New site with links to verified charities that are on the ground in Japan and Christchurch New Zealand providing relief for earthquake and Pacific tsunami victims.

Go to http://pacificearthquaketsunamirelief.abundantdr.com/ for Pacific Earthquake Tsunami Relief and donate now.

Watch the Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Orange CA video

Heel pain? Sore Feet? Arch Pain? Is it Plantar Fasciitis?

What is Plantar Fascitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes heel pain, foot pain (pain on the bottom of the foot) and toe pain (pain under the ball of the foot).

The plantar fascia is a flat fibrous band that runs on the bottom of the foot from the heel to the base of the toes. It is a connective tissue like a ligament made of collagen. It’s main roles are to create, maintain the arch of the foot and to allow flattening and arch of the foot on gait to aid in propulsion.

How to Diagnose Plantar Fascitis?

Location of pain: under heel, distal to heel, middle of foot, under ball of foot

Nature of pain: Burning, knife like, stabbing, feels like rock in shoe

Timing: Worse in morning on rising from bed, or on rising from chair if sitting for a while

What Causes Plantar Fascitis Foot Pain?

• Injury to the foot (strains, sprains)
• Poor foot mechanics (excessive pronation or inward bending of ankles)
• Lumbar disc disease (degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, bulging disc)
• Excessive calf muscle tightness

Plantar Fasciitis Remedy

• Plantar fasciitis remedies include:
• Physiotherapy modalities: electrical muscle stimulation, heat, ice, ultrasound, etc
• Cold laser therapy
• Massage
• Stretching exercises
• Chiropractic adjustments of the pelvis, ankle and foot

FREE Plantar Fasciitis Severity Evaluation

• Consult with a doctor experienced in Plantar Fasciitis
• Specific Foot and Ankle Examination
• Computerized spinal examination
• Foot x-ray

Will losing weight affect your back pain?

Back pain expert says  “Yes!”

“Losing just 10 lbs could make an incredible difference in your lower back pain…” so says Dr Barry Marks, Chiropractor, Author and Lecturer. “Belly fat is a tremendous strain on the lower back” continues Dr Marks. “Weight at the belly level is magnified and translates into much more weight felt by your discs. If you have a bulging disc, or disc herniation and have a belly sticking out, what many call a “muffin top”, then you are causing even more trouble for your back.”

What is the best way to lose weight and get rid of muffin top?
Dr Marks recommends an approach that involves eating real food and making smarter choices about food intake. “You can’t live on fad diets, says Dr Marks, “it’s important to make your lifestyle one that encourages healthy weight maintenance without using gimmicks or tricks.”

Dr. Marks suggests eliminating certain foods that are empty calories with little energy and lots of fat and increasing other foods that have been shown to burn more fat and give you more energy per calorie with less fat.

He recommends eating a diet that consists of:

• Low amounts of simple sugars (white bread, cookies, crackers, tortillas, soda)
• Low amounts of trans and saturated fats (convenience foods, junk food, fast food)
• High amounts of complex carbs and fiber (whole grains)
• Moderate amounts of protein
• Lots of water

He says that if you’re suffering from a protruding belly you need to eliminate it as soon as possible for your back’s sake so he advocates taking short cuts temporarily to get at least 10 lbs of fat off ASAP. One program Dr Marks has identified that can achieve these fast fat burning goals to save your back is called “The Diet Solution.” Isabel’s natural approach and free video lessons can help you get rid of muffin top fast to save your back. Along the way you will also become much healthier.

Are You Suffering from Shoulder Blade Pain?
Looking for a cure to your shoulder blade pain?

If so then you’ll want to continue reading to learn the possible solutions to your upper back pain…

Pain in the Shoulder Blade also known as the “scapula” is a very common health problem and is often a source of frustration because it often fails to respond to medical treatments.

Common causes of shoulder blade pain:

• Muscle strain in the upper back
• Muscle spasm
• Thoracic spine misalignment
• Rib misalignment
• Whiplash from a car accident
• Chronic poor posture
• Scoliosis

*WARNING* If you experience middle back pain AND any of the following, call 9-1-1 immediately or get to a hospital for further evaluation:

• Chest pain (squeezing, heavy sensation)
• Shortness of breath
• Left arm pain
• Left neck or jaw pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Pain in right abdomen along edge of rib cage

These are signs of a possibly life threatening condition.  Immediate medical evaluation is needed.

Treatment for shoulder blade pain:
Treatment depends on the cause of your problem.  Pain caused by strains, poor posture, muscle spasm and spinal misalignment are readily treated with chiropractic treatment and home exercise. Rarely does this type of pain require invasive treatments like injections or surgery.

Typical treatments effective for shoulder blade pain:

• Chiropractic manipulation
• Chiropractic rehabilitation or therapy modalities
• Moist heat
• Electrical stimulation
• Cold Laser therapy
• Massage

Home treatments for pain between the shoulder blades:

• Hot shower or heating pad
• Stretching and isometric exercises
• Push ups
• Back arch on therapy ball
• BioFreeze pain relief gel

The good news about shoulder blade pain treatment is that many of the more common causes of scapula pain can be treated successfully and often in a short span of time.

Before you can begin shoulder blade pain treatment, you must first find out why you have your pain. For Orange County and surrounding area residents you can learn why you have your pain with a Free Shoulder Blade Pain Treatment Evaluation:

• Consult
• Specialized upper back pain examination
• Surface EMG computerized spinal test
• Personalized Recommended Action Plan

More about Shoulder Blade Pain and Upper Back Pain:

Shoulder Blade Pain Orange County

Upper back pain from Car Accident

Are You Suffering from Shoulder Blade Pain?
Experiencing burning, jabbing, stabbing or aching mid back pain?

If you answered “Yes” please read on to learn the cause of your pain between the shoulder blades and a possible solution to your upper back pain.

Pain in the Shoulder Blade also known as the “scapula” is a very common health problem that can make it difficult to perform many of your daily activities including…

• Sleeping comfortably
• Exercising
• Driving
• Working
• Recreation

If your upper back or mid back pain is bad enough it may even make it difficult to…

• Bathe or shower yourself
• Comb or brush your hair
• Dress your self
• Take care of your kids
• Simple household chores

Common causes of shoulder blade pain:

• Muscle strain in the upper back
• Muscle spasm
• Thoracic spine misalignment
• Rib misalignment
• Whiplash from a car accident
• Chronic poor posture
• Scoliosis

Dangerous conditions that cause pain between shoulder blades:

• Heart attack
• Gall bladder attack
• Pancreatitis
• Gastritis

*WARNING* If you experience middle back pain AND any of the following, call 9-1-1 immediately or get to a hospital for further evaluation:

• Chest pain (squeezing, heavy sensation)
• Shortness of breath
• Left arm pain
• Left neck or jaw pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Pain in right abdomen along edge of rib cage

These are signs of a possibly life threatening condition.  Immediate medical evaluation is needed.

Treatment for scapula pain:
Treatment depends on the cause of your problem.  Pain caused by strains, poor posture, muscle spasm and spinal misalignment are readily treated with chiropractic treatment and home exercise. Rarely does this type of pain require invasive treatments like injections or surgery.

They key to relieving your pain in upper back is to first have it properly diagnosed. You will not achieve the pain relief you need if the wrong diagnosis has been made. A proper work up should include…

• Physical examination of the back and neck as well as your heart, lungs, and abdomen
• X-rays can tell your doctor a lot about the middle back and possible causes of your pain
• Special testing such as Surface EMG can help detect problems in the middle back muscles.

Once the proper diagnosis is made, then proper pain between shoulder blades treatment can begin.

Residents of Orange County and surrounding areas…

Free Shoulder Blade Pain Evaluation:

• Consult
• Specialized upper back pain examination
• Surface EMG computerized spinal test
• Personalized Recommended Action Plan

More about shoulder blade pain and upper back pain
Shoulder Blade Pain Treatment

Upper Back Pain from Car Accident

Find a Chiropractor Orange County CA

Watch the video: Car Accident Knee Pain

Read the entire post here:
http://occaraccident.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/orange-chiropractic-car-accident-dashboard-knee-injury/

Headaches and head pain are among the most common and debilitating medical problems facing us today.  Spend any time at all watching TV and you’ll see that there is a brisk business selling headache relief medication.

What Causes Headaches?
There are many types and causes of headaches.  Some are relatively minor nuisances while others may be life threatening conditions.

Common Headache Causes:

• Stress, tension
• Sinus infection
• Neck problems
• Vision problems
• Vascular problems
• Dehydration
• Cold, flu virus
• High blood pressure
• Aneurysm
• Tumors

Serious Headache Warning:
If you suffer a severe throbbing or pulsing headache on one side of the head associated with nausea and/or vomiting, you may be suffering a stroke or ruptured aneurysm.  Get to an emergency room immediately or call 9-1-1.

How Do I Know What Type of Headache I Have?
Your health care provider will use headache questionnaires and perform examinations and tests like x-rays and laboratory blood tests to determine the exact cause of your headache.

Treatment of Headaches
Achieving headache relief largely depends on the underlying cause. Simple tension related headaches can be relieved through exercises, stretching and ergonomic changes at work and home. Headaches caused by spinal misalignment can be effectively treated by removing the misalignment with chiropractic adjustments. Vascular or migraine headaches can be managed with dietary changes, chiropractic care and trigger management.

The most important aspect regarding your headache is learning what type you have and applying the proper treatment.  Learn more at About My Headache.

Trends over the past half century indicate that men are in serious trouble health-wise. Visit any senior center and you’ll find that the most prized object is a man who can still drive! Forget about hair, teeth or a trim figure these elderly ladies want a man that still has the faculties to operate a motor vehicle.

Sadly, the gap in life expectancy between men and women seems to be widening. Men are more likely to suffer heart disease fully 10 years before women, so says Gregory Burke, MD, professor and chairman of the department of public health sciences at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Men outpace women in many other life threatening diseases as well.

The truly unfortunate part, is that most of the serious diseases afflicting men, cutting their lives short, are preventable. Did you hear that guys? Preventable.

A serious factor in this equation is the fact that women seek the advice of a physician much more readily than do their male counterparts. Despite, the gentle nudges of wives, men have a tendency to put off health issues. Waiting too long can have devastating effects and dire consequences.

The Big 5

So here is the list of the 5 most serious health issues facing men:

1. Heart disease
Males die of heart disease or cardiovascular problems at an alarming 2 to 1 ratio over women. Heart disease still claims more lives of both man and women, but men seem to be much more susceptible than are females.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports 25% of men suffer from heart disease and  it is the leading cause of death. If you’re a man between age 35 and 44, you have a 7 in 1,000 chance of your first incidence of heart disease, which in at least 40% of cases is a fatal heart attack. But when you are between ages 85-94 your risks jump to almost 70 in 1,000.

Risk factors for heart disease as stated by the American Heart Association (AHA):

• Increasing age
• Male sex
• Family history and race
• Folks with family history of the disease have greater risk
• Race/Ethnicity: African-Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and some Asian Americans
• Smoking
• High blood cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity and overweight
• Diabetes

2. Stroke
After heart disease and all forms of cancer, stroke is the third leading killer in the US.
Simply put a stroke is when the flow of blood to the brain is impaired. This can occur due to a rupture of a blood vessel or from a clot of blockage in a vessel. The lack of efficient blood transport to the brain causes damage to the sensitive brain tissue leading to paralysis, inability to talk and often death.

The American Stroke Association says that men are more likely to suffer a stroke, but as the groups reach age 75 it becomes roughly equal.

Risk factors for stroke include:

• Hypertension (elevated blood pressure)
• Increasing age
• Race/Ethnicity: African-Americans are at increased risk
• Male gender under age 75
• First hand history of stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA, AKA ministroke)
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Smoking, including secondhand smoke
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• Alcohol and substance abuse

3. Suicide and Depression
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that more than 6 million men have depression annually. According to reports from the Men’s Health Network, males are 400% more likely to commit suicide when compared to women. This may be explained by men not being as likely to talk about depression or even understand that they are suffering from it.

Dr. William Pollack, PhD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, says, “Men are more prone to suicide because they’re less likely to openly show depression and have somebody else recognize it early enough to treat it, or to have themselves recognize that they’re in trouble.” Dr. Pollack also state that the numbers od depressed men may be way underestimated since men are less likely to show the classic signs of depression as seen in women.

Pollack reveals that men’s signs of depression differ than the sadness suffered by depressed women and may include:

• Anger
• Aggression
• Work “burnout”
• Risk-taking behavior
• Midlife crisis
• Alcohol and substance abuse

4. Lung Cancer
Cancer of the lung kills more people than prostate, colon and breast cancer combined. It kills both men and women. While deaths from lung cancer have steadily fallen since the 1990s owing to the Surgeon General’s report on the health risks associated with smoking in 1964, it is still a major problem for men.

The American Cancer Society reports these risk factors for lung cancer:

• Smoking
• Secondhand smoke exposure
• Asbestos or radon exposure
• Personal history
• Air pollution

5. Prostate Cancer
Although Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men and is second only to lung cancer for leading type of cancer death among men, it is a treatable disease if caught in time. Treatment outcomes and survivability rates are greatly increased when caught in its early stages. The problem is that this form of cancer may be difficult to identify until it has already spread elsewhere.

A simple blood test, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal exam are recommended annually by The American Cancer Society for healthy males 50 and older. Those men with a family history of prostate cancer and African American males are advised to begin screening earlier, at approximately age 40.

The American Cancer Society, sites these risk factors for prostate cancer:

• Family history
• African Americans (40+)
• Increasing age (50+)
• Nationality: North American and Northwestern European men are more prone
• High-fat/Low-fiber diet

5 Tips to Prevent “The Big 5″

After reviewing the Big 5 a pattern should become clear. Men can and should be much healthier and many of these life threatening problems could be averted if you did these 5  simple things:

1. Regular Check-ups
Visit a doctor annually if healthy or immediately after you develop symptoms. The delay in seeking medical help is a major factor in determining the outcome.

2. Stop smoking
Yes, it’s pretty obvious that to avoid lung cancer you really should stop smoking, but it bears repeating. The good news is, once you stop smoking, your risks of developing cancer begin to tumble dramatically. Interested in quitting? Call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute Smoking Quitline at
(877) 44U-QUIT

3. Exercise
The US has an ever growing obesity problem. A lifestyle that promotes obesity is also one which promotes heart disease, strokes, depression and cancer. The root causes of obesity are poor diet and lack of adequate physical exercise. It is recommended that in addition to your usual daily activities, you also incorporate a brisk 30 minute walk 3-5 times each week and weight or resistance training 2-3 times each week.

4. High fiber, high fruit/vegetable diet
Diets high in fats and carbohydrates and low in fiber are a leading cause of obesity and therefore promotes heart disease cardiovascular disease like strokes and also diabetes. These diets are also a leading cause of cancers of the prostate and colon. So, to hedge your bets against the Big 5 make sure you are consuming lots of fruits and vegetables of various colors daily. Fresh and frozen are good. In addition, you’ll want to increase your fiber intake dramatically by eating the fruits and vegetables and whole grain products. A daily fiber bar, cereal, oatmeal, or a fiber enriched drink are also excellent ways to increase fiber intake. Decrease your consumption of saturated fats by avoiding fast food, fried foods and packaged or convenience foods. For lunch consider healthier meals like Subway, Togo’s, El Polo Loco, etc over burgers, fries, tacos, etc.

5. Moderation of alcohol intake
A drink or two a day have actually been shown to decrease risk of certain diseases. Several drinks a day are proven to do just the opposite. Excessive alcohol consumption causes increased risk of heart disease, certain cancers, stroke, liver disease and other harmful conditions. Therefore, if you’d like to avoid suffering from one of these diseases, make the necessary changes to your alcohol consumption.

It is a sad fact that men succumb to the Big 5 diseases and do not live as long as women. The silver lining, however, is that many of the conditions are preventable. With some fairly simple lifestyle modifications, men can narrow the gap with women and enjoy a much healthier life.

For more information and articles by Dr Marks, visit http://www.drmarks.com
You may also be interested in the numerous sites by Dr Barry Marks