Consistent & Reliable Adjustments

A couple of months ago I had the privilege of attending a couple of presentations on recent chiropractic research.  Dr. Walter Herzog of the University of Calgary and Dr. Greg Kawchuk from the the University of Alberta outlined the various investigations they are conducting to demonstrate both the effectiveness and the safety of chiropractic.  As they outlined each project and the methodology they were using I was stuck by the fact that both researchers were using the Activator Adjusting Instrument.  This is the same instrument we use in our office.

Both Dr. Herzog and Dr. Kawchuk stated matter-of-factly that they used the Activiator Adjusting Instrument because of it's consistency.  The could rely upon this instrument to produce the exact same thrust each and every time.  The force is consistent, the depth is consistent, and the line of drive is consistent.  The instrument has been validated by several previous research studies.  By using this instrument they reduce variables which makes their research more valid. 

As a clinician I have to constantly ask my self how does any given research apply to how I can better serve my patients.  While it's nice that the Activator Instrument is so valuable for research purposes, how does that translate to clinical practice?  The answer to that is pretty straight forward.  An instrument that produces a consistent and reliable adjustment in the lab will also produce a consistent and reliable adjustment in clinical practice.  As a matter of fact the instrument was developed for a clinical setting and was later proven to be reliable enough to be used for research purposes.

The benefit for patients is that every chiropractic adjustment with an Activator Instrument is the same as every other adjustment.  It is consistent from visit to visit.  It is consistent from doctor to doctor.  It is consistent whether the doctor is having a good day or a bad day.  (Can you believe that I occasionally have a bad day?)  That is not to say that the application of the instrument does not vary, but the instrument itself is consistent and reliable.  It is one variable in the care process that has been eliminated.  That is good news from a therapeutic standpoint.  That is good for patient care.  Patients can depend upon the Activator Instrument to provide the necessary force to create proper motion in joints.  Nerve function is restored and the healing process can proceed.

Researchers depend on the consistency and reliability of the Activator Instrument to produce the best research results.  Patients also can trust this instrument to provide consistent and effective chiropractic adjustments.

Beating Inflammation Naturally

Inflammation is the cause of a great deal of our pain.  There are a number of biochemical substances associated with inflammation that produce pain.  Pain in turn produces chemicals which increase inflammation.  Reduce the inflammation and the pain and dysfunction subside.  Unfortunately just because the pain is gone, doesn't mean the cause of the problem is solved. 

Chronic inflammation is known to be a factor in autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders, arthritis, and pulmonary diseases.  It's not something that a person should ignore.  To complicate the issue, it's also not something that is always obvious.  Inflammation of internal organs is not noticeable until disease symptoms show up.   Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints are more obvious.  While chiropractic can affect internal inflammation by improving the overall health of the body, it's focus is on musculoskeletal inflammation.

In addition to improving motion, reducing nerve excitability, reducing pain thresholds, and improving sensory functions chiropractic adjustments also decrease inflammation in malfunctioning joints and tissues.  Often inflammation is due to mechanical dysfunction and nerve interference in the body.  When joints don't move properly inflammatory and pain chemicals are produced.  Chiropractic adjustments are very effective at normalizing body mechanics to reduce inflammation.  This is one way chiropractors are able to quickly relieve pain.  One study by XJ Song, published in JMPT, showed that inflammatory pain symptoms were reduced in 10 to 14 days with Activator Methods chiropractic adjustments as opposed to 3 to 4 weeks in the control subjects.

Low level laser therapy has also been demonstrated to be very effective in reducing inflammation.  Low intensity laser energy is known to improve how cells function.  As cells function more normally there appears to be a reduction in the inflammatory chemicals within and around the cell.  The result is not only decreased inflammation but pain as well.

For localized inflammation, ice is a great anti-inflammatory.  It constricts blood vessels to reduce fluids in the area of injury.  The quantity and activity of inflammatory chemicals are also reduced by decreasing the temperature of the area.  A note of caution: ice should never be used longer than 10 minutes at a time or the healing can actually be prolonged.

There are also several natural substances that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties throughout the body.  These are: 

• White Willow (Salicin), 
• Proteolytic enzymes particularly Bromelain,
• Ginger, 
• Curcumin (Turmeric), 
• Boswellia, 
• Magnesium,
• Omega 3 fatty acids.  

Many of these natural approaches have been shown to be as effective as NSAIDs (Non steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, without the many side effects.

Dietary considerations to reduce inflammation include: red wine, fish, eggs, dark chocolate, vegetables, fruit, garlic, and almonds.  When making food choices to reduce inflammation a person must also avoid Omega 6 fatty acids which are know to increase inflammation. These are found in grains as well as oils produced from corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed, peanut, and soybean.  Grain feed meats are also high in Omega 6 fatty acids.

Inflammation, whether localized or found throughout the body, can have a detrimental effect on healing and overall health.  Fortunately, there are safe, natural approaches to beating inflammation.  

A PEBBLE IN YOUR SHOE

I've heard stories of monks who would deliberately put a pebble in their shoe so they would constantly be reminded of the suffering of Christ. A pebble in one's shoe is certainly an irritation. The pebble is felt on every step and the foot soon becomes irritated to the point that even when resting the foot is sore. It becomes impossible to step properly on that foot. Soon the knee, hip and low back become sore as the body compensates for the foot that isn't working properly. Even the mind is affected. Where does your mind go with every step you take? To the pebble of course. You just can't wait for the opportunity to take your shoe off and get rid of that pebble. The pebble doesn’t have to be very big either.  I can't imagine deliberately putting one in my shoe!

Even though a pebble in your shoe is a small thing, it can affect your entire body.  There is another even smaller thing that can affect your body.  That is a vertebral subluxation.  A vertebral subluxation is when there is a loss of proper motion between the joints of the spine which is accompanied by nerve dysfunction.  There is usually associated swelling and muscle spasms as well.  Pain may or may not be present, but there will be loss of function whereever the associated nerves travel.  A vertebral subluxation is such a small, subtle lesion that it takes a great deal of training and practice to accurately detect it.  Finding and correcting vertebral subluxations is what chiropractors specialize in.

Physical, emotional or chemical stresses can all cause vertebral subluxations.  Once a vertebral subluxation is present it is much like a pebble in a shoe.  It is a constant irritation to the body.   Even though no pain may be present when the subluxation first occurs, the longer it exists the more severe the associated problems will be.  Initially there may only be stiffness.  Later muscles will spasm.  Pain may occur early in the process or may never be part of the symptoms.  Common symptoms include back pain, neck pain, headaches, pain in the arms or legs, numbness, tingling, and weakness.  Even the internal organs can be affected when the nerves going to them are not functioning properly.

Chiropractors are specially trained in the detection and correction of vertebral subluxations.  The only solution for a pebble in a shoe is to remove the pebble.  The only solution for a vertebral subluxation is to restore normal spinal joint and nerve function with specific chiropractic adjustments.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition in which there is numbness and possibly pain in the thumb, 2nd & 3rd fingers, and part of the ring finger.  There may also be a loss of sensation, swelling, and weakness in the hand.  True CTS is the result of the median nerve becoming trapped in the wrist.  Normally a "tunnel" is formed by the bones and ligaments of the wrist which allows the nerve to pass through uninhibited.  If this tunnel collapses due to weakening of the tissues or is compromised by inflammation, the median nerve is affected and CTS results.  Vascular disorders and diabetes can also produce CTS symptoms.

People with CTS find that they drop things easily, have trouble wringing a cloth, and have to shake their hands to get them to "wake up".  The symptoms are often worse at night.   Pain without numbness is usually not CTS.  Contrary to popular belief, studies are showing that it is probably not the result of repetitive strains such as extended periods of using a computer keyboard.

Not all numbness or pain in the hand is CTS however.  If only it was so simple!  Nerves can be irritated or entrapped in the neck, thoracic outlet (muscles at the side of the neck & collarbone), shoulder girdle, and elbow producing the same symptoms.  It's important to determine where the nerve irritation is coming from in order to apply the best treatment.  I have seen numerous cases over the years where patients have had CTS surgery which did not improve their symptoms.  That was because the problem did not originate in their wrist.

There are a number of simple tests that can pinpoint were the nerve is being compromised.  This can, and frequently does, occur at multiple sites at the same time.  Once the site of the problem is determined, appropriate treatment can be applied.  Chiropractic adjustments, low level laser therapy, natural anti-inflammatories, nutritional supplements (B6, Vit. C, Omega 3 fatty acids, MSM & magnesium), therapeutic massage, exercises, and night splints can all be used in treating CTS.  Surgery should be performed if conservative treatments fail.  Once the tissues are cut they cannot be uncut.

The chiropractic approach utilizing combinations of the therapies listed above is very effect in treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Because we look at the body as a whole rather than just individual parts and symptoms, we are able to locate and treat the cause or causes, not just the symptoms.  As with any condition, the sooner treatment begins the better the outcome usually is.  If you have numbness and/or pain in your hand, have it checked by a chiropractor.

Fighting Gravity

One of my sons has a t-shirt that says, "Obey gravity - It's the law".  Gravity is a force that is constantly pulling on our bodies.  In order to walk up right we are literally fighting gravity.  To be successful we need to have both good balance and good posture.  If we don't we will be prone to muscle and joint problems, falls, nervous system problems and stress on all our body systems.  Balance and posture play a big role in our health.


Fortunately there are a couple of simple exercises that can help improve a person's balance and posture.  These exercises can be performed by anyone regardless of age.

The most basic balance exercise is the One Leg Stand.

The One Leg Stand should be done three times every day.  Note that if you are very unbalanced or have vertigo, have someone with you to make sure you don't fall.  If you have hip or joint problems, only bend the joint as far as you comfortably can.
 
Posture problems are the first things to happen when gravity starts to get the best of us.  The basic posture exercise is the Wall Pelvic Tilt. 

Wall Pelvic Tilts should be performed twice daily.

When doing either of these exercises it's important to get your form as perfect as you can.  To get the most benefit focus and concentrate on the muscles and movements.  Most people notice very rapid improvements in their balance and posture when they do these two simple exercises regularly.  They are a great way to counteract the negative effects gravity has on the human body.

A Get Healthier App

Choose the adversary you want to slay - weight, fitness, food choices, or all of the above.  Set up a strategy to defeat the enemy.  Get points for each step forward.  Master a level to get meaningful rewards you define. Recruit friends to help you win and you help them.  Cover each others backs.  Get online support from others who are trying to slay the same adversary.  Share your daily challenges and victories.  Plays like a game, works like a tool.

Tools help us to be more effective and efficient.  The right tools make difficult projects possible and unpleasant tasks more enjoyable.  When it comes to making healthy lifestyle changes, good tools can be tremendously beneficial.  A new free app has recently become available that has the potential to help many people become healthier.  It's called SlimKicker (www.slimkicker.com).

SlimKicker is a game, a social network, a support system, an online diet, a motivational system, and a lifestyle educator all in one package.

Want to lose weight?  You need to know what you're eating and how much you're eating.  Unless you log what you eat you really don't know how much you are eating.  Most people under estimate the amount of food they consume.  SlimKicker contains an extensive database of foods with their calories and content.  You can also add your own recipes and foods.  Keeping track of food consumption is almost fun with SlimKicker.  

Want to eat healthier?  SlimKicker keeps track of not only calories but carbs, sugars, fats, protein, and fiber.  This information helps a person make positive changes in their food choices.  Points are awarded for making healthy nutritional choices.

Want to get in better shape?  Log your activities.  SlimKicker encourages a person to not only burn calories but to do strength training as well. Both are essential to becoming physically fit. Like the food database, there is also an extensive listing of exercises. 

Two sections of SlimKicker that have tremendous potential for helping people achieve their goals are the connections with other people on the same journey and the challenges.  People on the "Inspirational Feed" and "Groups" share their victories and defeats.  This is very motivational!  No need to feel alone.  For anyone with even the slightest competitive spirit, the "Challenges" contain great ideas for making healthy lifestyle changes.  "Challenges" include food choices, willpower, motivation, exercise, spiritual needs, and stress reduction.  A person can also design their own "Challenge".   Taking on challenges, not only moves one forward toward slaying the ultimate foe, but they are are great way to get points.  Remember this is not just a tool, but a game as well!.

My wife and I have both been using SlimKicker for a few weeks now and we are very much enjoying it.  It is motivational and is keeping us on track toward improving our health.  It is a great tool.  The encouragement from other people is always appreciated.  Plus ... bwahaha ... I have more points than her this week and I leveled up!

How Do You Eat an Elephant?

If you haven't watched the online documentary "Hungry for Change", you really need to take the time to do that.  It has a wealth of fabulous information about the foods we eat and most importantly how we can eat to be healthier.  A very compelling case is presented for why our society is so overweight and is suffering from so many chronic diseases.

The movie focuses mostly on the impact our diets have on our health.  There is mention of other things that we need to also get right if we are to experience true health.  Health that comes from the inside out and is not just cosmetic or a false front.  Health that provides real vitality and the strength to withstand the physical, chemical and emotional stresses of life.  To achieve such health requires attention to physical, mental and spiritual needs.  None of these areas can be neglected, for we are only as strong as our weakest link.

So to be healthy you need to not only eat right, but to drink right, sleep right, think right, move right, poop right, and talk right.  Those are Rakowski's Magnificent 7.  Plus you need to have a spine that has no vertebral subluxations.  That assures the nervous system is free from any interference that could compromise your health. Chiropractic adjustments are the only procedure specifically designed to correct vertebral subluxations.  The solution is to develop a lifestyle that promotes health by addressing all these factors.  Notice I use the term develop.  It implies that this is a process.


Does this seem like you have to juggle a lot of balls in order to be healthy?  Before you become too overwhelmed, remember the old riddle:
     Q: How do you eat an elephant?
     A: One bite at a time.
The same principle applies when changing your diet or when becoming healthier.  Take one bite at a time.  Every bite of healthier food you take means one less unhealthy bite you will take.  Every action you take toward being healthier means one less unhealthy action you will take.  The effects become compounding.  Celebrate each little step forward.  Today you ate healthier than yesterday.  Today you took more steps to promote your health than yesterday.  Tomorrow you can again take some small positive bites.  Take small steps forward every day and in a couple of months you will be eating better and you will be a healthier person because you are developing a healthier lifestyle.  One bite at a time.