Webster's Dictionary defines the word "symptom" as "subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance" or "something that indicates the existence of something else."

However, modern culture has strayed from this definition, instead regarding symptoms as the first stage of illness.  I am extemely concerned about this common misconception, which results in a "disease-focused" attitude toward healthcare, rather than a "prevention-focused" approach that promotes wellness.

A New Outlook

The traditional "disease-focused" Western methodology of health care teaches that symptoms are the first sign of illness.  I as well as other holistically minded professionals uphold the opposite point of view: symptoms are often the final mark of infirmity.  And a wealth of scientific research supports this revolutionary outlook.  

Following is a sampling of studies confirming that symptoms are delayed in many diseases - and what I'm doing to help prevent these health complaints before the onset of symptoms.

Spinal Dysfunction

Symptoms associated with vertebral subluxations, dysfunctional areas of the spine where movement is restricted or bones (vertebrae) are slightly misaligned, often occur in the disorder's latter stages.

Vertebral subluxations are linked wtih an increased risk of osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, intestinal problems, headache, asthma and ear infections.  And that's just the tip of the iceberg.  

Ongoing research suggests that vertebral subluxations also inhibit the nervous system.  Nerves exit the spinal cord between vertebral bones; consequently, researchers theorize that dysfunction in the spine may hinder nerve flow to vital organs and structures throughout the body.

Like anything else, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to vertebral subluxations.  That's why Dr. Kruse focuses on preventing spinal disorders before the onset of symptoms.  This is accomplished through regular chiropractic checkups.

Spinal Arthritis & Disc Disease

Research indicates that spinal osteoarthritis is not necessarily associated with symptoms of pain or dysfunction, especially during its early stages.  In addition, spinal disc herniation or degeneration is frequently without symptoms  (Spine 2003;28:582-8)

Doctors of chiropractic ward off spinal osteoarthiritis and disc degeneration by correcting vertebral subluxations, keeping the spine mobile and fostering healthy joint cartilage.

Overuse and Repetitive Motion

Injuries related to overuse or repetitive motion inflict trauma to joints, bones, muscles and connective tissue (ligaments, tendons and fascia).  Tennis elbow, shin splints and pitcher's shoulder are all examples of sports related overuse injuries.  Work related overuse injuries, commonly associated with repetitive strain, include carpal tunnel syndrome, from keyboard use; neck pain, from improper workstation ergonomics; and back pain, from repetative lifting.

It's easy to imagine how trauma to the structures affected by repetative strain accumulates long before the onset of pain.

Focus on Prevention, Not Symptoms

From childhood, most individuals are taught that symptoms of pain or illness are the body's way of telling us it's time to seek help from health-care professionals.  Actually, symptoms are the body's last-ditch attempt to get our attention.  In our frenzied-pace society, we've learned to disconnect from our bodies and ignore the subtle signs they send, indicating the early presence of disease.  We are  encouraged not only to wait until the onset of symptoms but also until those symptoms are so severe we can no longer put up with them.

This chiropractic office challenges patients to shift their way of thinking about symptoms.  Focus on prevention by keeping regular chiropractic wellness checkups.  If you haven't had a chiropractic checkup recently, commit to taking charge of your health and schedule one today - for yourself and everyone else in your family!

from USDirectory.com

Effectiveness & Safety

In randomized clinical trials, chiropractic was 57% more effective in the reduction of headaches and migraines than drug therapy

By Mark Studin DC, FASBE(C), DAPM, DAAMLP

It was reported in October of 2010 by Wrong Diagnosis that approximately 1 in 6,16.54% or 45 million Americans get headaches yearly, with many people suffering daily. While the statistical numbers vary based upon your source of information, it can be agreed upon that headaches are very common and shared among Americans at an epidemic rate. Taking into account that a single pill for many Americans to treat a headache can cost as much as $43, according to Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drugs, the overall cost to our economy totals billions of dollars and we need to focus not on the treatment of the effects, but the root of the cause.

When you suffer from headaches, it affects every facet of your life and you search for immediate answers. Most often it is a medication, either over-the-counter or prescription as evidenced by the amount of money spent as previously reported. One of the first medications recognized for the potential treatment of headaches is amatriptyline, commonly known by brand names such as Elavil, Endep or Amitrol as reported by Robert on About.com in 2006. It is also used as an antidepressant. This medication has made up a large part of the billion dollar industry along with over-the counter-medications. Although in many instances, this drug is indicated, the question that arises is what are the risks of taking this widely used medication?

The potential side effects of this medication targeted for headache sufferers, according todrugs.com (n.d.), are: blurred vision, change in sexual desire or ability, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness; dry mouth, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and weakness. Severe allergic reactions can be: rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, delusions, difficulty speaking or swallowing, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations, new or worsening agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still, numbness or tingling in an arm or leg, one-sided weakness, seizures, severe or persistent dizziness or headache, severe or persistent trouble sleeping, slurred speech, suicidal thoughts or actions, tremor, trouble urinating, uncontrolled muscle movements (such as in the face, tongue, arms or legs), unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, vision problems, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Over the counter remedies of NSAID’s or aspirin have a long list of their own of side effects.

The safety of chiropractic, in spite of rhetoric from naysayers, has been documented in clinical trials by Miller and Benfield (2008), who reported on children younger under 3 years old, “the youngest and most vulnerable population…” (p. 420). There was one reaction reports for every 749 adjustments which was typically crying. None were reported to have any serious side effects.

In adults, clinically, the majority of any side effects are soreness that is transient. This is based upon this author’s 30 years of clinical experience and teaching doctors of chiropractic who are trained in creating an accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan. To say that more serious side effects cannot happen is irresponsible. However, they are rare, non-life threatening and usually transient in nature, no different than infants. To ensure the best outcomes, like with any professional, you have to verify the doctor’s credentials and experience, which is best accomplished by securing a copy of the doctor’s curriculum vitae (his/her academic and professional credentials).

Nelson et. al. (1998) reported on randomized clinical trials that took place over an 8-week course. The results showed there was minor statistical differences in outcomes for improvement during the trial period for chiropractic care, amatriptyline and over-the-counter medications for treating migraine headaches. It was also reported that there was no statistical benefit in combining therapies. However, the major factor is that in the post-treatment follow-up period, chiropractic was 57% more effective in the reduction of headaches than drug therapy.

Bryans, et. al. (2011) confirmed Nelson’s findings and reported that spinal manipulation(adjusting) is recommended for patients with episodic or chronic migraines with or without aura and patients with cervicogenic headaches. This follow-up study is not a comparison or comment on the use of drugs. It simply demonstrates that chiropractic is a viable solution for many and can save the government and private industry billions in expenditures both in health care coverage, loss of productivity and avoidance of absenteeism in industry creating a new level of cost as sequella to headaches.

Medications and other forms of invasive care are often necessary and it is critical for a trained doctor to perform an accurate history and physical and when indicated, advanced diagnostic testing (CAT scans, MRI’s, etc.) to ensure there aren’t more serious underlying complications. However, based upon the results of the research provided by Nelson et al. (1998) and Bryans et. al. (2011), it should be chiropractic first, drugs second and surgery last to render better outcomes with less potential side effects and a quicker return to productivity.

References:

1. Wrong Diagnosis. (2010, October 6). Prevalence statistics for types of headaches and migraine conditions. Health Grades Inc. Retrieved fromhttp://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/h/headache_and_migraine_conditions/prevalence-types.htm

2. Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drugs. (n.d.). Treating migraine headaches: Thetriptans, Comparing effectiveness, safety, and price. Health.org. Retrieved fromhttp://www.consumerreports.org/health/resources/pdf/best-buy-drugs/triptanFINAL.pdf

3. Robert, T. (2006, May 26). Amitriptyline: Headache and migraine drug profiles.About.com. Retrieved fromhttp://headaches.about.com/od/medicationprofiles/a/amitriptyline.htm

4. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Amitriptyline side effects. Retrieved fromhttp://www.drugs.com/sfx/amitriptyline-side-effects.html

5. Miller, J. E., & Benfield, K. (2008). Adverse effects of spinal manipulative therapy in children younger than 3 years: A retrospective study in a chiropractic teaching clinic. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(6), 419-423.

6. Nelson, C. F., Bronfort, G., Evans, R., Boline, P., Goldsmith, C., & Anderson, A. V. (1998). The efficacy of spinal manipulation, amitriptyline and the combination of both therapies for the prophylaxis of migraine headache. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, 21(8), 511-519.

7. Bryans, R., Descarreaux, M., 

In Touch Education Services

    The sixteenth annual upper cervical conference was held at Life University in Marietta, Georgia in November 1999. A study presented at the conference found that patients under chiropractic care experienced a measurable increase in brain function.

    Microcog is a computer administered and scored test that serves as a diagnostic tool to determine cognitive (brain) function. It measures activity in nine categories: attention/mental control, memory, reasoning/calculation, spatial processing, reaction time, information processing speed, information processing accuracy, general cognitive functioning and general cognitive proficiency.

    A total of 40 patients had their brain function measured by Microcog. 30 of these patients received upper cervical (neck) chiropractic adjustments and 10 served as a control group receiving no adjustments. Four weeks later, all 40 patients were tested by the Microcog system again.

    According to the study, "significant improvements were observed in neurocognitive [brain] function in the group receiving upper cervical care. The control group did not demonstrate a similar trend. This study suggests that upper cervical chiropractic care may positively affect neurocognitive function."

    The World Health Organization defines "health" as 100% physical, mental and social well-being. A nervous system free of interference is vital to the full expression of all these aspects of your health potential. Chiropractic works to restore health by removing interference to your nervous system.

The spine is an elegant and complex structure.  Its 33 vertebrae (the bones that protect the spinal cord and support the head and torso) fit together with a system of joints that allow it to bend and twist.

 If a problem develops in the joints of the spine, pain and limited movement may occur.  One such problem  that you may not have heard of is facet syndrome.  This common condition is the root cause of many cases of back and neck pain.  The good news is that facet syndrome can be managed.

The term Facet Syndrome describes the symptoms that come with degeneration of the facet joints, meaning the breakdown of the cartilage that separates the bones in each joint.  The disorder is most common in older adults (Spine 1988;13:966-71).

Signs and Causes

I find that symptoms typically include dull, aching pain, particularly with movement, and tenderness of the joints when touched through the skin.  Patients with facet syndrome generally do not have leg pain, muscle pain or related neurological problems (Pain 1996;68:79-83).

Some evidence shows that cervical facet syndrome often shows up secondary to whiplash.

Pitfalls of Conventional Treatments

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are often recommended to relieve the pain of facet syndrome.  I caution against relying on drugs to treat musculoskeletal pain.  Recent research calls into question the effectiveness of these painkillers against back pain (Expert Opin Pharmacother 2004;5:2091-8).

When used regularly over an extended period, NSAIDs can do much more harm than good, causing gastrointestinal maladies such as ulcers and stomach bleeding.  The risk of these side effects is amplified in older age.

Injected corticosteroids are another option for controlling pain from facet syndrome, but research does not show that they are effective over the long term (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006:CD005328).

Surgical correction of facet syndrome by fusing vertebrae together not only carries the risks of any major surgery but also is only inconsistently effective (Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 1992;112:876-80).

Chiropractic:  All-Natural Solution

Research published this spring from the University of Johannesburg heralds a safer solution for the discomfort of facet syndrome.  One week after completing therapies, patients who recieved chiropractic care reported significantly decreased pain and disability.  They also reported increased ease completing daily activities.

Another study compared chiropractic care with NSAIDs for back pain.  Chiropractic adjustments cut pain severity and disability by nearly a third - results that could not be replicated by the painkillers (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000;23:239-45).

How Chiropractic Works

Rather than depending on drugs, chiropractic champions the body's natural ability to heal itself.  Chiropractic care can reduce discomfort and slow the progress of joint degeneration.

Using gentle maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments, the doctor corrects vertebral subluxations, relieving pain and improving range of motion. 

If you are seeking relief from back or neck pain and suspect that facet syndrome is to blame, drug-free relief may be just a phone call away.  Schedule a chiropractic evaluation today!

Via: Medical Billing And Coding

    A study in the January 10, 2011 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine reports that more than 50% of the 4,218 recommendations in guidelines issued by the Infectious Diseases Society of America were based on level III evidence -- the lowest possible category.
    Level lll evidence is the opinions of respected authorities based on clinical experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees.
    Don Heun Lee, MD, and Ole Vielemeyer, MD, of Drexel University in Philadelphia, say that doctors sometimes assume that following practice guidelines means they are practicing quality, evidence based medicine. However, they say, the quality of the supporting literature varies greatly.
    Only 14% of the recommendations were linked to the highest level of evidence with 55% supported only by expert opinion.
    In an accompanying editorial, John Powers, MD, of Scientific Applications International Corporation in Bethesda, Md., said the findings "reinforce that absolute certainty in science or medicine is an illusion."
    He goes on to say the message is to "be wary of falling into the trap of 'cookbook medicine,'" adding that "guidelines will never replace critical thinking in patient care."
    "Although the evidence and recommendations in guidelines may change across time," he wrote, "providers will always have a need to know how to think about clinical problems, not just what to think."

Many physical factors trigger or exacerbate back pain.  But did you know that psychological and social factors can also play a major role?

The chiropractic approach to wellness acknowledges the interconnection between the body, mind and spirit.  Dr. Kruse gives special attention to the spine, while caring for the wellness of the whole person.  Chiropractic is an approach that considers more than just the body; can explain how psychological health and social relationships interact with back pain; and helps describe therapies that improve back pain through the power of the mind. 

Aside from supporting recovery from back pain, the power of psychosocial therapies reduces the need for potentially addictive painkillers.

Feel as though this may be a factor for you or a loved one?  Please give us a call or simply shoot us an email.  We look forward to helping you!

Yours in Health

It's not always possible to avoid individuals or events that trigger anger, but we can control how we react to those instigators.

1. Exercise

A wealth of research shows that exercise is a winning, all-natural approach to tame emotions, such as anger, frustration and stress.  At least 30 minutes of exercise per day will do wonders to quench a sizzling temper.  Non-strenuous, gentle exercise, such as yoga, Tai Chi and stretching, relax muscles and hasten calm.

2.  Breathe Deeply

Breathing exercises are a proven strategy for combating a scorching spirit.  When you feel tension beginning to mount, breathe deeply and slowly from the diaphragm.  This process of breathing in and out should take 10 seconds or more.

Picture your breath coming up from the stomach, and feel your abdomen extend.  In contrast, breathing from your chest won't relax you.

3.  Repeat Calming Words

While practicing breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques, soothingly repeat a calm word or phrase, such as "relax" or "take it easy."  This verbal cue will trigger your body and mind to "chill out."

4.  Imagine a Serene Setting

Use imagery; visualize a relaxing experience or tranquil setting, from your memory or your imagination.  Consciously doing this over time will train your psyche to automatically employ visualization whenever a tense situation hits.

5.  Alter Your Thought Process

Altering your thought process, or what psychologists term "reframing" or "cognitive restructuring," is an excellent tool for cooling a tempestuous temper.

When you're angry thoughts may become exaggerated and dramatic.  Try replacing these thoughts with more rational ones.  Focus on the specific problem, rather than on "catastrophizing."  For instance, replace the thought, "It's awful, and everything's ruined," with, "It's frustrating, and my feelings are understandable; however, it's not the end of the world and getting angry won't solve it."

Take these ideas in, use them.  It will prove better control over your stress, better health and improved relationships.  More to come next time!

Doctors of chiropractic, like me, focus on prevention and want patients to understand how a persistent hot temper promotes disease and pain.  Research shows that negative emotions associated with a fiery disposition are directly linked to headaches, chronic pain, obesity, cancer, low back pain and high cholesterol - just to name a few.

We need to try and rein in temper.

Many people instinctively express anger aggressively.  It's a natural adaptive "fight or flight" response.  This innate response provokes powerful behaviors, which allow us to defend ourselves when attacked.  A certain amount of anger, therefore, is necessary for survival. 

On the other hand, lashing out at everyone who irritates or annoys us is destructive to us and our relationships.  The goal of temper control is to reduce both the emotions and physiological arousal producing outrage.

2010 was a particularly difficult year for many people.  Even the most even-tempered individuals have challenges managing ongoing stress.  Anger is a completely normal human emotion.  But when tempers flare out of control, serious problems - that damage work performance, quality of relationships and overall well-being - may ensue.

A bubbling temper can make you feel as though you're at the mercy of unpredictable and powerful emotions.  But keeping anger under control is essential for disease prevention.  If you occasionally have difficulty managing anger, don't dismay,  I have gathered 15 winning tips to swiftly defuse a hot temper.  We will look at each in the following days.  Try to keep calm, breathe.  2011 is a new year, a year for new beginnings and discoveries!  Happy New Year everyone!  Until next time.....