWC will be dressed in their Spring fashion and we may even have a few goodies on-hand too. Call today to schedule your appointment(s): 952-435-5300.

Weekly Dose of Wellness (2/13/11 - 2/19/11)

Happy Valentine's Day from the staff at Life Wellness Center. All patients who come in today are automatically put into a drawing for a FREE 1 hour massage! Good luck!

Quote of the Week: "The needle of our conscience is as good a compass as any." ~ Ruth Wolff

Quote of the Week

"The needle of our conscience is as good a compass as any." ~Ruth Wolff

Exercise of the Week: Obilque Twist in a Reverse Bridge Position.

Start: Lie on your back on a ball in a Reverse Bridge position as shown in the image. Hands are directly over the chest, palms together, arms straight.

Exercise: Twist the upper body to one side so that arms finish parallel to the floor and your upper body is resting on ...one shoulder. Try to keep your hips as stable as possible. Pause, then repeat to starting position. Repeat 8-10 times each side, alternating with each repetition.

Topic of the Week: How to Avoid Lifting Injuries to Your Back

How dangerous is lifting for your lower back?
Low back pain accounts for the majority of work-related visits to the medical doctor. In fact, up to 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given time. Statistics Canada reports the lower back as one of the most common areas injured at work, second only to the hand. According to the Center for Disease Control, back pain is the leading cause of disability among people between the ages of 19-45.
Why do so many people injure their back?
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, there are a number of factors that contribute to the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries at work. In reviewing all the literature and available research on this topic, the institute concluded that only work-related lifting, forceful movements, and the exposure to whole body vibration were considered the most likely to be associated with incidences of lower back pain. In a report published by Statistics Canada, overexertion or strenuous movement is the main cause for work-related injuries requiring medical attention.
Why is lifting a problem?
Like many other areas of the body, the lower back is comprised of bone, muscle, nerve tissue and connective tissue. Each one of these structures has a limit to its ability to withstand a physical load. When this limit is surpassed, strain is the result. Since the tissues mentioned above are packed with nerves, any damage to their physical components can result in a lot of pain.
By lifting properly and observing correct posture and biomechanics, you can minimize the risk of strains and sprains. Your spine has a natural shock-absorbing curvature that should be maintained while increasing the workload. In addition, you should use the larger muscles of the legs to accomplish most of the work. This helps alleviate the stress on your back.
What incorrect lifting patterns cause the most injuries?
1. Bending at your waist is one of the greatest reasons for strain that affects the lower back, as opposed to bending your knees to reach for an object that is on the ground.
2. Any twisting of the torso while returning to an upright position creates the greatest risk for disc herniation. This is a debilitating and painful condition that can lead to inflammation, dysfunction of the lumbar nerves, numbness and weakness of the lower extremities.
Top 5 Tips for Correct Lifting:
1. Think ahead. Plan the maneuver before you attempt to lift anything awkward or heavy.
2. Lift mostly with your arms and legs. Take full advantage of the big muscles in your legs when lifting a heavy object. Bend your knees, not your back! Also maintain a slight inward curve in your lower back when lifting the object. This is the natural, biomechanically-stronger position of the spine.
3. Keep the object close to your body. The stress and strain on your lower back increases significantly the further the object is away from your core.
4. If the object looks too heavy for you to lift, it probably is! Get help to lift the object.
5. Keep your nose between your toes. This is a great little phrase to keep in mind when lifting or moving something heavy. If your nose stays between your toes, then you spine will not experience any twisting/shear loads. You reduce the risk of disc injuries.
What if I hurt my back while lifting?
Your first step is to stop what you are doing and call for help. If help is not available, assess your injuries before you try to move. Sometimes physical injuries can get worse with sudden movements. Once you feel it is safe to travel, see your chiropractor. Chiropractors are musculoskeletal specialists. They will be able to give you a good idea about the extent of your injuries, and get you on the road to recovery right away!
According to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, of all the forms of lower back treatment, only spinal adjustment is recommended as a safe and effective form of professional assistance for acute lower back pain.
So, you are in good hands – chiropractic is the right choice for low back pain due to acute lifting injuries.

Disclaimer: Information contained in this Wellness Express™ newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Copyright 2011 Wellness Express™

Tonight could change your life by attending "How To Make 2011 Your Best Year Ever." 7pm at 401k Latte in Lakeville located at 10543 165th Street West. http://ping.fm/OvfDf

Weekly Dose of Wellness (2/6/11 - 2/12/11)

Topic of the Week: Holistic Guide to Good Heart Health

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and just about every store is packed with displays of hearts. But before you dig into those boxes of chocolates, use this month as the starting point for a renewed commitment to a heart healthy lifestyle. To help you on your way, we devote this topic of methods of keeping your ticker in tip top shape.

Heart Healthy Food
Health experts recommend fish because it is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. These fats offer profound health benefits. A diet high in omega 3 acids help stop arteries from getting clogged reduces cholesterol levels and soothes inflammation. The fish that are the best sources of omega 3 are sardines, salmon, halibut, mackerel, herring, rainbow trout and tuna.
The omega 3 fatty acids you hear the most about are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Two servings of fish deliver about 500 milligrams of EPA and DHA. If you are concerned about mercury and other toxins often found in fish, you may want to balance your dietary intake with fish oil supplements.
Don’t care for the taste of fish? You can still find plenty of other choices served up by Mother Nature. Many of the recommended foods include fruit, vegetables, legumes and nuts Inflammation is a key component in heart disease. Along with fish, anti-inflammatory foods include berries, kale, spinach and broccoli. Research conducted by the American College of Cardiology found that a diet rich in these plant-based foods slashes inflammation, cuts triglycerides and keeps blood sugar levels balanced.
To meet your protein requirements, opt for soybeans, kidney beans and nuts. According to a physicians’ health study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, men who consumed nuts at least twice weekly lowered their risk of sudden cardiac death and coronary heart disease death. Another study on nuts and cardiovascular health also revealed benefits for women, stating that a plentiful diet of nuts lowers the risk of coronary artery disease for postmenopausal women.

When a Good Diet Isn’t Good Enough
While it is always ideal to get as much of your nutrients through food, you will find situations where you may need to boost your intake of vitamin, minerals and similar nutritional substances with supplements.

Fish Oil
As mentioned earlier, omega 3 fatty acids found in many species of fish provide exceptional benefits for keeping your heart pumping strong. But there are several reasons why you might want to use fish oil supplements as well, including dislike of seafood and availability of fresh fish. Some people report indigestion when using fish oil supplements. You can help limit these problems by freezing the fish oil or consuming it right before a meal. .

Coenzyme Q10
This natural compound is found in many body tissues. As well as being a potent antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 is important for maintaining a healthy heart rhythm, blocking blood clot development and assisting cellular energy production. It is primarily found in organ meats, which are not widely consumed in North America. As you age, your natural supply of coenzyme Q10 decreases. Some medications also rob your body of this substance, especially cholesterol lowering statin drugs. Although generally considered safe, Coenzyme Q10 may interfere with some blood thinning medications. Discuss with a qualified healthcare professional before using supplements.

Magnesium
For heart health, magnesium is important for reducing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and decreasing the negative impact of stress on cardiovascular function. Magnesium deficiency can boost the risk of hypertension and sudden cardiac death.
A lot of seniors are deficient in magnesium due to food absorption problems and medications, which deplete this mineral. Magnesium supplements may be especially beneficial for people in this age group.

Exercise: Don’t Skip This Step
Aerobic exercise forces your heart to pump more blood, which then transports more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Exercise also reduces cholesterol and lowers high blood pressure. The good news is even moderate amounts of exercise can bring great benefits to your heart. The American Heart Association reports women who walk at least two hours a week at any pace had a 30% lower risk of stroke. Walking is also a safe exercise for most people, but check with your chiropractor before starting an exercise regime. After you begin regular walking, you many want to consider adding some interval training-- increasing your exercise intensity for short bursts. You might intensify your walking speed for 15 to 20 seconds before returning to a more reasonable rate. Interval training can deliver cardio benefits of longer, steady pace exercise but in less time. Ask your chiropractor if interval training is appropriate for you.

Disclaimer: Information contained in this Wellness Express™ newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Copyright 2011 Wellness Express™

Weekly Dose of Wellness (1/30/11 - 2/5/11)

Life Wellness Center is spreading the "Wellness Love" this up-coming Valentine's Day. Every patient that comes in on this day is eligible for a ONE HOUR MASSAGE! We will be giving away a one hour massage to one lucky person that day and every person that comes in will receive one entry into the drawing. So bring your WHOLE FAMILY in to increase your chances.

Benefit for Officer Brigham Strole
Where/When: Babe’s Bar and Grill from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5
Why Go: Officer Brigham Strole, a 20-year-veteran of Lakeville’s Police Department, died on Sept. 1, 2010, after crashing his motorcycle near his Lakeville home. Babe’s is hosting a benefit in his honor that will featur...e raffle tickets and a silent auction.
Pricing: No cover charge; raffle tickets are $5

Do you know these Lakeville experts? Tom Schmidt, Erik Peacock, Pete McClellan and Paul Sonnenburg. These names might not be familiar to you but they are four of Lakeville's top experts in their fields, and they will all be speaking at our "How To Make 2011 Your Best Year Ever!" special event on February 8th at 7pm at 401k Latte 10543 165th St W, Lakeville, MN 55044. Just go to www.getfitlakeville.com to register now.

Weekly Dose of Wellness (1/30/11 - 2/5/11)http://ping.fm/V9psS

Topic of the Week: Menstrual Cycle – Chiropractic Can Help: http://ping.fm/wjSWI

Quote of the Week: "A loving heart is the truest wisdom." ~ Charles Dickens

Exercise of the Week: Forward Crunch on Exercise Ball. Start: Lie on your back with arms overhead, feet on the floor, knees apart. Head and hips should rest on ball. Exercise: Curl forward with chin partially tucked in, until your hands are between your knees. Imagine your belly button pressing inward the whole time, ke...eping your lower back on the ball. Return to starting position.