Absolute Life Chiropractic

Fibromyalgia patient seeks improvement - Vancouver, WA Chiropractic 98661

I recently had a patient diagnosed with FM / Fibromyalgia and after 4 weeks of conservative chiropractic in Vancouver, WA she experienced a 60% reduction in symptoms and reported a better quality of life. Chiropractic works.

 

Here is a great article on how chiropractic can help patients with Fibromyalgia.

Numerous studies have been conducted analyzing the benefits of chiropractic care in fibromyalgia patients. A 1985 study asked 81 fibromyalgia patients to indicate drug or alternative treatments that best relieved their pain. Chiropractic care scored high in this study. Another study examined the effectiveness of chiropractic care in relieving fibromyalgia symptoms. After just 15 treatments, fibromyalgia patients suffered from less pain and fatigue, and actually enjoyed better sleep quality. (read more)

Here is a Case study published by Matt McCoy. It still amazes me that we can get such great results with the use of our hands to help re-establish balance in the bodies internal healing mechanism. When the Cortex, libic and brain stem are balanced the patient will express health and healing like no other care. We call this a WholisTIC approach.

CASE STUDY

 

Improvement in a Patient with Fibromyalgia Following Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific Care:  A Case Report

   

Christopher Bennett DC Bio & Nicholas Tedder BSc, DC Bio   

 

Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Issue 1 ~ March 15, 2012 ~ Pages 27-30 

 

Abstract

---

Objective:  To review outcomes of upper cervical chiropractic care on a patient with fibromyalgia.

 

Clinical Features:  The patient was a 64 year old woman with the chief complaint of fibromyalgia diagnosed 6 years before presentation.  She also had complaints of sleep apnea, loss of coordination, glaucoma, degenerative disc disease, and changes in bowel habits.  After a thorough examination was done, it was determined that the patient had an upper cervical subluxation of C1.  This was determined by cervical radiographs, paraspinal thermography, prone leg length analysis, and postural assessment.

 

Intervention and Outcome:  The patient received Knee Chest Upper Cervical care for three months and at the time of this study had 80 percent relief of symptoms and an improvement in energy level.

 

Conclusions:  Although no definite conclusions can be drawn from one single case study, this study does show improvement of a patient presenting with fibromyalgia syndrome.  This study does warrant the need for a larger study such as a randomized controlled clinical trial to further understand the benefits of chiropractic on those with fibromyalgia.

 

 

Dr. Troy M. Dreiling 

Zenaptic Chiropractic a “Maximized Living Health Center” 

3021 NE 72nd Drive #15

Vancouver, WA 98661

Voice 360-260-6903  

Fax 360-260-4849

www.zenapticchiropractic.com

www.TheVancouverChiropractor.com

www.maximizedlivingDrDreiling.com

www.absoluteliferadio.com

 

 

 

 

Adversity

Adversity

 

 

Written by Dr. Jeffrey G. Hedges

 

            Research studies have shown that people perceive their stress levels to be quite varied.  On a scale of one to ten, respondents run the full range for what they believe their stress levels to be.  Sadly most people see themselves in the higher ranges rather than the lower ones.  Why is there such a wide variation and more importantly, why is it that most people perceive their stress levels to be high?  Is it the economy?  The world situation?  Life in general?  We really have no way of comparing the stresses of life today with 100 or 200 years ago.

            It has been suggested that stress is not caused by the events or circumstances of life but by how an individual responds to those circumstances.  Unpleasant events and circumstances have been described as adversities which when not dealt with result in stress.  Hans Seyle, PhD, a world famous neurologist who did work in this area over a generation ago, described adversity as stress and the inability to handle that adversity as distress.  He theorized that stress was good.  We all need some adversity in our life in order to grow, to adapt, to be able to handle greater adversities as they occur.  In the area of health, developing permanent immunity is merely a matter of handling the adversity of a disease so the body can learn to fight off the microorganism every time it comes in contact with it in the future.  Permanent immunity makes you a stronger person.  Lifting weights is a stress but if done properly with the right amount, this adversity can make a person stronger and bigger.    Even emotional stress, if overcome, often makes us stronger.  People even say, “Well if it doesn’t kill me, it will make me stronger.”

            We realize that certain adversities just cannot be overcome.  They are just too overwhelming.  Whether it is emotional, physical or chemical, if any given adversity is too great it will result in stress and that stress will reduce the quality of your life.  Yet between insurmountable adversity and that which no one would even give a second thought to are the vast array of circumstances, events, and situations in life that cause tremendous stress in some people and do not affect others.  From that we must conclude that there is a factor or factors inside of people that makes one person better able to handle adversity and not allow it to become stress and others less able to handle it.

            One of those factors is the vertebral subluxation.  How well you adapt to all types of stress is dependent upon the proper function of your nerve system and vertebral subluxation not only reduces the ability of the nerve system to work as well as it should but it is another stress upon the body compounding the stresses that you already have.  In this day and age when people are constantly faced with adversity and potential, stress-causing factors, why would you want anything like a vertebral subluxation that can reduce you body’s ability to handle the adversities of life.  Further, if you do have a vertebral subluxation would it not be wise to have it corrected as soon as possible?  That is why regular chiropractic adjustments are so important.

 

Say No to Stress

 

WHAT STRESS???

By: Dr. Jennifer Carson

                The Holidays are coming up quickly and in these times people’s lives tend to be more hectic. We must always remember that whatever we do in our daily lives affects our bodies on a cellular level. This cellular level translates into tissues, those tissues turn into organs and then organ systems. The end result = you! This is why it’s so important to maintain the system that runs it all: the nervous system. When your brain and spinal nerves are connected to each other your body is functioning at 100%. This means that you are living life as intended. Your body will heal a cut; it will heal a cold and even prevent cancer as long as its communication line (your nervous system) is open. Now once you’ve got the nervous system working and your body functioning you have to do all you can to support this system. Subluxation or misalignment of the bone can be caused by stress physical, chemical, and emotional. It is up to us to take measures to prevent stress. During the holidays it’s easy to get overloaded.

                Here are some tried and true methods that have been utilized by many successful, busy, unstressed, humans. Empower yourself:  keep on track with your adjustments and enjoy the Holidays Subluxation and stress free!

Breathe

• Proper breathing has a dramatic impact on muscle relaxation, tension reduction, lowering heart rate, and increasing mental clarity.  Lie down on your spinal sleeping aids to try this. Put your hand on your stomach and breathe in to feel your stomach rise, place your other hand on your chest and try not to breathe through your lunges. This takes practice but the benefits are astronomical.
  • Practice this when you are exercising you will be able to exercise longer and more efficiently.

 

Organize, Organize, Organize!

• Don’t let overwhelm take a hold of you. Take a piece of scrap paper or a small notebook and make a list the night before or early in the morning of six most important things you have to get done. Put the one you don’t want to do at the top. Procrastination and dread never make anyone feel good. Get that one done and move on. You can always add to the list!

 

Water ,Water, Water!

• Dehydration stresses the nervous system. In order to have proper function, all cellular processes, tissues regeneration, and detoxification you must be hydrated! When you are hydrated you will have more energy and mental clarity. Your immune system will be stronger. To get adequately hydrated take your body weight and multiply it by .5 or .7. This is the amount in ounces that you should be drinking. This may come to a surprise as many. Additionally if you drink caffeinated beverages you must drink two additional glasses of water to rehydrate yourself!

 

ME, ME, ME!

• We live in a society where we are constantly bombarded with noise and information. Take time for yourself and enjoy peace and quiet. Set your alarm early 10 -15 minutes and reflect on all that you have in life, what you accomplished yesterday, and what you are going to do today!

 

KEYS TO PEACE

• Listen to music! It rejuvenates the soul and classical stimulates the mind.
• Read! Focus on positive subjects that will empower you or motivate you.
• Make a gratitude list or better yet don’t let your feet touch the ground until you name 10 things your grateful for!
• Get a good night’s sleep. Many of us trim around our sleeping time which can lead to a crabby morning after. Be good to yourself shut down early and enjoy the day you’ve been given!

Comupterized Technology Helps Move Absolute Life of Vancouver, Washington to Next Level of Health Care.

What Does Surface EMG Stand For?

SEMG stands for Surface Electromyography. Surface EMG is a device which measures the amount of electrical activity your muscles release when they are contracting, more commonly known as muscle tension. It is similar in function to an EKG which measures heart muscle activity.

Is it Painful?

Not at all. It is totally non-invasive and does not cause pain or irritation. This makes it totally safe for infants, children, pregnant women or seniors. It simply requires the placement of small probes against the skin. The test takes less than a few minutes.

Why is Muscle Activity Important?

Muscles have a tendency to "brace" in response to spinal misalignments known as Vertebral Subluxations. These Subluxations create nerve interference which effect muscles, blood vessels and internal organs.

Why Am I Being Tested?

Studies in prestigious Chiropractic and Medical journals have shown the surface EMG (SEMG) to be very helpful in determining if your body is "tensing" in an abnormal manner. This can help verify the severity of your condition and help track your Chiropractic progress.

How Does This Relate To Chiropractic?

Vertebral Subluxations reduce your body's ability to maintain optimal health. When Vertebral Subluxations are present, the nervous system is negatively effected resulting in increases or decreases in muscle activity. The SEMG shows the muscular component of the Vertebral Subluxations. The Chiropractor's job is to detect and correct these Vertebral Subluxations by a simple and effective procedure called an "adjustment".

What Does The Torso Graph Mean?

Readings in white are considered normal,  and (green/blue) red is abnormal. Readings correlate with the presence of Vertebral Subluxations, which your Chiropractor will correct through adjustments to your spine.

How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Affect My SEMG?

The Chiropractic Adjustment has many positive benefits to your nervous system. In most cases, the SEMG normalizes and balances. The information from your SEMG will help your Doctor of Chiropractic determine the type of care best suited to your case. Follow up testing is used to monitor and evaluate your Chiropractic progress.

Why Do Chiropractors Use Computerized Spinal Examination?

As a modern Chiropractic Office, Absolute Life Chiropractic and Dr. Troy M. Dreiling are committed to using the highest quality research and clinical grade medical instrumentation available for the purpose of detecting and correcting the Vertebral Subluxation.

Computerized Spinal Examination, specifically Surface Electromyography (SEMG) is used to evaluate the relative levels of electrical activity associated with Vertebral Subluxations.

By interfering with the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, a Vertebral Subluxation produces improper electrical impulses which can lead to poor health.

This altered of abnormal (pathophysiologic) state is then recorded and displayed by Computerized SEMG. SEMG Scanning provides qualitative and quantitative data to assist your Chiropractor in determining which areas / levels of the nervous system are being adversely affected by Vertebral Subluxations.

US Researchers Find New Clue to Infant Deaths

By Reuters - Tue Feb 2, 3:07 PM PST

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Babies who die from sudden infant death syndrome make low amounts of the message-carrying brain chemical serotonin needed to regulate sleep, breathing and heart rate, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.

The finding, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, may help identify babies at risk for SIDS, which each year kills more than 2,300 babies before their first birthday.

They said abnormal levels of serotonin may hamper an infant's breathing, especially in challenging situations, such as breathing in too much exhaled carbon dioxide while sleeping face down.

"We have known for many years that placing infants to sleep on their backs is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of SIDS," Dr. Alan Guttmacher, director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which funded the study.

"The current findings provide important clues to the biological basis of SIDS and may ultimately lead to ways to identify infants most at risk as well as additional strategies for reducing the risk of SIDS for all infants," Guttmacher said in a statement.

In the study, Dr. Hannah Kinney of Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital Boston and colleagues examined brain tissue from babies who died from SIDS and from other causes.

The tissue came from the medulla, a region at the base of the brain that regulates basic functions such as body temperature, breathing, blood pressure and heart rate.

Kinney's team found that serotonin levels were 26 percent lower in tissue from babies who died of SIDS than those who died from other causes, and they also found low levels of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, which is needed to make serotonin.

VULNERABLE BABIES

The findings suggest that some babies have an underlying vulnerability to SIDS, which can become fatal when combined with an external stress such as sleeping face down, especially when it occurs within the first year of life.

"Our research suggests that sleep unmasks the brain defect," Kinney said in a statement.

"When the infant is breathing in the face-down position, he or she may not get enough oxygen. An infant with a normal brain stem would turn his or her head and wake up in response. But a baby with an intrinsic abnormality is unable to respond to the stressor."

The team hopes the study will lead to a test that measures a baby's serotonin levels, making it possible to identify children at highest risk for SIDS

Rates of sudden infant death syndrome, also known as cot death or crib death, have plummeted in countries where health workers have counseled parents and caregivers to put infants on their backs to sleep, to avoid keeping rooms too warm and to keep loose blankets and pillows away from infants.

(Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen; Editing by Doina Chiacu)

DR ARVAY COMMENTS:

This just shows why EVERY BABY MUST HAVE THEIR SPINES CHECK FOR BIRTH INDUCED SUBLUXATION! Today's modern birth protocols do not take into consideration the newborn spine.  Dr. Gutman MD showed that 80% of all children under the age of 1 have subluxation of the first cervical bone (C1) in the neck. When this bone gets twisted on during the birth process and then is left uncorrected, as the baby sleeps on it's side with the neck turned even farther for 4 to 8 hours at a time. This twisting of the C1 bone chokes off the nerve supply to the breathing system. This choking shuts down the brains messages to the breathing system and induces possibility of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This is why EVERY NEW BORN MUST BE CHECK FOR BRITH INDUCED SUBLUXATION OF THE C1 BONE. We have special computers that can check for this kind of trauma. Who do you know that has had a baby in the last 24 months? Give them this article and bring them in to get the baby C1 spinal bone checked. Its simple, easy and FREE as our community service to helping put an end to SIDS!

Dr. Troy Dreiling

WWW.absolutelife.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.

 

 

Dwight Freeney: Superbowl hopeful, using chiropractic to heal ankle

Dwight Freeney's ankle injury is a major story leading into this weekend's superbowl. Though the Colts have kept their cards close to the chest on the whole matter, some details have leaked as to what they are doing to treat the issue.

We do know that the Colts are very active with their treatments and Freeney is using some methods that have helped him in the past. The main one is Dr. Leon Mellman, Freeney's Chiropractor, is making sure not only his ankle is getting the proper care, but is also monitoring how his newly guarded walk is effecting the rest of his body. Most notably how his lower back could be adversely affected due to his newly acquired limp.

Freeney's injury is being treated as any other low ankle sprain would be in the NFL with some minor tweaks. Although he was seen in a boot very recently, he spoke openly about keeping the motion in the ankle joint to promote healing. Very recently this became common place in joint surgeries; where immediately following the surgery, the joint is put into passive motion to prevent adhesion buildup and promote a quicker recovery. Freeney was spotted walking the beach without his boot on, most likely advised by team doctors for the same reason: a quicker recovery. Reported by Houston Sports Medicine ExaminerJohn Cybulsk

Amazing to see top athletes using the secrets of Chiropractic and its amazing health benefits. Dr. Troy Dreiling - Absolute Life Chiropractic

 

How do you know if there is a blocked nerve?

by Dr. Troy Dreiling

 

When would you want to know you had cancer? When would you want to know you had a blocked artery? When would you want to know you are developing osteoporosis? When would you know you had high cholesterol? When would you want to know your body is physically 20 years older than it actually is?

 

I just returned from Maximized Living Training with World Leaders and Authoritarians on creating Health. The theme that was uncovered is that most people have no clue about a blocked and damaged nerve system. And it seems that many don’t care. I think that attitude or mantra is opening the door for huge sickness and disease to strike people down without any warning signs.

 

In the case of heart disease, it seems that most people don’t know until they have their 1^st heart attack. Cancer is at an all time high with the final stages only beginning to express obvious symptoms. As far as aging fast, The American health care model puts us on the Fast Track for an early death, life of suffering and lost potentials.

 

My question to you this week, month, year and decade is: How do you know if there is a blocked nerve? I just came across data that WILL help you understand the truth of what a spine that is out of alignment will do to you, your family, loved ones, people you work with and our communities. After practicing for 15 years the Art, Science and Philosophy of Maximized Living, I realize we are in Big Trouble as a society. Without your understanding, your help and PERSONAL involvement we will parish.

 

Take a look at this: SPINE research journal from 2005 stated that -"All measures of health status showed significantly poorer scores as C7 plumb line deviation increased.”  Let me bring that home for you. C7 is the lowest vertebrae in your neck. If you were to shatter that bone, you would most likely become a paraplegic and potentially a quadriplegic. My good friend Dr. Jason Holdahl did just that. Now, Spine Magazine states: ALL measure of health status showed significantly poorer scores when the spine gets out of alignment. Stay Tuned!!!

 

So, the question is???? How do you know if there is a blocked nerve? You can’t base it on neck or back pain. You can’t base it on a medical test. You can’t base it on what your auto accident attorney says. So the question is: How do you know if there is a blocked nerve?

 

The answer is very simple. YOU GET CHECKED. What does that mean? You have a Maximized Living Chiropractor check you for NERVE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. Exam, Consultation, Computerized Nerve Testing and Postural/Structural X-ray Analysis. If you are a patient that already happened. BAM!

 

Hey listen, it does not stop there. If you had cancer what would you do? Ignore it? If you have a blocked artery what would you do? Go home and think about it?  The answer of course is you would take care of it or you will get worse. The same is true if there is a blocked nerve? Your spine will continue to degenerate, your discs will continue to break down, and you will continue to develop poorer health in ALL areas. Your life span will be reduced and it will cost way more money.

 

It is time to transform your life and the lives of people around you. We are on a mission to get this office, you, your families, loved ones and community WELL. We need your help.

 

1.     Keep your appointments – wellness care minimum 2 check ups a month (minimum- I have the science on why and will send it to you if requested)

2.     Do your home care – if you don’t have the home care stuff get it. Come to the next class.

3.     Maximized your Nutrition – do the Max Living Core Nutrition Plan and Detoxify.

4.     Exercise every day – YES I said some sort of movement everyday. Your body will love you.

5.     Put some FUN in your day today!!!!

6.     Refer someone to us to help – next dinner is Feb 18^th at Old Spaghetti factory. Who are you bringing? We will be asking you.

7.     Get your Tail to the “Total Food Makeover” We will not take NO for an answer. Sat, Feb 13 at 10am

 

We appreciate you and your families for choosing our office. We are more committed to miracles and saving lives and need your help.

 

Spread the word. Health comes from within.

Brought to you by Absolute Life Chiropractic

a maximized living health center

 

 

 

 

 

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

The Long-Term Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Great article I came across wanted to share it. Enjoy. Posted by Dr. Troy Dreiling

By Charles Masarsky, DC

Many patients come in for their initial visit with a clear short-term goal: pain relief. Unfortunately, if that remains their only goal, they miss out on some of the benefits of chiropractic care beyond pain relief. The following patient education article is designed to assist you in discussing long-term goals of chiropractic care. Please feel free to use it on your bulletin board, as a front-desk handout or for lay lectures.

No one thinks it's odd when their dentist recommends regular visits to maintain good oral health for as long as possible, nor do they find it peculiar when their optometrist suggests regular visits to maintain good visual health for as long as possible. And yet many people are puzzled when their doctor of chiropractic recommends regular visits to maintain good spinal health for as long as possible.

Of course, when you are suffering with low back pain, neck pain or tension headache, it is completely understandable that you have one overriding goal - stop the pain. However, once this short-term goal has been accomplished, it is time to consider your long-term spinal health goals. In formulating your long-term goals, it is essential to understand that spinal health is about more than getting rid of pain. Spinal health has a long-term impact on every function affected by the spinal nerves, which influence every organ system in your body.

Breathing is a good example of a function most people do not associate with spinal health. A case published in the 1980s involved a 53-year-old man with a 20-year history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.¹ More than 14 months after starting chiropractic care, the amount of air he was able to forcibly exhale in one complete breath (a measure called "forced vital capacity") and the amount of air he could move in the first second of that complete breath (called "forced expiratory volume in one second") had both improved substantially (1 liter and 0.3 liters, respectively). This case is part of a growing body of literature indicating that improved spinal health through chiropractic care is often accompanied by improved lung volumes.²

The long-term implications of the link between chiropractic care and lung volumes cannot be overemphasized. In most adults, even those without pulmonary disease, lung volumes do not improve over time. In fact, lung volumes generally decline with age. Lower than normal lung volumes are associated with shorter lifespans.³ More specifically, depressed lung volumes have recently been linked to increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and other potentially life-shortening cardiovascular problems.^4-6 Conversely, the better your lung volumes, the longer your lifespan is expected to be. Additional biological functions that seem to benefit from improved spinal health include reaction time,⁷ balance and vision.⁸

In the short run, it would be great to get out of pain. Chiropractic care can help most people achieve this short-term goal of spinal health. In the long run, it would be great to retain as much lung capacity, visual acuity, reaction time, balance, and cardiovascular health as possible. Emerging research strongly suggests spinal health has a role to play in these long-term goals as well. Consider this when your doctor of chiropractic recommends regular follow-up visits.

References

1. Masarsky CS, Weber M. Chiropractic management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. JMPT, December 1988;11(6):505-10.
2. Masarsky CS, Weber M. Somatic dyspnea and the orthopedics of respiration. Chiropractic Technique, 1991;3:26.
3. Beatty TH, et al. Effects of pulmonary function on morbidity. J Chron Dis, 1985;38:703.
4. Van Der Palen J, Rea TD, et al. Respiratory muscle strength and the risk of incident cardiovascular events. Thorax, 2004;59:1063-7.
5. Hozawa A, Billings JL, et al. Lung function and ischemic stroke incidence: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Chest, December 2006;130(6):1642-9.
6. Guo X, Pantoni L, et al. Midlife respiratory function related to white matter lesions and lacunar infarcts in late life: the Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, Sweden. Stroke, July 2006;37(7):1658-162.
7. Lauro A, Mouch B. Chiropractic effects on athletic ability. Chiropractic: The Journal of Research and Chiropractic Clinical Investigation, 1991;6:84.
8. Kessinger R, Boneva D. Changes in visual acuity in patients receiving upper cervical chiropractic care. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 1998;2(1):43.