Herniated Disc?

Posted on August 17, 2011 by alliedchiropractic

What is this thing we call a herniated disc?  Well, before we can answer this question, I think we have to understand what a vertebral disc is, it’s function, etc.  A vertebral disc is made of cartilage and fills the spaces between the bones in your back.  Their roles include being a “shock absorber”, allowing movement in the spine.  They usually account for 1/3 of your height.  They are made up of two parts: the Annulus Fibrosis and the Nucleus Pulposis.  So, what happens when a vertebral disc herniates the jelly-like substance (the nucleus pulposis) breaks through the outer layer (Annulus Fibrosis).  Additionally, the herniation of the disc goes backwards (in a very general sense) and can potentially effect a nerve going out from the spine, or the spinal cord itself.  The disc between the last lumbar bone and the sacrum bone (tail bone) is the most common disc that this can happen, though not exclusively.   Individuals usually experience low back pain (though it can happen in the neck and mid-back too), and can sometimes have weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arms or legs.  From a treatment standpoint, a conservative approach (not surgery) can prove successful usually.  Patience just needs to taken because this at times is not a fast approach.  Surgery can be an option, but usually could be a last resort (depending on the severity).

Chiropractic can be a great approach to disc herniations.  It’s gentle, effective and can provide great results.

Healthy Regards,

Dr. D and Staff

Posted in Low back pain, Neck pain, Nervous system | 1 Comment

Even 15 minutes of exercise has benefits!!

Posted on August 16, 2011 by alliedchiropractic

Enjoy the link… a great article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on the benefits of even just 15 minutes of exercise…

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/wellness/127799363.html

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The Old Wives Tale? The Cracking Of Your Knuckles

Posted on July 23, 2011 by alliedchiropractic

So you’ve probably heard that cracking your knuckles is ‘bad’ for you… Well, for the most part that’s totally an old wives tale.  This is one instance when your mother wasn’t exactly telling you the truth.  Throughout your day, you or others around you are probably twisting and pulling on your fingers and then they make that popping sound… what is that?  Don’t worry, it’s not your bones bouncing off each other or anything crazy.  The joints in the human body have a capsule with some fluid in them to allow the bones to glide on or around each other instead of directly against one another.  When you crack your knuckles… you are just quickly changing the pressure within the joint capsule and gases (mainly nitrogen) are being released from the joint.  Those gases do eventually get reabsorbed into the fluid within the joint again.  This takes about 25-30 minutes.  This is the same process when Doctors of Chiropractic adjust a spinal joint.  This is why you can’t crack your knuckles again immediately.  Now, as for the old wives tale… though not fully studied, you can’t get arthritis from repeated cracking of your knuckles.  However, it’s possible the ligaments and soft tissue that surround and protect the joint could become stretched over time.  A somewhat similar process happens to a baseball pitchers joints, but alot more vigorous.  One additonal effect… there can be an increased range of motion within the joint because a receptor in the tendons of the muscle called Golgi Tendon Organs allow the muscle to relax.  These receptors detect stretching of the tissue and protect the muscle and ligaments from any damage.

So, next time your mother tells you not to crack your knucles because you’ll get arthritis, you can politely say, “Mom, your wrong.”

Healthy Regards,

Dr. D and Staff

http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/musculoskeletal/question437.htm

Posted in Arm and hand pain, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Healthcare Conversation

Posted on July 7, 2011 by alliedchiropractic

The following link below is from a Minnesota public radio show in which a medical doctor has discounted the usefulness of chiropractic and other alternative therapies based on “his research.”  Please listen to the following audio in which he debates these statements with a chiropractic researcher.  PLEASE tell us your thoughts on the conversation!!!

Dr.  D and Staff

Posted in Research Studies, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

“Pillow Pain”

Posted on June 29, 2011 by alliedchiropractic

How’s your pillow been treating you lately?  Like most people… their pillow is usually not the proper size or “fluff.”  What’s in a proper pillow you say?  Well, there are many types shapes and sizes of pillows.  First of all, individuals should be sleeping on their back or on either of their sides.  Stomach sleeping isn’t good because the weight of your body can decrease the amount of air you take into your lungs.  Secondly, having your head turned to the side all night puts pressure and strain on the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the neck.

To find a pillow that fits your needs, first take a look at the one you are currently using.  Go ahead and lay on your side while using your pillow.  Have someone look at you or get a mirror so you know the position of your head while you’re laying there.  If your nose, chin, and breast bone (sternum)  make a straight line, the size and shape of your pillow is adequate.  If that line is broken, it’s time for a different pillow.  What you want to find is a pillow that fills the space between the end of your shoulder and your neck/head.  If the pillow is too big or small, the way you’re laying can strain the ligaments, muscle and tendons that help support and move the neck.  It’s the same as sleeping with the arm of a couch as a pillow, but for a longer period of time.  Remember how sore your neck can be after doing that?  I do…   Lastly, try to find ONE pillow that does the job, not multiple.  So if you’re waking up in the morning with a sore neck, take a good look at your pillow.  Happy Sleeping!!!

Healthy Regards,

Dr. D and Staff

Posted in Neck pain | 1 Comment

Sleep More Soundly…

Posted on June 14, 2011 by alliedchiropractic

Have you ever had one of those nights where no matter what you try and do, you can’t get to sleep?  I think we all have… if your looking for a couple ways to get around those sleepless nights, click on the link below..

http://toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=1448

 

Healthy Regards,

Dr. D and Staff

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Injuries of Golf

Posted on June 10, 2011 by alliedchiropractic

The sport of golf has really taken off the past 15 years with the introduction of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Sergio Garcia.  MN also has the most golfers per capita (as a side note).  As with any sport, comes the common injuries that are associated with it.  Wrist injuries, back injuries, and shoulder injuries are some of the most common injuries that can plague a golfer.  Especially in the Midwest, the golf season is short enough, so staying healthy and taking a preventative approach to common golf injuries should be preferred.  So, how do we do that?

1.) Warm up before playing - This is especially for us amateurs that play.  Just getting some of our muscles warmed up and ready to play is important.  You wouldn’t just start running as fast you could to run 5 miles would you?  Even though golf comparatively is less strenuous, warming up will help.  So get to the golf course 5 minutes earlier, and at least lightly swing a club. Click here for some great stretches and exercises to do before you go play a round or hit up the driving range.

2.) Get Adjusted Periodically – Chiropractic has been proven in different studies to help promote a more consistent and fluid golf swing.

3.) Stay hydrated – Our body are about 2/3′s water, so staying hydrated while playing is important.  When our body isn’t properly hydrated, that can take a toll on the rest of the body.. especially while being active.  Oh, and of course.. water is best!!!

4.)  Swing Easy - As a golfer, it’s amazing how true is cliche is.  When a golfer swings hard, the swing actually puts more stress on the body in trying to coordinate the full movement.  And from a results standpoint… the golf shot is never as great as if you were to swing easy.  There’s a lot of talk around golf circles right now about Tiger Woods and his aggressive swing leading to his golf injuries.  There’s probably quite a bit of “say” here with Tiger’s numerous injuries and the way he swings a club.

5.) Take some lessons – …if you’re able to.  If the invention of portable video, golf lessons have virtually been transformed.  A couple golf lessons can go a long way in staying healthy on the golf course.

Healthy Regards,

Dr. D and Staff

 

Posted in ergonomics, Exercise, Hip, Low back pain, Mid-back pain | 1 Comment

A Path To Walk On

Posted on June 7, 2011 by alliedchiropractic

Part of a great walk is knowing where to go if you don’t just want to take a stroll in your neighborhood.  The area and scenery around you as you get exercise can be just as good a therapy as the actual activity itself.  In the Saint Cloud, MN area there are numerous great places to get your exercise as well as enjoy the beauty of nature around you.  Here’s a list of a few of my favorites:

Munsinger Gardens and Riverside Park Area: I’ve blogged about this previously also.  It’s a wonderful gem across the river from Saint Cloud State University.  A great walk by the Mississippi River as well as wonderful rose and flower gardens for the scenery.  Maybe you will catch a concert going on as you walk through also!!

Lake George: Another great walk around Saint Cloud near the downtown area.  Watch people doing various activities while you get your exercise walking around the lake.

Sauk Rapids Municipal and Island View Park: Another wonderful walk along the Mississippi River.  You can either start on the north side or the south side of the parks and walk to the other.  Watch people fish from the river, play on the playgrounds, or watch the river flow by.  Can you tell there’s a “water theme”?!

Do you have any favorite walking area around you?  If so, please share them…

Healthy Regards,

Dr. D and Staff

Posted in Exercise, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Walk a Hole In Your Soles!!!

Posted on May 31, 2011 by alliedchiropractic

 

One of the easiest forms of exercise to do is walking.  Now, we’re not talking about the loitering while shopping, walk-around-the-office, up and down out of the chair, easy stroll walk.  We’re talking about a brisk 30-45 minute walk that involves just you.. not carrying anything and hopefully you’re walking your dog (and not your dog walking you).  The benefits of walking are so great, it’s a wonder why we don’t do it more often.  These benefits include: increasing your heart rate, burning calories, increasing blood flow, and improving your mood.  These benefits help with losing weight, decreasing bad cholesterol levels, burning fat, and decreasing stress levels.  Additionally, since our bodies really like being in motion, that can help with spinal pain.  Clinically, we want people to stay active because of the body’s love of motion.  Walking helps keep joints and muscles loose so they don’t get tighter or more sore than they all ready are.

The best parts of walking?  You can do it almost anywhere and it’s free!  Looking for a little more challenge?  Go for a walk in the shallow end of a pool.  The water provides great resistance for that added challenge, plus it’s less forceful on some of your joints.

If your looking for more exercise tips or have any questions or comments, please feel free to email or call at 32-251-6422.  We are always glad to help, because We Are Your Teammate in Health.

Healthy Regards,

Dr. D and Staff

Posted in Exercise, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The “Weight” of a Can of Soda

Posted on May 25, 2011 by alliedchiropractic

Here’s a quick thought… so in general, losing weight should be as easy as counting the calories in versus calories out (or burned).  From a mathematical standpoint, one needs to burn 3,500 kcal (calories) to lose or burn one pound of body fat.  So, what is a regular (not diet) twelve ounce soda worth in calories?  Let’s say about 150 calories.. So if you drink 1 can of soda a day… that’s 1,050 calories a week.. 4,200 calories a month… 50,400 calories a year.  Talk about empty calories!!!  If you simply switched to drinking water instead of that one can of soda.. you could potentially lose 14.4 lbs in a year!!!  I’ll just switch to diet soda you say?  Click here and read this… the artificial sweetner actually increases cravings and fat storage among other things.  Maybe more importantly… aspartame (an artificial sweetener) can act as a nuerological toxin.  So, think twice before you grab for that can of Coke or Pepsi.

Healthy Regards

Dr. D and Staff

Posted in Nervous system, Uncategorized | Leave a comment