Vanella Chiropractic

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Food Sensitivities

2011-08-01T17:36:00.000-04:00

Symptoms and signs of Irritable Bowel Syndrome vary from person-to-person. Researchers believe nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive to food, and yet conclude that food does not play a role in triggering symptoms. Even though some of those suffering with symptoms of IBS find that symptoms will become worse after meals.

The role of the medical profession is to abate the symptoms, by providing medications.

The role of an alternative health care practioner is to get to the underlying cause of symptoms and that is nutrition.

The following recommendations can be used for just about any disease. Foods that do not work with your constitution cause inflammation. It has been well researched that inflammation is an underlying cause to most diseases such s Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Food provides your body with the nutrients needed to repair and allow for cellular growth. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, meat, poultry contain vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, polyphones and more to keep your body working properly. Whole foods provide an alkaline state to keep microorganisms from proliferating and ploymorphing into states that can become pathogenic. In fact food is the foundation for health or illness.

Some experts conclude that one with IBS symptoms should refrain from trigger foods such as caffeine, alcohol, milk products, foods high in sugar, fatty foods, beans, cabbage, and broccoli, artificial sweeteners sorbitol and xylitol. This is a great start, but let’s take it a step further. Avoid foods that are processed, packaged, refined, fast food, bakery food that are nutrient devoid and are of no benefit to your health.
Experts say to avoid certain foods however; quality clean whole foods may also be a problem. Each person and their immune system unique. This is why it is important to find out what your trigger foods are so that you can abate IBS symptoms and take control.

An effective method is an elimination diet. Most common triggers of food allergies are milk, dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat and citrus. Eliminate these foods, (including foods with several ingredients that may include one or more of these foods) from your diet for a period of one month, as well as any other food that you may suspect is causing a problem for you.

Start by taking an assessment of how you feel right now, before you omit the offending foods. For some, put it to a scale of 1-5 with 1-full symptom, 5-no symptom. List all your complaints and symptoms, paying attention to headaches, aches and pains in joints and other parts of the body, cramping, number of bowel movements per day, type and quality of bowel movements, rumbling, gurgling and any other noises your digestive tract is producing, energy levels, sleep and waking, mood and behaviour. Each week reassess your list. At the end of one month see how much you have improved.

After one month, pick one eliminated food and include it as much s possible in your diet over the next four days. Be sure to record on your assessment sheet daily all reactions, bowel changes, mood changes and level of energy. If you start to have symptoms, you probably have sensitivity to that food and may need to put it on a rotation diet. After the fourth day, give your body a 2 day break then introduce the next food, until all foods have been tested.

A quicker method of testing for offending foods is through a food sensitivity test. There is allergy testing which is done by your Allergist. Allergy testing uses IgE antibody testing which involves uncomfortable scratching of the skin and applying allergens, waiting 20-30 minutes for reactions. If there are questionable reactions, there is a further, more painful testing which involves placing more of the substance just under the dermis. IgE reactions are primarily Th2 mediated and create an immediate reaction after exposure. For foods it is not a reliable way to test for delayed reactions, and an allergist will tell you this. However, if you have a true allergy to foods it will show up on this test as this provokes clinical IgE reactions to inflammation of the Th2 cytokines, creating immediate response of histamine from mast cells. Foods that provoke immediate response, you should probably steer clear of as they could create or develop into severe reactions.

What an IgE antibody test will not show you is the delayed reaction to ingested foods. These are known as sensitivities that will not show up on an IgE test. Sensitivity to food can occur instantly, but is more likely take up to 72 hours for a reaction to occur.

With an IgE response there are usually instant symptoms of itching, swelling, redness, flushing, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as smooth muscle contractions resulting in edema, asthma, G.I. symptoms, atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis reaction¹

IgG reactions can cause many different reactive symptoms such as and not limited to dark circles under the eyes, post nasal drip, sinus issues, bloating, gas, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of energy, inability to sleep, depression, inability to focus, weight gain, moodiness, and behavioral issues.
IgG is a Th1 response responsible for pro-inflammatory cytokines reactions associated with delayed food response. IgG¹, IgG², IgG³, IgG⁴,are subclasses of IgG. IgG⁴is responsible for reacting to repetitive foods in the gut. Research shows that some subjects experience an elevation of IgG⁴ with no reaction to IgE but still have symptoms when certain foods are consumed. It is hypothesized that symptoms experienced are due to IgG⁴ forming antigen complexes that the body reacts to².

This is why you can do a food journal and elimination diet or take a blood or finger prick test and quickly learn which foods to avoid. An IgG-4 antibody bloodspot tests for 30 common foods. Once you are aware of the foods unique to your physiology remove them and keep a journal. Much like above, over the next month, rating how you feel on a weekly basis and be sure to start with the symptoms you are experiencing presently.

After a month, take the least reactive foods from your report and put them on a rotation. Every four days you can consume those reactive foods, without symptoms. Research has shown that avoidance all together or rotating offending foods decrease the symptoms you are experiencing.

Regardless of the path you choose, take a proactive approach to your health. If you are suffering and have tried everything else and nothing is working, why not give it a chance? You may find some relief in your symptoms.

Source:
1-2. IgE and IgG4 Immune Reactions to Food Metametrix Institute

Karen Langston uses IgG-4 Blood Spot Food Sensitivity testing for 30 common food sensitivities.

Karen@IamWorthit2.com or 623 252.HEAL (4325)

About Karen

Karen Langston is an Arizona based nutritionist focusing on Chrons Disease and the mind/body connection.

Be Not Afraid

2011-07-26T16:32:00.002-04:00

Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.
--William James

Many of us learned as children that rejection and abandonment are part and parcel of being alive. We are so used to feeling as though things won't work out, that fear - like a shadow - is always lurking behind us. Usually there's something specific to be afraid of - that we won't have enough money to pay our bills, someone we love will die, or our children won't do well in school. And always there's the generalized fear that events will overwhelm us in spite of our best efforts.

We need to be careful about creating what we look for. Regardless of the frightening experiences of the past, we need to believe that other results are possible: All loved ones don't leave, all risks don't end in devastation, and all efforts aren't dashed on the rocks of defeat.

New consequences are possible when we believe they're possible. The brave new world that each of us seeks stands on the shoulders of that belief.

I am sick and tired of being fearful. Today, I am confident that positive efforts will yield positive results.

You are reading from the book:

Days of Healing, Days of Joy by Earnie Larsen and Carol Larsen Hegarty

13 Tips For Better Bowel Health

2011-07-21T10:57:00.000-04:00

Have You Ever Wondered If Your Poo Was Healthy? … Okay, after we get passed the awkwardness of this topic most of us would admit we are a little intrigued.

How often we use our bowels and what our poo looks like tells us a lot about our general health and wellbeing.

Without realizing it many of us put ‘clag-like’ products into our bodies 3-5 times a day – such as white bread, some multi-grain breads (grains and seeds simply added to the ‘glue’ in many multi-grain bread varieties doesn’t really help that much either) and other white flour products.

We race around and forget to eat fruit and vegetables, drink water or exercise, and then we may wonder why we have bloated tummies and only poo once every few days.

Unfortunately, if we don’t tune in to our bowel health then over a period of time our whole body including our brain function will start to be affected.

What Makes Poo Healthy?

So now that we’ve started to tackle this topic we need to really engage – you are going to have to look twice at your poo —YEP that’s right you will need to actually look at the shape and then the colour.
A HEALTHY POO:

Tells us when it is ready to come out
Slips out easily
Needs no coaxing
Is well formed (poo should look like a brown banana with a point at one end or take on an S shape)
Is well hydrated (poo that looks like little balls wadded together has been in the colon too long)

WHAT IS NOT A GOOD SIGN?

Having no urge
It hurts
It takes a long time
Is always very loose and fast
Looks like little balls or pieces
There’s blood or mucus

13 Tips For Better Bowel Health

If you are a parent it is important to make poo habits and digestive health part of natural family conversation. The easier it is to talk about poo the easier it is too correct poor habits.
Two to three good bowel movements a day is considered optimal digestive health; in fact, many children poo after each meal.
Drink plenty of water – on average at least 30ml for every kilogram (or 1ounce for every pound). Here are some examples:
if your child weighs 40kgs x 30mls they should be drinking at least 1200ml (1.2 litres) of water, or
an 80kg person x 30mls = 2400mls (2.4 litres)
Cut out too much Coffee (dries out the bowel), Refined sugars (breeds bad bacteria), Antibiotics (avoid wherever possible as they strip away good bacteria) and Processed foods – you could just remember to cut out CRAP, but that would be cheeky!
Eat stacks of fruit and vegetables, strive for 10-15 pieces a day. One ‘piece’ is considered roughly the size or length of your hand – such as one apple or one carrot.
Remember to chew not just swallow food. Slow down be mindful of what your’e eating. Chewing food and then continued chewing of our food helps kick start the digestive process.
Focus on eating foods that ‘look-like’ how nature intended them. Consume foods that look the same as they did when they were extracted from the ground or the garden. Remember there are no white bread plants!!
Eat whole- grain products preferably kamut, spelt and quinoa and gluten free grains as they help flush fat and cholesterol out of your system. Don’t mistake whole-wheat products for whole-grain.
Perform some form of sweaty exercise 5 days a week. When we are stagnant our bowels become stagnant.
De-stress and slow life down. When we stress we typically are not moving with the flow of life. De-stress and let your life and bowels flow.
Check your ‘bowel transit time’. When the digestive system is working well, bowel transit time ranges from 12 to 24 hours.
- To easily test transit time, simply eat a brightly coloured food such as beetroot (at least one or two whole beets), take a mental note of the time it is eaten, and then check each motion to see when a dark red poo emerges.
- Alternative foods you could trial include corn and sesame seeds. Ironically, corn is a grain, not a vegetable, and is extremely hard for the body to digest and assimilate. As corn passes through the digestive tract mostly undigested, it is a particularly useful food for this transit test.

7 Reasons We May Become Constipated

We can’t poo when:

We haven’t drunk enough water
We haven’t eaten enough fibre or bulk (fruits and vegetables)
Our spine is not aligned (vertebral subluxations affects nerve messages between the brain and bowel) Chiropractic assists the nervous system re-create body order
Our foods are not well combined (an imbalance in consistency or flavouring)
We haven’t exercised enough
We are emotionally tense
We keep ourselves too busy (we rush from one activity to another)

So while poo may be an awkward topic, it makes sense to check-in with our body and identify how our bowels are coping with our lifestyle stressors. If we have children then it is wise to make bowel health a very normal part of family discussion.

Clearly we are not just talking about bathroom habits – we are appreciating that a lack of health affects so many aspects of our lives. When our bowels work well they extract the vitamins and minerals we need to thrive and they remove the toxins we gather from modern living.

Good bowel health gives us energy and vitality and allows us to fight off infections and illness. Healthy bowels create healthy bodies.

When our body is working well then so too are our minds and we are then better able to integrate and connect with the world around us.

Wishing you good health and digestive health. Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani
B.App.Clin.Sci, B.Chiropractic

Grief may be a pathway to our deepest connections

2011-06-30T14:25:00.002-04:00

People often say, "I don't want to burden you with my troubles, you have enough to worry about." Yet sharing our troubles with our partner or close friends lightens our burden and restores our balance. Telling someone our experiences and how we feel about them helps us find and create the meaning that lurks behind them, even though they at first seem only crazy and random. Sharing with others pulls us out of isolation and brings our friends and mate into the circle of our lives.

We may be surprised to feel the knots in our stomachs loosen when we tell our stories and recount our worries or grief. Grief may make us feel more alone than anything. But it may also be a pathway for our deepest connection with each other. When we reach out and talk with our friends or mate, we break down the wall of isolation and build bridges that connect us.

Tell your partner about any grief you carry today.

You are reading from the book:

The More We Find In Each Other by Merle Fossum and Mavis Fossum

Life guarantees a chance - not a fair shake.

2011-06-22T14:48:00.000-04:00

Life is not fair. Most of us know that, but few of us accept it. Something in us often clings to the idea that ultimately, the gifts will all be evenly divided. Mostly we want to be paid back for the injustices of the past. Many of us expect - no, demand - redress from fate. We think life should "make it up" to us somehow. That's why it's so hard for us to go on discovering, again and again, what we already know: Life is not fair.

The good job that should have been ours, the accident that crippled a loved one, unwanted childlessness - these things are not fair. But life is like soil, not like seed. The chance of a harvest is there, but only if we plant the seed. And even then we may not get the harvest we expected or wished for - not on our own timetable. It is an act of faith, and of great courage, to keep on sowing seeds when we don't know what we're going to get. But it's the only chance we have. We need to stop expecting the soil to provide the seed.

Today, I will be grateful to be alive. This day offers a chance for a fuller life, and I will accept what comes of my efforts.

Days of Healing, Days of Joy by Earnie Larsen and Carol Larsen Hegarty

Movement is Life

2011-06-06T17:04:00.000-04:00

“Life is movement; Movement is Life” Your body depends on you moving and engaging. The average corporate employee sits 9.3 hrs/day for the duration of their working years. The Body was NEVER designed to maintain in a stagnate setting. Did you know that your lymph system’s only way for locomotion is YOU? The lymph system, unlike the heart does not have a mechanism for pumping the body’s cellular wastes unless YOU engage in movement.

Be Fit: Feel great with strength and cardio training.

Water Tips

2011-05-13T14:40:00.000-04:00

Water was the big talk this week. People ask if juice, tea, etc is the same as water. While these items may or may not hydrate you they are not the same. Water mixed with anything has to go into your stomach and then into your intestines to be absorbed. Pure water is absorbed directly by your stomach and used more effectively. Shoot for 8 glasses a day. However the real amount is half your body weight is the actual number of ounces you need. More when it's hot or with moderate activity.

Water when combined with weight loss is highly important. Your metabolism is a chemical reaction and needs water to work. Without enough water it's not going to rev up and burn the fat like you want it to. A extra tip is to drink a large glass of water before a meal. This will take up space and also shrink the stomach making it easier for you to eat less.

Fatigue Is A Warning

2010-10-05T17:08:00.000-04:00

Fatigue or low energy is a very common condition. It can range from awakening in the morning with a chronic tired feeling to a severe physical and psychological depression characterized by a total lack of pleasure or sense of fulfillment (anhedonia). Fatigue is a warning: it is one of the earliest signs that something in our lives, physical or emotional, is not right.

Boredom

No baby is born bored. And if anyone should be bored, it's a baby! All it has to do is to eat, excrete and sleep. But babies are full of evergy, excitement and vitality; they're full of life. When a child complains that he or she is tired all the time, or bored, we know that something is very wrong.

A Big Mistake

What happens to our natural curiosity, sense of wondrous adventure and boundless energy as we age? Why have so many adults lost (or rather, lost touch with) life's excitement? What happened to life's sparkle?

When adults exhibit chronic tiredness or fatigue, we don't get nearly as concerned as when a child does--and that's a big mistake. Life should be filled with energy, no matter what a person's age--the biographies of many notable people teach us that well into their seventies, eighties and even nineties they are robust--full of lust for life.

The Causes Of Chronic Fatigue

There can be many causes of chronic fatigue. They can be organic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders and endocrine disorders; or emotional stress such as depression, anxiety or trauma. Chronic fatigue can be due to sleep deprivation; the adverse effects of prescribed, over-the-counter or illegal drugs; or an unhealthy lifestyle that doesn't permit you to "catch up" with yourself. Others feel that chronic fatigue may be a nutritional condition that can be corrected with improved diet.

Spinal Balance And Energy

A common cause of fatigue is an unbalanced spinal column. How? A simple analogy: If you were carrying a bowling ball, how much more difficult would it be to carry it at a distance from your body than at your side? Your head weighs about as much as a bowling ball; if your head is off-center, "carrying" it can exhaust you! Also, your 24 movable vertebrae, sacrum, hips and pelvis also need proper alignment in order to make efficient use of your energy. A modest unbalance (for example, a "short" leg) could translate into a considerable amount of wasted energy as the hours, days, weeks and months add up.

"Nerve Energy"

Energy flows over your brain and spinal cord through your nerves (and other tissues) and back to the brain and spinal cord. A healthy spine and nervous system keep your flow of energy balanced, your immune system strong and your resistance to disease high. An unhealthy, unbalanced spine can interfere with the natural flow of energy through your body, creating blockages and imbalances that may cause physical and emotional fatigue.

Surprisingly, some people who experience chronic fatigue often have enough energy but the energy is blocked, locked up, unbalanced and not flowing properly.

Chiropractic's Unique Place

When chiropractors correct a mechanical distortion in your body with a chiropractic spinal adjustment, nerve system energy is normalized. In effect, chiropractic care heals a broken bridge between your "physical body" and your "energy body" so that they may communicate better with one another and restore harmony to your "body-mind."

Vitalism--Life Energy

Today the study of the energy quality of the body is a new frontier of healing. It's called energy medicine and Robert Becker, M.D. explains it eloquently:
Today...many physicians are reexamining and applying therapeutic techniques that were previously discarded as "unscientific" by academic medicine. The use of foods, herbs, meditation, and acupuncture [represents] only a few examples...The chemistry of life has been revealed to be based upon the underlying forces of electricity and magnetism. Our bodies and brains generate electromagnetic fields within us and around us... Current popular healing practices use an invisible common source: the body's innate electrical systems.

Conclusion

All your body systems run on energy and, when properly working, give you an abundance of the energy and life with which you are naturally endowed. There is abundant energy within you all the time. Unfortunately, it can get blocked, unbalanced and congested. If you are fatigued, bored, tired, depressed or lacking enthusiasm, you should investigate the natural health approach of chiropractic.

Video Watch

2010-09-17T15:32:00.000-04:00

Click here to see Chiropractic rated #1 on the Today show as well as a few others like Chiropractic an autism.

Managing (and Overcoming) Shoulder Pain

2010-09-08T10:47:00.000-04:00

Whether your daily tasks include laundry and lifting grandchildren or competitive sports, your shoulders are essential. How can you care for them? Here are some facts and tips.

The shoulder is attached to the rest of the bony skeleton at the collar bone (clavicle). When this joint is damaged, a “separated shoulder” occurs. Where the arm bone (humerus) sits in a socket called the glenoid fossa (a part of the bone called the scapula), you’ll find a shoulder joint. A lip of cartilage called the labrum provides some stability where these bones meet. Four muscles form a muscular “cuff” that moves and stabilizes the shoulder joint. These muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Unfortunately, with the tremendous range of motion and freedom of a typical shoulder comes a price: limited stability. This is why shoulder dislocations are more common than hip dislocations.

You might think that shoulder joints are damaged by the force of throwing; yet you’d be wrong. Though throwing takes a lot of force, it’s actually the muscles that decelerate (slow down) the arm after you release a ball or other object that take the real beating. Without the rotator cuff muscles, you’d literally throw your arm out of its socket during a hard throw. Repeatedly overwhelming these muscles can easily result in tendonitis.
Perhaps professional quarterbacking or pitching isn’t your game. Many people injure their shoulders doing far less. Lack of motion also causes problems that can lead to what’s known as frozen shoulder. These shoulders are tight, restricted, and painful. They can get so bad that surgery is required to release them. They’re common after periods of disuse such as after a stroke, or after wearing a sling, or after a variety of injuries that cause you to restrict your motion and allow the shoulder to tighten up -- possibly permanently.
Sometimes, mechanical factors can cause shoulder problems. The cartilaginous glenoid around the shoulder capsule can tear, especially with one or more shoulder dislocations. This often requires surgery to repair. Then there’s “impingement,” which occurs when the spaces for your rotator cuff tendons -- supraspinatus in specific -- are small due to bone spurs, tracking errors (including muscle imbalance/weakness), and unfortunate anatomical variants (blame your parents for this last category). Finally, fluid-filled sacs called “bursae” can become inflamed, causing bursitis.

There are a variety of ways the spine can contribute to shoulder problems. The muscles about the shoulder, including the rotator cuff, are all controlled and coordinated by nerves from the neck (cervical spine) and mid-back (thoracic spine). A study in the British Medical Journal comparing a variety of approaches to common shoulder complaints1 showed that spinal manipulation was highly effective in the management of shoulder girdle complaints (problems of the major bones and muscles about the shoulder) -- and far more effective than physical therapy alone. The same study showed an advantage to steroid injections only in the case of synovial problems (i.e., in the actual joint between the humerus and glenoid). This highlights the importance of your doctor’s skills in rendering a proper diagnosis, as well as his or her comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy and function.

Modern doctors of chiropractic (D.C.) are skilled in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide variety of common human conditions, including those affecting the shoulder. After rendering a diagnosis, a doctor of chiropractic will either address the source(s) of the shoulder problems, or will refer a patient out for additional care or co-management. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of conservative, safe, and effective tools in the chiropractic “tool kit.” Cryotherapy (application of cold) can be a useful tool in the initial inflammatory phase. Other therapeutic modalities (including electrotherapies), acupuncture, functional taping, and progressive functional rehabilitation are other useful means many chiropractors may use; however, there is no substitute for the power of the chiropractic adjustment. Spinal manipulation, as well as manipulation of the joints of and about the shoulder, can be a highly effective method of not only decreasing pain and improving motion, but also improving and ingraining functional patterns. Your doctor of chiropractic may adjust joints in or about the shoulder, address the soft tissues of the shoulder including the rotator cuff, instruct you in functional rehabilitation, and more. He or she may treat your shoulder directly and exclusively; or the D.C. may address other areas of your frame and nervous system so that not only does your shoulder function better -- but in addition, you may find that you recover faster and stay healthier in other unexpected ways, as well.

If you are interested in staying in top form, start by asking your chiropractor for guidance or contacting us.

Healthified Tomato-Spinach Chicken Skillet

2010-09-07T11:59:00.002-04:00

83% less sat fat • 45% less sodium than the original recipe—see the comparison. Serve this quick-to-the-table dish with whole grain pasta and a side of Green Giant® whole green beans.

Prep Time:15 min

Start to Finish:25 min

makes:4 servings

1	to 1 1/4 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
	Nonstick cooking spray
1/8	teaspoon salt
1/8	teaspoon black pepper
1	can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen® organic diced tomatoes, drained
1/4	cup snipped fresh basil
1	package (9–10 oz) prewashed spinach
2	tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese

1.	Cut any large chicken tenderloins in half lengthwise. Coat an unheated 12-inch skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Cook and stir chicken in hot skillet about 5 minutes or until done. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2.	Add tomatoes and basil; heat through. Remove skillet from heat. Add spinach; toss until wilted. Divide among four plates. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutritional Information

2 cups: Calories 170 (Calories from Fat 25); Total Fat 2 1/2g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 70mg; Sodium 430mg; Total Carbohydrate 7g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 4g); Protein 30g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 130%; Vitamin C 45%; Calcium 15%; Iron 15% Exchanges: 1/2 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 4 Very Lean Meat Carbohydrate Choices: 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Infertility Help

2010-09-03T10:44:00.000-04:00

Here's a great piece on how chiropractic can help with infertility without all the drugs.

SUCCESS IS DETERMINED ON THE DRAWING BOARD

2010-09-02T16:40:00.002-04:00

It isn't enough to just want to be successful. You've got to asks yourself: "What are you going to do to get the things in life you want?"

Your problem is to bridge the distance which exists between where you are now and the goal you intend to reach. Planning brings your future into the present so you can do something about it now.

Somewhere there is a map of how it can be done. All you need is a good plan, and te courage to press on to your destination.

A well built house started with a definite purpose and a set of blueprints. Your plan should provide the pattern for the actions you'll take.

Take time each day to study, think, and plan. Plan your steps, then implement you plan, then review your steps. Do this frequently and make the appropriate alterations to your plan, and you"ll develop the power that will bring you success.

No one was ever lost on a straight road.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2010-08-31T16:24:00.000-04:00

Perhaps you’ve heard of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or have been diagnosed with it. What is it? Is your diagnosis correct? Is surgery required? Here are some facts and tips.

At the wrist, a nerve called the median nerve passes through the palmar region to the hand via an anatomical “tunnel.” The “roof” of this tunnel is a ligament. True “carpal tunnel syndrome” occurs when the nerve is entrapped and inflamed as it passes through this tunnel. Though specialized nerve tests can confirm the diagnosis, they are not infallible; and clinical tests (hands-on procedures, and a history taken by a trained professional) are valuable tools towards revealing the problem’s source or sources.

The median nerve allows sensation in the palmar thumb, as well as the index finger, the middle finger, and the lateral (thumb-side) aspect of the ring finger. Problems on the pinkie-side of the hand are likely NOT carpal tunnel syndrome-- simply put, “If the wire doesn’t go there, it can’t be the source of the problem.” In addition to the carpal tunnel, the “wire” that serves the hand passes through a number of areas where it can become inflamed or entrapped: the forearm (at a muscle called pronator teres), or in the neck (cervical spine including the discs, and related muscles). In addition, bundles of nerves and blood vessels can be impinged or entrapped at other areas, such as around the collar bone (clavicle) and chest muscles (pectoralis minor)-- conditions typically diagnosed as “thoracic outlet syndrome” rather than carpal tunnel syndrome. Proper diagnosis of nerve entrapment and/or inflammation sites is crucial to treatment. Some patients respond well to surgery1 that cuts the transverse carpal ligament to make more space for the median nerve-- a procedure known as a carpal tunnel “release”; yet many lose strength after the procedure, and it’s not uncommon for symptoms (pain and/or tingling) to return.

Non-surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome and related conditions starts with a thorough evaluation. Did you know that approximately 25% of women will experience carpal tunnel syndrome or similar complaints during pregnancy? Surgery for a large percentage of these women is neither feasible nor reasonable; and many of them will choose to avoid medications and steroid injections. As with many patients-- whether or not pregnant-- with hand and/or forearm complaints, conservative management is the first line of defense. Night splints help some patients, yet others will find relief from manual interventions as performed by doctors of chiropractic. Manipulation of the wrist bones and related soft tissues, manipulation of the of the soft tissues of the forearm and neck region (including the scalenes), and spinal manipulation (particularly to the cervical spine) are all safe, gentle, and effective management tools-- and when properly delivered to appropriate patients, they can even completely alleviate the problem at its source. If you know someone with carpal tunnel syndrome or forearm complaints, you owe it to them to suggest a chiropractic perspective on the problem.

Modern doctors of chiropractic are skilled in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide variety of common human conditions, including those affecting the forearm and hand. In addition, they have a particular training towards prevention. If your work or home life predisposes you to injury, your chiropractic doctor will advise you on simple and effective ways to minimize the short and long-term consequences. For example, repetitive use is a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome and related symptoms. If a simple adjustment of your keyboard, desk, chair, computer monitor, or workstation can help you, your chiropractor will be honored to provide that information.

If you are interested in living to your full potential, start by asking your chiropractor for guidance; or visit us.

Healthified Tuna and Rigatoni Bake

2010-08-30T14:01:00.002-04:00

Based on 0 ratings

72% less sat fat • 43% less cholesterol than the original recipe—see the comparison. Freshen up tuna-noodle casserole with a lightened lemon, dill, and mustard sauce and a crunchy crouton topper. Rigatoni replaces traditional noodles for a new look as well.

Prep Time:30 min

Start to Finish:55 min

makes:4 servings

2	cups dried rigatoni or penne pasta (6 ounces)
1	cup coarsely chopped celery
1/4	cup chopped onion
2	cloves garlic, minced
1	tablespoon olive oil
1/4	cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
2	tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
1	tablespoon snipped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
1	teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
1/4	teaspoon black pepper
2	cups Progresso® reduced-sodium chicken broth
2	cans (5.5 oz) chunk light tuna (water-pack), drained
1/2	cup finely crushed herb-seasoned croutons
2	tablespoons butter, melted
1	small lemon, thinly sliced
1	tablespoon capers (optional)
	Fresh dill sprigs (optional)

1.	Preheat oven to 375ºF. Grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish; set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2.	In a medium saucepan, cook celery, onion, and garlic in hot oil until tender. Stir in flour, mustard, dill, lemon peel, and pepper. Add broth all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, whisking to remove any lumps. Stir in tuna and pasta. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
3.	In a small bowl, stir together croutons and melted butter. Sprinkle on tuna mixture. Bake, covered, for 15 minutes. Uncover and top with lemon slices. Bake, uncovered, 5 minutes more or until heated through. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with capers and dill sprigs, if desired.

Nutritional Information 1 cup: Calories 410 (Calories from Fat 110); Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 4 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 40mg; Sodium 860mg; Total Carbohydrate 46g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 3g); Protein 29g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 30%; Calcium 6%; Iron 20% Exchanges: 3 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 3 Lean Meat Carbohydrate Choices: 3
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Lose that Last 10 Pounds

2010-08-26T13:19:00.000-04:00

Millions of people lose hundreds of millions of pounds every year, only to put them back on, often with a little extra as backhanded thanks for their hard work. One of the major reasons for long-term failure is the challenge of losing that "last 10" - the last 10 pounds that need to go in order to reach your desired weight.

When you think you've lost all the weight you can and can't seem to lose any more (even when you know you need to), here are a few ways to keep going all the way to your personal weight-loss finish line: Mix Things Up. Your body adapts fairly quickly to physical demands, which means if you don't vary your workouts, your body stops responding. Mixing things up may take you out of your comfort zone, but it will pay off when you keep burning fat and pounds.

Power in Numbers. If you don't already have a workout partner, recruiting one could be just what you need, especially when going to the gym has lost the allure it once did. Studies show that support, whether at the gym or just via an encouraging phone call, is crucial to long-term success in any weight-loss program.

Think Back. As hard as it may be, sometimes you need to look back (photos, video, etc.) at the heavier person you were to appreciate your success thus far and remotivate yourself to keep going forward instead of backward.

Thanks to Toyourhealth.com

WANTING TO WIN IS EVERYTHING

2010-08-25T10:52:00.002-04:00

The most important quality essential to success is perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.

Success is connected with continuous action. It's largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go. You're not finished when you're defeated, you're only finished when you quit.

You can have a fresh start any time you choose, for "failure" is not in the falling down, but in the staying down. It's not over until it's over.

If you've got the courage to stick it out, you'll attain your goal. Winning isn't everything, but wanting to is.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again.

Scoliosis

2010-08-24T10:51:00.001-04:00

What exactly is "scoliosis?" Do you have it? Do your kids? What can you do to protect yourself and your family? Here are some facts and tips.

Some people use the term scoliosis to refer to almost any abnormality in the spine; but in fact, only certain spinal curvatures qualify to be called true scoliosis. Small variations in posture can cause mild to moderate spinal curvatures, but only spinal curvatures that exceed 10 degrees on x-ray actually qualify as "scoliosis." i True scoliosis is a rare condition that's more common in females, typically presenting in adolescents ii ; and it involves a lateral bending of the spine with rotation of several spinal bones (vertebrae). Some curves are reversible, meaning that a twisted or bent area of the spine temporarily disappears when -- for example -- a heel or shoe lift is used on one leg. Non-reversible curves -- that is, curves that persist on neutral x-rays as well as on bending studies -- present a different set of challenges for the patient and doctor.

Scoliosis is often initially painless, making it especially challenging. Patients -- especially adolescents -- tend to focus their attention on what actively bothers them, and less so on "silent" problems. Left unchecked, severe scoliosis can cause significant and permanent physical deformities. These physical limitations can have consequences ranging from social implications, to more serious situations that can compromise breathing and cardiac (heart) function. The earlier the intervention, the better.

Scoliosis is commonly seen as a structural issue, just like the leaning tower of Pisa. Attempts to brace the spine are similar to teeth braces which strive to slowly push bones back to a more desirable position. In the spine, the bones are meant to move, not simply to hold one posture. Spinal bones are meant to move in concert, both forward and back, from side to side, and twisting. When one bone or section doesn't move, other areas will pick up the resulting mechanical stresses.

The most common form of scoliosis is idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. Idiopathic, though impressive-sounding, is a medical term for "of unknown cause." Since medicine is a science that relies on causes in order to prescribe solutions, an "idiopathic" diagnosis typically results in palliative or experimental care. Leading experts on scoliosis suggest that idiopathic adolescent scoliosis is actually a neurological maturation problem where one side of the body is out of sync with the other. Based on that theory, doctors of chiropractic focus their treatment on the nervous system when faced with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. Mechanical stimulation of the joints through spinal manipulation as performed by a chiropractic doctor provides neurological stimuli to affected joints. Proprioception refers to the central nervous system's ability to: 1) determine where your body parts are in space, and 2) coordinate those body parts in a smooth and integrated fashion. In conjunction with hands-on spinal care, postural exercises and training are critical to giving the nervous system a "nudge" to help both sides mature at a relatively symmetrical rate. Active exercises provide feedback to the central nervous system; and when done correctly, may help the body's proprioceptive systems wake up to a correct interpretation of what is straight, versus imbalanced. Electrical muscle stimulation may also have a role, though it is no substitute for a combination of active hands-on care focused on affected joints, plus active exercise/postural rehabilitation.

Though some patients will need bracing to limit curve progression, and though others may need surgical intervention, doctors of chiropractic focus on conservative approaches to human ailments. Have your spine checked by a chiropractor; and bring your entire family. Even small defects in spinal motion -- defects that are no where near the "scoliosis" definition -- can respond well to the hands-on expertise of a doctor of chiropractic. Though older understandings of chiropractic may refer to bones out of place, modern chiropractic focuses on spinal motion, nervous system function, and your body's ability to function at full capacity. Most chiropractors agree that the way in which they "move bones" isn't nearly as important as the implications of interfacing with the nervous system's power to influence health and healing. In this way, doctors of chiropractic may be able to help you reach your full potential whether you're a young person with a spinal curve, a senior athlete striving to attain new heights, a mom or mom-to-be, or just the average Joe or Jane who wants to live, well.

For more information about health and well-being, ask your chiropractor or contact us.

Veggie-Ranch Turkey Wraps

2010-08-23T11:18:00.000-04:00

69% less sat fat • 50% less cholesterol than the original recipe—see the comparison. Grill a basket of vegetables the easy way: Use a grill wok, basket or on a greased grilling tray. It makes turning—and not spilling—easy.

Prep Time:10 min

Start to Finish:30 min

makes:6 servings

1	large red or green sweet pepper, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
1	medium yellow summer squash, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1	small red onion, cut into 1-inch-wide wedges
2	teaspoons canola oil
3	tablespoons bottled reduced-calorie ranch salad dressing
3	10-inch spinach or whole grain tortillas
6	ounces thinly sliced cooked turkey breast
2	ounces reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño chile
	peppers, cut into thin slices
1/4	cup snipped fresh cilantro

Brush sweet pepper, squash, and onion with oil. Place vegetables in a greased grill wok, grill basket, or grill tray. For a charcoal grill, place wok, basket, or tray on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium-hot coals. Grill just until tender, turning occasionally; allow 6 to 8 minutes for sweet pepper and squash and 10 to 12 minutes for onion. Remove vegetables from grill; set aside and keep warm. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place wok, basket, or tray on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as above.)

To assemble wraps, spread ranch dressing on one side of each tortilla. Divide turkey among tortillas. Top with cheese. Spoon grilled vegetables over cheese just below center of each tortilla. Top vegetables with cilantro. Fold bottom third of each tortilla partially over the vegetables. Fold in sides and roll up tortillas. Cut wraps in half.

Nutritional Information

1/2 wrap: Calories 210 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 2 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 20mg; Sodium 650mg; Total Carbohydrate 24g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 3g); Protein 11g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 25%; Vitamin C 60%; Calcium 15%; Iron 10% Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 1/2 Vegetable; 1 Very Lean Meat; 1 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

REALITY FORMS AROUND YOUR COMMITMENTS

2010-08-20T13:50:00.000-04:00

Intense anticipation will transform your possibilities into reality. Strong desires will in time externalize themselves into concrete fact. Your desires are the precursors of the things which you are capable of having and doing.

Weak desires will bring you weak results, just as a small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat. The intensity of your desire governs the power with which your energies will be directed.

When you care enough for a given result, you'll almost certainly attain it. All of your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them.

Reality forms around your commitments. Desire is the starting point for success.

Foot & Ankle

2010-08-18T21:24:00.005-04:00

Foot and ankle problems are very common... and very painful. What can a chiropractor do to help? What can you do to help yourself? Here are some facts and tips.

There are 26 major bones in each foot. The bones are held together by ligaments, and moved and controlled by tendons that attach muscles to other bones of the foot, ankle, and leg. Sensation (feeling) and movement are controlled by nerves that originate in the lower back (L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots), travel down the sciatic trunk, and become the tibial and common peroneal nerves before branching into local motor and sensory nerves. A rich blood supply feeds all of these tissues.

When you stand, walk, run, or jump, the foot adapts to control the movement and absorb shock. Walking requires adaptation to body weight, and running or jumping requires adaptation to somewhere between 2.5 and 4.6 times body weight. Poor adaptation to those forces can lead to anything from an evening of achy feet, to more serious conditions like plantar fascitis (inflammation of the tissues under the foot), stress fractures in the foot and ankle... even knee and back pain. What happens in the foot translates upwards via the "kinetic chain" -- in other words, if your feet hit the ground lightly and with good control, then your knees, hips, and spine will have a gentler "ride." On the contrary, poor foot and ankle mechanics -- or overwhelmed or arthritic feet and ankles -- will fail to soften impact, allowing it to transfer jarringly upwards.

Doctors of chiropractic are trained in biomechanics, and in caring for your frame and nervous system. Of course, a chiropractor will not attempt to manage true surgical cases; but if your problem has a nerve and/or structural component, a chiropractic evaluation is prudent. Sports chiropractor Dr. Dale White relates the case of NCAA Division I 400 meter hurdler Clint Renfro. Clint had literally seen ten doctors, including two of the Dallas Cowboys' team physicians, without resolution of his persistent foot problems. Dr. White evaluated the patient from a chiropractic perspective and found two fixated bones in the patient's foot which, when adjusted, relieved the pain and allowed Clint to compete at a very high level (a TCU school record 50.82 seconds). Such cases are not uncommon; and many people find relief from plantar fascitis and other foot pain via chiropractic evaluation and management. Yes, doctors of chiropractic will also evaluate the spine and hips; and it's not uncommon that the nerves emanating from the spine will affect muscles and tissues down the line. Many chiropractors will also evaluate and adjust (manipulate) the feet when appropriate, and may suggest appropriate footwear or custom orthotics.

Speaking of custom orthotics, doctors of chiropractic are trained in many ways to care for you... and to help you care for yourself. Here are some self-care tips for your feet:

- Select your shoes wisely. Be sure there's plenty of room for your toes in the toe box. If you wear a heel, less is more. High heels shorten the achilles tendon, stress the bones and soft tissues of the forefoot, and increase pressure on low back joints and discs.

- Rotate your shoes. If you're a regular walker, runner, or athlete, it's healthy to give your shoes a day off to recover and regain full shock absorption capabilities. Yes, this means purchasing at least two pairs of shoes. If you're a runner or walk regularly, retire your shoes every six months or 300-500 miles; or sooner, if your feet, legs, and back start to complain. Ladies, if you insist on wearing high heels, don't wear them every day. Give your feet and achilles tendons time to recover.

- Switch up your surface. If you work on concrete floors, your body will soon complain. Ask the boss for shock-absorbing mats. If you run or walk on a hard surface, find an alternative surface such as dirt or grass or a rubberized track. A tile or concrete basketball court will wear you out, and quickly; and so will dancing on a wood floor installed directly over concrete. Find a modern surface, whether it is a dance floor installed over springs or rubber, or a basketball or other surface with at least a few millimeters of shock-absorbing layer.

- Try ice. Inflammation and pain tend to go hand-in-hand. Icing or cooling your aching feet for 5-10 minutes can literally cool down the inflammation. Don't overdo it -- when you're numb, you're done. If you have any doubt, err on the side of caution.

- Try heat, or contrast. Though heat is not a correct choice for acute or chronic inflammation, warming an area can be a good option for increasing local circulation to carry away waste products and bring in nutrition. If icing doesn't offer you relief, try a warm foot bath -- or try contrast therapy with 5 minutes of ice, 10 minutes of heat, and a final 5 minutes of ice. Remember that ice and heat won't fix any nerve or structural problems! They may provide some temporary relief, though.

- Take a load off. Yes, sitting breaks can take pressure off your feet. So too can losing some unwanted pounds. Your feet will thank you for each pound of fat you shed. So will your heart, and back... and your self-esteem might take a gentle, positive nudge as well. Your chiropractor can advise you on beginning an exercise program, safely.

- If your feet are going numb, or get "pins and needles," get a chiropractic evaluation. The problem could be as simple as your shoe lacing pattern, or that wallet in your back pocket; or more serious conditions like diabetes, or pinched or irritated nerves and spinal discs.

If you are interested in living to your full potential, ask your chiropractor for guidance; or visit us.