People with eating disorders can be difficult to treat, and rehabilitation therapy may last many years.  Chiropractic can be a helpful part of an overall treatment plan.

Anorexia and Bulimia

Anorexia is a disorder marked by weight obsession, eating refusal, exercise abuse, and it can sometimes contain a component of binging and vomiting (or other elimination methods, such as laxatives), called bulimia.  Anorexics tend to be perfectionists who fear getting fat.  They may lie about eating, as well.  Some studies say a zinc deficiency may be part of these disorders.  People who suffer from these disorders may also have food allergies and amino acid imbalances.  Teenage girls are the most likely population to have anorexia and bulimia.  Menstruation can cease in females, males may become impotent, the body can waste away, the skin can yellow and dry, and there can be anemia, low blood pressure, sleep problems, and frequent pain and sensitivity from touch.1  Bulimics may additionally have gum disease and tooth decay from vomiting.  Some anorexia may have its roots in rigid thinking patterns, sexual abuse, or obsessive-compulsive disorders; controlling food is a coping mechanism.  Certain brain chemical imbalances may also be involved.  Aside from the short-term effects of the disease, long-term medical problems can result:  dehydration, ulcers, malnutrition, diabetes, heart and kidney failures, osteoporosis, and liver and pancreas failures.  This may lead to hospitalization and rehabilitation.2

Chiropractic Assistance

Chiropractors can help anorexic patients by suggesting vitamin supplements, such as zinc, vitamins E and D, and B12.  Besides the nutritional therapy and changes in diet, chiropractors can assist with helping immunity, resolving allergies and gastrointestinal issues, and balancing hormone levels.  Depression and suicidal thoughts may also be helped with chiropractic care.  For those with bulimia, aromatherapy may be recommended, as well as hydrotherapy, and there can be Ayurveda foods, supplements, and herbs recommended, along with massage.  Chiropractors may also suggest magnetic field therapy, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and Chinese Medicine components.3  Nutrition Science News suggested that a B1, or thiamin, deficiency can lead to “depression, mood swings, and loss of appetite—symptoms typical of anorexia nervosa”.4  Chiropractors believe in overall, holistic health.  In doing so, they may recommend not only nutritional support but exercises.  A study showed that anorexic patients who practiced healthy exercise during treatment “gained 40 percent more weight compared to those who did not exercise”.  Unlike the excessive exercise that might have been practiced by the anorexic or bulimic for weight loss, the researchers found that healthy and rehabilitative exercise should be focused on promoting “positive attitudes about the body” and helping to establish a “mind-body connection” to reduce “physical and mental stress”.  The exercises in the study included Pilates, yoga, resistance training, partner work, and sports conditioning.  The patients were encouraged to focus on breathing and how their body felt during the exercises, instead of comparing oneself to others.6  Chiropractic adjustments may also assist in resolving subluxations in patients.7

References:

1, 3 http://chiropractor.com/anorexia-nervosa-eating-disorder/#.UHhRY8XA95Y

2 http://www.foxvalleyphysicalmedicine.com/tabid/6921/mid/10923/ContentPubID/18/ContentClassificationGroupID/-1/Default.aspx#TOP

4 http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/B1_Lack.shtml

5 http://www.chiroeco.com/welcome.php?url=http://www.chiroeco.com/news/2004/july/exercisecrit.php

6 http://www.chiroeco.com/news/2004/july/exercisecrit.php

7 http://www.bartonchiro.com/custom_content/c_120370_anorexia_nervosa.html

]]> http://www.echiropractor.org/chiropractic-for-eating-disorders/feed/ 0 http://www.echiropractor.org/meditation-basics/ http://www.echiropractor.org/meditation-basics/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 14:00:10 +0000 echiropractor http://www.echiropractor.org/?p=9880

Meditation is a drug-free method of achieving relaxation, energy, and focus.  It can be used in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) as an adjunct practice, as well.

Meditation History and Types

Meditation helps people train their mind in order to promote relaxation, build energy, or to work on a variety of spiritual pursuits (i.e., spiritual guides, connecting with God, astral projection, or receiving “psychic visions”).  The exercises involved in meditation allow the practitioner the opportunity to have emotional healing, such as patience, compassion, and forgiveness. Most meditate in a sitting position, and some use prayer beads or other “ritual objects”.  The origins of meditation come from the Old Testament Hebrew phrase that referred to “sigh or murmur”, which translated into the Greek word melete, and eventually the Latin Bible term meditatio (meaning “to think contemplate, devise, ponder”).  It has been historically used in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Taosim, Islam, Judaism, Jainism, New Age, and many other spiritual and religious practices and traditions.  Secularly, meditation is also used in the West, in order to achieve “mindfulness”.  Meditation can be used for multiple purposes.  For example, prayer and meditation are linked in the Bahá’í Faith, where prayer is for “turning toward God”, while meditation is a “communion with one’s self”.  Buddhism focuses on meditation in order to achieve “serenity or tranquility” as well as “insight”.  Certain religions perform meditation in order to deepen the spiritual connection to God.  The New Age practice of meditation is to blank out the mind from conscious thinking, often by “chanting a mantra or focusing on an object”.  In Taoism, meditation is incorporated into “internal martial arts” in order to achieve calmness in the “tai chi form”.  It can disperse “qi” (life energy) throughout the body.¹ 

Basic Styles of Meditation

Mantra meditation uses chanting words that are repeated throughout the session.  The sounds become the focus.  Focused meditation uses objects (or sounds, mantras, or thought) in order to stay committed to that key object instead of various other thoughts and stressors.  Spiritual meditation is about communicating with God, while becoming calm and quiet before focusing on questions or problems.  Movement Meditation involves incorporating flowing movements into the sitting meditation.  The movements are repetitive, and they (with the breathing) become the focus of the session.  Mindfulness Meditation is the most common form of the practice known.  It is when the person doesn’t focus on any particular thought; instead thoughts “flow”.  There is an awareness of the surrounding sensory input, but it isn’t dwelled upon.²

Secular Benefits of Meditation

“Meditation may…increase calmness and…relaxation, to improve psychological balance, to cope with illness, or to enhance overall health and well-being,” according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  Jon Kabat-Zinn’s modern form of achieving mindfulness (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program), helped people become aware of daily practices in a way that removed judgmental thoughts.  In doing so, depression and anxiety could be reduced, and happiness and emotional balance could be increased.  Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation assisted people in tensing and releasing muscle groups “in a sequential pattern while concentrating” on their feelings.  This could help to reduce anxiety.  Today, meditation is incorporated into therapy and counseling.  The relaxation techniques used now include hypnosis, biofeedback, and meditation.  Mindfulness Meditation has demonstrated researched benefits including the reduction of depression, headaches, blood pressure, stress, and anxiety.  Meditation has also been shown, in research, to improve memory, focus, and attention span.³

References:

1, 3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation

2 http://www.fitsugar.com/5-Types-Meditation-18949375

Check out this information on CAM/Alternative treatments.

Yoga has uses far beyond just exercise and flexibility.  It is a practice that can holistically affect the entire person and assist with achieving overall health and wellness benefits.

Yoga’s Roots and Present Uses

Yoga is actually a series of disciplines that incorporates spiritual, mental, and physical aspects.  It is part of the Hindu philosophy.  Yoga also has roots in Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism.  The most common form, since the Middle Ages, is “Hatha yoga”, which “concentrates on health and purity of the body”.  It wasn’t until the 19^th century that Hindu monks introduced yoga to the West.  Today, it can even be used as a complementary therapy for asthma, cancer, schizophrenia, and heart disease patients.  Yoga has even been utilized to assist people with back pain, which helps reduce a dependence on medications.  Research has confirmed the health benefits of yoga.  As with any form of stretching or exercise, people should consult with professionals before engaging in the activities.  The typical sports injuries that can be associated with yoga include “torn muscles, knee injuries, and headaches”, although there can be a risk of more serious injuries.  The positions most likely to cause injury are forward and backward bends, headstand and shoulder stands, handstands, and lotus/ half lotus positions.  This is also why trained yoga practitioners advocate that some exercises should not be performed by pregnant or menstruating women, or nursing mothers.  Breathing exercises and meditation, however, are welcomed.  The most likely time for injuries to occur is if the instructors are newly certified or the clients overestimate their ability to perform poses.¹

Types of Yoga

There are several different types of yoga available.  Anusara is an “accepting” form of yoga where clients “express themselves” through poses, instead of the standard positions.  It is ideal for newcomers and for those seeking mood enhancement.  Ashtanga is a rapid-posing form of yoga.  It is meant to be used for weight loss and cardio fitness, and it involves “six established and strenuous pose sequences”.  Bikram is the yoga performed in a hot and humid room.  It is also useful for weight loss.  Hatha is the main form of yoga performed.  It is used for calming stress-reduction, and it incorporates nearly all of the other yoga types, where people work at their own pace.  Iyengar uses props (harnesses, blocks, straps, incline boards, etc.) to help people achieve the necessary positions.  Its nickname is “furniture yoga”.  This is helpful for those learning the poses, and for those who are seeking “muscle definition”.  Jivamukti is a traditionalist yoga, which is very physical, and it incorporates spiritual practices (i.e., social, political, and animal rights, non-violence, devotion to God, and meditation).  Kripalu is about body acceptance and knowledge, as well as “breathwork”, “empowerment”, and “self-discovery”.  Kundalini involves “invigorating poses” and constant movement.  It is designed to make clients feel energetic and focused.  Power yoga is an athletic form of the exercise, and poses are not done in the same sequence.  It is made for calorie burning.  Prenatal yoga is intended for pregnancy, with safe poses that keep the “core strong”. Restorative yoga is for relaxation, stress/injury rehabilitation, and “psychic cleansing”.  Teachers should be consulted so that they are aware of clients’ injuries and which poses to avoid.  Sivananda is 12 basic poses that are meant for spiritual boosting.  Viniyoga is for “personalized practice” so that clients adapt poses to their needs.  It is designed to reduce the risk of injuries; it’s ideal for those with back pain and sciatica.  Finally, Yin (“taoist yoga”) is for quiet meditation, with passive, relaxing poses.²

References:

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga

2 http://www.womenshealthmag.com/yoga/types-of-yoga

See info on CAM/Alternative treatments.

TMD (or TMJD) affects many people.  Actions performed during sleep, as well as other injuries, can cause headaches and pain during the day, as well as long-term problems that could even lead to serious medical interventions.  Chiropractic and other alternative treatments may help ease some of these jaw and mouth problems.

Oral Problems

The joint that hinges the lower jaw to the skull is called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).  Sometimes this can have problems resulting from grinding the teeth, clenching the jaw, injuries, dislocation, or stress.  This can lead to tenderness, pain, not being able to widely open the mouth, locked jaws that stay open or closed, trouble with chewing, facial swelling, and popping or clicking sounds.  Patients often suffer from pain – in the teeth, head, neck, shoulders, and ears.1  The disorders are collectively called TMD or TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder).  The most common cause of TMD is bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding), but it can also come from aging, which causes bite collapse and an “unnatural position of the lower jaw while chewing”.  Sports and other accidental injuries, stress/anger jaw clenching, dental procedures (such as restoration and defective crowns), poor orthodontics, gum chewing and nail biting, and excessive mouth opening (such as yawning or eating overly large or hard foods) can also contribute to TMD.2

Medical Solutions

If cold and heat packs, eating soft foods, and reducing extreme jaw movements and gum chewing aren’t enough, doctors may recommend NSAID medications (such as Advil or Aleve), as well as muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or antianxiety medications.  Low-level laser therapy may be incorporated into treatment.  Dentists may fit patients for night guards (overnight use) or splints (worn all of the time), which fit over the teeth and prevent clenching and grinding.  Dental treatments may include crowns, bridges, and braces.3  Other treatments may be used.  Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) utilizes electrical currents to relax the jaw.  Ultrasound treatments apply heat to the TMJ.  Some doctors may use radio wave therapy as well, to increase the blood flow.  Patients may even be given injections of anesthesia or pain medications to “trigger points”.  The most invasive treatments of all include surgery.  Surgical solutions are permanent and irreversible.  They are performed under general anesthesia, which can be dangerous.  Arthrocentesis involves “involves inserting needles inside the affected joint and washing out the joint with sterile fluids”, arthroscopy allows the surgeon to “remove inflamed tissue or realign the disc or condyle”, and open-joint surgery is the most invasive of all:  “the entire area around the TMJ is opened”.  The latter treatment has the most risk of “scarring and nerve injury”.4

Alternative Treatments

For some patients, TMD can be resolved by practicing good posture, keeping the teeth apart (such as blocking them with the tongue), or relaxation techniques to reduce stress.5  Biofeedback is another alternative treatment option.  Patients can use a mirror to help them relax the jaw and reduce symptoms.  Some patients may even benefit from a “nighttime biofeedback instrument”, like a headband or other device, that helps retrain jaw habits during sleep.6  Other alternative care can include “chiropractic manipulation, massage, applying heat/ice and special exercises”.  Very often, chiropractors will work with dentists so that patients who need splints or night guards can have co-managed care.  Chiropractors will also recommend the more conservative treatments, such as heat, ice, avoiding “harmful joint movements”, and special stretching exercises.7  With prevention and alternative treatments, patients may be able to avoid invasive, and potentially dangerous, medical and surgical procedures.

References:

1 http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders

2,6 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporomandibular_joint_disorder

3,4 http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders?page=2

5 http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders?page=3

7 http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=1454

Check out more information on how biofeedback can be used.

Military life requires many mental and physical challenges.  For the troops to be in optimal shape, they undergo rigorous training.  To maintain their overall health, chiropractic care can be a benefit to the troops and veterans.

Active-Service Military Chiropractic

Tricare, the military healthcare program, offers the Chiropractic Health Care Program to their active duty members, as well as those in the Reserves and National Guard, at designated facilities.  “Chiropractic is a health care discipline, which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.”1 While there are not yet any commissioned chiropractors in the military, access to chiropractic care has increased in recent years, although even more access would help to “satisfy the demand”.2  In order for the military personnel to perform at their best, and to have overall mental and physical well-being, chiropractic care can still be increased.  The military “cannot afford to have soldiers out of work”, according to Sgt. Lynn Grosvenor, DC, RT.3  The World Chiropractor Alliance would like to see the military commission chiropractors in all branches and to “create a Chiropractic Corps providing chiropractic examinations and adjustments”.  Just as there is a Dental Corps, distinct from the medical one, chiropractic could also be treated as a separate group.  The WCA would also like to see patients in the military have “direct access to chiropractic care” so that other providers are not needed to screen patients first.  Currently, chiropractors have to have primary care physicians as a gateway for military personnel.4  There is certainly a need for chiropractic care.  Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman, Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), a “decorated World War II Army veteran” is “concerned about injuries spawned by the weight of gear soldiers carry into combat”.  A Johns Hopkins University study found that “musculoskeletal spinal injuries are now “double that of combat injuries” (and have increased over 10 times in the past 4 years).  This costs a lot, both in terms of overall health, and in terms of the dollars spent on medical and disability benefits. The loads that the military carries have increased due to equipment and electronics (with heavy batteries).6  Chiropractic care could help to alleviate some of these physical stressors.

Veterans, Family Care, and Research

The Veterans Administration (VA) provides chiropractic care at 26 facilities.  This care is provided “in consultation with VA primary care providers”.6  Families are not covered for chiropractic care.  There are some chiropractors who offer discounted rates to active duty members and their families, as well as to retired military personnel.7  There are studies being done to show the benefits  of providing chiropractic treatment for active duty service people.  A large $7.4 million study grant was “awarded by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program” for a four-year project to assess chiropractic effectiveness in treating low back pain, reflexes and reaction time, balance, injury prevention, and strength.  The Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research is involved in this study.8

References:

1http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/ProfileFilter.do;jsessionid=Q21Lbp2H0pd5GpV1QqNpyDs0Xt824ycyJYJZLTkVftvzCyC3mmJN!1787486194?puri=%2Fhome%2Foverview%2FSpecialPrograms%2FChiropracticCare

2 http://commissionchiropractors.com/

3 http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=39368

4 http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/positions/military.htm

5 http://www.chiro.org/wordpress/?p=5535

6 http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/va-to-provide-chiropractic-care.html

7 http://cheyennemountainchiro.com/custom_content/c_111532_military_specials.html

8http://www.facebook.com/notes/whitmer-spine-and-sports-chiropractic/chiro-in-military/154387424633411

Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) encompass many different types of practitioners.   They take a non-Western approach to healing.  Chiropractic is often thought to be a part of these forms of treatment.

CAM and Western Medicine

CAM is a broad field of many diverse systems, operating differently than the (Western) medicine model; however, some medical practices have come to integrate CAM into their treatment plans.  CAM, when it is used at that same time as Western medicine, is called “complementary medicine” (i.e., using acupuncture to reduce pain during treatment).  When CAM is used instead of Western medicine, it is called “alternative medicine”.  Sometimes CAM and Western medicine are combined together in “integrated medicine”.1

Types of CAM

CAM can include mind/body therapies (the holistic model), as well as natural products and body manipulation practices.  CAM practitioners may use herbal remedies, minerals, vitamins, and other supplements, such as probiotics and digestive enzymes.  Mind/body therapies include yoga, meditation, and acupuncture.  There are other mind/body practices as well, such as tai chi, deep-breathing, and hypnotherapy.  Many of these treatments are over 2,000 years old.  Body-based practices include spinal manipulation and massage therapy.  In fact, many traditional medical offices now include these latter practices.  Other types of CAM can include “movement therapies”, such as Pilates and Rolfing.  Traditional and indigenous “healers” are also considered part of CAM (i.e., Native American medicine man).  Magnet and light therapy, Reiki, and qi gong, which manipulate energy, are also CAM practices.  There are older medical systems that are now considered CAM, including Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines.   Homeopathy and naturopathy are more modern CAM systems.2

Is Chiropractic CAM?

There is some disagreement over whether or not chiropractic should be considered part of CAM.  According to Dr. Lon Morgan, DC, DABCO, the effectiveness of the various CAM treatments is “controversial”.  Some chiropractors wish to be part of CAM, even though Morgan feels “CAM approaches conflict with chiropractic ‘philosophy’”.  If chiropractors are considered the same as naturopaths and energy healers, or if the treatment methods and “notions of the causes of disease” are so diverse and conflicting, it may not always benefit chiropractic, per Morgan.  The chiropractors who wish to be considered CAM share the “Us vs. Them” commonality with the other practices (i.e., “CAM vs. medicine”).  Morgan feels that the “schizophrenic approach to a chiropractic identity serves no one” since some alternative practices do not have the same rigorous standards that it takes to become a chiropractor.3  The American Chiropractic Association acknowledges that it can be positive that chiropractic is considered alternative healthcare because it is “one of the top two providers of choice”, which helps insurers respond to “public demand for alternative care”.  With regard to insurance, however, the ACA recognizes that it may not be beneficial for chiropractic to be considered just alternative care.  If chiropractic is part of mainstream insurance, patients will have better coverage for their chiropractic care.  If insurers choose the “affinity product”, treating chiropractic the same as any other alternative provider, then the patient is left to pay a discounted, but cash, rate.  The ACA opposes excluding chiropractors and does not support the affinity product.  “Chiropractic care should be a benefit within all third party payer plans or programs”.4  The Affordable Care Act (healthcare reform law), which was upheld by the Supreme Court, contains a “provider non-discrimination provision”.  ACA President Keith Overland, DC stated, “That makes it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against doctors of chiropractic… the non-discrimination provision, when it is fully implemented, will extend the availability of chiropractic services”.5

References:

1,2 http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam

3 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1839911/

4 http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=613

5 http://www.acatoday.org/press_css.cfm?CID=4891

Repetitive stress and injuries can affect the rotator cuff in the shoulder.  This can lead to severe pain and long-term range-of-motion problems.  Before considering surgery, a patient can explore chiropractic care for this problem.

Rotator Cuff and Injuries

The muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder are the rotator cuff.  If the tendons tear, it causes pain and restricted arm movements.  Typically, rotator cuffs are injured through repetitive motions—most likely “overhead motions or forceful pulling motions”.  The athletes commonly affected are baseball or softball pitchers, quarterbacks in football, weight lifters, cheerleaders, shot put throwers, swimmers, kayakers, martial artists, tennis players, and bowlers.  Those in the music field can be affected (i.e., conductors, drummers).1  Even sedentary computer work can cause problems due to keeping the arm in the same position.  Household chores, such as carpentry or painting, where the arm is kept over the head, can lead to rotator cuff tears.  Finally, poor posture and aging tendons can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis.  The amount of rehabilitation necessary depends on whether or not there is tendinitis, partial tears, or complete tears.2

Medical Treatments

Doctors may recommend ibuprofen, naproxen, or steroid injections to ease the pain and swelling.3  Conservative treatments for rotator cuff injuries are similar to those used in other types of strains:  RICE.  The RICE stands for Rest, Icing, Compression, and Elevation.  RICE aims to reduce swelling and inflammation and to limit additional injury.  Doctors may even recommend various exercises to strengthen and rehabilitate the shoulder.  Sleeping positions will also need adjustment.  There could, however, be bone injuries underlying the rotator cuff strain.  Some patients are still in pain regardless of conservative care.  Doctors may then recommend surgery, especially if the rotator cuff is completely torn.  Surgery will then reattach the bone and tendon.4  Arthroscopic surgery can be used to “remove inflamed tissue and part of the bone”.5

Chiropractic Approach for Rotator Cuff Injuries

Chiropractors will tend towards treatments that help patients with mobility and stability.  There can be scar tissue from the injury, leading to further irritation of the nerves and continued joint pain.  Chiropractic adjustments can assist with the “joint mechanics”, and some chiropractors may employ “Active Release muscle therapy” to restore flexibility and strength.  The latter refers to a doctor using “precisely applied tension in combination with specific patient movements”. Surgery may increase scar tissue, and it rarely addresses the cause of the nerve irritation.  The physical therapy approach of hot and cold packs (which can be done at home) and ultrasound may offer little long-term results.6  Typical chiropractic treatments involve spinal manipulation, massage, traction, stretching, and strengthening exercises.7  Chiropractic aims to resolve the underlying problems so that patients don’t have to take medications, have surgeries, or perform certain exercises for the rest of their lives.

References:

1,4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotator_cuff

2,3,5 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000438.htm

6 http://www.doctorken.com/rotatorcuff.htm

7 http://www.chirocommunity.com/shoulderpain.htm

What a person wears can affect their posture.  Certain fashion and accessories can contribute to back, neck, hip, and foot pain.  Chiropractic can provide solutions to the problems caused by clothing choices.

What (Not) to Wear

The most obvious article of clothing that comes to mind when thinking of painful fashion may very well be the high-heeled shoe.  Foot pain and back problems can come from this footwear.  Corns, bunions, calluses, hammertoes, and pain can arise from high heels.1  This is especially problematic when the high-heeled shoes “lack support and sound structure”.  High heels lead to smaller calf muscles and can cause the foot to turn inward.  Some women are even getting surgery (to shave down toe bones) and Botox injections to “loosen the muscles pulling on the toe”.  It isn’t just high heels:  flip-flop sandals also alter walking patterns, causing sole, heel, and ankle problems.2  When walking patterns change, there can be knee damage as well as the potential for osteoarthritis from “bone-on-bone forces in the knee”.  Even seemingly minor changes can lead to back problems, poor posture, and muscle fatigue.3  Men who wear their wallets in their back pockets aren’t only risking fashion faux pas and an easy target for theft:  they risk sciatica.  When an object presses on the buttocks, specifically on the piriformis muscle, the sciatic nerve can cause “radiating pain in the back and hip area”.4  Even children are at risk for problems from backpacks that are too heavy or carried only on one side.  The natural curves in the middle and lower back can be distorted and strain the spine and ribs.  The shoulders can round, and balance is reduced when the person is leaning forward from the weight.  When backpacks are carried on one shoulder, muscles will strain from overcompensation.  Heavy backpacks can lead to neck, arm, shoulder, and lower back pains, as well as headaches.5

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractors and other doctors may recommend shoe inserts, orthotics, or at the very least:  “flat, flexible shoes with good arch support”6  Some professionals suggest that backpacks should not exceed 10-15% of a child’s weight.  Backpack carrying should be done in shorter durations, with breaks in between.7  The American Chiropractic Association actually recommends that a backpack not weigh more than 5-10% of the body weight.  It shouldn’t hang more than 4 inches below the waistline.  Bulky and sharp objects should be packed so that they don’t dig into the back.  Backpacks should be smaller, and both straps should be used; the straps should be padded, wide, and adjustable.8  Regular chiropractic adjustments can also help alleviate the repetitive pain caused by fashion and accessory choices.

References:

1 http://women.webmd.com/features/tips-to-avoid-foot-pain-from-high-heels

2 http://www.livescience.com/7911-high-heels-lead-foot-pain.html

3,6 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/14/high-heels-pain_n_1593678.html

4 http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/17/health/17real.html?_r=0

5,7 http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/back-pain/backpacks-and-back-pain-children

8 http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=65

Check out more information about chiropractic and ergonomics.

Olympic athletes are elite competitors who push their bodies hard to achieve their goals.  Several years of training go into becoming an Olympian.  Many of them use chiropractic to help them maintain their optimal physical condition.

Olympians and Paralympians Benefit

Chiropractors are no strangers to working with athletes.  A famous chiropractor, Dr. Terry Schroeder, was head coach of the United States Water Polo Team, which silver-medaled in Beijing in 2008.  The polo players used chiropractic care not only for their overall health, but to perform at their maximum level during the games.  Dr. Schroeder’s team continued on in 2012, where the women won the gold medal in London.  Chiropractic care provides a kind of “drugless, unfair advantage”, in that many chiropractors use Functional Neurology, trained at the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies.  These chiropractors diagnose and treat many conditions without the use of surgery and drugs.  Tests of physiology and neurology, stability, and motor and sensory functioning are all tested and treated.  This can benefit Olympians, as well as Paralympians, who have permanent disabilities.  Chiropractors can help athletes overcome injuries and adapt to new functioning; one such chiropractor is Dr. Steven Roffers, and he has worked with the USA Paralympic Team.  McKayla Maroney, a champion gymnast, suffered a concussion during training.  She worked with her chiropractic neurologist who tested her post-concussion state and found that there were balance issues and muscle weakness.  By treating these conditions with arm movements, head movements, therapy, and other exercises, Dr. Shad Groves was able to help the gymnast pass the Olympic medical board.  Maroney went on to win a silver medal in 2012.1

How Chiropractors Help

Over 100 chiropractors were sent by Maximized Living to the 2012 Olympics.  They have assisted athletes in many categories, including sitting volleyball, wrestling, weight lifting, and judo.  Their plan with the athletes was to provide a holistic approach to health, including balanced nutrition, fitness programs to build strength and endurance, and mental preparedness.2  Chiropractic sports medicine has come a long way since its beginnings at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.  The first US team chiropractor was for the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid.  There were only 4 chiropractors appointed to the US Team in Beijing.  Chiropractic care became “fully integrated” in the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.  Now, the benefits of chiropractors are well-known, and it is not uncommon to find athletes using chiropractic care, not only in their daily life, but in the Olympics as well.  This is true for US and other world athletes.  Team Jamaica, in 2012, used chiropractic for “performance care” and not just for injuries.  Adjustments enhance the performance; post-competition, chiropractors use “ART and acupuncture to speed up recovery and aid tissue repair and regeneration”.  Jamaica won multiple gold medals.4

References:

1 http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/stress-and-health-dr-lind/2012/jul/23/olympic-atheletes-chiropractic/

2 http://www.examiner.com/article/2012-olympics-maximized-living-chiropractic-doctors-treat-olympic-athletes

3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_chiropractic

4 http://www.chiroeco.com/welcome.php?url=http://www.chiroeco.com/chiropractic/news/12848/52/athletes-shine-at-olympic-trials-with-the-help-of-chiropractic/

Many chiropractors have long embraced diet and nutrition as one of the ways that people can practice preventative health care.  A healthy diet is often promoted, and juicing can be a wonderful addition and complement to that diet.  Both can help combat environmental and chemical toxins.

Toxins in Foods

There are many chemicals in processed foods.  Processed meats containing sodium nitrate, like the kind found in bacon, sausage, and hot dogs, can lead to cancer.  Some types of fish can contain a lot of mercury.  Canned foods are commonly in contact with a liner called bisphenol-A, which can cause heart disease and diabetes.  Meat and dairy have other toxins that are present in the soil.  Chicken and dairy products may contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria.  Some chicken may have arsenic, and non-organic milks may have bovine growth hormone (rBGH), which can lead to breast cancer.  Artificial sweeteners, such as the kind found in diet soda, should also be avoided.  Aspartame can cause headaches, dizziness, and nerve cell damage.  Artificial flavoring, artificial coloring, and manufactured snacks (with high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils) can also contribute to various diseases.1

A Healthy Diet

The American Chiropractic Association advocates proper nutrition in order to prevent many medical problems.  They suggest eating more raw foods, since canned and cooked foods can reduce nutritional value.  Fresh and frozen foods have more minerals and vitamins.  Organic foods have lower heavy metals, pesticides, and toxins.  A high fiber diet is also recommended:  “25-30 grams of fiber a day”.  This can be accomplished through consuming beans, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals and breads.  Eating at home instead of restaurants can help patients avoid the heavy salts, fats, and sugars.  Proper hydration, with water, is important.  Of course, the ACA recommends avoiding smoking and alcohol.  A vegetarian diet can help prevent diseases.  People should avoid “fried foods, hydrogenated fats and commercial meat substitutes”, though.2

Juicing

One way to make sure that people are getting enough nutrients in their diet is juicing.  According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, “Valuable and sensitive micronutrients become damaged when you heat foods…Juicing is an easy way to virtually guarantee that you will reach your daily target for vegetables.”  The target is 6-8 servings per day.  Juicing can help patients absorb nutrients more readily, and it can make it easier and more palatable to include a wide variety of vegetables into the diet.  The types of vegetables used need to be free of pesticides (organic).  The vegetables most likely to contain pesticides when not organic are:  carrots, lettuce, celery, kale, spinach, collard greens, and cucumber.  Some vegetables are bitter, so counteracting this with citrus, ginger, fruits, and herbs can be helpful.3  Juicers do not have to be very expensive to work.  There are many recipes available online.4  Of course, proteins and fats must also be incorporated into the diet, but juicing can be a wonderful complement to a healthy dietary lifestyle.

References:

1 http://www.alternet.org/story/141870/13_secret_toxins_lurking_in_your_food,_and_how_to_avoid_them

2 http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3914

3 http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/11/13/benefits-of-juicing.aspx

4 http://www.jointhereboot.com/recipes/