DIY home back pain relief

Not a month goes by that I don't receive a call from a patient over the weekend reporting terrible neck or lower back pain that mysteriously came out of nowhere and could I tell them what to do until they can make it into the office.
Although we do have Saturday appointments at Mission Village Chiropractic the calls I receive invariably are several hours after we have closed on that particular day. Not to fear as there are effective ways to relieve some of that pain without doing great bodily harm to oneself.
First of all, what type of pain is it?? Is it dull localized ache around a specific muscle area or is it a sharp pain that is radiating to another area such as into arms or legs.

Dull localized pain is typically caused by an overuse or straining activity of a particular muscle beyond it's normal range of motion..ie, golf, lifting weights etc. This type of pain can be relieved with moist heat (if there is no obvious swelling at the site of pain) followed by slow stretching of that particular muscle group. If swelling is present apply ice for 15 minutes every hour then repeat as above. Some analgesics can work well. We recommend one called BIOFREEZE as it does tend to relieve some muscle aches and does not contain a lot of alcohol or chemicals that can irritate the skin.

Now the second type of pain that can be a little more dicey is pain that radiates into an extremity or other body parts. Typically this is indicative of a pinched nerve, or worst case scenario an irritated disk that is bulging, or worse herniated. Typically this pain is relieved by taking the weight off the joint. Therefore if you are experiencing lower back pain lay in a supine position and elevate your knees up to the chest and hold them to the count of five. This motion will help to decompress the nerve/disc by tractioning the vertebrae apart. Moist heat to this area may also be helpful if not applied to long as additional swelling may occur, resulting in a "hot" nerve. If this type of pain does not respond in a couple days it is absolutely imperative that you go see your chiropractor so that they may properly evaluate your condition as a disk can quickly become more problematic if left untreated.
For more information on chiropractic or our office please visit our website at www.missionvillagechiropractic.com

Is sitting at your desk Killing you??

It is now widely acknowledged by most ergonomist and health care specialist who take the time to truly think outside the box that people who sit longer than 6 hours a day are more likely to experience health issues that other workers with more physical jobs.
Some of the surprising health risks that arise from sitting at a desk are:
1. Increased Diabetes risk that is due tio stressful environment that raise heart attacks by a whopping 88%, but those who sit at a desk also have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes, most likely due lack of movement/activity resulting in excessive weight gain. Throw in those morning donuts and bear claws and were really talking weight gain. Solution: take a short break every hour or so to include movement..a short walk to get some water or a quick walk to the elevator etc..
2. Hip and spine misalignment that is due to a females wide hip sockets, putting more pressure on hips and knees which can lead to weakness, tendinitis and more. Solution: adjust your chair so as you sit more upright with the legs and back at a 90 degree angle. Also, any and all stretches that involve the spine, Yoga stretches are great also. Additionally, periodic spinal adjustments are extremely helpful to relieve hip and spine pain due to extended sitting as Dr. Blakely has been treating for 30 years in his Mission Valley office.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the result of repetitive use of the flexor tendons of the wrist, commonly used in typing or keying on a computer. This activity can result in the entrapment of the Median nerve which travels through this " tunnel" and into the hand. When trapped it can cause pain and numbness into the hand. Solution: wearing wrist braces and giving yourself frequent breaks to stretch the wrist can help. Some pseudo CTS can arise from pinched nerves in the neck, a condition chiropractic will help.
4. Weight gain. 61% of Americans snack at their desk,which add up to plenty of extra calories.
Solution: Make wise food choice's to help keep you full so you avoid snacking. If you feel hungry get up and move around, drink water or chew sugar free gum to see if it goes away.If you must snack eat some nuts or seasonal fruit/ vegetables.
5. Dry Eyes. Eyes are not meant to keep focusing and moving repeatedly across a computer screen says Dr. Jeffery Anshel, an eye expert. Prevention: Practice the 20-20 rule. When your eyes are focused on an object in the distance, they're meeting optical infinity in which eyes are totally at rest. For 20 seconds every 20 minutes, take a break and look 20 feet away. Also, blink more to assist in lubricating the eye.
6. Varicose Veins. Sitting for long periods of time result in blood pooling in the lower extremities resulting in varicose or spider veins - conditions that affect 50% of women. Solution; again, movement can help reduce the formation of varicose veins by continual pressure to move blood along, also tights containing a large amount of Lycra will help compress the legs.
Along the same line of thought please go to our UTUBE video under www.missionvillagechiropractic.com to view a helpful video on the proper eye to screen height to avoid neck strain, neck pain and future Dowager hump disfiguration.
If you would like to speak to me regarding any of the above noted symptoms, and if chiropractic can help you, please call our office for a free consultation.

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.