Patients Who Receive The Best Care (part 2)

Patients Who Receive The Best Care (part 1)

Trigger Points and Pain

Trigger points are persistent, localized muscle spasms that can cause a great deal of pain. Trigger points alone may be responsible for many cases of neck pain, upper back pain, and lower back pain. This relationship is fairly common knowledge among physicians who treat pain, including chiropractors, rheumatologists, and physiatrists (doctors of physical medicine).


What is not generally known is that trigger points may also be implicated in radiating pain into the arm and hand or radiating pain into the leg and foot. In fact, radiating pain due to trigger points may be mistaken for pain caused by a herniated disc, in either the neck or lower back. Trigger point pain affecting the wrist and hand may even be misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome. A patient in whom a correct diagnosis of trigger point pain is missed may lose much precious time and other resources, as she fruitlessly "tries" one doctor after another and needlessly undergoes all sorts of complex and costly testing.


The key to correctly identifying the source and cause of upper or lower extremity radiating pain is to be able to accurately characterize its nature. Radiating pain caused by trigger points is diffuse - the pain broadly covers a region. This diffuse pain is described as "scleratogenous", meaning that it is pain referred from connective tissue such as muscle and tendon. Radiating pain caused by a compressed spinal nerve (ultimately caused by a herniated disc, for example) is described as "radicular" or "dermatomal". This pain is confined to a specific area - the area that is supplied by a specific spinal nerve. For example, pain involving the thumb and index finger could be caused by compression of the C6 spinal nerve. Pain involving the outside of the foot and the little toe could be caused by compression of the S1 spinal nerve.


Scleratogenous pain is not specific. A person might complain of pain across the "shawl" portion of the upper back and traveling into the upper arm, experienced "all over" the upper arm. Another person might be experiencing pain across the gluteal region, hip, and upper thigh. Both of these patterns of radiating pain are likely due to several trigger points, localized to the respective areas.


Of course, an accurate diagnosis is necessary to be able to develop an effective treatment strategy. The good news is that although trigger points necessarily represent a chronic muscular process, they may be treated with very good to excellent outcomes using conservative protocols. Chiropractic care is the optimal method for managing trigger point pain. Chiropractic care is a drug-free approach which directly addresses the biomechanical causes of these persistent trigger points and their associated patterns of radiating pain. Chiropractic care improves mobility and restores function, helping to reduce and resolve chronic pain.



Chiropractic Care and Trigger Points



Trigger points associated with lower back and leg pain are commonly found the iliotibial band (near the upper thigh), as well as in muscles near the hip and buttocks, including the psoas, gluteus maximus, and piriformis. Trigger points associated with neck, upper back, and arm pain are commonly found muscles near the upper back and neck such as the the shawl portion of the trapezius muscle, the rhomboid muscles, and the levator scapulae.


These chronic, persistent, localized muscle spasms are caused by postural inefficiencies, biomechanical faults, and stress. Any or all of these factors may be involved. Stress may be ongoing, depending on the person's circumstances, but posture and biomechanics can definitely be addressed and improved with chiropractic care.


Your chiropractor will analyze and identify biomechanical issues, particularly those involving spinal misalignments. A chiropractor will design treatment specifically tailored for your individual needs and, if needed, will help educate you regarding good postural habits and exercises that will be beneficial for many years to come.

Quote of the Week:

"The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well." - Hippocrates

Exercise of the Week: Low Back Stabilization in Reverse Bridge Position with Adductor Squeeze

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Start: Lie on back with lower legs resting on either side of ball, pressing inward with knees straight. Place fingertips on either side of pelvis with elbows resting on floor.
Exercise: Lift hips off floor until body is in straight position, feet to shoulders. Stabilize with stomach tucked in and hold for 5-15 counts.
Rest 30-60 seconds, then repeat for 3 sets.

Topic of the Week: How Posture Influences Your Physical & Mental Health

Stop! Before you read the rest of this article, check your posture. Is it in the correct position? Or is it slumped? Do you know the fundamentals of correct posture? Many of us do not give much thought to the subject. This is unfortunate because keeping your spine in the optimal position can deliver a lot more than just a pain-free back. Your chiropractor will tell you posture can affect other areas of your body, including your respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems.

New evidence also reveals the close connection between your posture and how you think about yourself. In this article, we look at the close relationships of good posture, pain relief and psychological health.


Posture & Pain Relief
Making the effort to be aware of your posture can go a long way to reducing pain and feeling better about yourself. Incorrect posture can actually cause pain to intensify and persist. New research published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found when individuals adopted dominant, upright postures they were able to endure more pain compared to individuals who assumed submissive postures.

The researchers believe assuming a dominant posture signals to the brain that it has more control of its current condition and environment, and it may cause hormonal changes in the body that boost pain-killing hormones.


Aside from pain, chronic posture problems can lead to joint and disk degeneration and damage to ligaments, muscles and cartilage.


Good Posture Can Boost Your Confidence
While it helps lessen pain, good posture also impacts internal thoughts. Employment coaches recommend job seekers maintain excellent posture because it communicates self-confidence to job interviewers, but new research shows posture affects your internal confidence. The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University recently published a study that showed people who used proper posture and expansive body positions actually increased their sense of power and likelihood of taking action, regardless of their job title or position within an organization.


The authors of the Kellogg study were surprised that a person’s job position, whether at the top of the corporate ladder or at the bottom, did not seem to have a significant effect on self-confidence. Instead, consistently good posture actually had a bigger impact on how likely you are to believe your own thoughts


Ohio State University also published similar findings. In one of these studies, students were asked to write about several personal traits that would help them qualify for a future job. Those students who held upright postures were more likely to agree strongly with the personal traits they wrote about themselves.


Mind, Body & Chiropractic
Of course, none of this research would come as much of a surprise to your chiropractor. Since the early days of its development, chiropractic has always known the power of mind-body communication.


Subluxations interfere with the communication between nerves and the brain. If you have a pinched nerve in your vertebra, your tissues that are connected to this nerve will be unable to properly relay information to your brain.


Chiropractic adjustments improve communication between your mind and body. As well as relieving pain, adjustments reduce both physical and mental stress so you have better overall well-being.


Developing Consistently Good Posture
Posture is the way your body is held in space – whether standing, sitting, or lying down. Certain physical structures in your body line up correctly with your center of gravity. If your body has proper posture, there is a perfect balance to your physical structures, and you are able to hold your body in a healthy position with minimal effort. Ask your chiropractor to assess your posture to see if these anatomical areas are correctly aligned.


You can also help yourself by following these good posture tips.
1. Be aware. Practicing awareness of your posture is the first step to correcting it.


2. Take regular breaks from sitting at a computer. Research shows a strong connection between neck pain and intense computer usage.


3. Check the ergonomics of your workstation or desk.


4. Stretch tight muscles, and strengthen weak postural muscles. Your chiropractor can show you the correct techniques to use.


5. Get regular chiropractic adjustments. When it moves properly, your spine has the best chance to position itself properly.


Keep your thoughts positive and your posture strong, and you can make a healthy impact on both your mind and body.

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 © Wellness Express™

Low Back Pain During Pregnancy - How Can LWC Help? ~ by Dr. Tom Schmidt

This week's 'Topic of the Week' is "Pregnancy and Low Back Pain". Did you know that 80% of all pregnant women suffer from pain back? Why is that? Two main reasons:

1.) Biomechanical Weight Transfer – 7 pounds of pressure is added to the lower back for every 1 pound of weight added to a woman’s “belly region”. The average woman gains 10 – 20 pounds during pregnancy. That translates to potentially 140 pounds of pressure on the back! Along with the added weight is a period when the woman “pops out”. What that refers to is the core abdominal muscles give up holding back the pressure of the growing baby, which in turns transfers the weight of gravity on the lower back. This situation is also experienced by the male population commonly referred to as the “beer belly”.

2.) Relaxin – this is a relaxing hormone secreted during the last trimester of pregnancy. Its action loosens and softens joints of the pelvis for the purpose of delivering the baby. This is a good thing. Unfortunately that loosening also allows for low back joints to “subluxate” (misalign) causing the “knife-like” pain in either side of the low back, commonly causing sciatica-type pain patterns into the buttocks and leg regions.

What can you do and how can Life Wellness Center help? Chiropractic helps realign joints that are misaligned relieving the pressure and pain in the lower back. During pregnancy a schedule of treatments are suggested for monthly adjustments, massage for the first trimester every 2-3 weeks for the 2nd trimester and every 2 weeks for the 3rd trimester. We also typically prescribe a supportive pregnancy belt to support the back. Our patients call them “lifesavers”.

One other thing to note with pregnancy and chiropractic is the ability to help “turn” a breech presentation baby. That means the baby is in the “feet down” position. We have had several patients’ babies turn while receiving chiropractic adjustments and massage.

If you are pregnant or know someone who is pregnant and could benefit from this information, please pass this on to them and get in for an evaluation as soon as possible.  Call us TODAY at 952-435-5300.

Quote of the Week:

“When I was pregnant, I felt filled with life, and I felt really happy. I ate well, and I slept well. I felt much more useful than I'd ever felt before.” - Suzanne Vega

Exercise of the Week: Pelvic Stabilization in Reverse Bridge Position with Hamstring Curls

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Start: Lie on back, lower legs resting on ball, knees straight. Hands can rest on hips with elbows touching floor. Press down into ball with legs, lifting hips until entire body is in straight position, feet to shoulders. Stabilize with stomach tucked in and hold.

Exercise: Roll ball toward buttocks using both feet. As ball comes closer to buttocks, hips should keep still. Curl legs to 90 degrees and hold for 2 counts. Return to start position; maintain a tight abdomen throughout. Repeat 5-10 times.

Topic of the Week: Pregnancy and Low Back Pain

Pregnancy is a unique and challenging condition – for both the female who is pregnant and for her chiropractor! The effects of major hormonal shifts, an incredibly rapid weight gain (and then loss), and the stress associated with being a new mother all combine to make pregnancy one of the most common causes of low back pain.

The Stats
Low back pain statistics for pregnant females are quite alarming. For the general population, it is estimated that approximately 70-85% of us will experience at least one bout of acute low back pain in our lives. In the pregnant female population, the rate is 50-80% during a 9-month window!
And for those women who experienced back pain during pregnancy, over 60% of these women described the pain as at least moderately severe, and close to 10% said the pain was “completely disabling.”


The Main Cause of Pain
Since low back pain often occurs in the later stages of pregnancy, experts suggest that the main cause of this type of pain in the pregnant population can be attributed to the shift in the center of gravity caused by the growing fetus and the hormonal changes that prepare the mother’s body for delivery of the baby.
It is normal for pregnant women to gain as much as 20-40 pounds during gestation. As the abdomen of a pregnant female grows, postural demands on the body increase. Because of the forward shift in the center of gravity, the pelvis has a tendency to tilt forward, and the lumbar curve also increases. This places greater physical loads on the joints, muscles and ligaments where the lower back and pelvis meet. The two large sacroiliac (SI) joints on either side of the pelvis bear most of this load. With the stress these two joints experience in the later trimesters, it is not surprising the main cause of low back pain in these patients is sacroiliac dysfunction and subluxation!


The Characteristics of the Pain
The pain caused by sacroiliac strain is usually localized to the low back. It can be sharp and stabbing, or achy and dull. It can affect one side, or both sides, and often any weight-bearing activities can aggravate the pain. Although it is typically felt directly over the joints, the pain can also radiate into the buttocks or down the back of the leg, mimicking sciatica. Sacroiliac pain can be differentiated from sciatic nerve pain due to the fact that sacroiliac joint irritation usually does not extend past the knee. This is an important point to consider because pregnant women can also experience true bouts of sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation or other causes of nerve irritation.


The Challenge
Because of the danger to the fetus, diagnostic imaging of a pregnant female’s spine is not recommended. Therefore, most of the tests needed to diagnose the cause of pain in a pregnant patient are limited to pattern recognition, orthopedic tests, and direct palpation of the tissues.


The Solution to Pain? Your Chiropractor!

Fortunately for pregnant women everywhere, chiropractic care is ideally suited for a pregnant patient. One report indicated that 84% of the women who received spinal manipulative therapy during pregnancy were relieved of back pain!

In a more recent study, 16 of 17 women treated for back pain during pregnancy received clinically significant relief within an average of less than 2 visits to their chiropractor. No adverse effects were reported by any of the women in the study.

Researchers in New York followed a group of 23 pregnant patients who visited their doctors for back pain and found that almost 50% of the patients had sacroiliac joint pain and SI joint subluxations. Of the 11 women who received adjustments to their pelvis to correct for these subluxations, 10 out of 11 reported relief from pain!

Studies show chiropractic to be a very safe and effective treatment option for low back pain. However, in the rare case that adjustments alone do not help, other treatment options may include: postural exercise, rest, medication, or belts and bracing.

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 © Wellness Express™

Quote of the Week

“There’s nothing wrong with making mistakes. Just don’t respond with encores.” - Anonymous

Exercise of the Week: Low Back Stabilization in Reverse Bridge Position with Hamstring Curls (single leg)

Difficulty: Advanced

Start: Lie on back, lower legs resting on ball, knees straight. Hands can rest on hips with elbows touching floor. Press down into ball with legs, lifting hips until entire body is in straight position, feet to shoulders. Stabilize with stomach tucked in and hold. Lift one leg a few inches off ball, stabilizing with only one leg on ball.
Exercise: Roll ball toward buttocks using one leg. As ball comes closer to buttocks, hips should rise but not bend, keeping a straight line between knee, hips and shoulders. Curl leg to 90 degrees and hold for 1 count. Return to start position; maintain a tight abdomen throughout. Repeat 5-10 times per leg.

Topic of the Week: Healing Herbs for Pain and Inflammation

When you injure yourself, your body takes action to heal the wounded or damaged areas. You might think it counterintuitive, but inflammation is actually a necessary part of your body’s recovery process. Without some inflammation, wounds would never heal.
If inflammation becomes severe or chronic, then serious health problems can emerge. Arthritis, asthma, and colitis are just a few of the health conditions classified as inflammatory diseases.


However, are drugs the only solution to dealing with the problems of inflammation? New research reveals that some spices, including those you might find in a household spice rack, might actually work as well as traditional drugs.


Frankincense
You may only know of frankincense (boswellia) from the biblical story of the three wise men, but there is a lot more to the tale of frankincense. It was one of the most popular medicinal remedies of the ancient world, and its healing legacy continues today.


Several species of the frankincense tree grow in East Africa, Saudi Arabia and India. While most herbal remedies usually make use of leaves and roots, frankincense’s medicinal ingredient is the gummy resin found inside the frankincense tree. Today, you can purchase frankincense in supplement form for therapeutic use. It is popular for helping diminish the symptoms of arthritis.


Anti-inflammatory medications used in arthritis treatment often come with serious side effects, which can lower the quality of life for many arthritis sufferers, but several studies have noted that frankincense has few side effects and appears safe for long-term use.


This year scientists at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom used an extract derived from the frankincense species boswellia frereana and discovered the substance has the ability to block pro-inflammatory molecules and prevent the breakdown of cartilage tissue.


An earlier study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy showed patients with osteoarthritis in the knee who received a frankincense supplement derived from boswellia serrata saw improvement in less than seven days.


Two medical researchers remarked in a frankincense study published in Phytotherapy Research, “Due to its efficacy we propose that boswellia frereana should be examined further as a potential therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory symptoms associated with arthritis.”


Ginger
Originally from Asia, this popular spice spread west via trade routes to the ancient Roman Empire. Today, it is a staple ingredient in meals across the globe, but it also has a long history in traditional herbal medicine. Healers prescribed it for gastrointestinal problems, flu and arthritis.


Over the last three decades, medical investigators have studied the therapeutic effects of ginger. Early research discovered it shares some of the pharmacological properties of nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, but with far fewer side effects. Researchers believe that ginger lowers levels of prostaglandins – a compound derived from fatty acids that influences pain signals.


A 2005 study in The Journal of Medicinal Food saw medical researchers remark that ginger “inhibits the induction of several genes involved in the inflammatory response” and “modulates biochemical pathways involved in chronic inflammation.”


Ginger is shown to be effective on pain and inflammation caused by exercise-induced muscle injury. In research that appeared in The Journal of Pain, participants engaged in numerous exercises designed to induce muscle pain. One group of participants received a placebo pill, and another group received ginger supplements. At the end of the study, the ginger group reduced their muscle pain by as much as 25%.


Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow spice popular in Indian curries. As with many spices from this area of the world, it is also used medicinally. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties should not come as much of a surprise because it is part of the ginger family.


A study conducted by Arizona University College of Medicine supported the hypothesis of ginger blocking production of inflammatory substances and this action may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis.


How quickly these herbal remedies provide relief can vary. Some people notice improvements within a few days, while for others it may take several weeks. If you have gallstones or bile duct conditions, do not use ginger or turmeric. Consult your chiropractor before using herbal supplements, especially if you take medication or you are pregnant or breast feeding.

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 © Wellness Express™

"Core Stabilization" by Dr. J

The phrase “core strength” recently has become popular in the healthcare and fitness industries. Many people spend time and money trying to gain “core strength”, but do not completely understand which muscles make up the “core” and what they do for their body.

Muscles of the core
■Hip muscles
   ■glutes stabilize your pelvis while walking and when standing on one foot.
■Low back muscles
   ■erector spinae-extends your back and keeps you back upright while standing
■Abdominal muscles
   ■rectus abdominus (six-pack muscle) bends your trunk forwards.
   ■external and internal obliques rotate the spine and stabilize during twisting movements
   ■transverse abdominus provides a compressive force which stabilizes the spine and pelvis

Purpose of the core
Our core is what keeps us upright while standing, stabilizes our body before lifting heavy loads, braces and stabilizes our body before we receive impact, and most importantly keeps our body in alignment and functioning the way it was meant to. If we do not strengthen our core, the results can be postural misalignments, pain, and increased difficulty performing simple daily tasks.

How is your core?
Is there a way to evaluate your core before a problem occurs?
Yes! Make an appointment at LWC and ask for a core evaluation.
It is important to stop a problem before it occurs!

BACK-to School

ATTENTION PARENTS!  As we all know, school starts in about a month (keep the cheering down so the kids don't hear). As many of the staff here at LWC are parents as well, we know how important it is that your students are well-prepared for school. That not only include the things most thought of; clothing, supplies, etc., but should also include their physical body as well. Heavy backpacks, poor... posture and sports injuries are just a few of the things that your child may be subject to at school no matter what their age is.

That is why Life Wellness Center feels that is is extremely IMPORTANT for your child/children to get evaluated before back problems start. So LWC is offering a complimentary examination of all students during the month of August. Simply call us to set up an appointment (approx. 30 minutes) to check out your student's posture, backpack and any other issues that may prevent them from focusing on a productive school year: 952-435-5300.

Quote of the Week:

“Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.” ~ Norman R. Augustine

Exercise of the Week: Low Back Stabilization in Reverse Bridge Position with Hamstring Curls

Difficulty: Moderate

Start: Lie on back, lower legs rest on ball, knees straight. Hands can rest on hips with elbows touching floor. Press down into ball with legs, lifting hips until entire body is in a straight position, feet to shoulders. Stabilize with stomach tucked in and hold.

Exercise: Roll ball toward buttocks using both feet. As ball comes closer to buttocks, hips should rise but not bend, keeping straight line between knees, hips and shoulders. Curl legs to 90 degrees and hold for 2 counts. Return to start position; maintain a tight abdomen throughout. Repeat 5-10 times.

Topic of the Week: Core Stabilization – Foundation of a Healthy Lower Back

We often hear our doctors, therapists and trainers discuss core stabilization and how integral it is for the function and health of our bodies, especially for our lower backs. But what is it? And why is it considered so important?
Core stabilization refers to your ability to keep your core structure (torso, abdomen and spine) relatively stable as the appendicular skeleton (legs, arms and connecting structures) is recruited to do physical work like walking, running, throwing and lifting.
Consider what would happen if you did not possess core stability. Every time you wanted to move – bringing either an arm or a leg away from your midline to perform a task – your body would be pulled in that direction and you would fall over. If you did not fall, you would most likely strain the holding elements of your joints (i.e. the ligaments) instead, once the load became too great. Not a good scenario.

What are the essential components of core stability?
When most of us think of the core muscles, an image of a bodybuilder’s six-pack abs (the rectus abdominis) usually comes to mind. Actually, this abdominal muscle is the one contributing the least to core stability!
Instead of acting as a stabilizer, the primary role of this muscle is to move the torso into flexion (i.e. curling up into a ball).
The deepest abdominal muscle layer is the transversus abdominis, and it is the prime stabilizer of the torso, aided by several other specific support muscles (the internal obliques and the multifidus). Scientific studies show that before any movement is initiated, these muscles are engaged beforehand, and the transversus abdominis muscles are always recruited first.
If you think of a girdle or corset – those ladies’ garments often worn to cinch the waist and give that hourglass appearance – this would give you a good idea what the transversus abdominis muscle does for the body. When it contracts, this muscle squeezes and holds the trunk and torso quite rigid and allows for the arms or legs to do their job without pulling the body this way and that. You may be familiar with the competitive powerlifter’s thick leather belt - compressing and holding the lower back steady while the rest of the body prepares to lift, clean and jerk up to a thousand pounds overhead. Although this is an extreme example, the function is the same.

What happens when these core muscles don’t function properly?
Research reveals patients with lower back pain have delayed or insufficient firing patterns of the transversus abdominis muscles compared to control groups with no back pain. Although researchers admit it does not prove this muscle delay causes lower back pain, their findings clearly identify a relationship between core stabilization and lumbar spine symptoms. Results from these studies show that by increasing the activation of the core stabilizers, primarily the transversus abdominis, back pain may be reduced or prevented.

Does increasing core stability actually help your lower back?
Recent evidence suggests that it does. Researchers took a group of 39 patients who experienced an initial episode of acute low back pain and then divided them into two groups: one that was given specific strengthening exercises for the transversus abdominis and multifidus muscles, and another group that did not do these exercises.
Follow-ups with these two groups of patients one year and three years later revealed a significant difference between the two. In the group that was given the specific core strengthening exercises, there was a 30-35% recurrence rate of symptoms. Whereas in the other group that did not perform the exercises, there was a 75-85% recurrence rate of lower back pain.
Although a consultation with your chiropractor is your best bet for a speedy recovery from acute low back pain, it looks like an abdominal contraction-a-day can really help keep the long-term pain away!

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 © Wellness Express™