Showing posts with label low back pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label low back pain. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

RECIPE OF THE DAY: GREEK STYLE SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Ingredients
1 spaghetti squash, halved and seeded
2 tbl coconut oil
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic
1 can diced tomatoes
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tbl sliced black olives
2 tbl chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2) Place spaghetti squash with cut sides down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a sharp knife can be inserted with only a little resistance. Remove squash from oven and set aside to cool.
3) Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in oil until tender. Add garlic. Cook and stir until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook until tomatoes are warmed through.
4) Use a large spoon to scoop the stringy pulp from the squash and place in a medium bowl. Toss with the vegetables, feta, olives and basil. Serve warm.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Condition Of the Week From Your Chiropractor: Asthma

Condition Of the Week From Your Chiropractor: Asthma



Who do you know with Asthma? Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. It causes recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Chiropractic is not a treatment for asthma. 

However, many people with asthma report improvement after receiving chiropractic care. Why?

1. The lungs and diaphragm (the muscle used for breathing) are controlled by your nervous system.

2. Nerves that control these areas leave the brain, travel down the spinal cord and exit the mid-cervical (neck) and thoracic regions of the spine.

3. Subluxations (misalignments of spinal bones that irritate nerves) in these areas of the spine can interfere with nerve supply to the lungs causing the lungs to function abnormally.

4. A chiropractor would correct the subluxations, restoring proper nerve supply to the lungs, allowing the lungs to function optimally.

A study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research documented the results of 81 children with asthma who received chiropractic care. The two month study revealed that those under chiropractic care who reported asthma attacks before the study, saw a 45% decrease in the number of attacks, and that 31% of the subjects voluntarily chose to decrease their medication. All this occurred because of improved nervous system control of the lungs.

Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches, speaksand writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices.  For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

QUOTE OF THE DAY FROM YOUR CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE

 

Live life to the fullest, but more importantly live a fulfilling life! Below is a quote we stumbled upon today as an office and wanted to share. 

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” -Mae West

Do you have a bucket list, good deeds to fulfill, people to forgive, and places to see? What is stopping you from crossing them off your list? If you don’t live your life, who will?

Following your own path in life is important, some steps in your path will be planned and some will be unplanned.  Either way make the most of every situation. Learn from it and GROW!

Steps for living your life:

Step 1: Live in the moment
Step 2: Write a list of life goals
Step 3: Create a plan. what will you work on first? 
Step 4: Develop a timeline.
Step 5: Start LIVING, take a few steps at a time and work down your list. 
Step 6: Always keep adding.  When you cross off one goal, add another and when you do something special spur of the moment….add it to your list to keep record of your amazing life achievement. 

STEP 7: ENJOY THE FULFILLMENT!

Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches, speaksand writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices.  For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!

GET BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS: GOLF SEASON

Golf Swing

Golf is about the movement of your body. Golfers everywhere, including 75% of touring pros are discovering how Chiropractic can help their game.  A recent study reported that up to 85 percent of injuries on the PGA Tour and Senior Tour relate to the spine.  The problem typically occurs from all those repetitive golf swings. It can effect the low back and even your elbows! 

Chiropractic can improve your golf game in EVERY way, since even a 1% improvement to your swing corresponds to a 1% improvement in your game…and chiropractic achieves vastly higher rates of improvement. It is a great way to prevent injuries and keep you on the greens.

For more information on how Chiropractic can help your golf game please contact your local HealthSource.

Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches, speaksand writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices.  For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Chiropractic Condition Of the Week: Disc Bulge/Herniation



This week we will be talking about Disc Bulge and Herniation. Bulging or herniated discs can appear in the Neck, Low Back, Middle & Upper Back. Located between the vertebrae of your spine are 23 discs, which act as a spacer and shock absorber. These discs have soft, gel-like centers surrounded by layers of fibrous tissues. Sometimes, due to an injury or just aging, the material in the middle of the disc pushes to one side or even ruptures. This is called a bulging or herniated disc.
The following Strategies may help you reduce your chance of having a herniated disk: Chiropractic Adjustments. Practice good posture-standing and sitting straight, keeping your back straight when lifting. Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise regularly. Ask your chiropractor about exercises to strengthen your back and stomach. Steer away from wear high-heeled shoes. If you sit, get out of your chair every 20 to 25 minutes and walk for several minutes.
Chiropractic care works on correcting misaligned or out-of-place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the nerve endings that line the surface of the joint and course through the space between the joints, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function. Your local chiropractor can advise you further on proper treatment.

Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches, speaksand writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices.  For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!

Friday, March 28, 2014

8 Tips For Keeping Your Back Healthy & Happy

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, the American Chiropractic Associate says back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office. So why live with it? We've got your back! Listed below are eight simple ways to keep your spine feeling happy.

1. Maintain good posture

2. Remember not to overload your backpack or purse

3. Exercise regularly

4. Stretch your legs and back after sitting for long periods of time

5. Sleep on your back or side, avoid sleeping on your stomach

6. Keep the phone out of the crick of your neck

7. Adopt a healthy diet

8. Have your spine checked by a chiropractic professional



Here's to a Healthy You
!

Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches, speaksand writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices.  For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!

Friday, February 21, 2014

Winter Back Pain - Slipping on the Ice Means Visiting Your Chiropractor




With the onset of cold weather, a brand new danger lurks it's ugly head for those with underlying structural problems associated with their spine. The drop in temperature can affect our hydration levels and the overall tone of our muscles, but more importantly ice is everywhere and can lead to lots of back problems from the trauma... even if you don't actually fall down.
How can this be? Let's start with the fall. It's pretty obvious that if you fall down, you will likely affect your spine. The impact and shock of hitting the ground can move things out of place. It's that movement of vertebrae out of place that can cause spinal problems. The effect may not occur right away. You may just notice that "something's not right," but not enough that you decide you absolutely must do something about it right away.
It's these warnings that are the easiest to ignore. Many times people will ignore the warning signs and simply wait until they are bending down to do a simple task like picking up socks when they unexpectedly cannot move. They are doing something "dangerous" like throwing a small pillow when their back seizes up. These are the types of stories I hear everyday.
The overlooked trauma is when you don't actually fall. You come close, maybe grab on to something nearby. Still, your muscles tense up, you get scared, and then thank your lucky stars that you didn't actually fall on to the ground. It's these "near misses" that can still affect your spine.
That sudden seizing up of the muscles can also throw things out of place. The muscles attach to the spine and when they tense up, knot up, or spasm they will cause the joint to stop functioning as it is designed. Time to see the chiropractor.
The chiropractor will find the areas of your spine that have moved out of place, help move them back into place, and restore the body's normal function. The relief happens pretty quickly in most cases. A problem caught early is always easier to take care of before the crisis occurs. Not to mention how much a frozen back can ruin your entire week.

Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches,speaksand writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices.  For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Understanding the State of Your Nervous System



Within the world of medicine it has been well understood for years that all diseases are classified into two categories: a state of under activity and/or a state of over activity.
Medicine’s traditional approach was to develop drugs that either jump started (stimulated) or slowed (depressed) the system to attempt a normal balance (homeostasis). This medical approach is still practiced today. We must consider that if the disease is a result of over or under arousal, and I believe it is, then “good health” must be a balanced state.
The Balanced State
A balanced state results in good health. In this balanced state a person would have: present time consciousness, good recovery ability, high energy, few symptoms, and resistance to infections, positive mental attitude, mental alertness and excellent health. This person looks younger than his/her years and remains active and vibrant. We can measure the vital signs of this state by the action of the normal physiological responses of your body. These measurements include heart rate, respiratory rate, hand temperatures, brain wave activity, and heart rate variability (ration between heart rhythm and respiratory rhythm and skin moisture).
So what if it isn’t normal?
This means that your system is working in a state of dis-ease. It cannot get along with all the activities and stresses in your life without consuming more energy than normal. Your system is now out of balance or stressed. There are four states of imbalance. These states are over-aroused, under-aroused, instable, and exhausted.
The Over-Aroused State
This state has high-energy demands. It is also the most common of the imbalanced systems as a result of the stressful lifestyle of the times. When stress is prolonged, the body’s responses stay in the high alert level longer than they were designed to, which creates damage to the system. The indications of a prolonged over-aroused nervous system are:
o Cold Hands,
o Tight Muscles,
o Grinding Teeth,
o Anxiety,
o Heart Palpitations,
o Restless Sleep,
o Poor Social Awareness,
o Poor Comprehension,
o Poor Expression of Emotion,
o Recurrent Infections,
o Multiple Competing Trains of Thought,
o High Blood Pressure,
o Accelerated Aging,
o Slowed Healing Responses,
o Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Remember now, every so-called “disease” is a result of either an over-stimulated or under-stimulated system! The signs and symptoms of this over-aroused state of the body are then grouped into various combinations and given the name of a specific disease (diagnosis). In truth, they are nothing more than manifestations of the system being out of balance in a prolonged over-aroused state. While it is true you can treat these symptoms with one form of care or another, drugs or surgery, the only question remains – by addressing the symptoms, are you doing anything to address the cause?
The Under-Aroused State
This state has “low energy” expressions. A classic example of an under stimulated nervous system is depression. It can be deceiving however, as in Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD. The misnomer of hyperactive on an ADD individual leads to a misunderstanding of the real problem. An ADD individual’s EEG, Electroencephalograph, does not demonstrate the over-aroused nervous system that one would expect from a hyper-active response pattern. It shows just the opposite. Their nervous response is just barely awake. The only method they know which will keep them awake and functioning is to keep moving and active. This is different than what we thought, isn’t it? The indications of an under-aroused nervous system are:
o ADD (including impulsivity, distraction and disorganization),
Depression,
o Lack of Motivation,
o Poor Concentration,
o Spaced out,
o Hypoglycemia,
o Constipation,
o Low Pain Threshold,
o Difficulty Awakening,
o Cognitive Worry,
o Irritability,
o Incontinence, and
o Lack of Energy
Remember again, every so-called “disease” is a result of either an over-stimulated or under-stimulated system.
The Instable State
Here the view of the medical model of stimulate or depress treatment becomes out of date. While the concept is still valid, there is a twist in how it needs to be applied. The Instable State includes both over and under-aroused patterns plus adds a few of its own depending on its stage. This state exhibits a higher level of imbalance than either of the above and tends to move back and forth between over and under-arouse states. The system is now so stressed that any added stress creates havoc and the body’s reaction can swing wildly from over to under in a short period of time. This creates its own signs and symptoms beyond any of those found in the states above, which may include:
Migraine Headaches,
o Seizures,
o Narcolepsy,
o Sleepwalking,
o Hot Flashes,
o PMS,
o Multiple Chemical Sensitivities,
o Bed Wetting,
o Eating Disorders,
o Bipolar Disorder,
o Mood Swings, and
o Panic Attacks
People with wide ranges of health challenges would fall into this state of imbalance.
The Exhausted State
This is the most dangerous of all. The system is now into chaos existence mode. It is so over-stressed that the body’s own systems are no longer able to work in harmony. This can be so severe that the body systems start attacking each other. Its own communication system is in such disarray that messages and responses no longer match. Unchecked it can lead to a life ending path. Health challenges include:
o All of those listed in Over-aroused
o Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
o Epstein-Barr Syndrome,
o M.S.,
o Fibromyalgia, and
o Cancer.
Hurray!! You have made it to the solution from a genetically congruent Wellness point of view.
Neurologically Based Chiropractic (NBC)
The balanced-unbalanced system we are talking about is your wonderful Nervous System. It is the nervous system with which chiropractic works to restore your health. We can measure the state of your nervous system and show you why you are experiencing your health challenge. Once we have done that, then we can discuss your options, i.e. a program of care to help restore yourself to a normal health balance or recommend other options. If you feel you are in the instable group, it is very important that you tell your doctor.
This is not about treating a disease, as that is not what Chiropractors do. The intent of chiropractic is to help your nervous system return to a healthy balanced state, a state of ease and correct function by removing interference and retraining normal patterns of reaction to occur. Remember, your body does the healing. To date there isn’t one documented case where a doctor healed not even a fractured bone. Us doctors, guide, assist, recommend and facilitate our patients toward health. The individual, specifically the human body and its natural inner ability is what mends and heals the person.
At HealthSource Chiropractic of Stillwater, our job is to assess your nervous system and either jump starts it or slows it down by means of the chiropractic adjustment, restoring it to the wonderful, normal state of balance. In addition, we are able to offer additional retraining methods to augment the power of the chiropractic adjustment. So, today is the day to call our office at (651)300-0150. If you would like more information about our office, please visit us on the web.
As always, we welcome your feedback as well as the opportunity to help you and those you care about reach your optimum potential. Your health is your most valuable asset so please do not wait for symptoms to arise before you take action. Always remember to be proactive about your health, not reactive.
If you would like to find out more information about me,my practicemy philosophy or my Blog.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

4 Simple Exercises To Help Relieve Minor Back Pain




While this idea is a great one for the first 24 hours after injuring your back, prolonged inactivity can actually stiffen those injured muscles and make healing more difficult. Exercise on the other hand helps to strengthen the surrounding muscles and helps increase major blood flow to the injured area which promotes healing and often relieves the back pain making it more bearable. Exercising your back does not mean lifting weights or running a marathon. It means gentle exercise that helps stretch and strengthen your muscles. That being said here are 4 simple exercises that you can do at home that will help to relieve that back pain and strengthen your muscles to aid in healing and help prevent further injury.
The Reach
Stand with both feet together or slightly apart in front of a door. Slowly extend your arms over your head and reach as far as possible over the door jam while keeping your feet flat. Hold that position to the count of 10. You should feel the muscles in your back begin to stretch which is the entire purpose of this exercise. By stretching the muscles slowly, you can alleviate lower back pain and strengthen your muscles in the bargain.
Heal Raises (Also Called Tip Toes)
Once again stand straight up with your feet flat on the floor, shoulders back and head up. Slowly raise your heels up and down about 10 times. This exercise will provide a gentle pull and strengthening of the muscles in your thighs, buttocks and lower back region. Helping to reduce pain and aid healing.
Heel Slides
Lie flat on your back on the floor, slowly bend and straighten your knees one knee at a time alternating the legs. Bring your heel as close to your body as possible with each slide. Repeat 10 times. This exercise can be gradually increase to 20 times as the muscles become stronger and the pain lessens.
Straight Leg Raises
Once again lie flat on your back with one knee bent and the other leg straight. Tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly lift the straight leg about 6 to 8 inches off the floor. Hold it to the count of 6 and slowly lower it. Repeat changing legs. When starting out don't overdo this exercise start at about 5 repetitions or less and gradually increase to 10 repetitions.
Helpful Hints
Using a heating pad for 20 minutes followed by an ice pack for the same length of time both before and after doing these strengthening exercisers may help you to get through them easier. If any of these exercises causes the pain to drastically worsen stop immediately and seek medical care. However, keep in mind that there will be some discomfort initially which will fade as your muscles heal and gain more strength. Continuing these exercises after your back heals as part of a regular routine may help prevent re injury to your back muscles.
Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches,speaksand writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices.  For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!

HealthSource Chiropractic of Stillwater
http://www.healthsourceofstillwater.com
651-300-0150

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Chiropractic: Back Pain Facts & Statistics



Back Pain Facts & Statistics

Although chiropractors care for more than just back pain, many patients visit chiropractors looking for relief from this pervasive condition.  In fact, 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time.1
A few interesting facts about back pain:
  • Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010.
  • One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.2
  • Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work.  In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
  • Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
  • Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain—and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.3
  • Experts estimate that as many as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.4
What Causes Back Pain?
The back is a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements—for example, picking up a pencil from the floor— can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss.
Manipulation as a Treatment for Back Problems
Used primarily by Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) for the last century, manipulation has been largely ignored by most others in the health care community until recently. Now, with today's growing emphasis on treatment and cost effectiveness, manipulation is receiving more widespread attention.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a safe and effective spine pain treatment. It reduces pain, decreases medication, rapidly advances physical therapy, and requires very few passive forms of treatment, such as bed rest.5
In fact, after an extensive study of all currently available care for low back problems, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research—a federal government research organization—recommended that low back pain sufferers choose the most conservative care first. And it recommended spinal manipulation as the only safe and effective, drugless form of initial professional treatment for acute low back problems in adults.6
A patient information article published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association also suggested chiropractic care as an option for people suffering from low back pain--and noted that surgery is usually not needed and should only be tried if other therapies fail.7
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) urges you to make an informed choice about your back care. To learn more about how the services of doctors of chiropractic may help you, review the results of recent research studies and contact a Doctor of Chiropractic in your area. Search our online database of ACA members to find a doctor of chiropractic near you.
Tips to Prevent Back Pain
  • Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
  • Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic.
  • Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
  • Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening.
  • Maintain proper posture.
  • Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
  • Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
  •  Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
  • Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomically correct.

Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches,speaksand writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices.  For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!

HealthSource of Stillwater
http://www.healthsourceofstillwater.com
651-300-0150

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