Lifestyle Chiropractic

Lifestyle Chiropractic | St Paul Chiropractor

2010-09-28T20:12:00.001-07:00

Beware of Bad "Backpack Posture!"

2010-08-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

Backpacks are a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for millions of school children across the nation. As students gear up for back to school this fall, Dr. Joel would like to offer parents ways to help children avoid backpack injuries.

Back pain in children, teens and young adults is not uncommon. If a child complains of neck, back or shoulder pain without a history of trauma, parents should consider that it might be because their backpack.

A recent study in Italy revealed that 60 percent of students who carried a backpack to school experienced back pain.

The Minnesota Chiropractic Association (MCA) along with the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends that a backpack should not weigh more than 10 percent of a child's body weight. For example, 10 pounds maximum for a 100-pound child. This figure might vary, however, based on the child's body strength and fitness level.

Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps? Non-padded straps are not only uncomfortable, but can also place unnecessary pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles.

Does your child use both straps? Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, low-back pain, and poor posture.

Are the shoulder straps adjustable? The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child's back.

Size is important. The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child's torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.

Does the backpack have a padded back? A padded back not only provides increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by sharp edges on school supplies (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack.

Does the pack have several compartments? A backpack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back, and try to place the heaviest items closet to the body.

Some common safety tips to avoid backpack injuries include:

1. Wear both shoulder straps evenly to properly distribute backpack weight.

2. Get the correct size backpack for your child.

3. The backpack should not extend below the lower back. Bigger is not better.

4. Lighten the load and put the heaviest items in the backpack first keeping them the closest to the body.

5. Lift the backpack with your legs and place it on one shoulder strap at a time.

6. Do not leave backpacks on the floor to avoid someone tripping on them.

7. Choose a quality backpack that has wide well-cushioned shoulder straps with a lumbar support/padding.

Over 40 million students carry a backpack to school each day. While carrying a backpack to school every morning may seem harmless, it can cause painful back and neck problems for students who don’t pack or carry their backpacks properly. It can also lead to long-term medical problems.

Call us at 651-406-4454 for a free evaluation of your child's backpack posture!

Be a Better Athlete with Chiropractic!

2010-06-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Why have Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Emmit Smith all turned to chiropractic care? Because it has been shown to increase athletic performance as much as 16.7%. Chiropractic has also been shown to reduce your chance for injury. Athletes today are in the most competitive environment we have ever seen. Even school age children are finding competitive sports to be taxing on their bodies like never before, with expanded practice and game schedules. Chiropractic care plays a vital role in musculoskeletal performance, prevention of injury, and recovery from injury. That's why so many pro athletes are turning to chiropractic care.

·    Seven time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong has been a long time advocate of chiropractic care. He has brought his personal chiropractor to every single Tour De France. After one of his victories, he said he could not have won without his chiropractor.
·    Four time Super Bowl champion and all time leading rusher, Emmit Smith, also attributes much of his success to chiropractic care. Being a running back during a 16 game season takes its wear and tear on the body. Emmit Smith attributes much of his long healthy career to chiropractic care.
·    A few years ago Scottie Pippen was playing in the NBA finals with the Chicago Bulls. Since the Bulls do not have a chiropractor on staff, he paid for his own. Care was administered to him at least once during the actual finals game.
·    Golfers and pro tennis athletes have long known the benefits of chiropractic. A recent study reported that up to 85 percent of injuries on the PGA Tour and Senior Tour relate to the spine. Between 70 to 75 percent of these golfers receive chiropractic care regularly.
·    The figures are similar for football, baseball, and other sports. And growing!

There's good reason these athletes are turning to chiropractic care. A study published in the journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation, revealed that chiropractic care can increase athletic performance by as much as 16.7% over two weeks. Another study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research in 1997 revealed that chiropractic care increases your capillary count, meaning increased blood flow. The benefits of increased blood flow are substantial for any athlete. What do they know that you don’t? Chiropractic care offers exciting opportunities to be a better athlete and enjoy the sport you love!

Mendota Heights Chiropractor

West St. Paul Chiropractor

Give TMJ an Adjustment

2010-05-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

You use the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hundreds of times every day, making it one of the most utilized structures in the human body. In fact, most people use the TMJ approximately every three minutes - every time they talk or swallow. But what is it?

The TMJ is the joint where the lower jaw joins the skull, immediately in front of the ear on each side of the head. In addition to its involvement in talking and swallowing, the TMJ also moves whenever you bite down hard on something. With this type of constant participation in common functions, it's no wonder TMJ pain can be so frustrating.

But there are potential solutions to the anguish of TMJ pain, and evidence suggests chiropractic may provide the best option. A recent study revealed that chiropractic treatment using a specific adjusting instrument eased patients' discomfort after only three visits a week for two weeks. Before treatment, patients reported TMJ-related symptoms lasting an average of eight years, but following chiropractic care, they experienced reduced pain and improvements in other symptoms, with no noted side-effects.

If you're suffering from TMJ pain, isn't it good to know there's something you can do about it? Make an appointment with a doctor of chiropractic today.

http://www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Cesarean section: Not necessarily necessary.

2010-04-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sure there are high-risk pregnancies, need for emergency c-sections, premature births and other complicating factors that are very real considerations, but these are exceptions, not the rule. Unfortunately, the rate of c-sections is increasing(1)to almost 1 in every 3 births!

How can this be? If such a natural process, why so many medical procedures? Many blame the increase on a decrease in VBAC births (vaginal birth after cesarean). This makes sense since most physicians recommend c-sections for consecutive deliveries if the first was a c-section. But there are likely other factors as well. Epidurals, pain meds, stress response and yes, mere convenience may factor into this increase as well.

For example, some studies have supported an increase in cesarean deliveries when epidural analgesia has been used (2).

Generally speaking, I think the "medicalization" of childbirth has taken place largely due to two main factors...our litigious society, and seeking comfort. Physicians are scared of being sued, and women want to eliminate pain. I hate to break it to you...childbirth is painful! Trust me...I've never been happier to be a man than when watching my wife labor!

All that aside - when we take natural processes and turn them into risky medical procedures, why do we wonder why healthcare costs are so high?

Just some thoughts...

Dr. Joel

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

SOURCE:
1. CDC.gov
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr57/nvsr57_12.pdf

2.Effect of epidural analgesia for labor on the cesarean delivery rate
Morton, Sally C. et al. Obstetrics & Gynecology. June 1994:Volume 83 - Issue 6.

Childbirth - Not A Medical Procedure

2010-03-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the privilege of assisting in the delivery of my son, Will Silas. He was nearly two weeks overdue and weighed in at a hefty 9lbs 9 oz on arrival...BIG boy!

Perhaps even more amazing, in this day and age, was the fact that my wife, Ann delivered naturally. No epidural, no drugs, no medical interventions. She is amazing!

You see, she knows that having a baby is as natural a process as can be (in fact, she delivered our daughter naturally 2 years ago too). It's a beautiful, natural thing women have been doing for thousands of years and in most cases should not be viewed as a medical procedure.

Is this for everyone? Maybe not...but I would argue that it could be. My wife was exercising up through the day she delivered, she had superb nutrition including high-quality prenatal vitamins, and she was adjusted regularly. And...she's mentally as tough as nails! All these variables are important when considering a natural birth.

We delivered through a clinic with the help of midwives. This was our second childbirth this way and we had a great experience. I know many people who have different delivery experiences they would not trade as well. The bottom-line question for us was, how do we eliminate as many potential risks and have as natural a birth process as possible. What is the healthiest and safest option, not just the most convenient?

Anyway, Will Silas was born happy and healthy. And, I get to be a proud Daddy again.

Dr. Joel

PS...more pics on the website.

Chiropractic Cuts Health Care Costs

2010-03-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday I met with three legislators from my home district as part of a lobbying effort by the Minnesota Chiropractic Association (MCA). We discussed the policies affecting our state and country and also the chiropractic profession.

As with all politicians, there are many agendas influencing their decisions. These politicians are struggling to balance a $1 billion deficit in our state budget. Many cuts need to be made. No one wants their piece of the pie to be cut (imagine that)!

On the national level healthcare reform is in the works. Everyone is talking about it. But what is true reform? Right now, the national bill aims to cover more people that currently are not insured. The talking points include reducing costs and healthcare expenditures.

So legislators are scrambling to tackle the issue of reform all the while trying to balance their respective budgets. It comes down to this...how do we improve the level of our health care and cut costs?

Here's part of the answer...chiropractic! Increased access to chiropractic means decreased health care costs. It's called leading a chiropractic lifestyle...living life naturally with limited medical interventions.

Chiropractic is a great treatment option for pain and other chronic conditions. Study after study show this. But it is also a powerful tool in prevention!

Your spine is your lifeline, what are you doing to maintain yours?

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

http://www.scribd.com/doc/28470184

51 Benefits of Exercise

2010-03-04T19:43:00.000-08:00

By no means an exhaustive list...
Improved digestion.
Enhances quality of sleep.
Adds radiance to complexion.
Improves body shape.
Tones and firms muscles.
Provides more muscular definition.
Spurs weight loss.
Makes you limber.
Improves endurance.
Burns extra calories.
Improves circulation and helps reduce blood pressure.
Increases lean muscle tissue in the body.
Improves appetite for healthy foods.
Alleviates menstrual cramps.
Alters and improves muscle chemistry.
Increases metabolic rate.
Enhances coordination and balance.
Improves posture.
Eases back problems and pain.
Makes the body use calories more efficiently.
Lowers resting heart rate.
Increases maximum cardiac output.
Increases contractility of the heart's ventricles.
Increases the weight and size of the heart.
Improves contractile function of the whole heart.
Increases muscle size.
Improves body composition.
Increases body density.
Decreases fat tissue more easily.
Makes body more agile.
Reduces joint discomfort.
Improves athletic performance.
Enriches sexuality.
May add years to life.
Definitely adds life to years.
Increases your range of motion.
Enhances immune system.
Improves glycogen storage.
Enables the body to utilize energy more efficiently.
Increases enzymes in the body which burn fat.
Increases the number and size of mitochondria in muscle cells.
Increases concentration of myoglobin (carries oxygen in muscles) in skeletal muscles.
Enhances oxygen transport throughout the body.
Improves liver functioning.
Improves memory
Increases speed of muscle contraction and reaction time.
Enhances feedback through the nervous system.
Strengthens the heart.
Improves blood flow.
Helps to alleviate varicose veins.
Makes calcium transport in the heart and body more efficient.

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

MOOOOVE!

2010-03-04T15:01:00.001-08:00

How many diseases could be prevented by simply moving more? How many people are wasting away due to lack of movement? How much sickness and suffering could be prevented by simply adding motion to our daily activity?

Too many and too much, unfortunately. We are a culture of convenience and seek comfort above all else. Our lives have gotten too convenient.

Technology has made our lives easier but often at the expense of our health. Life has gotten too easy. Our society has switched from physical activity to virtual activity. We get our entertainment from television, the internet and the x-box.

Yesterday, I saw a man sidle up to a door and rather than exert the effort to pull the door handle, he instead slapped the handicapped button to automatically open the door. And no, he was not handicapped.

Elevators are the preferred method of traveling "up". How many people ride an elevator one floor rather than take the stairs? It's not about saving time...You know which one would be faster!

Why do we drive circles in the parking lot to find that closest spot when we could have been inside already had we just parked in an available, but further spot? (This only makes sense when it's 20 below zero.)

You see, "comfort" is becoming engrained in our culture and I contend that it is killing us, slowly.

Motion is life. The only things not moving are dead. Science has shown that our muscles and joints deteriorate, break down, and scar when immobilized. Ever had an arm or leg casted? You use it or lose it.

We all know we need to exercise and yet can't seem to find the time to do it. But we are willing to spend precious minutes waiting. For what? For the automatic door to open, or our elevator to arrive, or for someone to leave that choice spot in the parking lot. We are lulled into being sedentary by our own inactivity.

Instead, let's challenge ourselves to do one thing. Simply. Move.

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

The Low-down on Low-Calorie

2010-03-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

If you've shopped in the grocery store lately you've no doubt noticed the trend towards "low-calorie" or "No-sugar" foods. Sugar adds a lot of calories to common foods and so the food industry has turned to artificial sweeteners that have fewer, if any calories.

This way you can have all of the flavor, with none of the fat. Or so they say - You see, artificial sweeteners are marketed as a healthy alternative to sugar in foods. However, evidence actually suggests a risk of obesity from these low-calorie foods due to the effect on your brain chemistry!

Yes, it's true that excess sugar is detrimental to our health - especially in those who are insulin resistant or diabetic. But there is also a lot of evidence to suggest that artificial sweeteners are damaging to your health as well.

The most common artificial sweetener, Aspartame, has been marketed under several names: Nutrisweet, Equal, Spoonful. A few decades ago after much lobbying (notice I did not say "much health research"), the FDA allowed aspartame as an additive in some foods. Now amidst mounting evidence of harm, it is being re-branded as AminoSweet. Suspiciously, this makes it appear natural rather than articial...afterall amino acids are the building blocks of protein, something we all need. Don't fall for it!

Aspartame, no matter what alias it is given, has been implicated as causing toxicity leading to a number of neurological, behavioral, and gastrointestinal symptoms in the body. In many cases it resembles other common diagnoses. Headaches, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, ADD, and hypothyroidism to name a few.

A number of people have been labeled with an illness and are receiving medication to treat the symptoms. But what or who is addressing the cause? Why is the "pill for every ill" approach the first route people take rather than looking for a cause of their issue? Eating foods that are natural and avoiding toxicity is fundamental to good health.

How many people are being medicated unnecesarilly when all they need to do is cut out the sweeteners from their diet? This is a major pitfall of modern medicine!

For more information on living naturally, go here...

For more reading on the dangers of artificial sweeteners, go here for an article by Dr. Mercola.

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Gold Medal Health Care

2010-02-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

What do the world's top athletes know? They know the benefits of chiropractic care and utilize it regularly to perform at their best.

This year in Vancouver more athletes than ever before are being adjusted to perform at their best in the winter games. It's not a matter of merely feeling good, it's about optimizing performance.

Getting adjusted not only assists recovery from training and injury, it tunes up the body allowing it to perform up to its potential.

Chiropractic is about removing interference in the body's communication pathway - the spine. Taking pressure off the nerves allows 100% function to flow from the brain to every part of the body resulting in top performance.

What's the best part about this? This care is not limited only to the world's elite athletes. It is available to everyone - see your chiropractor today for a boost in your performance.

For more on Chiropractic in the Olympics, go here...
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/412128

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

I Slipped a Disc!

2010-02-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

A "slipped disc" is referred to by a variety of terms: ruptured disc, torn disc (or disc tear), slipped disc, collapsed disc, disc protrusion, disc disease, and black disc. This can be frustrating as patients hear their healthcare providers refer to their condition using different terms. Hopefully this will help clear some of that confusion!

A common area is the lower back which can give rise to a condition called "sciatica." This is pain that shoots down the back of the leg when the disc bulges and presses on a nerve. However, disc herniations can happen in any area of the spine.

Disc bulges typically cause pain along the path of the nerve that it is affecting. The pain is often shooting, stabbing, or burning in nature but can also feel like an aching or throbbing pain

Often times the disc bulge is due to accumulated damage to the disc rather than one solitary event. Years of added stress to a structure combined with poor hydration or improper nutrition is often a recipe for injury.

Think of the disc as a spacer between the spinal bones. It's an important structure because it provides a space between the bones for the nerve to exit the spinal canal and carry function to the rest of the body. The disc is somewhat like a "jelly-doughnut." Soft on the inside, firm on the outside. What happens in a disc bulge is that when too much stress is placed on the disc it can force the "jelly" center out through the edge of the disc and push on the nerve giving rise to pain.

Other variables involved include how hydrated the discs are, the nutritional status of the individual, whether the bones above or below are properly aligned.

How Do I Know If My Disc Is Slipped?
The best way to tell is to have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). However, several tests can be performed that are quite good at predicting whether or not their is a disc bulge without the high fee of an MRI. Your chiropractor is trained to test both orthopedicaly and neurologically to determine what may be causing your symptoms. If need be they can also refer you for an MRI. If you're having shooting, burning or stabbing pain down an extremity and the pain is worse when you "bear down" such as when coughing or sneezing, you likely could have a disc herniation. If there has been any change to your bowel or bladder function - seek help immediately as this can be a sign of a medical emergency!

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Valentine Special: Healthy Brownies!

2010-02-12T18:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, Healthy-er Brownies...here's a recipe that you can try to have a healthier treat this Valentines. No it's not perfect, but it's better than the refined carbs that you'll typically find in brownies! Oh, and believe it or not...they taste good!

Black Bean Brownies

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups cooked or canned black beans, drained well
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ cup instant coffee or (granulated) natural coffee substitute
¼ teaspoon sea salt
4 large eggs
1½ cups honey or light agave nectar
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 11- by 18-inch (rimmed) baking pan (with parchment paper and lightly oil with canola oil spray)

Melt the chocolate and butter in a glass bowl in the microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on high. Stir with a spoon to melt the chocolate completely. Place the beans, 1/2 cup of the walnuts, the vanilla extract, and a couple of spoonfuls of the melted chocolate mixture into the bowl of a food processor. Blend about 2 minutes, or until smooth. The batter should be thick and the beans smooth. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup walnuts, remaining melted chocolate mixture, instant coffee, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

In a separate bowl, with an electric mixer beat the eggs until light and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the honey/agave nectar and beat well. Set aside.

Add the bean/chocolate mixture to the coffee/chocolate mixture. Stir until blended well.

Add the egg mixture, reserving about 1/2 cup. Mix well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Using an electric mixer, beat the remaining 1/2 cup egg mixture until light and fluffy. Drizzle over the brownie batter. Use a wooden toothpick to pull the egg mixture through the batter, creating a marbled effect. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the brownies are set. Let cool in the pan completely before cutting into squares. (They will be soft until refrigerated.)

Makes 45 (2-inch) brownies.

By the way...did you know that Agave nectar has the lowest glycemic index of any natural sweetener? That means it has less of an effect on your blood-sugar!!

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Healing the Body

2010-02-03T06:01:00.000-08:00

You are in control of and have responsibility for your own health. The things you do, the things you eat, the drugs you take, the amount of exercise you get and the way you manage (or don't manage) your stress all affect your health. You may not have control over everything, but it is your choice whether you enhance your body's ability to be healthy or hinder it. The human body is a magnificent self-healing and regulating organism! This concept is unquestionably true but has been pushed aside by the thousands of messages you receive each day via the television, newspaper and magazines professing that your body needs drugs to help it heal. DON'T LISTEN TO THIS PROPAGANDA.

There may be times when medications are helpful to alleviate symptoms while your body heals but medicating should not be the first step. Please understand that your body heals from the inside out, not the outside in. This means that your body has an Innate (inborn) Intelligence that tells it how many breaths you need to take each minute, how many times your heart should pump, how your body should process nutrients, how to fight off bacteria and viruses and how to heal damaged cells, just to name a few.

This innate intelligence or 'wisdom of the body' is what directs the healing. Think of it as the 'breath of life' breathed into us at birth. The healthy choices you make, including getting regular chiropractic care, eating right & exercising all contribute to providing the proper resources for your body to heal itself. On the other hand, being under high levels of stress, ingesting toxins (drugs/toxic chemicals/environmental pollutants), having poor sleep, nutrition and exercise habits inhibit your body's ability to heal.

Your health is a gift that is to be cherished and maintained. It is not something to be taken for granted. There are no 'magic pills' and 'quick fixes'. Don't focus on 'Outside In' healing. It is short term and the side effects are terrible. Concentrate on 'Inside Out' healing. Enhance your body's natural healing abilities. Support your body's healing efforts and the results will be long-lasting. Health is defined as 'Optimal physical, mental and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.' Good health is a lifestyle. It requires effort but the rewards derived are priceless and include: living longer, living more comfortably with the ability to do all the things you love and want to do; having enhanced energy; having enhanced mental focus and having a greater self-image. Chiropractic personifies the healthy lifestyle.

How Can You Support Your Health?
1. Regular Chiropractic Care - The Master Control System of your body is your Nervous System. Chiropractic care eliminates interference in the nervous system. Similar to regular dental check-ups to avoid tooth decay, regular nervous system check-ups will help you avoid spinal decay and nervous system damage, as well as providing for enhanced function of your nervous system. Enhanced nervous system function provides enhanced immune system function, improved digestion and flexibility (greatly improves your golf game), and will enhance the quality of your life. Get your nervous system check today.
2. Eat Right & Drink Water - make sure to eat fresh vegetables and fruit every day and reduce the simple carbohydrates, white sugars and junk food. Drink water! Drink approximately 50% of your body weight in ounces per day.
3. Exercise - get off your couch, away from your TV and computer and get moving. Movement is what keeps your body working. Remember if you don't use it, you loose it.
4. Manage your Stress - stress is as damaging to your body as an automobile accident. Chiropractic care, good food, water, exercise and meditation are just a few of the ways in which you can manage your stress. Make this a priority.

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

What is a "Pinched" Nerve?

2010-01-12T07:14:00.000-08:00

Chiropractors and neurologists use the term, “pinched” nerve when they are talking to you about your back and neck. That term is really a misnomer. To understand why it’s a misnomer, you need to know about something called “motion segments”.

Let me explain ‘motion segments’ and what that term really means. A “motion segment” is made up of two adjacent vertebrae (bones), the disc that acts as a “shock absorber” between the two bones, and the muscles and ligaments that keep the two bones together.

Here’s something you might not be aware of though. Your billions of nerves carry communication signals between your brain and body and these billions of nerves exit your spinal cord from between EACH motion segment. Why’s that important? If either bone in a ‘motion segment’ is out of place, or turned even slightly from its proper position, a pressure will be exerted on your nerve trunk. This is commonly referred to as a “pinched” nerve, but is really a misaligned bone(s)! This misalignment causes a ‘short’ in your nervous (wiring) system and this can cause havoc on your nervous system.

So what causes a bone in your spinal column to become out of place? Displacement can occur as the result of anything: a fall, an accident, an injury, a repetitive movement (heavy lifting on the job), something as simple as staying in the same position for a long time (working at a computer all day) or sudden twists/jerks or even stress.

Each of your nerve roots is made up of millions of little fibers (like telephone cable) that exit each side of your spinal column, above and below each of your vertebra. When a vertebra (bone) loses its normal position, even slightly, you get pressure on your nerve roots (millions of little fibers) which affects your nerve impulses (your wiring) that go out to different parts and organs of your body.
The symptoms of vertebral (nerve) pressure on a nerve root may include ‘pain, a burning sensation, tingling or numbness’ down one side of your body, perhaps in your arm or leg. You might also experience ‘headaches, stomach or intestinal problems, sciatica, a stiff neck, insomnia, asthma, allergies, or any number of illnesses’ as a result of nerve interference caused by the displaced vertebra (bone).

A common misconception is that a "pinched nerve" will cause pain, however only 6-10% of the nerves in the human body carry pain messages so there can be nerve pinching with no pain symptoms whatsoever.

Chiropractors are trained to identify these areas of “displacement,” which we call subluxations. They locate any misplaced bones and begin the process of moving it back into place using very specific adjustments, over a certain period of time. This takes the pressure off the affected nerves, so that they can re-establish proper communication throughout your body, allowing health and healing to take place.

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Simple vs. Easy

2010-01-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

Often we get these two terms confused for being the same. They are far, far from it! Let me explain what I mean using golf.

Whether you play golf or not, you have to admit, it’s a simple game. Take note, I did NOT say easy game. What’s the difference?

Think about the game of golf for a second. You are trying to hit a small white ball into a hole with a fancy metal club. Who ever gets it in with the fewest amount of hits wins. Doesn’t get much simpler than that! It is not hard to understand how golf works because it is simple.
With that being said, it is FAR from easy. Many people spend their entire lives trying to perfect their game and spend thousands of dollars on coaches, equipment, and anything else that will give them a leg up.

Golf is a fun (and for me, terribly frustrating) game but I use it only as an illustration. You see, many things in life are simple and we assume that since they are simple then they must be easy as well and that is simply not the case. Marriage is simple, not easy. Success is simple, not easy. Parenting is simple, not easy. Rocket science is not simple and not easy. (just had to see if you were still paying attention.)

Health is much the same. By keeping your spine aligned properly and making sure your nervous system is free from interference your entire body can function the way it is supposed to. It’s simple. It is not always easy though. Sometimes it’s hard to remember when you are feeling so well. Sometimes it takes commitment. But man, is it worth it! Most people find success when they commit to doing common things with an uncommon consistency. Good luck!

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Chiropractic Boosts Immunity

2010-01-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

"The effect of specific upper cervical adjustments on the iummune system CD4 cell counts of HIV positive individuals was measured by CD4/mm3 in the blood. These tests were performed by the patients independent medical center where they were under medical supervision for the regular group were dramatically increased over the counts of the control group. A 48% increase in CD4 cells was demonstrated over the six month duration of the study for the adjusted group."

http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Effects_of_Specific_Upper_Cervical_Adjustments.shtml

Chiro Res J 1994; 3 (1): 32–39
Selano, J.; Hightower, B.; Pfleger, B.; Collins, K.; Grostic, J.

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Tylenol Recall...Think Twice Before Popping These Pills!

2009-12-30T20:33:00.000-08:00

The latest headline from WebMD, "Tylenol Recall Expands." Yes, Tylenol the seemingly innocuous pain reliever is being pulled from the shelves. I say 'seemingly' because it is anything BUT harmless.

Read the article here... http://www.webmd.com/news/20091229/tylenol-recall-expands

Tylenol is the #1 cause of acute liver failure in the United States and has extremely toxic effects when combined with alcohol. There is evidence to suggest that giving tylenol to a child after recent vaccination can increase the risk of developing autism. Tylenol can also affect production of glutathione, an essential antioxidant and detoxifier.

No, it is not completely safe. As with any drug, there are side effects. It is a chemical and as such will always have a toxic effect in the body. Why is it taken? Most often, it is taken to reduce a fever...and that should give you an indication intuitively that something is awry.

Why do we develop fevers? A fever is a natural response by our body to an infection. Raising our body's temperature makes it unsuitable for the invading microbe to survive. More importantly, an increase in body temperature causes a proportional increase in circulation of our blood. When fighting an infection this is vitally important to ensure enough white blood cells and other immune cells are available.

With the rare exception of an unusually high fever, the LAST thing that should be done is take a toxic drug to lower the fever when sick or fighting an infection!

Our bodies were designed with an innate healing capacity...let's stop trying to artificially heal our bodies with chemicals and rely on our inborn ability to heal!

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Stay Healthy For The Holidays!

2009-12-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, here are some of the most up to date tips to stay healthy for the holidays. To be healthy you have to make healthy choices and do things that everyone else is not. Healthy is a choice, and a little planning, but it is well worth it. Your health is your biggest asset. Here’s to an amazing holiday season…

DON’T GET SICK- IMMUNITY•
One of the reasons sickness, as well as all other diseases, rise during the holiday season is due to poor lifestyle choices. These poor choices are in the areas of, not getting adjusted, poor nutrition, allowing stress to run rampant, failing to exercise, etc.
• Eliminating sickness and disease by increasing and maximizing your health and functioning of every cell, organ, and tissue of the body. Studies have shown that those under Chiropractic care had an Immune System 200% stronger than those who did not receive care, and 400% stronger immune systems than Cancer patients!

EXERCISE/CARDIO• 20-60 minutes per day
• Burst/Surge Training Classes, Burns more calories
• Releases endorphins so you will not eat as much
• Increases metabolism/less fat storage
• Detoxifies through sweating
• Increases body temp to destroy virus and bacteria

Food and Damage Control
Remember Acid/Alkaline Balance• More acidic you are (“Food By Man”, Processed foods, sugars) The more likely bacteria, virus, fungus, cancer, inflammation, and disease will spread and develop.

WATER
Keep your water intake high. Try to consume 8-8oz. glasses per day, or 1/2 gallon. Not only will you be more hydrated, but it will also give you the feeling of fullness. Sometimes when you are thirsty, your body may perceive it as hunger. So keeping your water intake up will curb your appetite, and case you not to eat as much

HOLIDAY PLANNING• Holiday Plan Of Attack Eat your normal meals the day of the holiday
• Fiber drink, to give you feeling of fullness so you do not eat as much, plus preps the body to digest and push out the bad/processed foods
• Eat protein first, then veggies, then carbs/desserts
• ENJOY YOURSELF

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

What Exactly is Carpal Tunnel?

2009-12-04T22:34:00.000-08:00

First of all, “Carpal” simply means WRIST. The Carpal Tunnel is a small tunnel or canal inside your wrist. The top part is formed by the carpal (wrist) bones. The bottom part is made up of ligament—a tough band of connective tissue called the Flexor Retinaculum.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Comes From Compression of the Median Nerve Within the Carpal Tunnel. TRUE!

What’s absolutely critical to understand… is that the Median Nerve originates in their NECK and travels between your collarbone and shoulder blade, over the 1st rib and underneath one of the major muscles of the shoulder and is a major “crush site” for the median nerve as well as several other nerves that have to travel through this area to get to the arm, forearm, and hand – then down the center of your forearm and through the carpal tunnel to the hand muscles.

Why is this SO important to YOU?

Because There Are 8 Possible Areas Where Your Nerve Can Be Compressed!
Consider some of the symptoms of MEDIAN NERVE Compression (not necessarily Carpal Tunnel Syndrome): Pain in the Wrist… Numbness in the fingers… Tingling or other abnormal hand sensations…Weakness of hands… Neck Pain… Swelling
These are ALL symptoms commonly misdiagnosed as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome…when in fact…they are caused by Median Nerve compression in ANY or ALL of the 8 areas!!

“How Does The Median Nerve Become Compressed?”
The Median Nerve does not fall from the sky into your hand!! It does not travel up your leg to your hand. . . It comes straight out between the bones of your neck! So, if your doctor does NOT properly examine your neck, as well as all possible “crush sites” he/she is missing the boat!

This means that a problem anywhere from the NECK to the actual carpal tunnel can cause nerve compression. Misaligned bones in the neck, bulging discs, tight neck muscles, an extra rib at the neck (some people are born with them), shoulder or elbow injuries, inflamed tendons, and misaligned wrist bones can ALL compress the Median Nerve, resulting in the EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS! And since most doctors are trained to treat symptoms…doesn’t it seem obvious why they might MISS the neck and the other zones when treating “carpal tunnel syndrome?”

Treatment for “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome” and other sources of Median Nerve Compression:
The most common treatments we do in our office are chiropractic analysis and proper adjustment of the misaligned vertebra in your neck. However, as always, the proper treatment is determined through proper diagnosis, which only comes through a detailed health history and examination. X-rays may also be necessary.
Here’s the cool thing; almost all of our carpal tunnel patients respond very quickly to chiropractic care which means that you can get back to living your life without the limitations imposed by carpal tunnel syndrome.

www.LifestyleChiroCenter.com 651-406-4454

How Much Vitamin D Should You Take?

2009-11-30T20:33:00.000-08:00

The hot topic in nutrition these days is Vitamin D because of all the known benefits. Healthy levels of vitamin D have been shown to protect against infection, boost immunity, and prevent cancer. While we do get some vitamin D in our diets, the majority needs to be derived from supplementation or sunlight. Supplementation then, is most important in the northern latiitudes in the winter months.

The best review I have seen of achieving adequate Vitamin D status is from Dr. Mercola from Mercola.com.

Read on...

There are also several good reference reviews available below. Read reviews of the latest literature on Vitamin D and its health benefits:

Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention

Ecological Studies Of Ultraviolet B, Vitamin D And Cancer Since 2000

Vitamin D and Breast Cancer

Vitamin D: What is an adequate vitamin D level and how much supplementation is necessary?

Vitamin D and respiratory health

What Exactly is Chiropractic?

2009-11-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Before understanding the concept of chiropractic, you must first have a basic understanding of the spinal anatomy or the structure of your spine. Your delicate spinal cord is housed and protected by your bony spine, made up of 24 freely moveable vertebrae or bones.

Each of your vertebra has the general shape of a person’s ring. The rings are stacked one on top of another forming a vertical tunnel where your spinal cord is housed.

Your brain controls your whole body via the spinal cord. It’s like your wiring in your house. It’s all controlled by your fuse box. Pull the lever down and everything shuts down. Your spine and brain are exactly the same. Shut down the brain (no brain function) and your body literally dies.

Every function in your entire body is controlled by your brain and spinal cord including muscle function, breathing, heart function, digestion, sense of touch, immune function, etc., and these are just a few things controlled by your brain and spinal cord. That's why it's important to keep your spine healthy. Keep your spine healthy, you keep your brain healthy. When your brain and spine are healthy, you are healthy.

Your delicate spinal cord is suspended from your brain and it extends down through the tunnel formed by your vertebrae. Smaller nerves lead from the spinal cord through openings between the vertebrae. Your nerves emerge in pairs, one to the right and one to the left. There are thirty-one MAJOR pairs of spinal nerves. Each set of nerves controls a specific area of your body.

When your spinal column is in proper alignment, no bones out of place even slightly, your nerves pass unimpeded through the holes in the bones. These bones can become misaligned easily; and when they do, it causes what is called subluxations.

A subluxation is a big word that can be caused by several things in life: accidents, poor posture, repetitive movements, sports injuries, or poor work ergonomics. When a bone is slightly misaligned it puts pressure on your delicate spinal cord and the nerves coming out of it.

When there is pressure on these nerves it can cause pain to that area, and possibly muscle spasm and inflammation. Pressure on these nerves can also cut off the pressure to vital organs inside your body decreasing vital functions. So what do you do?

Sometimes misaligned bones correct themselves, but most subluxations need outside assistance for healthy correction, in the form of a specific chiropractic adjustment. A special chiropractic adjustment like the one we give you will help restore your normal function, even if you have NO SYMPTOMS. A specific Chiropractic adjustment restores normal nerve supply to all areas of your body so you can start feeling vibrant all over again.
Remember, when your nerve supply is restored to 100%,… healing time, pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms decrease. Three other important things you’ll notice a difference in rather quickly… function, strength and stability are also restored to the spine.

Aspirin: A Help Or Hazard?

2009-11-20T07:24:00.000-08:00

With 16,500 deaths from Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, advil, ibuprofen, etc...) and 100,000 deaths from adverse drug reactions annually in our nation we need to question the use of medications for common chronic conditions.

Even over-the-counter drugs carry significant risks. Consider HEALTHY lifestyle changes and NATURAL health care options and avoid potentially deadly medications!

"It has been estimated conservatively that 16,500 NSAID-related deaths occur among patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis every year in the United States. This figure is similar to the number of deaths from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and considerably greater than the number of deaths from multiple myeloma, asthma, cervical cancer, or Hodgkin’s disease. If deaths from gastrointestinal toxic effects from NSAIDs were tabulated separately in the National Vital Statistics reports, these effects would constitute the 15th most common cause of death in the United States. Yet these toxic effects remain mainly a “silent epidemic,” with many physicians and most patients unaware of the magnitude of the problem. Furthermore the mortality statistics do not include deaths ascribed to the use of over-the-counter NSAIDS." (Wolfe M. MD, Lichtenstein D. MD, and Singh Gurkirpal, MD, “Gastrointestinal Toxicity of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs”, The New England Journal of Medicine, June 17, 1999, Vol. 340, No. 24, pp. 1888-1889.)

Read more on this topic...
http://www.naturalnews.com/027548_swine_flu_vaccines_death_risk.html

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Colic Anyone?

2009-11-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

If you have a colicky baby, and other forms of treatment don't seem to be helping very much, and you’re at your wits end, you may want to investigate bringing your baby in for a checkup.

As your child is being born, the neck and back vertebrae can go out of alignment due to the stretching and compressing of the body as it emerges into the world.

If your delivery included a prolonged pushing stage, forceps or vacuum extraction, or other form of ‘assisted delivery’, the chances of a misalignment are even greater.

If the misalignments in the spine and neck, called vertebral subluxations, are big enough, the functioning of major systems in the babies’ body can be compromised.

The digestive system can be affected and ineffective digestion of breast milk can cause major discomfort in your baby, leading to ‘colic’ episodes.

Many parents are wary of taking their small, helpless babies to see a chiropractor.

The main reason being the "Snap, Crackle and Pop" stereotype that chiropractic invokes.

In actuality, the adjustments that a chiropractor will do on your baby are basically applying gently pressure with the finger to areas on the neck and back, like a small nudge on the forearm.

Here’s what you’ll probably see. You may see your baby totally relax before your eyes as the misalignments are corrected. Think of yourself. If you had a bad headache, your neck was tighter than a drum and you could hardly turn your head, wouldn’t you be a little cranky?

Your child is no different. The only real difference is he can’t tell you by speech. He has to do it by his actions.

As with selecting any health care provider, you need to ask questions first.

Chiropractic care can be very valuable in helping to calm the ‘colic’ tendencies. If you want your baby to be the best he or she can be, don’t you think it’s time you helped them, help them selves by getting them checked?

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Fight The Flu With 4 Easy Steps

2009-11-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

All we have been hearing for months now is the impending pandemic of H1N1. With "flu season" upon us I want to address some of the issues surrounding swine flu and begin to flesh out the fact, from the fiction. We are bombarded constantly by the antibacterial and antiviral messages on product marketing and drug ads on TV. The media and CDC say the best thing to prevent the feared flu bug is get the vaccine. Then there is nothing to worry about. But is this the whole truth? What if our bodies were designed to fight the flu naturally?

Consider this...
All schools of health thought are agreed upon this principle as sound.
Germs exist. We do not deny their presence.
We deny them as a cause of dis-ease.
If the germ theory as the causation of disease were true, there’d be no one living today to believe it; for germs have been existing for millions of years as has the man they are supposed to kill.
Germs exist. They are scavengers, refuse eaters, live upon dead waste matter.
It is a natural law that without them we would all have been dead long ago. - Dr. BJ Palmer "The Bigness of the Fellow Within"

Yes, I know that the flu virus has been analyzed, studied and researched to the nth degree. We know what it looks like, we know its mutations, we understand it has many forms and we give it various names to represent this. But should IT be our main focus as the CAUSE of sickness?

When it comes to sickness and disease, our focus is misplaced. Our nation prescribes a pill for every ill and continually looks for an "outside" method of treating our symptoms. The US makes up about 5-7% of the worlds population yet we consume 65-75% of all the world's drugs...and are getting sicker! If more medication were the answer to better health, shouldn't our rates of chronic sickness be decreasing?

Health is expressed from within a person and the BEST way to fight disease is to prevent a suitable environment for any bacterium, virus, germ, bug, or whatever you want to call it. Why is it when someone carrying the flu sneezes on two different people, one gets sick and the other one does not? What is it about one individual that prevents sickness from occurring? Is it primarily the microscopic bug that causes one to be sick, or is his/her rundown body and immune system the primary factor? That is the question we need to ask. You see, when we look at a landfill teeming with rats and flies, we don't assume that the rats and flies CAUSED the garbage to pile up and start to rot, do we? First the garbage rotted leading to a habitat for the rodents and bugs.

Our quick-fix culture would have us believe that we can live our lives the way we want to rather than follow the natural laws governing health. If sick, pop a pill or if we want to prevent sickness, get a shot. I contend that neither of these options are in the "operator's manual" for our body.

So, following are my 4 Easy Steps to Fight the Flu.
1. Get proper nutrition. Eat a balanced diet, but even a perfect diet in today's world benefits from high-quality supplementation. A bioavailable multivitamin, Omega-3 fish oil, Vitamin D, C, Zinc, probiotics are potent immune boosters. One should avoid taking iron supplements during infection, since it worsens the infection. Avoid foods that suppress immunity, such as high sugar intake and consuming foods or cooking in oils that suppress immunity and increase inflammation—such as the omega-6 oils—corn, safflower, sunflower, canola, peanut and soybean oils.

2. Get Good Rest. Nothing groundbreaking here, right? But also, avoid exhaustion and extreme exercise, both of which lower immunity and greatly increase one’s risk of serious reactions to the infection and even death. Get at least 8 hours of good sleep each night.

3. Get Adjusted. It's simple really...a properly functioning nervous system is essential for optimal immune function. Regular chiropractic care is essential for a properly functioning nervous system. Adjustments remove nerve pressure. Take the pressure and irritation away from any affected nerves and you unleash the innate power of your immune system.

4. Keep Clean. This flu is transmitted mostly by physical contact rather than by being exposed to coughing by infected individuals. You can clean commonly used surfaces, such as computer keyboards, telephone speakers, countertops and door handles with sanitizer cloths. Good hygiene is primarily responsible for the decline in infection disease over the last century and should not be ignored.

Simple lifestyle changes and steps can boost your healing ability FAR better than any pharmaceutical can. The best "doctor" in the world is your own body. Put more emphasis on the natural ability of your body and worry less about the flu bug.

"While other professions are concerned with changing environment to suit the weakened body, Chiropractic is concerned with strengthening the body to “suit” environment.
This is an explanation of the fundamental difference in theory, art, and practice between Chiropractic and other professions." - Dr. BJ Palmer "The Bigness of the Fellow Within"

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Alternative Flu Remedy

2009-10-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

Alternative Flu Prevention and Remedies

Many of you have voiced your concern about the Swine Flu vaccines. This is a controversial subject and a significant number of people are opting out of the vaccine. There are several natural alternatives to help treat and prevent the flu for those who decide not to get the vaccine. In the coming months, I will present natural, alternative flu remedies and preventions.

Although it would appear to contradict what we are taught about the flu and colds, many people have tried hydrogen peroxide in the ears with great success. Hydrogen peroxide works quite well and is supposed to be effective about 4 times out of 5, especially if done when the symptoms first appear.

In 1928, Dr. Richard Simmons hypothesized that colds and flu virus enter our bodies through the ear canal. It was Dr. Simmons' hypothesis that, contrary to what we have been taught, we usually can catch colds and flu via the ear canal and not through the eyes or nose or mouth as most of us believe. Dr. Simmons' findings were dismissed by the medical community.
According to Dr. Simmons, keeping your fingers out of our ears will greatly reduce our chances of catching colds and the flu. We need to keep in mind that viruses are microscopic and can be air-born and may land on/in our ears. Once these microscopic bodies have entered the inner-ear, they then begin to breed, and from there, they have access to every avenue throughout our bodies to travel, and infect and make us sick.

Remarkable results can be achieved in curing colds and the flu within 12-14 hours when we administer a few drops of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) into each ear. The H2O2 starts working within 2-3 minutes in killing the cold or flu. There will be some bubbling and in some cases mild stinging might occur but it is not painful in any way. It tickles more than anything. Wait until the bubbling subsides - usually a few minutes - then drain onto a tissue and repeat with the other ear.

Although this practice is perfectly safe for infants and children to use, the loud bubbling and stinging may frighten them, and they will need someone they trust to put the hydrogen peroxide in their ears. DO NOT get hydrogen peroxide in the eyes - if you do, flush with water.

One final note. Don’t forget about regular chiropractic adjustments to help keep you at your best. An aligned body helps you maintain a strong immune system, which is the best way to defend against illness.

This office does not endorse any specific remedy mentioned in our newsletter. The FDA has not evaluated this remedy for effectiveness. It is recommended that you consult your primary health care provider before starting any remedy.

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Headaches & Migraines

2009-08-31T19:30:00.000-07:00

Migraine headaches afflict many people. They can affect people from the very young to the very old.

They can affect YOU, a co-worker or even a spouse or a close friend.

Migraine symptoms include ‘severe pain’ on one side of your head that can last for days and can include nausea and sensitivity to light.

While many medical treatments address the symptoms, we address the cause of your headache pain.

We view migraines as something that is caused by pressure on sensitive nerve endings in your head, resulting from a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Since your brain controls the entire body’s function by communication through your nervous system, any interference to this communication affects your body. If any spinal bones, which protect the nerves, get misaligned, there is a NEGATIVE effect on your body’s systems.

Muscles attached to your spinal bones overreact and become ‘spastic and irritated’ because your nerves are pulled or compressed, then stretched and then they can become traumatized.

Headache pain can easily result from these imbalances.

By making sure your vertebrae are moving correctly, and not locked into place by your muscles, the muscles that support your head are then relieved of stress and spasms.

Your pain will then become diminished as the structure of your spinal bones of the neck is improved.

Don’t wait. Your health is a serious matter. If you take medication to cover it up, you’ll always have headaches.

Don’t put your body through this trauma. Call the office today. The longer you wait, the harder it is to give you relief.
651-406-4454
http://www.lifestylechirocenter.com

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

2009-08-26T20:48:00.001-07:00

Chiropractic Care During 1918 Influenza Epidemic Reveals Startling Statistics
The 1918 Influenza Epidemic swept the world. As we face another possible flu epidemic, a look at chiropractic 1918 influenza epidemic records reveal startling statistics for pandemic preparedness.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1733660/chiropractic_care_during_1918_influenza.html

Chiropractic in Pregnancy for Safer Births

2009-08-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

www.lifestylechirocenter.com

Why All The Fuss?

2009-08-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Don’t overlook your pain, no matter how small. Back and neck pain are subjective – which means you have to tell me what your pain feels like. PAIN is important because it tells you…something is wrong. Covering it up does not help the problem. When you come to the office we will do definitive tests that can measure and diagnose your pain. Therefore, it falls on you to communicate your pain symptoms to us.

By accurately noting your pain symptoms, and giving us a clear picture of them, you are taking an important step toward getting a diagnosis. Here are some things to note:
Pain Intensity

How bad does it hurt? Pain intensity is a measure of how strong your pain is and these are important to us as only you can tell how much pain you are in.

As a pain sufferer, this is probably the most important part of the ordeal for you. Intensity levels fluctuate, so it is impossible to get a useful, accurate measurement of them from our testing. Instead, we use visual assessment tools and sometimes questionnaires to help you communicate your level of pain so we can do everything to help you as fast as we can.
Type of Pain
The types of painful feelings you have in your back or neck are an indication of what is going on in your spine. This is a very important part of your care. For example, if you experience burning, stabbing or electrical sensations down one leg or arm, it probably indicates a very ‘irritated’ nerve. I know you probably know what a tooth ache feels like, or even someone pinching you, but ALL pain is related to your nervous system.

If your muscles feel stiff or tight you may have pain due to an injury, or posture problems, or both. Don’t wait. Get checked if you have any pain because pain is the last sign there is a problem, not the first.

Chiropractic And Pregnancy

2009-08-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

Chiropractic during pregnancy is an important part of pregnancy care.

Unfortunately, not enough women know of the benefits of chiropractic care both for themselves and their unborn baby. A woman's body undergoes an amazing amount of changes during pregnancy.

As her baby grows her musculoskeletal system must adjust accordingly to accommodate and prepare for delivery. Chiropractic care helps her body to stay aligned as these changes occur and also helps to keep the nervous system functioning at its optimal level.  

Many pregnant women experience low back pain and hip pain. These discomforts are the result of the stresses put on the body by the “rapid growth” of the baby and the changes the body must undergo to accommodate those adjustments. As her belly gets bigger, the woman's center of gravity changes.

The growth is so quick that it is often difficult for her low back and pelvis to adjust to this change. This causes stress in those areas, resulting in misalignments, (or subluxations) which then causes pain and dysfunction.

If a woman's low back and pelvis was out of alignment BEFORE her pregnancy it is even harder for her back and pelvis to adjust. When the pelvis is subluxated (misaligned) it affects her uterus and the position of the growing baby.  

The uterus is connected to the pelvis by ligaments. Like a hot air balloon tethered to the ground, these ligaments work to keep the uterus in the proper place in the pelvis and allow support as the uterus grows to accommodate the growing baby. If her pelvis is subluxated, these ligaments can become torqued or twisted.

When the ligaments are affected, they directly affect the position of the uterus which can result in the baby not being in an optimal position. This type of situation may result in a breech baby or a transverse (sideways) baby.  

Our goal as a chiropractor is to correct the subluxations in the pelvis to help balance the uterus and allow the baby to get into a better position.

Chiropractic adjustments for a pregnant woman are specific, gentle, and safe.  

Besides increasing a pregnant woman's comfort level, an aligned pelvis can result in a quicker, safer, and easier birth. When a baby is in breech or transverse position a cesarean section is almost always performed.

Because they are so common many people forget that a c-section is a major abdominal surgery and can be risky.

Helping the baby to get into a proper head-down position by balancing the pelvis and ligaments helps to avoid c-sections due to baby positioning.

Other variations in baby position such as a tilted head or a "sunny side up" baby (face up during delivery) can also be caused by pelvic imbalance and may result in a more difficult, painful, and longer labor and delivery. And don’t forget. Once the baby is born, he or she needs to be adjusted.

What are the Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

2009-08-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Question: Is drinking apple cider vinegar going to improve your health? Fix your gout? Balance your blood sugar?

Many people are devoted to their daily shot of apple cider vinegar. According to hearsay… apple cider vinegar is a cure all for a multitude of complaints such as arthritis, poor digestion and dandruff. But what is fact and what is fiction?
The most famous proponent of the benefit of drinking apple cider vinegar goes way back! Hippocrates claimed it would cure many common ailments including ear infections and skin rash. No modern research has yet verified these two assertions.

However, recent studies do confirm that there are some significant health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

It improves insulin sensitivity and management of type two diabetes – How? By taking apple cider vinegar BEFORE MEALS which lowers your ‘glycemic index’ when eating carbohydrates. It’s like magic.

Better digestion - The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps prevent necessary gastric acid, (mainly Hydrochloric acid), from leaving the stomach too soon. Food may be more easily digested with fewer unpleasant gassy problems.

Appetite control and weight loss – This alone is worth the price of a bottle. Several trials show that drinking apple cider vinegar BEFORE a meal has the benefit of curbing appetite. Participants noted an increased feeling of fullness and less desire for 'a little more'. Taking apple cider vinegar may support weight loss, in combination with exercise and sensible eating.
Here are some of the more likely stories about apple cider vinegar's healing powers; all based on historical folk remedies and anecdotal evidence.

Treatment of over-acidic conditions of the body, such as arthritis or gout - Although apple cider vinegar is acidic, it leaves an overall alkaline residue after digestion which is healthier for you.
Assisting in the treatment of yeast infections and candida - Although some standard vinegars may exacerbate ‘yeast infections’, women have found douching in dilution of apple cider vinegar to be helpful when treating thrush. Taking apple cider vinegar internally may reduce candida symptoms. It’s cheap and it’s worth a try.

Reducing swelling - apparently apple cider vinegar can REDUCE bruising quickly. Apply vinegar to a cloth and hold to injury for at least an hour. Alleviating dandruff - apple cider vinegar may be a helpful natural remedy for dandruff, because the acids in the vinegar kill the fungus causing chemical imbalances in the skin of the scalp.

How do you get the benefits of apple cider vinegar?
1) Use only raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar (available in several varieties from all good health food stores). Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is safe because the acid levels will kill unfavorable bacteria. The living vinegar provides copious quantities of enzymes, malic and tartaric acids, and valuable minerals, including potassium. The 'dead' supermarket varieties of vinegar will NOT contain enzymes and a mere fraction of the minerals of living vinegar.
2) Shake the bottle prior to use to disperse the threads of the apple cider vinegar producing 'bug'. These threads are the living part of the cider and may look unappealing until shaken up.
3) Take 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar (plus 1 teaspoon of honey if you prefer) in ½ a glass of pH water prior to meals.
4) If you not planning to eat, brush your teeth AFTER taking the vinegar. Too much apple cider vinegar has been found to damage tooth enamel due to its acidity. Just make sure to rinse after drinking it.
5) You can buy pH tests at the pharmacy, and test your pH. If you have an acidic result, apple cider vinegar may be especially appropriate for your system.

Chiropractic Fights Ear Infections

2009-07-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

Ear pain is the number one reason for child visits to chiropractors. Many chiropractors believe that there is a strong link between the birthing process and recurrent ear infection, also known as otitis media. During the birthing process, cervical (neck) vertebrae can become misaligned, disrupting nerve function, which can affect the eustachian tube. This may lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear and cause otitis media.

Ear infection or otitis media accounts for over 35% of all pediatrician visits in the United States. Antibiotics, the usual treatment, are not always effective and may even lead to a recurrence of ear infections. Many children are dealing with a continuing cycle of repeat ear infections, which lands them back at the pediatrician for more antibiotics. For nearly 100 years, the chiropractic profession has claimed that ear and other upper respiratory infections respond favorably to chiropractic adjustments.

A promising study published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics indicates that there is a strong correlation between chiropractic adjustments and the resolution of ear infections...(read more)

SOURCE: http://www.healthychild.com/

Spinal Decompression

2009-06-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

DTS (Decompression Traction System) is a procedure designed to reduce pressure on the tissues of the nerves on your spine. The various angles of decompression cause a negative pressure within the vertebral discs that creates an optimal environment for nutrients, water and blood flow thereby allowing healing to take place.

Indications for decompression traction are to relieve peripheral radiation/sciatica and pain associated with: protruding, bulging, herniated, prolapsed disc, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, acute fact syndrome, radicular pain, spinal root impingement, hypo-mobility, degenerative joint disease, compression fracture, joint pain and discogenic pain.

DTS uses an intermittent pull at a pre-determined level of force to help separate the joint surfaces and/or to elongate the surrounding soft tissue. It also uses a progressive/regressive mode that slowly builds up to the maximum level of pull and then gradually returns to the minimum level.

There are two different types of clinical protocols that are done at Lifestyle Chiropractic: Lumbar and Cervical.
Lumbar decompression traction can be done prone (on stomach) or supine (on back). A thorough evaluation will determine which position is best for each individual. Treatment frequency varies by condition and individual, and as frequency is reduced, the program of care will become more aggressive.

Cervical decompression is done in a reclined seated position. Typical starting force will be 15-20 pounds and any increases to tolerance to 25-30 pounds, in five pound increments.

Spinal decompression has evolved into a cost-effective non-surgical treatment for herniated and degenerative spinal disc disease, one of the major causes of back pain. Traction can be billed through your insurance, and through our services, we will verify your benefits.

Visit Lifestyle Chiropractic Helps Back Pain For More Information

Lifestyle Chiropractic welcomes a new Massage Therapist!

2009-06-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Missy Wright graduated from Northwestern College in Roseville with an Associate’s degree in Arts and Bible. While working full-time in an administrative job and at the suggestion of her father, Missy decided to pursue her passion in the healing arts. She enrolled in the evening massage therapy program at Sister Rosalind Gefre’s School of Massage in West Saint Paul. Missy graduated from Sister Rosalind’s with a certification in Professional Massage Therapy. Since then, Missy has helped many people heal naturally with her massage techniques.

Missy joined Lifestyle Chiropractic this May and is very excited to work with Dr. Fugleberg! Missy has over 800 hours of training in the following massage techniques: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Acupressure, Pre & Post-Natal Pregnancy, Geriatrics, Chair Massage, Sports Massage and Reflexology. Missy is also a Professional member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals(ABMP). When asked what she likes most about being a Massage Therapist, Missy said, “I feel very satisfied in knowing that anyone can walk through the door with any sort of problem and that I have the skills and training to send them back out that door in better health than when they arrived.”

In her spare time, Missy enjoys spending time with her husband of 4 years, Jon, as well as with family and friends. She enjoys rollerblading, photography, Twins games, and crafts. Her values, ethics, faith, and yearning for excellence contribute to the level of care she provides her clients!

Fire department or Maintenance man?

2009-06-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Lifestyle Chiropractic experienced a small fire last week. Thankfully, minimal damage occurred and the office did not need to close! Amidst the lessons learned, I was reminded of a valuable analogy that explains the differences between medicine and chiropractic.

For this analogy, your mind and body are your house, medical doctors are the fire department and chiropractors are renovation and maintenance experts.

Now, imagine your house is on fire. It is an emergency. Who should you call, the fire department or the renovation and maintenance experts?

I hope you said the fire department. Now, what will the fire department do when they get to your burning house? Well, what they do will depend on what tools they have to work with. What tools does the fire department have? The tools that they have developed are very effective in their goal to put out fires. They have axes and fire hoses. What will they use these for? They will use the axes to break out all your windows, to chop down your door, and to chop open your walls. They will use the hoses to soak the entire interior of your house and all your cherished belongings.

What is the result? If you are lucky, if they got there in time and did not make any big mistakes, they will save the life of your house. For this you should be eternally grateful. But, what is left? A huge mess to clean up! In fact, your house is now in far worse shape that it was before the fire ever started!

So now what will you do? Who will you call to restore order to your house? The fire department? Do you think more axes and fire hoses could ever restore your house to proper order or function? Of course not, that is absurd. Now is the time to call on the maintenance and restoration experts to restore the "health" of your house.

So who is better? The fire department should be a last resort for building health but the first resort when there is a fire. The restoration and maintenance experts should be the first resort for health and a secondary resort in the event of a fire. The goal should be to ALWAYS utilize them regularly.

We need to ask the right questions. Wouldn't spraying down houses with water cause them to rot? Yes it would, that is called a side effect. This does not, however, erase the fact that these houses were saved from the ravages of fire! The fire department is simply responsibly for treating the symptoms at hand...a blazing fire. They are not responsible for restoring the order and function after their intervention.

Long story short, Lifestyle Chiropractic fared pretty well last week. Small emergency? Yes, and I am thankful for the work of the fire department! Since then, I am more thankful for the work of the maintenance and restoration experts who have restored the order of the office!

Remember to maintain YOUR body and health!

Dr. Joel

(adapted from Dr. James Chestnut-fire dept analogy)

Research on Lowback Pain

2009-05-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

"There's been an escalation of clinical and basic science research on manipulative therapy, which has shown there is a scientific basis for the treatment of back pain by manipulation. The physician who makes use of this resource will provide relief for many patients."
(Canadian Family Physician 1985; 31: 535-540.)

"The treatment that chiropractors offered for low back pain was more effective than that provided by the medical clinics."
(British Medical Journal, June 2, 1990. 1431-1437.)

For years people have known that chiropractors treat back pain. Chiropractors have terrific success in providing relief. What our current healthcare system needs is more collaboration between medical professionals for the benefit of the patient. Try conservative chiropractic care FIRST and more invasive/aggressive procedures only in a crisis.

Now, all that being said - Chiropractic used MERELY to relieve pain is neglecting its real power. A chiropractic adjustment is first and foremost about restoring balance. An adjustment may be necessary with or WITHOUT the presence of pain.

Being adjusted is not so much about what is done TO you, but more about what it ALLOWS your body to DO - ADAPT to everyday stressors more readily.

Reminds me of a saying:

An ounce of prevention is worth... (you know the rest).

2009-05-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

FACTS ABOUT DRUGS

Americans spend $250 billion/year on prescription drugs. We spend more than all the people in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom combined (Melody Peterson, Our Daily Meds, Sarah Crichton Books, New York, NY 2008, pg.5.).

Prescription drugs -taken as directed- kill 300 people every day in America (Haley D, “The Other Drug War,” Alt Med Mag, Sept. 2001 Issue-3. Gary Null et al., “Death by Medicine,” Life Extension (March 2004 web special).

Spending on drugs increases by 12% every year. Drugs are the fastest growing part of the staggeringly high American health care bill (Public citizen, “2002 Drug Industry Profits: Hefty Pharmaceutical Company Margins Dwarf Other Industries, “Congress Watch (June 2003), http//www.citizen.org/congress/reform/drug_industry/corporate/articles.cfm?ID=9923).

$400 billion spent on prescription drugs worldwide (Public citizen, “2002 Drug Industry Profits: Hefty Pharmaceutical Company Margins Dwarf Other Industries, “Congress Watch (June 2003), http//www.citizen.org/congress/reform/drug_industry/corporate/articles.cfm?ID=9923).

Dr. Allen Roses (top exec from GlaxoSmithKline) has said that 90% of drugs work in only 30-50% of the people who take them (Connor, “Glaxo Chief: Our Drugs Do Not Work on Most People,” The Independent (December 8 2003).

(adapted from Dr. Rodger Murphree's article "Swimming in a Sea of Green." TAC. Dec 2008. http://www.theamericanchiropractor.com/articledetail.asp?articleid=1038&category=12)

Quality of Life Improved!

2009-05-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

2009-05-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sciatica is a set of symptoms, not really a diagnosis in itself.

Symptoms of leg/buttock pain & possibly numbness & tingling along path of sciatic nerve down back of leg.

Causes include: subluxation, spondylolisthesis, piriformis syndrome, disc herniation, trauma, or tumors.

Obviously, sciatica can be very painful and debillitating and many people seek answers to this problem. The key is finding the cause of the problem and addressing that rather than merely trying to relieve the pain.

Recommended first routes of treatment for sciatica: chiropractic care, spinal decompression, stretching or massage therapy. It is important to determine the cause of sciatica and a doctor of chiropractic is best qualified to make this determination.

Chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve pressure and relieve pain. They restore the body's natural healing ability. Adjustments return a person to mobility and alignment.

A chiropractic adjustment will TURN YOUR POWER ON!!

Spinal Decompression works by gently stretching tightened muscles and relieving pressure on discs and nerves. It's non-surgical, safe and effective, and has helped many patients.

Golfer - Back Pain

2009-04-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Patient Testimonial - Back Pain

2009-04-27T06:10:00.000-07:00