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. 

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.

All things Omega

I find that patients I see who have a difficult time holding an adjustment are often the ones who are defiecient in EFA's (essential fatty acids) Most people think omega, it must be salmon or some other cold water (best source) fish, which is true, but there are other sources that are as important and that round out the EFA triad as I call it. Borage oil Omega-6 supplies one of the richest sources of Omega-6 and is also important in cardiovascular health, supporting capillaries and nerve integrity. Flaxseed oil is a seed derivative and is one of the best plant sources of the Omega-3, supporting cardio-vascular health as a result of being a strong anti-oxidant.
So what does all of the above have to do with a spinal adjustment? Lack of the above causes the increase of cell destroying free radicals which wreck havoc on cell integrity leading to inflammation and early loss of the ability of the cell to function..ultimately dying. So the connection is the overall inability of the nervous and musculoskeletal system to not function correctly, so the treatment I give will not be as successful as it would be to another patient who is inherently in better health.
Although this scenario is over simplified, as there are other reasons for inflammation and spasm, we can all agree that a good diet and regular exercise will in the long run promote a healthier life style. I recommend Omega 3-6-9 and is available in our office.

post whiplash jaw pain

Pseudo (false) jaw pain can commonly occur after an automobile accident and be misdiagnosed in most part because that type of pain often arises from the neck...a very common complaint post rear end collision. A patient I saw recently related that after her auto accident she saw her dentisit complaining of jaw pain with headaches. After diagnosing her as having TMJ disorder he recommended a splint and anti-inflammatory medication. Her jaw pain and headaches became worse and at a friends suggestion she came to be under our care.Upon further evaluation we discovered that she was experiencing referred pain actually from the neck, and began treatment specifically for that. She now is 80% improved, without headaches and very happy she began chiropractic care after her motor vehicle accident...so you see sometimes you have to look outside the box!!

it's been a good year

Obama care unknown...Medicare cuts for services...capitated reimbursement...bickering congress that can't agree on what day it is..increasing malpractice costs..but I still LOVE WHAT I DO AND AM STOKED TO BE A CHIROPRACTOR!!!!!!

Will Obama Care Work?

The burning question of how effective Obama care will be rages on without relief in sight. There are several clauses that do merit approval and that I personally believe are worthy of passage. But to scrap the whole system to insure the 15% of our population that are without insurance does not seem ,in my opinion, to be the answer. One easy initial solution would be to open insurance to competition from other states, much like group insurance is for large companies, which most will agree should reduce rates by 10 to 15%!! Now don't get me wrong..I still feel that some carriers are predatory, but I FEEL THEY ARE A BEAST WE CAN TAME!!

Chiropractic & The Military

Recent Senate report urges more Chiropractic care for active troops which should expand care to all branches of the service. ABOUT TIME!! They have discovered what we have known all along, musculoskeletal spinal injuries are double those of combat injuries and are increasing. This is extremely good news in that it will bring more chiropractors into service in all branches to treat the problems we treat best. Now, if we can just make them see that dependents also need care we will turn the page in a new chapter on chiropractic!!!

http://www.missionvillagechiropractic.com

add to auto repair check list after accident

Did you know that after an auto accident you should have your seat belts checked for safety? That's right, the springs that recoil/retract the belt back into the roof pillar of the car often get damaged so that the next time your body weight is forced forward the belt does not stop where it should and can pose the possibility of the chest striking the steering wheel..Also a good idea to have the detonation system for the air bags checked to be sure that corrosion has not occured over the years which could fail in a collision..

laws of lean

Doesn't it always seem that we struggle to watch our weight and try to stay lean! There are laws of lean that on the surface seem to make sense, are practical and can be easily followed.
-Don't diet, rather give your body what it needs..good food in smaller portions at the right time of day to fully digest. Dunkin Donuts at 10 at night is a no no.
-Don't be fooled by fat free. Look at the labels to see how much sugar there is..no fat but how many grams of sugar is there. 1 gram is roughly a teaspoonful, so do the math. Also, fat does not make you fat, you need fat for a lot of functions including feeling satisfied after a meal. Low or no fat foods will make you feel hungry sooner and send you back to the fridge for more.
-eat a diet high in protein as it takes more calories to burn (digest) so you stay more full longer
-keep moving..a body at rest stays resting with little metabolic activity, thus weight gain. A consistent habit of performing 20 min. of cardio vascular daily will result in wt. loss
A common sense approach to your health is essential. A diet will help you lose wt. in the short term but changing your lifestyle with a better diet and regular exercise will last a life time!!!

Women with" Dowager's Hump" at health risk

It seems Mom knew best when she told us to sit up straight and eat our vegetables.
Recent research published by Annals of the Internal Medicine and follow up study at UCLA School of Medicine reported that women with an increased curvature of the middle back, known as kyphosis or Dowager's Hump, is associated with a shorter lifespan. In this study researchers write that the correlation is that just being bent forward may be an important clinical finding that should serve as a trigger to seek medical evaluation for possible spinal osteoporosis, as vertebral fractures more often than not are silent killers. From a chiropractic perspective our position is that this potential bone degeneration causes undue pressure/interference on spinal nerves (vertebral subluxation) resulting in a whole host of health issues from pain to restricted motion to vanity of ugly posture.
We promote spinal corrective care in our office for the above mentioned reasons in addition to the many benefits chiropractic can offer for a regimen of a healthy lifestyle that includes eating your peas and broccoli!!

Get in shape for summertime

It's that time iof year to get out there and enjoy the great weather we have here. Always start any new routine by easing slowly into it to avoid injury which could result in a delay to your plan. For todays focus on running, or any cardio really, always hydrate (fluids) before and after. Much emphasis is given to after activity fluids but before is equally important, and don't forget the electrolytes in sports drinks for quicker recovery.

Health Care Exemptions

Under the "must be nice category". Seems Obamacare is sooo popular and cost efficient that if you were a supporter or political ally you get an exemption!!! Hey, wait a minute wasn't this new health care system supposed to be the greatest thing going to provide coverage to everyone so that all will receive the same crappy level of care? Well, guess not, especially if you reside and do business in Nancy Pelosi's district were approximately 20% of all exemption were granted. Coincidence? Yeah right!!!!!

Chiropractic treatment for auto injuries

Manual manipulation is still hands down the best and most efficient means of treatment for soft tissue injuries sustained in an auto mobile accident and I'll tell you why! Typically soft tissue involves 2 distinct factors: soft tissue ( muscle, ligament, tendon) and a hard tissue anchor, in this case spinal vertebrae. Treating the soft tissue component only is getting half the job done as you really need both facets of treatment to achieve successful results or the symptoms have a high degree of residual at a later date!! If you are involved in an auto accident this rainy season give us a call so that future spine issues can be avoided.