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
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Valentine Special: Healthy Brownies!
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
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
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Healing the Body
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
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
What is a "Pinched" Nerve?
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
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
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Simple vs. Easy
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
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
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tylenol Recall...Think Twice Before Popping These Pills!
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
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
Friday, December 11, 2009
Stay Healthy For The Holidays!
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
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
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