Bullet- Proof Your Over 40 Spine

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-30T05:45:00.000-08:00

Winter has finally kicked in to gear here in Vermont as I write this. With 2012 in sight, this is the ideal time to spend some time firming up your Health, Diet and Overall Wellness Goals for the next year. Some steps I have found helpful...

1. Write them down...workouts, weight target, diet changes, rewards when you hit different goals.

2. If you know you have a hard time sticking to your workout, Hire a Trainer. It will be money well spent.

3. Dietary changes can be made easier if you change a little at a time. Maybe just cut out sweets (candy, desserts) for a few weeks. Then take away the next thing (ex: soda, sugared drinks) over the next 2-3 weeks. Remember... You can eat an elephant one bite at a time.

4. My final words of wisdom for those of us over 40 striving for optimal strength, flexibility and vitality...do some type of exercise (be sure to mix it up) at least 5 times each week. Make at least two of those workouts some type of weight lifting routine.

I wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Dr Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-29T17:48:00.000-08:00

Chiropractic Care for Runners and Running Performance

With more and more people taking up recreational running in the US, the number of running associated injuries have also increased. Commonly reported cases include: shin splints; patellofermoral pain syndromes; Achilles tendinitis; flat feet; and compartmental syndromes and stress fractures. All these injuries are a result of cumulative stress reactions to soft tissues and bones. While running, the musculoskeletal system may absorb up to 250-300% of the runner’s weight on the heel strike [1,2,3], and this exerts stress on the body.

Chiropractors are generally contracted to help alleviate pain and non-specific symptoms associated with running, usually from the gradual onset of regular stress on the soft tissues and bones. If these symptoms are caught early, they can then be effectively managed and reduced in a short period of time [4]. Chiropractic treatment can help excessive pronation [5], the inward rolling of the hind foot and the midfoot beyond the acceptable parameters of general walking and running; prolonged internal rotation of the internal extremity [6], the inward rotation of the femur, which transmits stress to the pelvic region; and excessive supination [7], and those with very high arches who are very sensitive to stress reactions and fractures.

While chiropractic treatment can help with pain and injuries, its biggest advantage to runners and athletes is preventive care. Many runners, athletes and non-athletes may ask – why pay for chiropractic treatment when there is no pain to treat? It’s much easier to maintain good health and prevent injury than to treat somebody already in pain. The danger with running injuries is that they are likely to be caused by repetitive stress and alignment problems that take time to develop, and an even longer time for the pain to start. If our bodies were designed with perfect alignment, then we would be able to cope with the regular stress running delivers. However, very few of us do have perfect alignment, and in many cases those with flat feet or high arches are at risk to extra cumulative stress to the body. [8]

In preventive cases, a chiropractor can give a good overall evaluation, teaching the patient how to prevent injuries and maintain good alignment – thereby reducing the chance of injury. For those looking for preventive treatment, your chiropractor can help assess and evaluate your condition by offering scans of your feet, testing for strength imbalances and an analysis of your posture. In addition, the chiropractor can also suggest a program suited to your needs to prevent injury in the future.

Visit http://www.drseanp.com/ to learn how you can bullet-proof your spine!

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

Chiropractic Care for Migraines

Migraine sufferers have to endure a pain that is recurring, severe and can last up to 72 hours. Warning signs such as an “aura”, which is a type of visual disturbance, and nausea, sometimes accompany migraines. Many sufferers find that conventional medicine and prescription drugs offer little relief from their condition, and many are turning to alternatives methods of treatment in order to manage the pain. One such alternative is chiropractic treatment.

A holistic approach to pain relief, chiropractic treatment focuses on aiding numerous health issues through massage, spinal manipulation and adjustment of the body’s soft tissues and joints, predominantly in the back. But is it effective against migraines?

In February 2000, a study published by Dr. Tuchin et al. [1] cited the possible benefits of chiropractic treatment in alleviating or easing both the pain and frequency of recurring migraines. The study used a sample of 127 migraine patients, all of whom suffered from at least one migraine per month; this sample was divided into two groups – one control group who received inactive treatment, while the other group received chiropractic treatment, focusing on aligning and treating specific areas of vertebral swelling and misalignment. The study concluded that those who received chiropractic treatment experienced subsequent improvement in the duration of the study, showing reduced pain and frequency of their migraines within two months of treatment. The latter group also reported a decline in the need of migraine medications. Further results from the same study found that one in five sufferers from the chiropractic treatment group had a 90% reduction of migraine frequency, while 50% found significant improvement in the severity of their migraines.

Recent studies conducted by R. Bryans et al. published in 2011 [2], concluded that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, were found to improve both cerviocogenic headaches as well as migraines. A systematic literature search on controlled clinical trials on the topic of migraines and headaches involving chiropractic treatment, published through August 2009, was conducted using a selection of medical and alternative therapy databases. Research found that chiropractic treatments such as spinal manipulation and massage could significantly help patients who suffer from chronic or episodic migraines, whereas sufferers of tension-type headaches did not respond to such treatment.

While using alternative methods of treatment such as chiropractic care can help sufferers to gain more control over their migraines, it should be treated as another form of support or extra help, instead of completely overlooking conventional medical care.

Visit us at http://www.drseanp.com/ to learn how you can bullet-proof your spine!

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-29T17:37:00.000-08:00

Can Chiropractors Help With Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), named from the carpal bones in the wrist that form a tunnel around the nerve leading to the hand, is an injury usually caused by repetitive and forceful movements that result in swelling around the tendons and pinching of the median nerve, causing painful tingling, lack of muscle strength and control in the hand, and pain shooting from the hand up to the shoulder. CTS is a risk to most workers, such as those who work on the computer and also store and assembly line workers, who receive micro-traumas to their hands and wrists on a daily basis due to awkward positioning, forceful and repetitive movements, and stressful activity. [1,2]

The usual treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can extend to heavy medication and surgery, however there are alternative methods of treatment that can alleviate the symptoms and effects arising from CTS. Chiropractic treatment for CTS has been studied against conventional non-surgical medical treatment by Davis et al. [1] and was found to be effective. This offers an alternative to sufferers who are intolerant to ibuprofen, or those who simply wish to avoid treating with medication.

The median nerve in the wrist, which when trapped causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, connects to the spinal cord through the openings in the bones in the areas around the lower neck. If these bones in the spinal cord lose their ordinary position or motion, this can cause problems in the wrists or fingers. Through chiropractic treatment, these bones can be reset to the correct position and can help to treat CTS.

If Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is detected early, then surgery can be avoided, and chiropractic treatment is the leading method of non-surgical treatment. Chiropractic treatment usually involves various methods [3], with a combination of rest, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, including:

· By chiropractic manipulation therapy of the elbow and upper spine, where the joint’s soft tissue undergoes manipulation [4];

· Nutritional supplements in the diet such as B6, a vitamin that has had long-term promotion in its treatment of CTS;

· Electro-acupuncture treatment; bracing, a technique that has had extensive success, by limiting extension and flexion in the hand, and with compression on the median nerve may encourage recovery and ease the swelling in the tendons;

· Exercises for the wrist and hand designed to encourage recovery;

· Reassessing the ergonomics of the work place to minimize stress the best way as possible.

Recent studies, such as that by J. Burke et al (2007)[5], concluded that using manual therapy intervention such as soft tissue mobilization (STM) has been found to help improve the signs and symptoms of CTS, with improvements to nerve conduction latencies, wrist strength and motion.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can become a serious health problem, and if left too long may require surgery. If it’s caught early, then chiropractic treatment is an effective, drug-free method to ease the symptoms and pains caused by CTS, and provide long-term relief from CTS.

Visit http://www.drseanp.com/ today to learn how you can bullet-proof your spine!

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

How to Treat Whiplash with Chiropractic Care

The answer to this question is not a simple one as many people tend to associate any type of neck pain with having whiplash. The first thing is to find out is whether or not you have whiplash.

Is it Whiplash or a Pain in the Neck?

Whiplash is defined as an injury to the neck, by moving the head forward and then backward in a rapid fashion that places strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. Whiplash is most common when the victim has been rear-ended, or hit from behind by another vehicle but can result from physical abuse (such as shaken baby syndrome) or contact sports. The symptoms of whiplash vary and are not limited to –

· Restricted joint movement in spine or limbs

· Displacement of spinal discs, also known as a herniation, which causes sharp pain down one or both arms; It also can create small tears in spinal tissue and damage the nervous system, which is followed by numbness, tingling and muscle weakness

· Chronic pain in the neck area

· Cognitive dysfunction that may include difficulty concentrating

When to See a Physician

If you have unrelated neck pain that persists for a period of time or you experience the following:

· A shooting pain through one or both arms

· Tingling or numb feeling in one or both arms or hands

· Inability to touch chin to your chest

You may want to see a chiropractor or other medical professional as they can diagnose an underlying problem. If you are not having any of the symptoms or find it goes away after changing positions, it may just be the result of poor posture.

The Severity of Whiplash

For some, neck pain resulting from an accident can be treated with ice and a light brace. Other times, it may disappear on its own or a person may find themselves feeling:

· Pain in their jaw

· Significant damage to ligaments, discs, nerves or joints

· Difficulty swallowing

· Nausea

· Irritability or unable to concentrate

If any of these symptoms persist, they should see a chiropractor so that x-ray as well as other tests may be performed to determine if there is an underlying problem.

Seeing the Chiropractor

The primary objective of the chiropractor is to use gentle manipulations that treat the spine and discs so that they are aligned properly. These manipulations are also designed to reduce muscle spasms and rebuild muscle strength with the aid of physical therapy.

The chiropractor will first focus on reducing inflammation and check the neck, mid and low back. From there, the range of motion, disc injuries and muscle spasms will be examined. Other factors that will be noted are walking, posture and spinal alignment. A comprehensive exam provides an understanding of the individuals’ body mechanics. X-rays and /or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be taken along with the patient medical history to determine whether they can be treated.

Some cases of whiplash may only require ice and heat therapy to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles, respectively. Non-medicinal treatment may include acupuncture, massage or Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

If you or someone you know may have experienced any or all of symptom described, then you may want to share this information with them or give our office a call to make an appointment.

Go to http://www.drseanp.com/ to learn more about bullet-proofing your spine.

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

How to Avoid Injuring Your Back During Fall Yard Work

With summer at an end, the leaves are turning brown and falling, cluttering up your yard and garden – so it’s only natural you’ll want to get the rake out. However, as with all physical tasks about the house and garden, it is very important you take the necessary precautions against accident and injury.

Fall yard work, leaf raking and other outdoor maintenance activities carry numerous risks such as: upper and lower back strain, neck strain and shoulder pain. Just like with sports, if your body isn’t prepared for physical activity this can increase your chances of injury. You can avoid straining yourself by taking simple precautions, such as: doing warm ups, stretches and maintaining good posture.

Athletes are able to reduce the risk of strain and injury by doing warm ups. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends 10-15 minutes of stretching exercises: from trunk rotations, side-bends and knee-to-chest pulls. When these are also combined with a short walk, which helps to stimulate circulation, and with additional stretches at the end, this prepares the body for manual labor associated with raking and yard work.

While raking your garden or yard, good posture can also prevent back problems – make sure you keep your back straight and your head up. Use common sense while working: lift with your legs and bend with your knees, taking care you don’t strain your back while picking up bundles of leaves and grass. If you’re likely to carry heavy items, hold them close to your body to help prevent back strain. In order to take the pressure off your back, rake using the “scissors” stance: put your right foot forward and the left one back, then reverse after a few minutes. When using a lawn mower, try to use your body weight to move it as opposed to your arms and back.

It is vitally important to take breaks. Pace yourself, and whenever your body feels tired take a respite – this is particularly important if the weather is hot, so drink lots of water and wear sun-protection such as a hat, sun block and protective glasses. Investing in extra protective gear, such as gloves to prevent blisters, a mask if you’re prone to allergies and protective eyewear, can make life easier while taking on outdoor chores. Ergonomic tools with extra padding, larger or curved handles are less strenuous to use over a long-time period. Changing tasks regularly helps to prevent repetitive strain injury of certain muscle groups – change positions, or simply move onto another task for a short period of time before returning to the previous one. Make plans for your gardening tasks; make sure they’re realistic and unlikely to cause strain or exhaust you too much.

If you’re unaccustomed to physical labor, chances are you will feel sore and stiff the next day – in this case, use ice to soothe the discomfort, but if there is no improvement in your aches and pains, then see a chiropractor.

Visit http://www.drseanp.com/ to learn about bullet-proofing your spine.

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

Degenerative Disc Disease and Chiropractic Care

Whether they first see the phrase in print or hear it for the first time in a doctor’s office, “degenerative disc disease” is a term that many chronic back pain sufferers will encounter. It’s part of a brand new vocabulary that many patients learn as they try to understand their condition and navigate healthcare choices. But what does it really mean?

Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease at all. Rather, it refers to normal changes in your spinal discs that tend to occur naturally as your body ages. Spinal discs are the soft “separators” between your vertebrae that cushion the individual bones and give your spine its flexibility. Healthy ones are thick and soft. Unhealthy ones are thinner and more brittle. Over the years, these discs may gradually become less effective as the amount of fluid inside is reduced or cumulative wear and tear damages the discs and raises the risk of bulging, rupture or disintegration. The truth is that by the time we reach middle age, most of us already have degenerating discs, whether we’re experiencing any pain or not. And even with our best imaging technology, it can be very difficult to tell whether this degeneration is actually the source of a patient’s problems.

So from a patient’s point of view, this bit of language—degenerative disc disease—can be both confusing and frustrating since it suggests a diagnosis but doesn’t usually come with a clear set of treatment options attached. In some ways, it may actually seem like a “catch-all diagnosis” or “un-diagnosis”.

Can I Benefit From Chiropractic Care if I Have Degenerative Disc Disease?

Sometimes patients who’ve been told they have degenerative disc disease wonder if chiropractic adjustments can still help them or if they’re safe. The answer to these questions depends on the patient’s individual circumstances, including whether the damaged discs are herniated or ruptured (bulging or broken) or have caused other conditions, such as osteoarthritis (a breakdown of the tissue that protects joints) or spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the channel within the spine that holds the spinal cord).

Chiropractic physicians are specially trained to diagnose the underlying causes of back pain and to recognize when specific types of treatment may be either ineffective or harmful in situations where patients have degenerative disc disease. Since they are often skilled in a wide range of conservative, non-surgical therapies, most chiropractors will recommend low-force, non-thrusting techniques in situations involving disc degeneration and related complications. They may also employ traditional spinal adjustments based upon the results of a careful evaluation of the patient.

Chiropractic care generally focuses on addressing back pain at its source as well as improving the spine’s stability and mobility. While there is no cure for degenerative disc disease, an effective treatment plan will usually combine manual therapies (such as manipulation or massage) with supervised exercise and/or nutritional programs and lifestyle changes designed to minimize its impact. If you’re wondering what chiropractic care could do for you or someone you care about, please call our office today to schedule a consultation.

Visit me at http://www.drseanp.com/ for further information about bullet-proofing your spine.

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:48:00.000-08:00

Comparing the Risks: Spinal Manipulation versus Back Surgery

While most people seeking medical care for back or neck pain recognize that they may have treatment options (often including chiropractic care and surgery), many do not understand the potential benefits and risks associated with those choices. Patients who ask family, friends or coworkers for advice all too often hear secondhand stories about healthcare “miracles” or “nightmares” experienced by a friend’s uncle, a wife’s boss or a father’s golfing buddy. The clinical facts—on the other hand—are often less accessible to the average person and tend to leave a smaller impression. However, for those who want a broader perspective on their treatment options, there are several high-quality research resources available. The American Journal of Medicine and Spine (among others) have featured information on the risks involved with surgery and spinal manipulation.

Headline: Both Surgery and Manipulation Present Risks

Patients who are suffering with neck pain and considering both surgery and chiropractic treatment should be aware of the risks and discuss them openly with their healthcare providers.

In the case of any surgery, there may be serious complications from anesthesia, excessive bleeding, blood clots that lead to pulmonary embolism and infection. These general risks are added to the more specific risks of surgery on the spine. These may include a dural tear (the dura surrounds the spinal cord and a tear can cause leaking of cerebrospinal fluid), spinal cord injury and persistent or increased pain from an unsuccessful procedure.

Spinal manipulation may also cause dangerous complications. Spinal manipulation has been associated with disc herniation, cauda equina syndrome (pain, weakness or loss of bladder and bowel function) and vertebrobasilar accident (a tear in a major artery of the neck). These complications can be just as serious as the complications associated with surgery.

If similarly severe complications may result from either course of treatment, how can a patient weigh the risk of each option? Managing risk isn’t just about understanding “worst-case”-type scenarios, it’s also about understanding how likely these and other complications are to occur. This is where some additional research findings can help.

How Frequently Do Serious Complications Actually Occur?

In April 2010, the journal Spine (published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins) included an article that summarized the incidence of adverse events in spinal surgery based on the authors’ review and analysis of the existing literature. They found complication rates for spinal surgery ranging from 5% to 19%. Similarly, the American Journal of Medicine in 2002 published the results of a study that examined the incidence of serious adverse events for spinal manipulation. By comparison, researchers involved in that work reported complication rates ranging from one out of every 400,000 manipulations to one out of every two million.

So now we can see that the risk of a serious adverse event from spinal manipulation is extremely low relative to the risk posed by surgery. That’s one reason that the Mayo Clinic and many other reliable healthcare organizations around the world consider spinal manipulation very safe when performed by someone trained and licensed to provide this type of chiropractic care.

Whenever we talk about risk, it’s always important to remember that almost everything we do can be ‘associated’ with some type of adverse event. Driving a car, handling scissors, and even eating dinner can all lead to serious complications. The best way to handle these risks, including the risks of spinal manipulation, is to understand them and keep them in perspective. Healthcare providers are uniquely qualified to help you do that. If you or someone you care about is interested in chiropractic care—including its potential benefits and risks—please call our office to make an appointment.

For alternatives to surgery and info on bullet-proofing your spine, visit http://www.drseanp.com/

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

Straight Talk About Foot Orthotics

Good spinal health is built from the ground up, starting with the feet. For years medical researchers and healthcare providers have recognized that problems there can cause posture changes that eventually trigger a variety of musculoskeletal issues in other parts of the body (particularly the ankle, knee, hip and back). Studies have also shown that even slight foot problems can negatively affect athletes’ performance and predispose them to a broad range of sports-related injuries.

What Are Orthotics and How Can They Help?

Orthotics are shoe inserts that are specially designed and manufactured to correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern by promoting proper alignment and balance. They’ve improved the quality of life for millions of people, and it’s become very common for physicians to recommend them to address many different patient needs:

· Reducing pain and/or fatigue

· Providing targeted foot support

· Relieving pressure or stress on an injured or sensitive area

· Preventing or limiting deformity

· Improving foot positioning and function

· Restoring balance

· Reinforcing or supplementing other therapies (particularly chiropractic adjustments)

Foot orthotics are medical devices that can significantly change the way a person stands, walks and runs (and therefore the way his or her body absorbs and distributes related forces). For this reason, it’s important that the person wearing them clearly understand their benefits, risks and limitations. It’s also important that the person use them correctly.

What Every Patient Should Know About Orthotics

1. There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer when it comes to orthotics. What works for another family member or neighbor will probably not work for you! Getting the right prescription for your particular needs is all about working effectively with your healthcare provider to define your own goals and develop a complete understanding of your foot’s unique structure and function. For instance, orthotics can be very sport-specific—the performance requirements of a hiker will not be the same as those of a skier or a football player.

2. Not all orthotics are created equal, and the differences matter. The prefabricated orthotics that can be purchased at shoe stores, pharmacies and sporting goods stores are not the same as the custom orthotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. Do not confuse them! Mass-produced products are tailored for the “typical” foot and are unlikely to address problems specific to any one individual’s foot. In some situations, such products can actually make a medical condition worse, cause new problems or increase the risk of injury. So while they’re usually less expensive than custom orthotics, they may not actually solve your particular problem.

3. Orthotics don’t actually correct foot or ankle problems. They are intended to realign the structures of the foot to improve function, reduce pain and decrease the risk of injury.

4. Needs can change over time and your orthotics should too. The structure and function of the foot can change as people age. So too can people’s lifestyle and priorities. Your healthcare provider can work with you to ensure that your prescription is still the right one for you.

5. Long-term use of orthotics may pose its own risks. Any time that you provide outside help to the structures normally responsible for supporting and moving parts of your body (casts or braces are good examples), you are essentially asking them to do less. And if you provide that help over a sufficiently extended period, you run the risk that your bones, muscles and connective tissues may become weaker as a result. The unintended consequence is that you may actually become less capable and more reliant on your devices to do the work your body used to do. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about how to use your orthotics correctly and manage any long-term risk that he or she believes may exist.

6. Prescribing orthotics is arguably as much an art as a science. Don’t underestimate the role of professional judgment in prescribing orthotics. Experts acknowledge that there are few widely-accepted standards and that we can’t always predict successfully how an individual will respond to a particular prescription. In fact, recent research has demonstrated that individuals with the same condition can respond very differently to identical orthotic therapy. There’s even evidence that the same patient can respond to a prescription inconsistently or can respond just as favorably to two entirely different (even contrary) prescriptions. This means that some trial and error may be necessary to get the results both you and your healthcare provider are looking for and that good communication is critical. Without accurate and timely feedback from you about how well your orthotics are doing their job, it’s impossible for your healthcare provider to make the adjustments that will eventually lead to success.

How Your Chiropractor Can Help

There’s a close relationship between the way your feet work and the way the rest of your musculoskeletal system supports your body. So even if your feet themselves don’t actually hurt, they could be contributing to other health problems that you’re experiencing. After your chiropractor has examined you carefully and talked with you about your situation, he or she can help you decide whether foot orthotics should be part of your broader treatment plan. Call our office today to learn more.

Go to http://www.drseanp.com/ and learn more about how you can bullet-proof your back and other parts of your body.

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

Does Chiropractic Help Back Pain Associated with Pregnancy?

If you are pregnant and suffering from low back pain, a neighbor or a friend has probably suggested you visit a chiropractor because a chiropractor was able to help them during their pregnancy. The discussion probably left you curious, is that good advice or just a single success story? Additionally, you may be wondering whether chiropractic is safe during pregnancy and how much low back pain improvement the average pregnant woman can expect to get.

After looking at several scientific publications on these exact topics, the appropriate conclusion seems to be that “chiropractic evaluation and treatment during pregnancy may be considered a safe and effective means of treating common musculoskeletal symptoms that affect pregnant patients. The scarcity of published literature warrants further research.” (Borggren, 2007)

So basically the answers are:

· Yes, chiropractic is safe during pregnancy.

· Yes, chiropractic helps common musculoskelatal probelms during pregnancy (including back pain).

· Your friends experience isn’t just one woman’s story. Many women are finding relief and the results are being sporadically published in medical journals too.

· More research under more controlled conditions is needed for the purposes of educating primary care physicians and obstetricians about chiropractic care during pregnancy.

Here are a few additional details about the prevalence of low back pain during pregnancy and the number of women being referred for treatment.

· 57 – 69% of women complain of low back pain during pregnancy

· Only about 32% of women report these symptoms to their primary doctor

· Only about 25% of primary doctors recommend seeking treatment for the pain.

Clearly this is a big problem with 2 in 3 having pregnancy-related back pain. Also a big problem is that they are generally not talking to their obstetricians and primary care physicians about it and that these professionals are not referring them to effective treatment options.

Chiropractic treatments can be quite effective for pregnancy-related back pain with just a few visits for the majority of women seeking help. In a small study of 17 women:

· Sixteen of 17 (94%) saw clinically important improvements in low back pain with chiropractic care.

· The average pain rating went down from 5.9 to 1.5 (on a scale of 0 to 10).

· It took an average of 1.8 visits and 4.5 days to get clinically important pain relief.

We hope this article gave you hope that many pregnant women do get significant, rapid relief from low back pain. If you are currently pregnant with low back pain, you probably have many questions not answered by this article. Perhaps you’ve never had chiropractic care before or you want to know how we adjust our techniques to work with pregnant patients. The best way to get answers to your questions is with an initial consultation. The only way for us to know whether you are a good candidate is for you to come see us, so call for an initial appointment today.

Learn how you can bullet proof your spine at http://www.drseanp.com/

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

What is the Atlas Orthogonal (AO) Technique?

The Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic technique, often abbreviated AO, is a specialty within the field of chiropractic that focuses of the upper cervical region. Even more specifically, practitioners of the Atlas Orthogonal technique concentrate on the Atlas vertebrae – the very first bone in the neck. Their goal is to make the Atlas bone orthogonal (or exactly perpendicular) to the skull. This is where the approach gets its name.

The premise behind AO is that the first bone – the atlas – is central to the alignment of the remainder of the column. Imagine a marching band where the first member is out of position. All the other band members position themselves relative to the first member. When the first member is out of place, the entire band is out of formation. This is a crude analogy to explain the critical role played by the atlas in directing the alignment of the other vertebrae.

And, it’s not hard to imagine how the atlas may be out of alignment. The rather light atlas (it weighs about 2 ounces) supports the weight of the human head (which weighs about 9 to 17 pounds). Imagine the head as a golf ball and the atlas as the top of a golf tee. The small tee is best able to support the weight of the golf ball on top when it is straight up and down. The atlas can become misaligned as a result of chronic poor standing or sitting posture, an awkward sleeping position or improper lifting. These are all examples of gradual processes. The atlas can also be jarred out of alignment by an auto accident, bad fall, or a blow to the head.

When the atlas is out-of-alignment (non-orthogonal), the body will compensate in other ways to keep the heavy head centered over your feet. The other spinal vertebrae and the muscles in your neck, torso and lower back will alter their normal position and function in response (just like the marching band reacting to the position of the first member). Now you’ve created a situation where there may be excessive pressure on certain nerves, muscle spasms and tissue inflammation which can cause pain and dysfunction in other areas of the body.

Hopefully you are starting to see why the Atlas Orthogonalist focuses so intently on the atlas. A problem with the atlas alignment can manifest in many other distant places and cause a multitude of problems.

So how does the AO chiropractor restore the proper position of the atlas? By carefully evaluating each patient’s precise atlas position and then programming an instrument to deliver a precise percussive wave to reposition the atlas. First, an AO-trained chiropractor will take very detailed x-rays that can map the exact position of your atlas. The tilt and rotation of your atlas are as unique to you as your own fingerprints. Second, an instrument programmed with your exact settings will deliver a painless vibration to the affected area. There is no twisting or cracking. Since the adjustment is custom-programmed for you it can be simultaneously very gentle and very effective. Some patients that have had traditional chiropractic will often walk away from their first AO treatment thinking that nothing has be accomplished because an AO adjustment is barely felt by the patient.

This article is just a brief introduction to the Atlas Orthogonal technique. When you visit our office, you’ll be able to get answers to all your questions. And after an exam, we’ll be able to talk with you in detail about whether you can benefit from atlas adjustment the same way that tens of thousands of your peers have.

To learn more about bullet-proofing your spine, go to http://www.drseanp.com/

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:38:00.000-08:00

Are Chiropractic X-Rays Safe?

Patients occasionally ask whether chiropractic x-rays are safe, so we wanted to summarize the current FDA statements on x-ray safety and give you a couple credible resources where you can learn more. Read the full article if you want the complete story, but if you are looking for a quick answer, the FDA estimates that the radiation exposure from a chest ray is roughly equivalent to the background radiation you are exposed to in 10 ordinary days on planet Earth.

The FDA states on its website "Don't refuse an X-ray. The risk of not having a needed X-ray is greater than the small risk of radiation."

First of all, there is no difference between a chiropractic x-ray and any other type of x-ray. While x-ray equipment does vary slightly by manufacturer, what really matters is the body part being imaged. Different body tissues absorb radiation in different ways.

To provide consumers with a way of monitoring radiation exposure across multiple sources, the FDA uses an effective dosage scale. Each type of x-ray has an effective dosage associated with it measured in millisieverts (mSv). Since millisieverts isn't a unit of measure most people are familiar with (like a mile or a teaspoon), having a reference value helps put the numbers in context. The FDA estimates that the average person is exposed to 3.0 millisieverts of radiation per year from naturally occurring radioactive materials and cosmic rays. That's what allows them to state that a 0.1 millisievert dosage from a chest x-ray is equivalent to about 10 days of background radiation exposure.

Compared to a chest x-ray, x-rays of the extremities (arms and legs) have a much lower effective dosage and x-rays of the lower torso have a higher effective dosage. Recall that the effective dosage comes mainly from the body part being imaged not the intensity or duration of the x-ray machine pulse. Here's a summary of effective dosages and background radiation equivalents for the various types of x-rays a chiropractor is likely to recommend:

· Extremities - 0.001 mSv – similar to 3 hours background radiation

· Chest - 0.1 mSv - similar to 10 days background radiation

· Spine - 1.5 mSv - similar to 6 months background radiation

The FDA website and the excellent radiologyinfo.org website from the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America both point out that disease risks from radiation exposure are cumulative across time and that patients play a critical role in tracking their own exposure levels. Since you may be working with multiple health care providers in different specialty areas, you should keep a log of your exposures. Here is a link to a site where you can download a personal Patient Medical Imaging Record: http://imagewisely.org/Patients.aspx

Note that this article refers to effective exposures and recommendations for adults. If you are pregnant or looking for x-ray safety information for children, visit imagegently.org

Visit http://www.drseanp.com/ to learn how you can bullet-proof your spine.

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:34:00.000-08:00

Shortening the Road to Recovery After an Automobile Injury: Your Chiropractor Can Help.

It’s a great success story that most of us probably haven’t heard very much about. America’s roads have become far safer across the past 20 years. By just about any measure, travelers are much less likely to be injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident than they were in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Fast Facts: Motor Vehicle Accidents by the Numbers

Vehicle Miles Driven. Americans traveled 2,172 billion miles in 1991 and 2,979 billion miles in 2009. That’s a 37% increase.

Motor Vehicle Accidents. During the same 1991-2009 period, the number of accidents on U.S. roads actually decreased by 10%, dropping from 6,117,000 to 5,505,000. So even though we’re traveling more miles, we’re having fewer accidents.

Occupant Fatalities. The number of motor vehicle occupants killed in accidents during 1991 was 31,934. That number declined by 23% to 24,474 in 2009. The fatality rate per 1,000 accidents dropped from 5.2 to 4.4 persons. That means that when we do have an accident, it’s become less likely that someone traveling in the vehicle will be killed.

Occupant Injuries. The statistics show an even more positive trend with respect to injuries. The number of occupants injured in accidents fell 29% from 2,850,000 in 1991 to 2,011,000 in 2009. The injury rate per 1,000 accidents declined from 465.9 persons to 365.3. Simply put, our motor vehicle accidents seem to be injuring fewer drivers and passengers when they do occur.

It’s likely that this general trend toward safer roads is being driven by a combination of factors. It could be the way we’re driving that’s producing fewer, less serious crashes. It could be the way our roads are designed, maintained or policed. It could also be the active and passive safety features now included in many of our vehicles. But whatever the reasons, we can all agree that this is good (if under-reported) news for our nation’s travelers.

But What if I’m One of the Two Million Unlucky Ones this Year?

As encouraging as this trend is, it obviously means little to you if you or someone you care about is actually injured in a car accident. Even in cases where drivers and passengers walk away from a wreck believing they’re “uninjured”, accidents can have profound, long-lasting health consequences for those involved. It’s not uncommon for some types of symptoms to appear only gradually days or weeks after the event itself, delaying effective diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms may also come and go intermittently, making it more difficult to associate them with the accident.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to safeguard your health and improve your chances of a more rapid, complete recovery following an auto accident. Clinical studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care can shorten recovery time and decrease the amount of permanent physical damage sustained in a collision.

Take Care of First Things First.

Always address any life-threatening injuries first. If you experience (or have reason to suspect) significant bleeding or bruising, broken bones, internal pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or shock, you should seek immediate help from healthcare professionals who specialize in treating trauma injuries.

Recognize Signs that You May Be at Increased Risk of Developing Chronic Problems.

Be sure to tell your doctor if any of the following warning signs apply:

· A prior history of back, neck or shoulder problems (including previous injury).

· Distinct numbness, tingling or pain immediately following an accident.

· Increased muscle tension or reduced range of motion after the crash.

· You were involved in a rear-end collision.

· Your head was turned at the moment of impact.

· You have symptoms that don’t resolve or that become generalized.

Visit your Chiropractor as Soon as Possible After an Accident.

Do this even if you don't think you've been hurt very badly. Research has shown that early intervention in the form of chiropractic adjustment, massage and supervised exercise and stretching programs can make a big difference in longer-term function.

Stay Active.

Activity encourages blood flow to the injured area and promotes healing. It also helps prevent or reduce scar tissue formation and maintain range of motion.

Strengthen the Affected Area(s) as Directed by your Chiropractor.

Exercise and stretching programs are designed to help prevent future injuries and are an important part of a balanced treatment plan.

An auto accident can affect your health (and your lifestyle) for years if you don’t receive the proper treatment. So if you or someone you care about has been injured in a collision, please call our office and make an appointment today. Chiropractic care can help put your recovery in the fast lane!

Visit our website at http://www.drseanp.com/ to learn more about how you can bullet-proof your spine.

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:20:00.000-08:00

Arthritis Doesn’t Have to Mean It’s Time to Slow Down

New Expectations and New Advice for Today’s Arthritis Sufferers

If you or someone you care about is suffering from arthritis, you should know that arthritis doesn’t have to mean an end to an active lifestyle. Prior generations may have accepted the condition as an inevitable part of aging and been given a standard prescription of bed rest and drug therapies. However, today’s health care professionals recognize that appropriate exercise and nutrition are also critical to managing arthritis effectively, and they can recommend a much wider range of treatment options. Your chiropractor can play an important role, not only in relieving pain, but also in helping patients with arthritis continue to live a more independent, active lifestyle.

Understanding Arthritis and its Lifestyle Effects

Arthritis is not really one medical condition. Rather, it’s a more general term that refers to inflammation that may affect joints and other parts of the body as a result of more than 100 “rheumatic diseases”, such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. These disorders destroy joints, bones, muscles, cartilage and other connective tissues. While arthritis is most often seen in middle aged and older adults, it can also afflict younger people. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 22% of American adults (about 50 million people) report having been diagnosed with arthritis. Their symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints.

While the general public is aware that arthritis is painful, fewer people recognize just how severe and widespread the debilitating effects of arthritis actually are. People with arthritis may experience difficulty with everyday tasks like buttoning shirts or opening packages and containers. They may also find that arthritis limits their mobility. This could prevent them from participating in their favorite activities or spending time with friends and family. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons issued a Bulletin in October 1999 that ranked arthritis as a more frequent cause of activity limitation than heart disease, cancer or diabetes. More than ten years later, the CDC estimates that 21 million Americans face some type of disability as a result of arthritis. These kinds of statistics suggest that strategies for managing arthritis need to address goals beyond pain relief if they are to be truly successful.

How Your Chiropractor Can Help

For many arthritis sufferers, treatment still begins with rest and medication. But if you have arthritis, a chiropractic physician can help you develop a well-rounded, long-term approach to managing your arthritis in two other very important ways:

· Designing an exercise program based on your own unique requirements. Such a program usually focuses on a combination of goals, including (1) restoring any lost range of motion in your joints, (2) improving your flexibility and endurance, and (3) increasing your muscle tone and strength. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that inactivity can make joints affected by arthritis even more painful and stiff. It can also have other negative health effects. A properly designed and supervised exercise program can reduce these risks.

· Suggesting dietary changes and/or nutritional supplements that may be effective in reducing or controlling inflammation in your joints. Some research indicates that certain foods can have a role in either increasing or suppressing the body’s natural inflammatory response. Making adjustments to your diet may reduce swelling, redness and pain related to arthritis.

Your chiropractor will help you make ongoing adjustments to both your exercise and nutrition programs based on your own progress so that you get the maximum health benefit with minimum discomfort and risk.

Communication is Key

Keep in mind that some types of physical activity and dietary supplements may actually do more harm than good depending on the specific nature of your arthritis, the joints involved and your current treatment plan. So open communication with all the members of your healthcare team—including your chiropractor, family doctor and any specialists you’re working with—is the key to achieving results safely!

Both the symptoms and underlying causes of arthritis can vary a great deal by individual, so it is important that you consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and to put in place a treatment plan that’s right for you.

For more information on bullet-proofing your spine, check out drseanp.com.

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:17:00.000-08:00

Your Child’s Health: Having the Right Backpack and Using It Correctly Now May Prevent Big Problems Later

Healthcare researchers and providers alike are growing increasingly concerned that American kids are suffering from back pain earlier in their lives and in larger numbers than ever before. And experts closest to the problem believe that overweight, improperly designed, and misused backpacks may be a big part of the reason why.

Short-Term Injuries and Longer-Term Concerns

With an estimated 40 million school-age children carrying backpacks in America, it’s not surprising that there are some book bag-related injuries every year. Since 2000, the U.S. Product Safety Commission has reported that children and their backpacks make roughly 7,000 trips to the emergency room annually. However, many observers believe that the real toll is actually far higher since the vast majority of such injuries go unreported and many kids are treated by a family doctor or not treated at all.

While it is not clear how many acute injuries actually result from wearing backpacks as opposed to tripping over them or being hit by them, doctors who treat back problems regularly—especially chiropractic physicians—see worrying signs that heavier backpacks are setting the stage for more serious health issues in the future, including chronic back, neck and shoulder pain. Some chiropractors estimate that as many as 75% to 80% of the teenage patients they treat have postural problems directly related to overweight backpacks.

Why the Heavier Bags?

Across the past ten years, several factors have come together to increase the amount of weight young students are carrying in their book bags:

· Increases in the amount of homework being assigned to students at a younger age typically mean more heavy books carried between home and school.

· A trend toward removing lockers and individual desks from schools in many cases requires kids to carry all their belongings with them during the day.

· Reduced time between classes or fewer trips to the locker can mean heavier loads for students.

· Longer school days or increased participation in before-school and after-school activities often translates into more supplies and equipment as well as more time wearing the backpack.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that a backpack should not be any heavier than 15% of a child’s body weight. But as early as 2001, researchers at Simmons College in Massachusetts found that 55% of the 345 children they studied were carrying backpacks that exceeded the recommended weight limit, often by a substantial amount. One third of those students said that they had already experienced back pain. Today, the American Chiropractic Association advises parents to limit the weight of a child’s backpack to no more than 5% to 10% of body weight.

Warning Signs

If you see any of the following signs, it may be time to lighten the load, help your child choose a different backpack or talk about how it’s being used.

· Pain in the back, neck, shoulders or knees

· Red marks left on shoulders by backpack straps

· Tingling or numbness in the arms

· Trouble getting the backpack on or off

· Bending forward or “hunching over” to shift weight from the shoulders to the back

Choosing the Right Backpack and Using it Correctly

A good quality backpack with proper ergonomic features doesn’t have to be expensive. They’re available at many sporting goods stores and discount outlets. Experts offer the following advice:

· Get the size and fit right first. The right backpack should fit between the top of your child’s shoulders and lower back. Bigger is not better, since having more space available creates the potential for a heavier backpack.

· Find one with shoulder straps that are wide, padded and adjustable. These distribute the weight more broadly across the shoulders and chest while allowing the backpack to be fitted snuggly to your child’s body.

· For older students, consider a backpack with chest straps and a hip belt. Chest straps and a hip belt redistribute weight even further and bring the pack closer to the wearer’s body.

· Look for a padded back that will add comfort and protection.

· Choose a backpack with multiple smaller compartments. These help distribute the weight inside the bag and keep it stable.

Once your child has the right bag, it’s just as important to encourage him or her to use it correctly. Chiropractors and physical therapists generally agree that means wearing it on both shoulders with the straps tightened so that it hangs no more than four inches below the waist.

How Your Chiropractor Can Help

Using a backpack should not cause any pain or discomfort under normal circumstances. If your child is showing signs of back, neck or should pain, we encourage you to call your chiropractic physician today. In addition to addressing any current problems that your child may be experiencing, your doctor of chiropractic can recommend an exercise program designed to strengthen muscles, and improve posture and coordination. He or she can also offer instruction about good nutrition and sleep habits that will support your child’s healthy development.

For more info on bullet-proofing your spine, check out http://www.drseanp.com/

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:14:00.000-08:00

New Consumer Reports Data Highlight Patients’ Satisfaction with Chiropractic Care

When it comes to making important choices about treatment options for back pain, it’s worth looking at the experiences of others who have found something that works. In recent years, the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center has surveyed the magazine’s subscribers to do just that. In April and May 2009, Consumer Reports released some of its findings publicly. A summary appears below.

About the Survey Participants

· More than 14,000 participants who had suffered from lower-back pain in the prior year but had never had back surgery.

· More than half reported that pain severely limited their daily routine for a week or longer.

· Many reported that pain interfered with sleep, sex and efforts to maintain a healthy weight.

· 88% reported that the pain recurred through the year.

· Most had tried five or six different treatments.

How Respondents Ranked the Healthcare Providers Who Had Treated Them

Healthcare Provider	Percent Who Were Highly Satisfied With Treatment and Advice*
Chiropractor	59%
Physical Therapist⁺	55%
Acupuncturist	53%
Physician, Specialist	44%
Physician, Primary Care	34%

*Defined as either Completely Satisfied or Very Satisfied.

⁺Difference in ranking for Physical Therapist and Acupuncturist were not statistically significant.

How Respondents Ranked Selected Back Pain Therapies

Therapy	Percentage Who Reported that the Therapy Helped a Lot
Chiropractic Manipulation	58%
Prescription Drugs	45%
Over-the-Counter Drugs	22%

In July 2011, Consumer Reports published an updated report describing how Americans use alternative approaches to healthcare as well as their experience with various therapies and their providers. Chiropractic care once again was reported to be the most popular approach to back pain relief and was ranked most highly in terms of patient satisfaction.

How Your Chiropractic Physician Can Help Relieve Back Pain

Your Doctor of Chiropractic can help relieve back pain and restore mobility by using a drug-free, hands-on technique called “spinal manipulation” or “chiropractic adjustment”. He or she may also use other manual therapies, such as massage, to complement this primary treatment. In addition, many chiropractors are skilled in designing exercise and nutrition programs for their patients that will help their bodies resist injury and function properly. By focusing on both immediate pain relief and the underlying causes of back pain, your chiropractor can help you achieve a healthier overall lifestyle.

If you or someone you care about is suffering from back pain, call your chiropractor today. To learn more about bullet-proofing your spine, visit us at http://www.drseanp.com/

Yours in Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:11:00.001-08:00

Lasting Headache Relief Without Visiting the Medicine Cabinet

Headaches are a common source of pain for a large number of Americans. 95% of women and 90% of men have had at least one in the past 12 months. And for about 45 million of us, those headaches are chronic.

While a wide variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications have been developed to relieve this pain, they generally do little to address the underlying cause of the problem. In addition, many of these compounds can have unwanted side effects, particularly if they’re used often, over a prolonged period of time or in combination with other medicines. A growing awareness of both the limitations and risks of pharmaceuticals has led many headache sufferers to explore alternative approaches to managing them, including chiropractic.

Understanding Headaches

Headaches occur for many reasons and can vary greatly in their intensity and duration. They may arise on their own (these are termed “primary headaches” and account for about 90% of all headaches) or be triggered as a result of some other health condition (described as “secondary headaches”). Chiropractic physicians most commonly encounter three types of headaches in their work:

· Tension headaches are primary headaches that are brought on by unrelieved muscular contractions in the head, neck and shoulders, usually as a result of stress that cannot find an outlet. These muscular contractions can themselves become the source of broader tension and stress throughout the body, setting in motion a feedback loop that eventually produces a headache.

· Migraine headaches are also primary headaches. They are sometimes referred to as vascular headaches because they happen when blood vessels in the head suddenly expand, or “dilate”. However, we know that the nervous system and genetic factors are also leading contributors. Sufferers report a wide range of triggers and related symptoms. Research into the exact cause of migraines is ongoing, and the condition has stubbornly resisted efforts to find a pharmaceutical “silver bullet”.

· Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches produced when pain begins in the neck or back of the head and is referred to the forehead or the area behind, in and around the eyes. Trauma, chronic tension and disease are some of the more common initial sources of neck pain that is referred to the head. Trigger points in the neck, shoulder blade and spine may also be sources of these headaches, though they can be much more difficult to identify.

How Chiropractic Can Help

There is a large and growing body of medical research that suggests chiropractic care can be effective in preventing or reducing the frequency and severity of primary headaches. There is also some evidence that it may have benefits for cervicogenic headache sufferers.

Chiropractic manipulation of the spine and neck is used to improve the alignment of the spine and relieve muscle tension. It also reduces nerve irritation and improves vascular flow. Your chiropractic physician may also include massage and other therapies as part of a well-rounded treatment plan. He or she will likely suggest exercise, stretching and relaxation techniques as well as nutritional strategies designed to help prevent future headaches.

If you or someone you know is looking for lasting relief from chronic headaches, we encourage you to call your doctor of chiropractic today. The sooner you make the call, the sooner we can help you put an end to the suffering. Visit us at http://www.drseanp.com/ to learn more about bullet-proofing your spine.

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-18T13:05:00.001-08:00

Are You Looking in the Right Place for Back Pain Relief?

What You Can Learn From America’s Back Pain Experience

A June 2010 article by Associated Press Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard shines a bright light on the problem of back pain in America. In the article, entitled “Back Pain May Be Widely Over-Treated in the U.S.”, she raises some great questions about how we’re spending our healthcare dollars, what we’re getting for it and why.

“By one recent estimate, Americans are spending a staggering $86 billion a year in care for aching backs—from MRIs to pain pills to nerve blocks to acupuncture. That research found little evidence that the population got better as the bill soared over the past decade.”

Ms. Neergaard’s writing hits close to home, and the situation she describes is probably familiar to anyone who’s tried to find relief from serious back pain in the past few years. But what does it all mean to you if you or someone you care about is a patient looking for relief?

Here’s a quick summary of the more important takeaways from Ms. Neergard’s article as well as some practical points to keep in mind as you consider your options and work with your healthcare provider on a treatment plan:

1. While back pain in general is a widespread problem in the U.S., the specifics always come down to the individual. There is no silver bullet—the treatment that was effective for your neighbor may not be right for you. Your healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and advise you on the appropriateness of alternative therapies.

2. Time is usually on your side when it comes to back pain. Up to 90% of patients will heal on their own within a matter of weeks. Unless your healthcare provider sees “red flag” symptoms, patients should generally exhaust their noninvasive options first before considering surgery.

3. “Exercise is medicine, but it has to be the right exercise.” Formal exercise programs that are designed and supervised by experts can be effective provided that the patient is able to manage and function with pain.

4. Your own motivation and attitude can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your treatment. Patients who can work through pain, stay focused on the plan and get back to normal activity as quickly as possible will generally have the advantage when it comes to recovery.

5. Make sure you have access to a neutral third party (perhaps your chiropractor or family doctor) who can help you weigh the advice of various specialists and navigate through your choices. And always get a second opinion if surgery is being considered.

Back pain is a complex phenomenon and it’s often very difficult to treat successfully. At a time when health science regularly produces new miracles and we’ve come to expect instant results, it can be difficult for us to keep this basic truth in perspective. What comes through loud and clear in Ms. Neergaard’s article is that our most advanced diagnostic technologies and sophisticated surgical procedures are not solving the back pain problem for millions of Americans. And that it’s costing us a great deal of money to fail using our most expensive techniques.

This raises two big-picture questions, not just for U.S. health care policy makers and administrators, but for anyone who’s trying to make smart decisions about back pain treatment:

1. Given the pervasiveness of back pain in America, the number of people who are likely suffering without treatment and the kinds of issues Ms. Neergaard writes about, can it really be said that we’re “over-treating” back pain? Wouldn’t it be closer to the truth to say that we’re mistreating it by using too many of the wrong tools in too many of the wrong cases? If so, what does her reporting really suggest about the direction we should be headed?

2. There are many factors contributing to our national back pain epidemic, and many of them have to do with our lifestyle choices and the way we manage our health more broadly. What should we be willing to spend for an ounce of prevention when it comes to back pain?

How Your Chiropractic Physician Can Help

If you or someone you care about is suffering with back pain, call your Doctor of Chiropractic. Chiropractic Physicians are specially licensed and trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal system and the nerves that support it. They can help relieve back pain by using spinal adjustments. This spinal manipulation is the primary form of treatment performed by chiropractic physicians and is a widely recognized back pain therapy. Research has shown that manipulative therapy and spinal manipulation are not only safe and effective, but can also produce results more quickly and less expensively than other alternatives.

Many chiropractors are also skilled in designing and supervising exercise and nutrition programs. They’re committed to helping patients achieve a healthier lifestyle that prevents illness and promotes performance. Learn how we can help you bullet-proof your spine by visiting us at http://www.drseanp.com/

Yours for Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr. Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

2011-12-06T14:28:00.001-08:00

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Snow Shoveling Safety

2011-12-06T13:39:00.001-08:00

If you live in snow country and hven't had to shovel yet, you soon will. In Northern Vermont where I live, we have yet to see a big dump of snow...maybe this week. Here are some tips that will help to keep you pain free this Winter.

1. Always warm up large muscle groups before tackling heavy snow shoveling (back, legs, shoulders)

2. Be sure to stay hydrated as Winter is actually a very dry time of year. This will help your muscles be more flexible.

3. Dress in non-binding layers to allow for freedom of movement when you are throwing snow, bending, stooping...

4. Take some breaks. Don't try to shovel 2 or 3 feet of snow for hours...no matter how much fun you are having!!

Yours For Optimal Spine Health,

Dr Sean

2011-11-30T17:36:00.001-08:00

A real-life example of a Bullet-Proof over 40 spine...actually an over 50 back/spine on my well-used pull-up station.

Your Over 40 Spine Specialist...Dr Sean

Importance Of Spinal Curves

2011-11-30T06:42:00.001-08:00

There are three primary curves in your spine that are critical to overall spine and nerve strength and function. Maintaining them takes some effort but will help keep your spine strong and pain-free.

Cervical (neck) Curve: The curve in your neck (lordosis) should arc forward allowing for normal nerve, disc and joint function. A loss or reversal of this normal curve will often cause premature wear-and-tear (arthritic degeneration) of the spinal joints and discs. Common causes?

Car accidents
contact sports...football, rugby, hockey, soccer
falls...on the ice, skiing, snowboarding, down the stairs
poor posture...slouching, too much computer/desk work

Lumbar (lower back) Curve: The forward curve in the lower back is also essential to healthy spine, nerve and disc function. Falls, sports injuries and repetitive stresses are all common causes of decreased or abnormal lumbar curves and the resulting wear-and-tear.

Once we get close to age 40 and beyond, it is critical to maintain our spine, spinal curves, joints and spinal discs. The sooner in life you start paying attention to your overall spinal health the better you will enjoy all the years ahead.

Yours For Optimum Health And Performance,

Dr Sean, The Over 40 Spine Doc

Happy Thanksgiving and Safe Travels

2011-11-23T04:59:00.000-08:00

As I'm writing this post, we are in the thick of our first Winter storm here in Vermont. Very beautiful outside but pretty nasty driving. I heard on the radio this morning that 43 million Americans will be traveling this Holiday. I thought a few of my spine protection travel tips might be helpful...

1. If your car/truck/SUV seats don't have a good lumbar (lower back) support built-in, put one in your seat for your drive or even plane trip. If you don't have one, roll up a towel or small blanket and place it behind your lower back to maintain the proper curve in your spine.

2. Take regular breaks from driving (or riding). It really pays off to get out every hour or so for a brief walk/stretch break.

3. Using cruise control when you can allows you to at least move a bit more while driving.

I wish you a safe, happy Thanksgiving Holiday.

Dr Sean, The Over 40 Spine Doc

http://

2011-11-18T14:07:00.000-08:00

Click Here!

As this blog entry clearly demonstrates, I'm far more experienced as a Spine and Pain Specialist and not at all computer tech savvy.

The "Click Here" link above goes to a really great looking ski and snowboard preseason training program. It might be something you'll want to checkout if you are a skier or snowboarder.

Yours For Optimum Spinal Health,

Dr Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist

Disc Herniation Or Muscle Spasm?

2011-11-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

This morning in my Waitsfield, VT office, I had three new patients who were all suffering with acute back pain, muscle spams and sciatic leg pain. In a walk-in medical clinic, ER or Primary Care MD clinic all of these people would likely have been diagnosed with acute back pain and muscle spasm. Pain killers, muscle relaxers and ice or heat would be the typical medical recommendations.

Niether good nor bad...just not the best advice to get these folks out of pain as fast as possible. Two of these patients this morning had, what I diagnosed to be, spinal disc bulges or herniations. Far more common than non-spine specialists diagnose.

The treatment regimen is also very different if the goal is to get people out of pain as quickly as possible. That's what my aim is with every person who walks in my office.

For more information on how to attain a Bullet-Proof Over 40 Spine, check out my site at: drseanp.com.

Your For Optimum Health And Performance,

Dr Sean, The Over 40 Spine Specialist