As a chiropractor I believe that there are many reasons for people to avoid taking painkillers whenever possible. Most people know that not only can painkillers become quickly addictive, but that they carry risky side effects. Though many of us are familiar with many of the negative side effects of painkillers, here’s one that surprised me. A new study in men hints that taking over-the-counter painkillers on a regular basis can actually lead to hearing loss, especially in younger men. And, an even bigger surprise, the study focused on the most common over-the-counter painkillers, Tylenol and Advil. So listen up!

Researchers found that men younger than age 50 who regularly took acetaminophen more than two times a week had roughly double the risk of hearing loss compared to men who did not take acetaminophen regularly. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and certain other pain relievers. They also found that men within this same age group who regularly took ibuprofen (the main ingredient in Advil) or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) at least twice a week had a nearly two-thirds higher risk of hearing loss than men who took NSAIDs less often. Men who took aspirin twice a week had a one-third higher risk.

The findings, which were published in the American Journal of Medicine March 2010, stem from nearly 27,000 men enrolled since 1986 in the Health Professionals’ Follow-Up Study. As part of the study, the men, who were between 40 and 74 years old at the outset, provided information on analgesic use, hearing loss and other relevant factors every 2 years for 18 years, during which time 3,488 men were diagnosed with hearing loss. For more information on this interesting study, go to Reuters.com

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San Diego Chiropractor

As a San Diego Chiropractor, I counsel many individuals who come to my clinic who want to lose weight. I know how hard it can be, and I also know how important it is to lose those extra pounds. Before you let the seams out in those slacks or skirt, there’s something important that you may want to know about those few extra pounds you may have gained. Over the years, those pounds can add up to a substantial number of health issues from heart and pulmonary diseases and diabetes to back problems and joint degeneration. Even a few additional pounds put harmful stress on organs, like the heart, and on joints in the low back, hips, and knees. Over half (62%) of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, according to recent studies. That is a very significant percentage and a sizable national health issue (no pun intended).

It is likely no surprise to you to learn that the human body was not intended to carry around excess weight in the form of body fat. Just an additional 20 or 30 pounds can veritably overload and encumber the joints and muscles of the body. Excess weight in the abdominal region, for instance, makes it necessary for the body to compensate (counterbalance the weight) by tilting the pelvis forward. The tilt creates compression in the joints of the low back. Painful inflammation results as this joint compression restricts nerve activity. Nearly all people that are overweightfeel substantical pain in their low back as the result of  an impingement of the sciatic nerve or misalignments of the spinal column that restrict nerves as a consequence of weight-bearing stresses. If ignored, misaligned vertebra not only persist in irritating the degenerative changes that have taken place already, but can develop into new arthritic changes in the spine in the future.

How can chiropractic help? To begin with the obvious, a healthy body weight is essential in order for the musculoskeletal system to perform in the way it is meant to. Chiropractic treatment can not only relieve pain caused by excess weight compensation, but it can aid in weight reduction. Here’s how. Chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve impingements in the vertebral column and assist in getting motion back into the joints of the musculoskeletal system, such as in the low back, hips, and knees. And, obviously exercise and physical activity are a lot easier, and more beneficial for the body, when the the joints have good mobility and the spine is aligned. The added benefit of exercise the, in addition to helping with weight reduction, it can actually delay degenerative changes as over the years.

It is always best to review your diet and exercise options with a healthcare professional, like your chiropractor. In addition to helping individuals suffering from back pain and joint inflammation, chiropractors can provide trained suggestions on the type of lifestyle corrections that can help an individual to stay healthier, more vital, and more active through the years. It isn’t a foregone conclusion that arthritis and immobility an inescapable part of the aging process. The human body was created for a lifetime of pain-free movement.

So, if you’ve been thinking that a few extra pounds won’t hurt, think again! As your chiropractor in San Diego, and someone who cares deeply about your overall health, I’d like to help you to make healthier choices. Make an appointment today!

Technorati Tags: arthritis, back pain, chiropractic, chiropractor, excess weight, joint inflammation, weight loss

Wichita Chiropractor

I know from over twenty years experience as a Chiropractor in Wichita assisting individuals suffering from sciatic pain that the affliction can be extremely debilitating. Those who suffer from sciatica are sadly all too familiar with the deep radiating pain that accompanies their waking hours each day and interferes with almost all of their daily activities.

Could your low back pain be caused by sciatica? You are probably suffering from sciatica if your pain radiates from your low back, through one or both sides of your buttocks, down the large sciatic nerve in the back of your leg(s), and possibly shoots into one or both knees. Moreover, sitting, as well as movement, can be painful. Often lying down will reduce, or sometimes even temporarily eliminate the pain. But, it’s important for you to be aware that sciatica will not go away without appropriate management.

Radiculopathy

A radiculopathy is a medical term that describes a condition where a disc has protruded from its natural position in the vertebral column and is causing pressure on the radicular nerve, or nerve root, that forms part of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. Such pressure is extremely painful.

Additional pressure on the intervertebral discs, as well as imbalances in the muscles surrounding the spine, can take place during and after long periods of sitting, specifically in an improper position. Generally, a specific event or injury doesn’t cause sciatica, more often sciatica tends to develop over time as a result of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. Over the course of time the lower spine can lose its normal functioning capabilities during everyday stresses.

Ultimately, the intervertebral disc undergoes small fissures or cracks, which then permit the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it causes the pain that is commonly referred to as a ruptured, or slipped, disc. Sciatica is the result of the disc pressing on the spinal nerve. With chiropractic manipulation and management, which usually includes postural exercises, the majority of disc problems, including sciatica, can be significantly decreased.

Periformis Syndrome

Another condition that creates sciatic pain is periformis syndrome. Periformis syndrome develops when the periformis muscle, which is superficial to the sciatic nerve, goes into spasm and irritates the nerve. In combination with chiropractic manipulation, this kind of sciatica can be significantly relieved by sciatica stretches that your chiropractor can recommend.

It is essential for you to see your chiropractor for treatment if you are experiencing sciatic pain. If you are in the Wichita area, as your Chiropractor in Wichita, I invite you to come in to see if I can get you out of pain and help you to get your life back!

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, sciatic pain, sciatic stretches, sciatica

As a chiropractor I believe that a healthy lifestyle not only includes getting chiropractic treatment for acute injury, chronic conditions, and all-around health maintenance, but also includes a nutritious diet, lots of water, and plenty of routine exercise. Up until now, I would not have added ice cream, chocolate, cheese, beef, and pizza to the “pro” side of my healthy lifestyle list! But, according to a new study, all five have surprising health benefits. Too good to be true? Maybe, but let the following article provided online by Prevention help you decide.

1) Ice Cream
As long as you choose the right ice cream, you’ll get a very impressive dose of calcium for your bones and your blood pressure. Look for a variety with 15% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium in every 1/2-cup serving-about the size of a tennis ball. Stick to this amount if you’re eating calorie- and fat-loaded premium ice cream (one with 250 calories or more per 1/2 cup). But if you’re eating regular or low-fat brands, 1 cup is a more realistic serving size. If you can’t keep a half-gallon on hand, go to an ice cream shop and buy just one scoop.

2) Chocolate
Chocolate, especially the dark or bittersweet kind, is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that protect your heart by preventing blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots that could cause a heart attack. But even milk chocolate is good: A typical 1.5-ounce bar packs as much antioxidant power as a 5-ounce glass of red wine. If you crave a daily dose of chocolate, stick to about 100 calories’ worth. That’s about four Hershey’s Kisses or two individually wrapped mini or fun-size bars such as Nestle plain chocolate or crunch. Or dilute your chocolate with other flavors: Mini peppermint patties are only 35 calories each, so have three!

3) Cheese
The exciting news about cheese–except the fat-free kind–is that it contains a special kind of fat called conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, that scientists are investigating as a new weapon against breast cancer. And all that concentrated calcium–300 mg, as much as a glass of milk, in just 1 1/2 ounces of Cheddar–is a boon for bone health. Finally, there’s your smile: Eating hard cheese at the end of a meal can protect your pearly whites from tooth decay. But keep in mind that cheese contains cholesterol-raising saturated fat–1 1/2 ounces of Cheddar packs 9 grams. For most women, that’s more than half of the saturated fat that you should have in a day, so stick to 1 1/2 ounces, max.

4) Beef
Beef is one of the richest and best-absorbed sources of zinc, a key mineral in your immune system’s fight against many enemies, from viruses to cancer. Getting enough zinc is also critical for appetite, taste, and night vision, yet only half of adults over age 50 come close to the DV of 15 mg. Still, plate-size portions of fatty meats such as hamburger and prime rib are loaded with saturated fat, which raises cholesterol and heart disease risk. A restaurant-size 14-ounce sirloin steak has 27 g of saturated fat–nearly twice the saturated fat that women should have in a day, so stick to a 3-ounce portion, which is about the size of a computer mouse or a bath-size bar of soap.

5) Pizza
Pizza recently got rave scientific reviews for fending off prostate cancer. Pizza sauce delivers tons of lycopene, a carotenoid found at high levels in the blood and prostate of men with lower rates of prostate cancer. And the cheese provides calcium, which helps build bone, lower blood pressure, and inhibit colon cancer. Choose two slices of thin-crust veggie pizza, which weighs in at just 300 calories (add a side salad for a 400-calorie meal) and 2.5 g of saturated fat

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I read this article on the Integrative Nutrition Blog and thought that it was definitely worth sharing…

Can One City Lose a Million Pounds?

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett hopes so.  He wants to inspire the residents of his city to be healthier and lose weight.  Mayor Cornett’s appeal is in response to his city listed as of one of the unhealthiest in America.  The OKC Million community challenge to lose a total of 1,000,000 pounds is open to all and everyone is encouraged to join.  Individuals, families, friends, corporations, churches, local organizations, community groups, sports teams, police departments, fire departments and schools are all welcome. 

When Oklahoma City residents join the site www.thiscityisgoingonadiet.com they have access to nutrition information, recipes, weight loss programs and success stories.  Sounds like a recipe for success! 

Watch this report from NBC Nightly News to see how Mayor Cornett’s city is accepting the challenge.

How healthy is your city?

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Usually tendinitis is referred to by the body part involved, for example, Achilles tendinitis which affects the Achilles tendon, or patellar tendinitis which affects the patellar tendon (jumper's knee). Tendinitis can occur in various other parts of the body, including the elbow, wrist, finger, or thigh. It is caused by overusing a tendon or injuring it, as may happen during sport.

Tendinitis can affect people of any age, but is more common among adults who do a lot of sports. Elderly individuals are also susceptible to tendinitis because our tendons tend to lose their elasticity and become weaker as we get older.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary:

Tendonitis is "Inflammation of a tendon."

Some common lay terms for tendinitis include:

• Golfer's elbow
• Jumper's knee
• Pitcher's shoulder
• Swimmer's shoulder
• Tennis elbow

What are tendons?

A tendon is tissue which attaches muscle to bone. It is flexible, tough and fibrous and is capable of withstanding tension. A ligament extends from bone to bone at a joint, while a tendon extends from muscle to bone. Tendons and muscles work together and can only exert a pulling force. Although tendons and ligaments are tough and fibrous, they are referred to as soft tissue, because of their common comparison to bone or cartilage.

The Latin word tendere and the Greek word teinein mean "to stretch".

Inflamed tendons (tendinitis) are more likely to get ruptured. If the sheath around the tendon becomes inflamed, rather than the tendon itself, the condition is called tenosynovitis. People can have tendinitis and tenosynovitis simultaneously.

What are the signs and symptoms of tendinitis?

A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor detect. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.

Tendinitis signs and symptoms occur where the tendon attaches to a bone; and usually include:

• Pain – if the affected area is moved the pain worsens
• A feeling that the tendon is crackling or grating as it moves. This sensation is more common on examination.
• Swelling in the affected area
• The affected area may be hot and red
• A lump that develops along the tendon

If there is a rupture a gap may be felt in the line of the tendon and movement will be very difficult. Read more…

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Visiting a San Jose chiropractor is actually one of the most beneficial things that you can do to relieve your arthritis and back pain. Chiropractors are doctors who specialize in working on the musculoskeletal system, and arthritis is a joint affliction. Chiropractic care has helped many people to slow the process of arthritis by helping their joints to move. Movement is crucial for joint health. A good chiropractor is an expert at treating back pain, even when it is caused by arthritis

If you have never gone to a chiropractor before, you might be a little concerned about what is going to happen once you are in the office. It might help to take a moment to talk about what you can expect. You will asked about your medical history, which will conceivably include a family history of arthritis. The chiropractor will want to know about your current lifestyle and may offer specific changes that will be beneficial for the lessening of inflammation due to arthritis. And, finally, you will receive a detailed examination. After the examination is finished, the chiropractor will let you know if chiropractic treatment can help your back pain, as well as relieve your painful arthritic symptoms. After that you will be told about the particular treatment you will need.

Chiropractic treatment relieves pain gently and naturally, and it is a painless process. And, the paramount benefit of going to a chiropractor for your back pain and arthritis is that you can feel confident that the reason for your pain is being addressed, and that the ease you experience is not masking the symptom of pain, but actually treating the origin of your affliction.

Technorati Tags: arthritis, back pain, chiropractor

Atlanta, GA, January 07, 2010 –(PR.com)– According to the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation there is no human experimental evidence that chiropractic adjustments or neck manipulations are causally related to strokes.

“While plaintiff’s attorneys and expert witness make claims and statements contending that such a causative link exists, the fact remains that these are based largely on anecdotes, case reports, and case controlled studies and cannot be used to prove causation” stated Foundation President Christopher Kent DC, JD a chiropractic researcher and attorney.

According to researchers and the scientific method itself there are all sorts of biases and distortions that effect conclusions drawn from such studies and other criteria must be used to determine whether such a link exists.

“What this boils down to is a simple lack of understanding of biostatistics and epidemiology” stated Foundation Vice President Matthew McCoy DC, MPH, a chiropractic researcher and public health expert. “Words like ‘association’ and ‘causation’ and ‘risk’ have very specific meanings when it comes to their use in epidemiology and it’s clear that laypersons involved in this debate are using these terms inappropriately.”

While the experience of a stroke can be devastating and no one would suggest ignoring the concerns of those who have suffered one, the reality is that when it comes to the contention that chiropractic causes strokes – the evidence just isn’t there. And while the strokes these people have experienced are indeed real, McCoy suggests there are often other issues involved and offered an example. “Millions of people visit a dentist every year and a certain number of those same people get into car accidents on their way home. If we were to run the stats on it we might find that there is a statistical association between visiting a dentist and getting into a car accident on the way home. But no one would even consider suggesting that the dentists are causing the car accidents.”

Self described chiropractic stroke victims say there is a risk and that people should be advised about it prior to undergoing chiropractic care. The majority of chiropractors would agree that patients should be informed of the risks, benefits and alternatives of any health care intervention, but according to Dr. Kent “Such informed consent must be based on appropriate information and since there is no scientific evidence that chiropractic adjustments or neck manipulations actually cause strokes, it is inappropriate to require a doctor to suggest that such a risk exists.”

Dr. McCoy added another often overlooked issue “Chiropractors utilize a number of techniques to address joint dysfunction and vertebral subluxation and in fact there are over 300 named chiropractic techniques and many do not employ the type of manipulation that has been alleged to be a factor in vertebrobasilar accidents. This adds to the inappropriate nature of such a disclosure.”

In the end, chiropractic has an impressive safety record compared to traditional medical care with estimates are that anywhere from 100,000 (Institute of medicine) to 750,000 (Null et al) people die every year from medical care. In comparison, other than some minor soreness following chiropractic treatment, research has shown chiropractic to be very safe.

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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Overweight middle-aged men may have a higher risk of heart problems and strokes and die earlier than their thinner peers — even in the absence of some traditional risk factors, a new study suggests.

Some past research has suggested that when obese and overweight adults do not have the so-called metabolic syndrome, their risks of diabetes, heart disease and stroke are no higher than those of normal-weight people.

Metabolic syndrome refers to a collection of risk factors for diabetes and heart problems — including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, low levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides (another type of blood fat). It is typically diagnosed when a person has three or more of those conditions.

In the current study, which followed more than 1,700 Swedish men for 30 years, overweight and obese men had increased risks of conditions including heart attack and stroke, even when in the absence of metabolic syndrome.

Among all men without metabolic syndrome, those who were overweight were 52 percent more likely to have heart attacks, strokes, and other complications than normal-weight men were, while obese men had nearly double the risk.

The findings are published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation. Read more…

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