Running Stress and Chiropractic Care

It is clear that a large percentage of stress injuries to the runner are seen in the foot, leg, hip or pelvis. It appears,says Biomechanical expert Dr. Mark Charette, that these injuries are the result of a high arch, excessive pronation (rolling of the foot), and inequality of leg lenghts (one leg longer that the other).
The four major sources of microtrauma can result in dysfunction are;
1. Overuse
2. Poor training technique
3. Inherent biomechanical stresses
4. Poor shock absorption
Overuse can occur when taxing the muscles beginning a new routine foreign to the muscle than what it normally performs.
Poor training technique can occur when not training on an even surface resulting in excessive stress due to angulation.
Biomechanical stresses are occasionally high due to imbalances which require modifications of performance for complete modification.
Poor shock absorption can result from running on unyielding surfaces or in broken down shoes. Another possibility is mechanical in nature and is due to an extremely high arch of the foot.
Since 95% of fractures occur in the lower extremity, such as foot, leg, hip or pelvis. Typically a patient will report a dull aching pain sensation that is poorly localized. The nagging pain will increase during use of the affected area, and remain for a while after use; then subside altogether.
Three specific conditions have been studied that can be easily noted and corrected in the chiropractic office; the high arch, excessive pronation and inequality of leg lenghts.
The high arc is accommodated by the use of an orthotic taking into consideration that the integrity of the spine rests on a basic platform; the foot. In our office we are able to cast feet for orthotic use and they are surprisingly affordable. Excessive pronation (rolling inward at the ankle) may be due to either arch collapse or lack of development. This causes torque in the leg resulting in fracture from the impact. Lastly, leg lenght discrepancy(short leg) has been shown to lead to increased frequency of stress fractures. Chiropractic treatment consists of placing a pre measured lift in the shoe to help accommodate the deficiency.
All of the above responds well to our care and should be considered when seeking treatment for leg / back pain secondary to running.Lastly, good shoes are paramount to a successful and painless run. Change shoes often (every 6 months or when they show abnormal wear) and when you find a pair that you absolutely love buy 2 pair and cycle them for longer life. Please call or write with questions or to schedule an evaluation by going to www.missionvillagechiropractic.com. Our phone 619-281-1999.

Better Heart Health with Mediterranean Diet

Much has been written and discussed about the benefits of a healthy diet low in fats and sugar and high in fiber and minerals.  Now it has been clinically shown that this is true in the wake of new studies that conclude that the so called Mediterranean Diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil and tree nuts reduced the risks of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarctions or stroke by 30 percent.
During a 5 year study period participants were given a diet high in olive oil and tree nuts (almonds & walnuts). After that period study  showed reduced risk of suffering heart disease or stroke. It appears that this is due to the high amount of polyphenols, a natural compound found in virgin olive oil.
This study suggests that  the polyphenols in certain olive oils are an important reason for the reduction in heart disease and certain cancers, as well as inflammation, important to hold a chiropractic adjustment, in patients consuming olive oil rich in polyphenols.
So, if ingesting polyphenols is a key factor in the preventing of heart disease and possibly cancer, then health practitioners and consumers should have a working knowledge as where to find the richest sources of poly phenols in food. European Journal of Nutrition provides this list of the top foods, and bottom foods that are rich in polyphenols. They are;
Top 10 richest Food Sources
1. Black elderberries
2.Black chokecherries
3.Black currants
4.Highbush blueberries
5.Artichoke hearts
6. Coffee, yea for this one!!
7.Blueberries
8. Sweet cherry
9. Strawberries
10. Plum
Surprisingly low on list considering the above study;
1. Extra virgin olive oil
2.Pumpkin
3.Roasted peanuts
With the summer months now upon us it should be easy to locate some if not most of the above mentioned foods to enjoy!! Please see other blogs at www.missionvillagechiropractic.com

Money for Drugs??

In a recent article by Dr. J.C. Smith the question is raised as to how so many different drugs are dispensed and how they become so popular, see profitable.In the old days of radio scandals brewed when disc jockeys were paid to play records..eventually called "payola" scandal as the records played became more popular than others thus selling more thus more profits for the record company.
Now fast forward 50 years and it appears that  and a recent senate investigation found extensive found corruption in the medical field who were generously paid BIG PHARMA to use or promote their brand name drugs in a multi million dollar bribery scheme.
As in the old days this new twist is called "pharmapayola"and is wide spread with 84% of doctors admitting to financial relationship with the drug industry totalling some $760 million between 2009-2011.
Now we start to understand why some many people are addicted to prescription meds...they're perceived to be OK because they come from their medical Doctor who has a financial stake in dispensing them!! Prescription pain killer addiction is a problem that's only getting worse, reports the associated press after analysing a slew of DEA and pharmaceutical figures. The report focuses on sales of leading painkillers: Oxycodone, Percoset and hydrocodone(Vicodin, Lortab and Norco).
Stunning findings:
-Between 2000-2010 oxycodone sales jumped 16 times in some parts of the country.
-There were 14,800 overdose deaths from opioid pain killers in 2008, with the CDC expecting that number to rise.
-In 2010, pharmacies doled out the equivelent of 69 tons of pure oxycodone; that's enough to give 40 5-mg Precocets and 24 5-mg Vicodins to every single American!!
Sure, some medication is necessary but you can now see what doctors of chiropractic are up against when treating pain naturally when the in grained consensus is to take a pill for it. Life long sciatic pain can be relieved with chiropractic..we just need to break the pill cycle first. When treating headaches or neck pain at my clinic in Mission Valley education is paramount to explain that meds are just a temporary relief...lets get to the real cause and fix it without meds.
To find out if chiropractic can help you contact our office www.missionvillagechiropractic.com for a free consultation.

State of Oregon: Chiropractic Best for Low Back Pain

It's official; State of Oregon evidence based clinical guidelines for the evaluation and management of low back pain recommend spinal manipulation as THE only nonpharmaceutical treatment for acute lower back pain. The Oregon Health Authority collaborated with several well known state health agencies to reach this conclusion including the newly formed Oregon Health Commission. The Oregon Chiropractic Association repeatedly gave written and oral arguments/testimony that the original draft guidelines placed too much emphasis on drugs and surgery. A close review of the original study info re4lative to the most common lower back pain complaints of lumbar radiculoipathy, sciatica, numbness and lumbar stenosis reveal this. So in the past if an MRI or special tests revealed nerve root impingement or stenosis the thinking led the clinician into a surgical or otherwise invasive procedure without the contingency for conservative chiropractic care. This is not only a costly decision but also one in flawed thinking.
As chiropractors we are taught to think DO The Body No Harm and initiate low force conservative chiropractic procedures, and then if then not successful additional protocols should be discussed ie; acupuncture, physical therapy etc. Furthermore once surgery has been performed and proves to be unsuccessful theirs no going back and at that point any additional modalities are far less likely to be successful for long term relief for the patient.
As director of Mission Village Chiropractic here in Mission Valley San Diego are success lies in the honest approach to treatment and advising the patient on what to expect when treatment is initiated and conversely how chiropractic may not be the right choice considering the extent of disc damage, osteoarthritis or severe scoliosis that is present.
My advice to a patient that HAS BEEN TOLD THAT SURGERY IS NECESSARY after only 1 diagnostic test has been performed is to seek an additional opinion and weigh the options at that time because often there is no second bite of the apple.

Sports Whiplash

The common thought regarding whiplash pain is that it occurs only after an auto accident. This is Dr. Bruce Blakely, D.C. clinic director of Mission Village Chiropractic where we specialize in post whiplash accident pain, and other types of accident pain also. Some of those pain symptoms arise from sports, like boxing. If you can imagine the impact absorbed by a punch to the head or neck is said to be equivalent to two 30 mph auto accidents. When I was active treating pro rodeo riders for WANGLER SPORTS the whipping motion of a bare back rider was both harsh and repeatitive and almost always resulted in life time chiropractic patients due to the neck and shoulder pain, stiffness and early arthritis. Motocross neck pain is very common, however with the advent of new technology including helmet roll braces severe neck injuries are reduced, but still prevelant. So whether it be an auto whiplash or sports injury whiplash call us or a chiropractor close to home for treatment and evaluation for future disability. 

My Favorite Running shoe

I don't usually endorse or push products or ideas to my patients or friends, but I have to share with you the best running shoe I have ever owned. Once you get past the weird( some say ugly) look of these shoes the design and concept of Reebok Zig Tech are genius, especially for heavier runners. The wave like bottom or Zig of the shoe disperse the impact along the whole sole, not just the heel like most running shoes which can leave the instep and toe shock unchecked. After running some distances in these shoes I experience minimal foot, knee or lower back pain. It seems it would also minimize neck pain, muscle spasm and mid back tightness as you avoid forward head posture. Shin splints are less of a concern too. I have also noticed that I hold my chiropractic adjustment longer because of the softer impact. The bright colors of the shoe put me off at first but now I think the electric blue color is kinda cool and very visible at night. Other patients who have ran in this shoe who have had traumatic disc or whiplash injuries in the past relate less post running soreness with faster recuperation time. Once you get past the look and color you may never go back to another shoe. For more info go to www.missionvillagechiropractic.com

child seat restraints safety in auto accidents

when performing an initial intake with a patient that has been involved in a rear end whiplash injury and when asked if there was any one else injured in the car when I hear the response " only my child but they were in a child seat in the back and they're OK" I just scratch my head at that logic. A child seat is a 4 point restraint, much like a NASCAR or racing car would have. That means that the buckle point meets in the middle , restraining both shoulders and hips as opposed to an adult belt that secures at the shoulder and one hip. The significance of this is that while on a 4 point seat the body is secure the head is not and in a rear end collision a child's head is free to move causing injury to undeveloped muscles and ligaments that are inherently weak at that age. As a child is not usually able to articulate at a young age how they feel, after the initial crying is over the parent assumes all is O.K. when in fact there may be extensive soft tissue injury that left untreated may be a health issue later on. Most significant residual whiplash symptoms I have seen in my practice are frequent bouts of TORTICOLLIS (painful restriction of the neck) unusually frequent complaints of HEADACHES, fatigue and unusual restriction of motion of the neck or low back. It is very important to have your child examined by your chiropractor after an accident as we are able to assess soft tissue injuries and treat accordingly...chiropractic care for a child can never start to early and whats good for you is good for your child. For more info or questions on how we can help you or your child with whiplash/ auto accident treatment go to www.missionvillagechiropractic.com or www.blakelychiropractic.com and link to our questions tab.