Absolute Life Chiropractic

Chiropractic Care for Car Accident Injuries

great articel on auto injuries from one of my great Chiroprator freinds. Thanks Dr. Ken....

By: Dr. Ken Otto, DC

When you are involved in an auto accident, there are so many things to think about- insurance coverage, damage estimates, car repairs, paperwork. However, don’t forget to think about one very important thing that may have been compromised in the accident, your spine. Injuries to the spine in an auto accident are very common and can be very debilitating if not addressed and corrected. Even when there is no immediate pain, there can still be severe damage to the delicate tissues of the spine.

Today’s cars are designed to withstand the impact of a crash which is great news for the car itself, but bad news for those riding in it. When a car does not crumple in an accident and has little to no visible damage, the impact of the crash gets transferred into the occupants of the car.

The spine initially lurches forward on impact and then whips back against the seat when the car comes to a stop. This is the simple scenario of a straight rear-end collision with the riders looking straight forward. Add in a turned head or a side impact and the degree of likely damage to the spine greatly increases. It takes less than five miles per hour of impact to cause a whiplash injury, so even minor fender benders can have serious consequences.

Lack of pain following an accident is not necessarily a good indicator of health. The adrenaline rush from the accident itself can temporarily mask symptoms and often minor aches and soreness in the days following are ignored or brushed off as “normal.” It may be days, weeks or even months before the true severity of an injury shows up and the longer the delay in addressing the injury, the longer the recovery will take and the poorer the prognosis for a full recovery.

The symptoms of a spinal injury following an accident can also be vague. Pain and stiffness are common, but other symptoms can include headaches, neck pain, numbness and tingling, arm pain, nausea, dizziness, vision changes, low back pain, sciatica, difficulty concentrating, difficulty swallowing, jaw pain, sore throat, hoarse voice, insomnia, anxiety, light headedness, ringing in the ears, shoulder pain or wrist pain.

No matter how minor the crash seems to be, getting evaluated for a spinal injury and seeking care if needed from a chiropractor as soon as possible following the accident can greatly improve your chances for a full recovery.

Tags: accidents, auto accidents, back pain, car accident injuries, car repairs, cars, chiropractic care,injuries, low back pain, neurology, orthopedic surgery, pain, relieve, sciatica, shoulder

 

Chiropractic can help Spondylosis - degenerative osteoarthritis

Spondylosis is a term referring to degenerative osteoarthritis of the joints between the centra of the spinal vertebrae and/or neural foraminae. In this condition the facet joints are not involved. If severe, it may cause pressure on nerve roots with subsequent sensory and/or motordisturbances, such as pain, paresthesia, or muscle weakness in the limbs.

When the space between two adjacent vertebrae narrows, compression of a nerve root emerging from the spinal cord may result inradiculopathy (sensory and motor disturbances, such as severe pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, back, and/or leg, accompanied by muscle weakness). Less commonly, direct pressure on the spinal cord (typically in the cervical spine) may result in myelopathy, characterized by global weakness, gait dysfunction, loss of balance, and loss of bowel and/or bladder control. The patient may experience a phenomenon of shocks (paresthesia) in hands and legs because of nerve compression and lack of blood flow. If vertebrae of the neck are involved it is labelled cervical spondylosis. Lower back spondylosis is labeled lumbar spondylosis.

Causes

• Repetitive strain injury - Caused due to lifestyle without ergonomic care, Eg. While working in front of computers, Driving, Travelling etc. Simple reasons like 'Using of a blunt knife for everyday chopping of vegetables', could cause RSI.

Treatment

Treatment is usually conservative in nature; the most commonly used treatments are chiropractic.

Dr. Troy M. Dreiling 

Absolute Life Chiropractic a “Maximized Living Health Center” 

9418 NE Vancouver Mall Drive

Vancouver, WA 98662

Voice 360-260-6903 

Fax 360-260-4849

www.absolutelife.com

www.maximizedlivingDrDreiling.com

www.TheVancouverChiropractor.com

 

Foods Fight Disease: Rejuvenate Your Body for Life!

Happy Spring! It’s agood time to not only spring clean your homes but also your bodies and foods can help you clean out the “cobwebs” . We saw the benefits if eating chlorella as a regular supplement last week. This week were focusing on additional steps we ca nmake daily to improve our health. In our office we have a simple saying “if it didn’t originate from the earth don’t eat it”. We all know that we shouldn’t be eating processed, altered, genetically modified foods because of the hazardous effects on our bodies and health. We know that we will “pay “ for our health on the front end or the back end. We promote using foods to “pay” for you health. The truth is that many of us deal with fatigue, digestive, dysfunction, high triglycerides, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high insulin, high leptin, inflammatory diseases, and toxicity. We also know many people with these conditions as well as cancer and autism spectrum disorders.

Most of us have heard Dr. Troy tell us that we have a purpose in this life. Take a moment and think about your purpose in life. Think of all the people in your life that love and care about you, that depend on you, think of how their lives would be affected if you weren’t functioning at 100%. The sad truth is that the CDC just announced that “ Nearly half of all American adults have either high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, each a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. “

What's even more alarming is that "15 percent of the population is unaware that they have one or more of these conditions," said survey author Cheryl D. Fryar, a health statistician with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 A simple way to prevent disease is to follow the principles of health. The body’s optimal pH balance is slightly alkaline at 7.35. The foods we eat can either alkalize or acidify our bodies. For example a can of soda has a very acidic pH of 2.5. Acids are harmful to our bodies because bacteria, viruses, and tumors thrive on the sugar or acid environment.Conversely bacteria and viruses cannot live in an alkaline environment. As early as 1930 researcher Otto Warburg found that one of the most universal properties of malignant tumors is their acidic areas. http://www.onco-tools.com

The SOLUTION to disease is to take action with your mouth, don’t feed disease! Dr.Troy is bringing in health Specialist Marybeth to the office. She will actually look at your blood and see how healthy you actually are. Dr.Troy will also being doing a ph and Alkalinity talk on March 29^th. Don’t miss this extrodinary event! Seating is limited. Cost to attend the seminar is only $5. Call the office today to reserve your seat! Take charge of your health and your loved ones!

Dr. Troy M. Dreiling 

Absolute Life Chiropractic a “Maximized Living Health Center” 

9418 NE Vancouver Mall Drive

Vancouver, WA 98662

Voice 360-260-6903  

Fax 360-260-4849

www.absolutelife.com

www.maximizedlivingDrDreiling.com

www.TheVancouverChiropractor.com

www.paradigmmedia.us

 

60% of Surgical Candidates Avoid Surgery with Chiropractic

Sciatica (Leg Pain) & Lumbar Disc Herniation

Surgery vs. Chiropractic Care

by

Mark Studin DC, FASBE(C), DAAPM, DAAMLP

 

60% of Surgical Candidates Avoid Surgery with Chiropractic

 

According to a group at MayoClinic.com (2010), "Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve and its branches — from your back down your buttock and leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your spinal cord to your buttock and hip area and down the back of each leg. Sciatica is a symptom, not a disorder. The radiating pain of sciatica signals another problem involving the nerve, such as a herniated disk" (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516).

Sciatica symptoms include: Pain "…likely to occur along a path from your low back to your buttock and the back of your thigh and calf. Numbness or muscle weakness along the nerve pathway in your leg or foot. In some cases, you may have pain in one part of your leg and numbness in another. Tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling, often in your toes or part of your foot. A loss of bladder or bowel control. This is a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition that requires emergency care" (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2010, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516/DSECTION=symptoms).

A prime symptom of sciatica is leg pain in conjunction with herniated discs. As reported by the US Chiropractic Directory in 2010, "Pain radiating down your leg secondary to a herniated disc is a common and often disabling occurrence. A disc in your spine is comprised of 2 basic components, the inner nucleus pulposis that is gelatinous in composition and the outer annulus fibrosis that is fibro-cartilaginous and very strong. When a person experiences trauma and the forces are directed at the spine and disc. The pressure on the inside of the disc is increased (like stepping on a balloon) and the internal nucleus pulposis creates pressure from the inside out. It tears the outer annulus fibrosis causing the internal material to go beyond the outer boundaries of the disc. This has often been misnamed a ‘slipped disc’ because the disc doesn’t slip or slide, it is torn from the trauma allowing the internal material to escape.

Conversely, a bulging disc, which gets confused with a herniated disc, is a degenerative "wear and tear scenario" that occurs over time with the annulus fibrosis degenerating. This can also be a "risk factor" allowing the disc to herniate with less trauma due to the degeneration or thinning of the disc walls. This, however, is a conversation for another article.

Lifetime prevalence of a herniated disc has been estimated to be 35% in men and 45% in woman and it has been estimated that 90% of all leg pain secondary to herniated discs occurs at either the L4-5 or L5-S1 levels. It has also been reported that average duration of symptoms is 55.9 weeks, underscoring the critical necessity for finding a viable solution for these patients" (http://www.uschirodirectory.com/index.php/patient-information/item/235-herniated-discs-radiating-pain-and-chiropractic).

It was reported by McMorland, Suter, Casha, du Plessis, and Hurlbert in 2010 that over 250,000 patients a year undergo elective lumbar discectomy (spinal surgery) for the treatment of low back disc issues in the United States. The researchers did a comparative randomized clinical study comparing spinal microdiscectomy (surgery) performed by neurosurgeons to non-operative manipulative treatments (chiropractic adjustments) performed by chiropractors. They compared quality of life and disabilities of the patients in the study.

This study was limited to patients with distinct one-sided lumbar disc herniations as diagnosed via MRI and had associated radicular (nerve root) symptoms. Based upon the authors’ review of available MRI studies, the patients participating in the study were all initially considered surgical candidates.

Both the surgical and chiropractic groups reported no new neurological problems surfaced and had only minor post-treatment soreness. 60% of the patients who underwent chiropractic care reported a successful outcome while 40% required surgery and of those 40%, all reported successful outcomes. Of those patients choosing surgery as the primary means of treatment, 15% reported a failed surgical outcome and then chose chiropractic as a secondary choice. Of those 15% with failed surgeries, all were reported to have performed worse in clinical outcomes.

While it is clear that an accurate diagnosis could dictate that many patients require immediate surgery, many also do not. The above study indicates that a conservative non-operative approach of chiropractic care prevented 60% from needless surgery. While a larger study would give us more information, based upon the outcomes, cost factors and potential increased risks of surgery, it was concluded that chiropractic is a viable, first line treatment option.

These studies along with many others conclude that a drug-free approach of chiropractic care is one of the best solutions for patients with surgical lumbar discs and sciatic pain. To find a qualified doctor of chiropractic near you go to the US Chiropractic Directory at www.USChiroDirectory.com and search your state.

References:

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010, April 22). Sciatica, Definition. MayoClinic.com, Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516

2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010, April 22). Sciatica, Symptoms. MayoClinic.com, Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516/DSECTION=symptoms

3. Studin, M. (2010). Herniated discs, radiating pain and chiropractic. US Chiropractic Directory. Retrieved from http://www.uschirodirectory.com/index.php/patient-information/item/235-herniated-discs-radiating-pain-and-chiropractic

4. McMorland, G., Suter, E., Casha, S., du Plessis, S. J., & Hurlbert, R. J. (2010). Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomized clinical study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 33(8), 576-584

 

Dr. Troy M. Dreiling 

Absolute Life Chiropractic a “Maximized Living Health Center”

9418 NE Vancouver Mall Drive

Vancouver, WA 98662

Voice 360-260-6903 

Fax 360-260-4849

www.absolutelife.com

www.maximizedlivingDrDreiling.com

www.TheVancouverChiropractor.com

www.paradigmmedia.us

Headaches & Migraines

Headaches & Migraines

Chiropractic Vs. Medication, Effectiveness & Safety

In randomized clinical trials, chiropractic was 75% more effective in the reduction of headaches and migraines than drug therapy

As reported in the US Chiropractic Directory, after 8 weeks of randomized clinical trials with chiropractic vs. medication for headache and migraine sufferers, the chiropractic group scored 42% vs. 24% effective for medication. This research indicates that chiropractic is 75% more effective than medication for headaches and migraines. To say that the medical approach doesn't have a place in healthcare would be inaccurate and irresponsible, but based upon evidenced based outcome studies, research concludes that for headaches and migraines, the path is chiropractic first and drugs second.   Dr. Troy Dreiling has been providing chiropractic services to Northwest families for 15 years. He believes that adjustments in the body and attitude go way beyond an office visit, and into the heart. Absolute Life Chiropractic was voted “Best in Clark County” by the Clark County Chamber of Commerce because of Dreiling’s community involvement and commitment to community health Dreiling believes a healthy lifestyle is an undeniable component to one’s health. His mission, to serve as many people possible with natural, safe, and effective solutions to achieve the body’s optimal state of being and to provide superior education inspiring others to create a healthier “you”, community, and planet. The relationship between activity and health is the foundation of Dreiling’s practice. Maximized Living Makeovers and run/walk clubs are keystones to Dreiling’s commitment to his patients and promoting a healthy lifestyle.     Dr. Dreiling graduated from Life Chiropractic College West in 1994, and is an International Chiropractic Association member. He has opened three chiropractic clinics in Romania and served on a Panama mission team, adjusting over 1,000,000 people. Last year, Dr. Dreiling has raised over $10,000 for charitable causes and has given away over $200,000 worth of services. Events included hosting an annual Kids Day America, promoting health, safety, and environmental awareness for the children in the community. His radio show, “Absolute Life Radio” on KPDQ, 104.1,The Fish, inspires families to keep making healthy choices. A former bodybuilder, Dreiling is the team chiropractor for the State Champion Evergreen High School football team. Several organizations know they can count on him, including the YMCA, YWCA, ARC Innovative Services, Salvation Army, Make a Wish, Pregnancy Resource Center, Life West Chiropractic College research, Wichoni International, Mt Hood Ski Patrol, Humane Society, Portland Rescue Mission and local schools.

Shop with the Doc at Whole Foods - Vancouver, WA

Learn how to shop healthy and not spend a whole paycheck!  

 

• I will show you how to shop and save money!

• I will show you what to buy and tips to the best food!

• I will show you all the foods you CAN eat!

• Receive Maximized Living recipes!

• Come and learn about Whole Foods money back guarantee!

 

Join the Fun and Bring your Friends!

 

You could win a $25 gift certificate to Whole Foods!

 

Who: Dr. Troy M. Dreiling

When: Thursday, June 17, 2010

Where: Whole Foods (162^nd and Mill Plain)
Time: 6:30 pm

Call # 360-260-6903 to register today

Want Maximized Living to come to you?

if so you can email us at drtroy@absoutelife.com

to schedule an amazing health talk/workshops for your place of work or play!

Dr. Troy M. Dreiling

Absolute Life Chiropractic

A “Maximized Living Health Center”

9418 NE Vancouver Mall Drive

Vancouver, WA 98662

Voice 360-260-6903 

Fax 360-260-4849

www.absolutelife.com

www.thevancouverchiropractor.com

www.maximizedlivingDrDreiling.com

High-risk surgeries soar despite questionable benefit for patients

Posted by Dr. Troy Dreiling

By Joe Rojas-Burke, The Oregonian

April 06, 2010, 1:18PM

The OregonianThe rate of high-risk surgical operations for back pain increased 15-fold in five years, and researchers studying the trend say that it may be harming more than helping some patients.

The study focused on women and men age 65 and older diagnosed with lumbar stenosis, a common back problem in which aging spinal vertebra pinch the spinal nerves. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and three other institutions compared national Medicare data on surgeries to treat lumbar stenosis from 2002 to 2007.

They found that the rate of basic decompression surgeries, which involve removing pieces of bone that are pressing on nerves, declined slightly, as did the rate of simple spinal fusion operations, those in which only two or three vertebra are fused on one side of the spine.

But the rate of more complex back surgeries rose from about 1.3 per 100,000 people, to 19.9 per 100,000. In complex operations, as defined by the researchers, surgeons fused both the front and back of vertebra, using bone to create a bone graft between them, or they fused four or more vertebra.

"There is little evidence that these more complex operations actually improve pain relief or functional recovery," said lead author Dr. Richard A. Deyo, a Kaiser-Permanente endowed professor of evidence-based medicine at OHSU. But he and co-authors found that the complex operations resulted in significantly more complications, including cardiac arrest, stroke, and pneumonia.

Complex fusion patients experienced three times as many life-threatening complications, spent an additional two days in the hospital, and were more likely to require re-hospitalization than patients undergoing basic decompression surgery. And the $80,888 average hospital charges for complex surgical cases was more than triple the charges for basic decompression surgery. The Journal of the American Medical Association published the study Tuesday.

What's driving the trend toward more complex surgeries remains controversial. "It's all speculation," Deyo said.

Dr. Michael Schafer, a Chicago orthopedic surgeon and professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said improvements in surgical tools as well as surgical and anesthesia practice have made it possible to operate on older patients who would not have been considered suitable five or six years ago. And Schafer said performing more complex spinal fusions rather than the basic surgery may eliminate the need for additional fusion surgery in later years.

In addition, he said, "Our population is certainly living longer, and the expectations of people on what they want to do with their remaining years has increased."

"You have better technology. You have the expectations of the people," he said. "With both of those, we in turn are going to see an increase in the number of cases that can be done." Deyo said it is "implausible" that the number of people requiring complex spine surgery increased 15-fold in five years. He said surgeons appear to have been swayed by surgical device company marketing.

"Their beliefs have been shaped by forces other than the best scientific evidence," Deyo said.

In a written commentary on the study, Dr. Eugene Carragee, a surgeon at Stanford University, noted that "simple decompression operations rarely have well-funded advertising campaigns or well orchestrated promotions at professional meetings."

Carragee pointed out that surgeons stand to make more money by performing more complex operations. Medicare pays surgeons $600 to $800 for a basic decompression operation, but up to ten times more for a complex fusion procedure, according to Carragee.

"Newer and more complex technologies are being used for patients with little specific indication for the approaches and for whom there is good evidence that simpler methods are highly effective," Carragee said.

While experts disagree on whether the high rate of complex back surgery is justified, all agree that the higher rate of complications means that patients should pay even more attention to weighing the risks and benefits before undergoing surgery. Schafer said risks become more prominent with older patients.

"If you are going to operate on people over 65, you've got to pick your patient appropriately. You've got to be sure they have the ability to go through these procedures," he said.

Deyo said his study doesn't imply that complex surgeries are never appropriate for older people. "The right operation for the right patient can really offer an advantage," he said.

But too often, he said, "We all assume that newer is better and more is better. Studies like ours suggest there is clearly a downside. Just because something is new doesn't necessarily mean it is better than what we had before."

The Benefits of Alkalizing

by Dr. Troy Dreiling

In combination with the right exercise and hydration, alkalizing can give a boost to your health, whether you are looking to lose weight, gain energy or even conquer allergies.

As a kid your energy never seemed to quit.  You remember what it was like.  Anxious to start the day early.  Running full speed the rest of the day. Only taking a nap because Mom made you, not because you felt you needed it.  So what happened?

Many of our problems today are caused by the typical lifestyle in America. For years, our foods have become more and more processed.  They are further and further away from the way nature intended them to be eaten. Add a sedentary lifestyle and the recipe for ill-health is there!

So how do we make up for our lack of nutrients?  Vitamin supplements of every kind can be found from grocery stores to home based businesses. But even these don't completely solve the problem. Vitamin pills, too, are far removed from a nutrient's natural source of energy. They've been chemically formulated, processed, and compressed into hard, white tablets that contain virtually no electrical charge whatsoever. Most dietitians believe that as little as 3%—and only as much as 15%—of a typical supplement's nutrients are absorbed before they pass out of the body.

Overweight, underweight, allergies and fatigue have all been related to an acidic body environment.  This can be helped by a diet rich in alkalizing foods: 
* Good fats – avocados, coconuts, fresh fish rich in omega-3’s
* Green vegetables – broccoli, spinach, sprouts
* Fruits – lemons, limes, grapefruit, tomatoes
* Salt – Real Salt or kosher sea salt

Foods to Avoid

Meat, Eggs, Sugar, Dairy, Peanuts, Corn, Alcohol, Caffeine, Coffee, Soft Drinks, Mushrooms

Keys to Making it Work

The right type of exercise – 12 minutes of burst training a week is the most contemporary aerobics.  SURGE Training is high intensity, short duration exercise that causes the body to respond with increased hormones and physiology needed to burn fat and produce muscle even after you’ve completed your workout. It’s minimum time with maximum results!

Hydration – Drink alkaline water (pH 9.5 or above) or buy distilled water.  1 liter of water for every 30 pounds you weigh, i.e., 150 pound person needs 5 liters

Eat right – 60 % of your meals should consist on green vegetables, avoiding those foods listed above. Low glycemic berries can we consumed as well as lemons, limes, grapefruit and tomatoes.  Avoid processed meats.

Drink, drink and drink some more!  Green Powder, such as Essante Earth Greens, mixed with water and consumed daily will help with hydration and get the concentrated greens needed to offset foods choices or increase green vegetable and fruit intake.


In Office Alkalizing Talk set for
Thursday, April 8th at 6.15pm
Seat will fill fast. Bring a guest and get entered into the raffle for a $50.00 Whole Foods Gift Certificate.

Home Care – Monday, April 12th @ 6.15pm
Dinner With Doc – Thursday, April 15th at 6.30 Old Spaghetti Factory – Refer a Friend to Hear the Story of Health

Fund Raiser Set of Humane Society
Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Are Clear Regulatory mechanism keeps your resistance up and immune system strong. Spread the word.
Absolute Life Chiropractic

www.Absolutelife.com

www.thevancouverchiropractor.com

www.absoluteliferadio.com

Today’s Chiropractic care help WHAT???

Often you hear complaints from “authorities” that chiropractic doesn’t have any valid documentation. Nothing could be further from the truth. Here are many examples.

 

Blood Pressure

Yates RG, Lamping, DL, Abram NL, Wright C: Effects of chiropractic treatment on blood pressure and anxiety: a randomized, controlled trial. JMPT 1988; 11(6):484, 21 hypertensive patients. T1-T5 adjustments. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the adjusted group, but not in the placebo and control groups.

 

Vision Problems

Terrett AGJ, Gorman RF: the eye, the cervical spine, and spinal manipulative therapy: a review of the literature. Chiropractic Technique 1995; 7(2):43. Gilman G, Bergstrand J: Visual recovery following chiropractic intervention. Journal of Behavioral Optometry 1990: 1(3):3. Gorman RF: The treatment of presumptive optic nerve ischemia by spinal manipulation. JMPT 1995; 18(3): 172. Gorman RF: Monocular vision loss after closed head trauma: immediate resolution associated with spinal manipulation. JMPT 1995; 18(5):308.

 

Ulcers

Pikalov AA, Kharin VV: Use of spinal manipulative therapy in the treatment of duodenal ulcer: a pilot study. JMPT 1994: 17(5):310. 11 ulcer patients received chiropractic care. They were compared to 24 cases treated medically. The chiropractic group experienced remission demonstrated endoscopically, and pain relief an average of 10days earlier than traditional care.

Infantile Colic

Klougart N, Nilsson N, Jacobsen J: Infantile colic treated by

chiropractors: a prospective study of 316 cases. JMPT 1989;

12(4):281. A satisfactory result occurred within two weeks in 94%if cases receiving chiropractic care.

 

HIV

Selano JL, Hightower BC, Pfleger B et al: The effects of specific upper cervical adjustments on the CD4 counts of HIV positive patients. Chiropractic Research Journal 1994; 3(1):32. Over the six month period of the study, the control group experienced a 7.96% decrease in CD4 counts, while the adjusted group experienced a 48% increase in CD4 cell counts over the same period.

 

Nerve Root Compression

Sharpless, SK: Susceptibility of Spinal Roots to Compression Block. NINCDS Monograph 15, DHEW publication (NIH) 76-998, 1975, pages 155-161. A pressure of only 10 mm Hg produced a significant compression block, the potential falling to 60% of its initial value in 15 minutes, and to half its initial value in 30 minutes. After such a small compressive force is removed, nearly complete recovery occurs in 15 to 30 minutes. With higher levels of pressure, we have observed incomplete recovery after many hours of recording. Konno S, Olmarker K, Byrod G et al: Intermittent cauda equine compression. Spine 1995; 20(1):1223.

Compression of the nerve roots of the cauda equina with as little as 10 mm Hg resulted in decreased action potentials.

Rydevik BL: The Effects of Compression on the Physiology of Nerve Roots. JMPT January 1992; 15(1), pages 62-66.

Venous blood flow to spinal roots was blocked with 5-10 mm Hg of pressure. The resultant retrograde venous stasis due to venous congestion is suggested as a significant cause of nerve root compression. Impairment of nutrient flow to spinal nerves is present with similar low pressure.

 

Dysmenorrhea

Kokjohn K, Schmid DM, Triano JJ, Brennan PC: The effect of spinal manipulation on pain and prostoglandin levels in women with primary dysmenorrhea. JMPT 1992; 15(5):279. 45 Subjects. Experimental and “sham” control group.

Conclusion: SMT may be an effective and safe

nonpharmacological alternative for relieving the pain and distress of primary dysmenorrhea.

 

Pain

Hause M: Pain and the nerve root. Spine 1993: 18(14): 2053. Nerve root compression can exist without pain. Mechanical changes lead to circulatory changes. Inflammatogenic agents may cause chemical radiculitis. There may be disturbed CSF flow. The influence of the sympathetic system may result in synaptic sensitization of the CNS and peripheral nerves, creating a “vicious cycle.”

Wall EJ, Massie JB, Kwan MK, Rydevik BL, Myers RR, Garfin SR: Experimental stretch neuropathy. Changes in nerve conduction tension. J Bone Joint Surg Br January 1992; 74(1), pages 126-129. At 6% strain, the amplitude of the action potential had decreased by 70% at one hour and returned to normal during the recovery period. At 12% strain, conduction was completely blocked by one hour, and showed minimal recovery.

 

Current research showing the Positive, Safe, Proven Method to helping get sick people well. The more specific, the better, at relieving a suffering and sick planet. We at Absolute Life Chiropractic are committed to delivering the BEST and Highest Quality care and service possible.

 

Dr. Troy Dreiling – Vancouver Mall Chiropractic

www.TheVancouverChiropractor.com Voted best in County and Voted Best of Clark County by the Colombian Newspaper readers. Dr. Dreiling is also a member of the Maximized Living Wellness Advisory Council, which offers services and advice to the Governing bodies of USA Judo, USA Weightlifting and USA Wrestling.

 

This is an excerpt from Dave Jackson work.

 

 

REHABILITATION THAT CAN PREDICTIBLY REGENERATE THE SPINE

     A review of the published literature indicates that the upright adult spine loses up to 20 mm (5/8 to ¾ inch) of vertical height each day due to loss of fluid from the disc.  The sleep cycle allows the unloaded discs to regain most, but not all, of their fluid and height by the re-absorption of fluid surrounding the discs (Kapandji, 1974).  Since all the fluid and disc height is not regained, the spine becomes shorter starting around the age of thirty.  It is common to lose up to two inches of stature by age 60 due to loss of disc fluid.  In addition, loss of disc fluid and height compromise spinal form and function with lateral and rotatory postural deviations of the hips and shoulders (Kapandji, 1974). 

    The discs are comprised of 88% water.(did you drink some??)  Proper hydration is essential for nourishment, lubrication and function of all joint cartilages, tendons, ligaments and spinal discs’ nutrition delivery and waste elimination.  When the body dehydrates it pulls water out of the “white tissues” first, meaning the ligaments and tendons of the body (i.e. vertebral discs).  If the body continues to dehydrate the body will pull water out of the organs next, eventually the brain and then you will die.  A loss of only 12% of the water out of the disc will reduce the disc height by 50%.   (DOyour home care)     Surprisingly, the loss of 1mm of height in a cervical disc and 1.4 mm loss of height in the lumbar disc will cause the same amount of neurological compression and IVF (inter vertebral foramen – the hole the spinal nerves come out) encroachment equal to an 8 degree rotation.  (It takes a 3 degree rotation to cause IVF encroachment and neurological compromise).  So you can see that it doesn’t take much water loss in the body to start affecting your discs and the function of your nervous system.   

How does the water get lost?  At age 12 to 14 years of age the spinal discs’ blood nutrition supply and waste elimination system atrophies.  That means that the discs will have to receive its’ necessary water, nutrients and waste elimination from osmosis and imbibition (intersegmental motion of the spinal vertebrae that pump fluids, nutrients and waste in and out of the discs).  This becomes a challenge because as people get older they may become more sedentary; develop advancing spinal and postural degenerative conditions and ultimately loss of the intersegmental motion of their spine.  Once they lose this motion the discs quickly dehydrate and lose height.  This leads to IVF encroachment, chronic pain syndromes, soon to advance to visceral and organic conditions leading to disease. 

Absolute Life Chiropractic’s purpose is to detect levels of disc degeneration, correct spinal displacements that are causing IVF encroachment thus allowing the nervous system to function optimally and keep the body healthy. Until recently it had been thought that once a disc was degenerated and lost height that it could not be restored.  It had also been thought that loss of disc height could not be prevented. These assumptions are no longer true.      Can the intervertebral discs re-hydrate/regenerate?  The discs need 3 things to regenerate: 1. motion 2.water 3.nutrients 

   Let’s look at the first 2 for now.  Research has shown that if we can create loading and unloading cycles in the spine then we can literally “suck” water back into the disc and re-hydrate it predictably.  So what are loading and unloading cycles?     Loading and unloading cycles are consecutive alternating compression and traction movements.  Repetitive traction (elongation) followed by compression of the discs produce “imbibition and osmosis” of water into the disc re-hydrating or regenerating the disc height. In addition to disc re-hydration, the loading and unloading cycles reduce up to 95% of the elastic energy in the spine.  The soft tissues have an inherent elastic, rebound energy and reflexes that return the body to its original position after a trauma.  This elastic energy must be reduced if we are to achieve spinal correction.  The loading and unloading cycles that reduce the elastic energy of the body is called “hysteresis.”  

     Hysteresis is essential for spinal correction because the structure of the spine is controlled by the soft tissues, the shape of the discs.  The discs are like hard Jell-o.  They have a lot of tensile strength, and a lot of rebound, elastic energy.  When a force is applied to the spine to change the structure the elastic properties will rebound against that force and the hard Jell-o consistency of the disc will continue to maintain the current spinal structure.  Hysteresis, repetitive traction and compression cycles, liquefies the Jell-o like consistency, reduces the rebound energy by up to 95%, reduces muscle spasm to help the doctor achieve and easier adjustment as well as re-hydrating the disc.  When the spine is “soft” it is easier to mold the spine into a new structure.  The newly “liquefied disc will require 16-20 minutes to harden like Jell-o again.  Once the spine is adjusted and the structure is corrected the spine can be molded and “hardened” into its’ new structure.  For this reason, Pre-adjustment warm ups become essential for spinal correction and regeneration.  The Pettibon System we use is the only system that can do this predictably.  For the benefits of loading and unloading cycles check this blog post our at http://absolutelifechiropractic.typepad.com

 

 

 

1.         The avascular discs ligaments and tendons are nourished and metabolic wastes are eliminated.

2.         The visco-elastic properties of the discs, ligaments and tendons that hold the vertebral units out of their normal position are progressively less resistant to spinal corrective adjusting.

3.         Up to 95% of the force needed to adjust/manipulate is reduced by these repetitive cycles.

4.         Re-hydrate the disc and increase disc height.

5.         Increase disc and tendon strength.

6.         Decrease potential for injury or severity of injury from sudden applied forces.

7.         Lubrication for spinal joints and nourishment for their cartilage.

8.         Prevention of adhesions during healing and improved joint integrity of healed joints.

9.         Development for “core” basis for further strength, endurance and agility training.

10.     Rehabilitative exercise is and extremely valuable tool to aid the doctor in management in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

 

 posted By Dr. Troy M. Dreiling, Absolute Life Chiropractic, Vancouver, Washington.

A Maximized Living Center, a Member of the Wellness Advisory Council

The Vancouver Chiropractor