Stop Dreaming About Quality Sleep and Do Something!

An old Chinese proverb states, "Only when one cannot sleep does one know how long the night is." Anyone who's ever experienced an occasional bout with insomnia—and that's most of us—can relate to this all too well.

In fact, surveys have shown that between 40 and 60 percent of the general population has trouble sleeping. Daily stress and worries, pressures from job and family, body aches and pains caused by uncomfortable beds or pillows, and a host of other issues can keep a person from getting enough quality sleep.

Sleep is critical to good health and functioning, so lack of it is a serious matter. "Sleep is one of the most important functions of the brain," says Frederick R. Carrick, DC, PhD, president of the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Neurology. Through it, our bodies recharge and renew for the next day's challenges.

As wellness experts, doctors of chiropractic can provide patients with a different approach to their sleeping problems-without the use of sleeping pills, which leave many people in a mental haze the next morning. To start, here are a few helpful tips they would recommend for the sleepless in Seattle (or any city, for that matter):

• Exercise regularly. Exercising in the morning is best, but if you must exercise in the evening, do so at least two or three hours before bedtime. Any later, and your increased heart rate can interfere with your sleep.
• Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, colas and tea-try to avoid them altogether late in the day and near bedtime. In addition, for each cup of caffeinated beverages you drink each day, drink an equal amount of water.
• If you have trouble sleeping and then get thirsty, drink tap water at room temperature (cold water may disturb the digestive system).
• Eat an early dinner. Eating after 6 p.m. may interfere with sleep as your body works to digest the food you've eaten.
• Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. The routine will help your body know when it is time to rest.
• Keep your bedroom at a cool, comfortable temperature and try to make it as dark as possible when you're ready for bed.

Creating a comfortable place to sleep by choosing the correct mattress and pillow is also essential to getting the quality sleep that your body needs to function at its best.

A mattress, for instance, should support the body's weight evenly and allow the spine to stay in its natural alignment. Choosing the right one is a personal matter. "There are a wide variety of comfort preferences. It's very subjective," says Brian Darcy, operations manager for Springwall, the manufacturer of premium-quality Chiropractic® sleep sets that ACA has endorsed for the past 38 years. Give your mattress a good trial run before you buy it. Darcy recommends lying down on a mattress for a minimum of three to five minutes to get a good feel. Sitting on it simply won't do.

Useful mattress facts...

• A mattress should provide uniform support from head to toe. If there are gaps between your body and your mattress (such as at the waist), you're not getting the full support that you need.
• If you do have back pain and your mattress is too soft, you might want to firm up the support of your mattress by placing a board underneath it. But do this just until the pain goes away; such firmness is not good for "routine" sleeping.
• Every few months, turn your mattress clockwise, or upside down, so that body indentations are kept to a minimum. It's also good to rotate the mattress frame every so often to reduce wear and tear.
• If you're waking up uncomfortable, it may be time for a new mattress. There is no standard life span for a mattress; it all depends on the kind of usage it gets.
• Be aware that changes in your life can signal the need for a new mattress. For example, if you've lost or gained a lot of weight, if a medical condition has changed the way you sleep, or even if you have changed partners, it could mean that it's time to find a new mattress that will accommodate those changes and help you sleep more soundly.
• If you're not in the market for a new mattress, and your current mattress is too firm, you can soften it up by putting a 1- to 2-inch-thick padding on top of it - usually available at mattress and bedding stores.

Next, pillow talk...

After investing in a quality mattress, don't forget to choose an equally supportive pillow, advises Peter Mckay, DC, who is in private practice in San Diego and also works as a consultant for Innovative Choices, the maker of the Therapeutica Pillow-another ACA-endorsed product. "People will spend thousands of dollars on a mattress and then skimp on a pillow that doesn't support their head and neck properly," he observes. A good pillow will keep the cervical (neck) section of the spine aligned with the thoracic and lumbar (chest and lower back) sections. "[The sections] move together and should be supported together."

• When choosing a pillow, be selective. When lying on your side, your head and neck should remain level with your mid and lower spine. When lying on your back, your head and neck should remain level with your upper back and spine. In other words, your pillow should not be so thick that it causes your head and neck to be propped up or angled sharply away from your body.
• Be wary of pillows that are made out of mushy foam materials. The weight of your head can displace this kind of foam, leaving little support. Choose firmer foam and materials that press back and support the head.
• If you find yourself sleeping on your side with one hand propped under your pillow, that's a clue that you're not getting the support you need from that pillow.
• There is no such thing as a universal fit when it comes to pillows. Find one that is consistent with the shape and size of your body.

Chiropractic Care Can Help...

If you continue to experience pain and discomfort at night or have difficulty falling asleep, visit your doctor of chiropractic. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to treat spinal problems that can interfere with a restful night's sleep. They can also offer nutritional and ergonomic advice that can help improve the quality of your sleep.

Does Back Pain Go Away on it's Own?

by The American Chiropractic Association

Eighty percent of people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic, i.e., not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture, or cancer.

What Causes Back Pain?

The back is a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements-for example, picking up a pencil from the floor-can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss.

Back injuries are a part of everyday life, and the spine is quite good at dealing with these often "pulled" muscles. These very minor injuries usually heal within 1 or 2 days. Some pain, however, continues. What makes some pain last longer is not entirely understood, but researchers suspect that the reasons may include stress, mood changes, and the fear of further injury that may prevent patients from being active. In addition, sometimes a painful injury or disease changes the way the pain signals are sent through the body, and, even after the problem has gone away or is inactive, the pain signals still reach the brain. It is as if the pain develops a memory that keeps being replayed.

Will Back Pain Go Away on Its Own?

Until recently, researchers believed that back pain will "heal" on its own. We have learned, however, that this is not true. A recent study showed that when back pain is not treated, it may go away temporarily but will most likely return. The study demonstrated that in more than 33% of the people who experience low-back pain, the pain lasts for more than 30 days. Only 9% of the people who had low-back pain for more than 30 days were pain free 5 years later.¹

Another study looked at all of the available research on the natural history of low-back pain. The results showed that when it is ignored, back pain does not go away on its own.² Those studies demonstrate that low-back pain continues to affect people for long periods after it first begins.

What Can I Do to Prevent Long-Term Back Pain?

If your back pain is not resolving quickly, visit your doctor of chiropractic. Your pain will often result from mechanical problems that your doctor of chiropractic can address. Many chiropractic patients with relatively long-lasting or recurring back pain feel improvement shortly after starting chiropractic treatment.³ The relief they feel after a month of treatment is often greater than after seeing a family physician.⁴

Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a safe and effective spine pain treatment. It reduces pain, decreases medication, rapidly advances physical therapy, and requires very few passive forms of treatment, such as bed rest.⁵

How Can I Prevent Back Pain?

• Don't lift by bending over. Instead, bend your hips and knees and then squat to pick up the object. Keep your back straight, and hold the object close to your body.
• Don't twist your body while lifting.
• Push, rather than pull, when you must move heavy objects.
• If you must sit for long periods, take frequent breaks and stretch.
• Wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels.
• Exercise regularly. An inactive lifestyle contributes to lower-back pain.

What Should I Tell My Doctor of Chiropractic?

Before any treatment session, tell your doctor of chiropractic if you experience any of the following:

• Pain goes down your leg below your knee.
• Your leg, foot, groin, or rectal area feels numb.
• You have fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, weakness, or sweating.
• You lose bowel control.
• Your pain is caused by an injury.
• Your pain is so intense you can't move around.
• Your pain doesn't seem to be getting better quickly.

References
1. Hestbaek L, Leboeuf-Yde C, Engberg M, Lauritzen T, Bruun NH, Manniche C. The course of low-back pain in a general population. Results from a 5-year prospective study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2003 May;26(4):213-9.
2. Hestbaek L, Leboeuf-Yde C, Manniche C. Low-back pain: what is the long-term course? A review of studies of general patient populations. Eur Spine J 2003 Apr;12(2):149-65.
3. Stig LC, Nilsson O, Leboeuf-Yde C. Recovery pattern of patients treated with chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for long-lasting or recurrent low back pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001 May;24(4):288-91.
4. Nyiendo J, Haas M, Goodwin P. Patient characteristics, practice activities, and one-month outcomes for chronic, recurrent low-back pain treated by chiropractors and family medicine physicians: a practice-based feasibility study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000 May;23(4):239-45.
5. Time to recognize value of chiropractic care? Science and patient satisfaction surveys cite usefulness of spinal manipulation. Orthopedics Today February 2003;23(2):14-15.
Lawrence H. Wyatt, DC, DACBR, Professor, Division of Clinical Science, Texas Chiropractic College,
Writer Nataliya Schetchikova, PhD, Editor

Research Demonstrates Effectiveness and Popularity of Chiropractic Care

The American Chiropractic Association

A critical mass of recent surveys and studies document the fact that the public, and conventional health care providers and payers, have come to recognize that traditional medicine can't answer all of consumers' health care needs. In particular, more people are turning to chiropractic services. A study published in the July 1, 1998 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that chiropractic treatment is appropriate for low-back pain in a considerable number of cases. This study by the Rand Corporation found that 46 percent of a sample of low-back pain patients received appropriate care from doctors of chiropractic - an appropriateness rating similar to that of common medical procedures.

Poll results released in January 1998 by Landmark Healthcare, Inc., showed that one in every five adults ages 55 to 64 has used chiropractic care.

A December 1997 report from the Federal Agency for Health Policy and Research (AHCPR) notes that the chiropractic profession is now the third largest group of doctoral-level providers in the United States (after medical doctors and dentists).

That same AHCPR report shows that fully 80 percent of American workers in conventional insurance plans, preferred providers organizations (PPOs), and point-of-service plans now have coverage that pays at least part of the cost of chiropractic care.

As the recent AHCPR report states, "In the areas of training, practice and research, chiropractic has emerged from the periphery of the health care system and is playing an increasingly important role in discussions of health care policy." And, notes a March 1998 article in Business and Health magazine, "Many companies say chiropractic coverage has lowered their medical and workers' comp costs, while raising overall health and productivity. 'It's one of the best benefits possible from a quality, quantity and pricing perspective,' says George McGregor, president of [a firm that is a third-party administrator]." The article also cites an Oregon study, which found that median work time lost for employees with back injuries who used chiropractic care was only 9 days as compared with 34.5 days for workers who used medical care.

Quick relief of symptoms and sustained effectiveness have long attracted consumers to chiropractic care. In fact, in just one year -- 1997 -- more than 20 million adults used chiropractic services. The 1994 AHCPR guidelines for low-back pain concluded that spinal manipulation, chiropractic's primary treatment technique, is one of only three treatments whose effectiveness is substantiated by rigorous research. According to a 1992 RAND Corp. study, patients see a chiropractor primarily for low back pain and neck pain, though many seek chiropractic care for mid-back pain, extremity problems, headaches and other symptoms as well.

Because back pain is so pervasive in our society, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal pointing out that back pain doesn't go away that easily confirmed what chiropractors have always known. Only 25 percent of low back pain sufferers had fully recovered 12 months after their first visit to a general practitioner, the study said. This low number is in conflict with the commonly-held notion that low back pain episodes go away by themselves after a month. "This hardly comes as a surprise to low back pain sufferers who have been told by their medical doctors not to worry - the pain will go away on its own," said Dr. Michael Pedigo, president of the American Chiropractic Association. "In many cases, further treatment is necessary."

Doctors of chiropractic have long understood the cyclic nature of low back pain, and perhaps this is one of the reasons they consistently rate higher than MDs in patient satisfaction in this area. In a recent Gallup poll, 90 percent of all people who visited a chiropractor agreed that their care was effective.

Successful outcomes in both effectiveness and patient satisfaction, have paved the way for chiropractors to enter the mainstream of health care services. Some have even begun to collaborate with medical doctors in integrated health care practices. As reported in the May/June 1998 issue of Health magazine, the prestigious Texas Back Institute (TBI) at one time included only surgeons and other M.D.s. Then, about ten years ago, when TBI's medical doctors discovered chiropractic's success with lower back pain, they hired their first chiropractor. Now, according to one administrator quoted in the article, about 50 percent of the Institute's patients see a chiropractor first when beginning their treatment. Also, the Washington Post recently reported on the success of the 5-year-old company, American WholeHealth, whose clinics incorporate a consumer-driven mix of traditional medical and alternative health care including chiropractic.

Due to years of criticism -- and even an illegal boycott by the American Medical Association -- chiropractic training was sometimes called into question. However, the fact remains, chiropractors must complete a minimum of 6 and, on average, 7 years of college and post-graduate study to earn their degrees. Their education includes at least 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience, and as much -- and sometimes more than -- course work in anatomy and physiology as most medical doctors. After they receive their degrees from one of the nation's 17 accredited chiropractic colleges, they have to pass rigorous exams and be licensed by the state before they can open a practice. The practice of chiropractic is licensed in all 50 states, and in 1994 there were approximately 50,000 chiropractors licensed in the United States. This number is expected to double by the year 2010, according to the 1997 AHCPR report.

"These recent surveys and reports finally vindicate the chiropractic profession after years of enduring doubt, questions and criticism about our training and practices," said Dr. Pedigo. "What the health care and medical communities are just beginning to accept is what our patients have known all along -- that our treatment is safe, effective and highly successful at improving their quality of life."

Fight Fatigue with Nutrition & Activity

Fight Fatigue with Nutrition, Activity

by American Chiropractic Association

Napoleon Bonaparte once said that courage is only the second virtue in a soldier; the most important one is endurance of fatigue. Nowadays, fighting fatigue has become equally important for a growing army of people too busy or stressed to get adequate rest. In fact, according to a 2007 survey by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), more than half of American women report getting inadequate sleep. And when too sleepy to function, 66 percent choose to "accept it and keep going."¹
Other cultures approach the problem a little differently. Many countries actively practice siesta—a 15- to 30- minute afternoon nap. Several recent studies support the beneficial effect of 10- to 30-minute naps on alertness, performance and learning ability.^2-4

Caffeine Quick Fix In the United States, however, it is caffeine—not naps—that helps 78 percent of people cope with their responsibilities.⁵ The benefits of caffeine are real: It improves mood and cognitive performance,^6-9 and coffee consumption can potentially decrease insulin secretion¹⁰ and liver cancer risk.¹¹ On the negative side, regularly consumed caffeine can increase anxiety, ¹² risk of headaches¹³ and the inflammation process.¹⁴ Cola beverages, but not coffee, also have been associated with an increased risk of hypertension. ¹⁵

Caffeine is considered toxic—causing arrhythmia, tachycardia, vomiting, convulsions, coma or even death—only in amounts exceeding 5g. While the risk of toxicity is rare, the pervasiveness of caffeine warrants some caution. Many soft drinks, for example, contain only between 20 mg and 40 mg of caffeine per an 8-oz can;¹⁶ however, today's specialty coffees can be very potent—ranging from 58 mg to 259 mg, and even up to 564 mg, per dose.¹⁷

Food for Energy

Instead of using caffeine to push ourselves to perform despite fatigue, preventing energy drops is a wiser approach, health experts advise. Aside from sleep, our performance—and even our mood—depends on balanced blood sugar levels.^18-20

While cautioning against seeking quick blood-sugar boosts, experts recommend juices, such as pomegranate, instead of caffeine or sugar, for those in urgent need of re-energizing.

The key to properly preventing blood-glucose slumps— which can lead to fatigue, headaches, craving sweets, depression, irritability and a host of other symptoms—is the old-fashioned basics of proper nutrition. In one study, a breakfast rich in fiber and carbohydrates caused higher alertness, while high-fat meals led to lower alertness and higher caloric intake throughout the day.²¹ Another study showed that protein-rich or balanced meals, which cause less variation in blood glucose levels, improved cognitive performance.²²

Inadequate glucose is not the only thing contributing to fatigue. It can result from anemia—iron, B12, B6, or folic acid deficiency as well. Omega-3 fatty acids, leafy green vegetables, and vitamins C, E and B12 have been shown to improve memory and cognitive functioning.

Moving the Body

Even with adequate sleep and nutrition, our lack of motion can regularly put us to sleep. To prevent mental fatigue, try starting the day with exercise, taking frequent 5- to 15-second microbreaks (shoulder rolls or stretching) throughout the day, getting up and walking every two hours, and, of course, taking advantage of the lunch break to "do the opposite" of what your job entails. For people with mentally challenging occupations, experts suggest a walk or other physical exercise; for those doing physically taxing work, some brain-stimulating activities, like puzzles.

Imbalanced body postures, such as slouching, also require the body to consume more energy. In addition to adopting an "energy-efficient" standing position, with feet shoulder-width apart, and sitting straight, which helps improve circulation, take frequent 60-second "Stand up, Perk up" breaks that combine relaxation, breathing and stretching.

To those in urgent need of quick re-energizing, consider aerobic exercise instead of coffee. It's quick and easy—and it stimulates brain chemicals that give us a lift.

Whether re-energizing through sleep, nutrition, exercise or—better yet—a combination of all three, it's clear that fatigue should not be taken lightly. It's connected with depression, and antidepressants are now the fastest-growing prescribed class of medications. Instead of taking stimulants, opt for proper exercise, adequate sleep and a balanced diet.

Sources:
1. Summary of Findings of the 2007 Sleep in America Poll. www.sleepfoundation.org
2. Sleep 2006 Jun 1;29(6):831-40.
3. Sleep 2001 May 1;24(3):293-300.
4. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2006 Nov;12(6):379-82.
5. Summary of Findings of the 2005 Sleep in AmericaPoll. www.sleepfoundation.org
6. J Psychopharmacol 2005 Nov;19(6):620-6.
7. Hum Psychopharmacol 2005 Jan;20(1):47-53.
8. Hum Psychopharmacol 2006 Apr;21(3):167-80.
9. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005 Jun;179(4):813-25.
10. Diabetes Care 2005 Jun;28(6):1390-6.
11. J Natl Cancer Inst 2005;97:293-300.
12. Psychopharmacology(Berl) 2002 Nov;164(2):188-92.
13. Cephalalgia 2006 Sep;26(9):1080-8.
14. Am J Clin Nutr 2004 Oct;80(4):862-7.
15. JAMA 2005 Nov 9;294(18):2330-5.
16. www.cspinet.org/new/200702201.html. /> 17. J Anal Toxicol 2003 Oct;27(7):520-2.
18. Br J Nutr 2001 Mar;85(3):393-405.
19. Nutr Neurosci 2006 Jun-Aug;9(3-4):161-8.
20. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2002 May;26(3):293-308.
21. Int J Food Sci Nutr 1999 Jan;50(1):13-28.
22. Physiol Behav 2002 Mar;75(3):411-23.

Untitled

by American Chiropractic Association

Napoleon Bonaparte once said that courage is only the second virtue in a soldier; the most important one is endurance of fatigue. Nowadays, fighting fatigue has become equally important for a growing army of people too busy or stressed to get adequate rest. In fact, according to a 2007 survey by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), more than half of American women report getting inadequate sleep. And when too sleepy to function, 66 percent choose to "accept it and keep going."¹
Other cultures approach the problem a little differently. Many countries actively practice siesta—a 15- to 30- minute afternoon nap. Several recent studies support the beneficial effect of 10- to 30-minute naps on alertness, performance and learning ability.^2-4

Caffeine Quick Fix In the United States, however, it is caffeine—not naps—that helps 78 percent of people cope with their responsibilities.⁵ The benefits of caffeine are real: It improves mood and cognitive performance,^6-9 and coffee consumption can potentially decrease insulin secretion¹⁰ and liver cancer risk.¹¹ On the negative side, regularly consumed caffeine can increase anxiety, ¹² risk of headaches¹³ and the inflammation process.¹⁴ Cola beverages, but not coffee, also have been associated with an increased risk of hypertension. ¹⁵

Caffeine is considered toxic—causing arrhythmia, tachycardia, vomiting, convulsions, coma or even death—only in amounts exceeding 5g. While the risk of toxicity is rare, the pervasiveness of caffeine warrants some caution. Many soft drinks, for example, contain only between 20 mg and 40 mg of caffeine per an 8-oz can;¹⁶ however, today's specialty coffees can be very potent—ranging from 58 mg to 259 mg, and even up to 564 mg, per dose.¹⁷

Food for Energy

Instead of using caffeine to push ourselves to perform despite fatigue, preventing energy drops is a wiser approach, health experts advise. Aside from sleep, our performance—and even our mood—depends on balanced blood sugar levels.^18-20

While cautioning against seeking quick blood-sugar boosts, experts recommend juices, such as pomegranate, instead of caffeine or sugar, for those in urgent need of re-energizing.

The key to properly preventing blood-glucose slumps— which can lead to fatigue, headaches, craving sweets, depression, irritability and a host of other symptoms—is the old-fashioned basics of proper nutrition. In one study, a breakfast rich in fiber and carbohydrates caused higher alertness, while high-fat meals led to lower alertness and higher caloric intake throughout the day.²¹ Another study showed that protein-rich or balanced meals, which cause less variation in blood glucose levels, improved cognitive performance.²²

Inadequate glucose is not the only thing contributing to fatigue. It can result from anemia—iron, B12, B6, or folic acid deficiency as well. Omega-3 fatty acids, leafy green vegetables, and vitamins C, E and B12 have been shown to improve memory and cognitive functioning.

Moving the Body

Even with adequate sleep and nutrition, our lack of motion can regularly put us to sleep. To prevent mental fatigue, try starting the day with exercise, taking frequent 5- to 15-second microbreaks (shoulder rolls or stretching) throughout the day, getting up and walking every two hours, and, of course, taking advantage of the lunch break to "do the opposite" of what your job entails. For people with mentally challenging occupations, experts suggest a walk or other physical exercise; for those doing physically taxing work, some brain-stimulating activities, like puzzles.

Imbalanced body postures, such as slouching, also require the body to consume more energy. In addition to adopting an "energy-efficient" standing position, with feet shoulder-width apart, and sitting straight, which helps improve circulation, take frequent 60-second "Stand up, Perk up" breaks that combine relaxation, breathing and stretching.

To those in urgent need of quick re-energizing, consider aerobic exercise instead of coffee. It's quick and easy—and it stimulates brain chemicals that give us a lift.

Whether re-energizing through sleep, nutrition, exercise or—better yet—a combination of all three, it's clear that fatigue should not be taken lightly. It's connected with depression, and antidepressants are now the fastest-growing prescribed class of medications. Instead of taking stimulants, opt for proper exercise, adequate sleep and a balanced diet.

Sources:
1. Summary of Findings of the 2007 Sleep in America Poll. www.sleepfoundation.org
2. Sleep 2006 Jun 1;29(6):831-40.
3. Sleep 2001 May 1;24(3):293-300.
4. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2006 Nov;12(6):379-82.
5. Summary of Findings of the 2005 Sleep in AmericaPoll. www.sleepfoundation.org
6. J Psychopharmacol 2005 Nov;19(6):620-6.
7. Hum Psychopharmacol 2005 Jan;20(1):47-53.
8. Hum Psychopharmacol 2006 Apr;21(3):167-80.
9. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005 Jun;179(4):813-25.
10. Diabetes Care 2005 Jun;28(6):1390-6.
11. J Natl Cancer Inst 2005;97:293-300.
12. Psychopharmacology(Berl) 2002 Nov;164(2):188-92.
13. Cephalalgia 2006 Sep;26(9):1080-8.
14. Am J Clin Nutr 2004 Oct;80(4):862-7.
15. JAMA 2005 Nov 9;294(18):2330-5.
16. www.cspinet.org/new/200702201.html. /> 17. J Anal Toxicol 2003 Oct;27(7):520-2.
18. Br J Nutr 2001 Mar;85(3):393-405.
19. Nutr Neurosci 2006 Jun-Aug;9(3-4):161-8.
20. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2002 May;26(3):293-308.
21. Int J Food Sci Nutr 1999 Jan;50(1):13-28.
22. Physiol Behav 2002 Mar;75(3):411-23.

3 Popular Chiropractic Care Technologies

The idea that a vancouver wa chiropractor would make an “adjustment” along your back and spine might have you believing this is purely a hands-on type of practice. However, there are actually several different technologically advanced devices that help a chiropractor make a complete assessment of their patients’ conditions.

A thermal scanner is used to measure various degrees of skin temperature. With these measurements, a chiropractic doctor can assess a patient’s autonomic nervous system function to determine where the hot zones of pain or tenderness are indicated. The information collected by a thermal scanner is compared against the data compiled by the Journal of Neurosurgery and helps provided a targeted approach for adjustments.

The Algometer is another device that puts into practice the very best of health informatics. This is the melding of computer science and health care. The Algometer tests for the sensitivity of paraspinal tissues. The readouts then allow the doctor to determine the exact level of pressure that should be applied to tender areas. This is referred to as the Pressure Pain Threshold, or PPT. Letting the Algometer map a patient’s back allows for a more informed approach for physical therapy.

Finally, a Pulse Wave Profiler, or PWP, is another device that can help measure the autonomic nervous system through the recording of a patient’s heart rate variability measurements. A vancouver wa chiropractor can use an accurate HRV reading to assess the baseline of a patient’s resting state versus their pain levels. These readings can then provide the patient with a sense of how effective their treatment has been when they can compare the before and after numbers.

Getting Chiropractic Adjustments during Pregnancy

Many pregnant women experience back pain. Some experience it just towards the end of the pregnancy as their belly gets large with the growing baby while others experience it during the entire pregnancy. Many don't realize, however, that this pain can be minimized by getting adjusted by a chiropractor.

Chiropractic care is perfectly safe for both the pregnant woman and her fetus. In fact, the risks in being adjusted are the same for pregnant women as they are for anyone else seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractors versed in the art of adjusting a pregnant woman have tables that can be moved around so that even when the woman is on her chest, there is no pressure put on the belly. It's actually nice for most pregnant women because this is one of the few times during her pregnancy that she can lay like this.

Adjustments not only help with back pain; they can also help make sure the body is in alignment, which will make delivery easier as well. For women who have babies that are breech, being adjusted can also help turn the child so he or she is in the right position for delivery. The techniques used are 97 percent affective for turning the baby, which is a real benefit to the pregnant mother and make delivery easier, decreasing the chances of needed a cesarean section.

Any relief is welcome during a pregnancy; pregnant women need all the help they can get to find relief and increase the chances of a successful delivery.

For more information contact your local Vancouver Chiropractic Care Center

 

Source: americanchiro.org