Are you properly using ergonomics at work and home to help your posture and health? If you’re not, you’re increasing the possibility of pinched nerves, unbalanced muscles (one side over-developed compared to the other), repetitive strain injuries, and degenerative disease. These symptoms increase every day that you don’t apply the use of proper ergonomics.

So what is ergonomics?  At its simplest definition ergonomics literally means the science of work. So ergonomists, i.e. the practitioners of ergonomics, study work, how work is done and how to work better.

What is proper posture? In recent years, ergonomists have attempted to define postures that minimize unnecessary static work, and reduce the forces acting on the body. All of us could significantly reduce our injury risk if we adhered to the following ergonomic principles:

• All work activities should permit the worker to adopt several different, but equally healthy and safe postures.
• Where muscular force has to be exerted, it should be done by the largest appropriate muscle groups available.
• Work activities should be performed with the joints at about mid-point of their range of movement. This applies particularly to the head, trunk and upper limbs.

Here is a good example for sitting at a computer or desk.

Conventional wisdom holds that there is such a thing as a “correct” posture. In reality, posture change seems to be as important as posture correctness, especially with regard to the intervertebral discs in the spine. These discs lose fluid over the course of the day because of the weight they carry. It appears that posture change is essential to help pump fluid back into the discs. People who stand all day tend to have back problems–but so do people who sit still all day.

One of the most important points of ergonomics is that injury comes from sustained stress. The body can handle a little bit of a stress for a short period of time without much in the way of problems.

Stop reading right now and take the time to just notice how your body feels. Do you notice any discomfort or stress in your neck, shoulders, back, or lower body? Try fidgeting into a more comfortable position. Next time you notice stress, fidget again or do some stretches. Medical tip: Repeat that process for the rest of your life.

So when do you NOT want to be ergonomically correct? This is only done with the help of your chiropractor, medical doctor or physical therapist. If you have an abnormal curve or scoliosis of the spine, due to improper posture in the past or injuries, then you will want to position yourself so that you’re pushing into the curve. For example, if you have a curve in your neck to the right side (high side of curve) then you will do better setting your computer and main work area to the right side of you. This will make your body push into the curve; this will help slow down or stop your abnormal curve progression. If you’re getting chiropractic care, along with home/work exercises and stretches to help correct your posture, then your repair and recovery time will be quicker.

References:

1.  www.erogonomics.about.com

2.  www.ergonomics.org

3.  www.Office-ergo.com

Peripheral neuropathy, vertigo, anxiety, autism, chronic pain and fatigue …Call the chiropractor? Perhaps. A chiropractic neurologist? Even better. Randall Gates, D.C., D.A.C.N.B., of Power Health Rehab and Wellness in Reno, is just that. “It’s basically personal training for your brain,” he says. “Sometimes that will include chiropractic adjustments. I am a chiropractor by training, but just as within any profession there are post-graduate degrees to get advanced certification.”

With an undergrad in Biology from California State University, Chico, this Grass Valley native went on to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) at the Life Chiropractic College West in the San Francisco Bay Area; Gates graduated in 2009 as valedictorian of his class. Amidst his chiropractic studies, Ted Carrick, a renowned chiropractic neurologist, visited the school and gave a presentation. “I was frankly blown away,” says Gates. He immediately began taking extra classes on the weekends in addition to his regular training. By mid 2010, Gates passed the exam to become a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (D.A.C.N.B.) and has been living his dream at Power Health for the past two years.

“I absolutely love it,” says Gates. “I work very long hours, but it doesn’t bother me because I love what I do. Anytime you start getting patients better–who were told that they can’t get better–and see them get excited about getting over conditions that they didn’t think they could have any progress with…it’s incredibly rewarding.”

About 25 years ago, brain training past adolescence was hardly even considered. “The notion was that once your brain had developed, it was relatively unchangeable,” says Gates. “Your brain can actually change, grow new connections and become more powerful; not that you grow more brain cells, but they can get stronger.” This idea is commonly referred to as neuroplasticity. “We can excite the areas of the brain that have been damaged and see if we can get those areas working again.”

Power Health takes a lot of time to diagnose a possible healing regiment for new patients, time that a regular practitioner may not have. “Most of our patients remark that the initial exam is one of the most thorough exams they have ever received,” says Gates. “With any new patient we go through a 17-page history, general physical exams, I do a quite in-depth neurological exam–we try to figure out which part of their nervous system is not working properly. From there we typically do one to three trial treatments to figure out if we can make a change. Realistically, we can’t help everybody.”

When he’s not helping others, Gates does a lot of work on himself. “I love Olympic lifting and power lifting,” he says. No big deal. “I played football and track in high school, some track in college, lifting was just always a hobby. It’s quite a stress relief.” To relax he enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog, Bailey. Being close to the mountains he loves and going out to the Sierra Valley to take it all in. “I think it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth,” he says. “I really like the natural surroundings.”

In case you’re wondering, Gates goes to the chiropractor just like anyone else. “I get adjusted at least once a week,” he says. “We actually have four chiropractors at Power Health, so I get adjusted by one of the other three. They’re fantastic doctors.” So fantastic that with over 25 years of operations, Power Health is attracting patients from North Carolina, Arkansas, even Germany. Some patients have actually moved to Reno for prolonged treatments at Power Health.

Gates looks forward to an innovative career with Power Health, and sees its potential at an even larger scale. “I’d like us to become a center point for alternative-type treatments, and expand so that we can help more people,” he says. “We’re all given skills. If we can apply and hone our skill to their max abilities, to serve humankind, this world would be a better place.”

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is surprisingly common. The prevalence of occurrence is approximately 10 percent of the “adult” population. The diagnosis is often vague, but essentially RLS is:

1. Characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, particularly at night when lying or sitting down.

2. May be accompanied by symptoms of “skin crawling,” tingling, or a sense of pressure in their calf muscles.

3. Symptom relief when moving around

4. Waking up in the middle of the night with these symptoms again.

If symptoms occur more than twice a week, and result in severe disruption of sleep patterns and marked daytime symptoms, the case is severe and requires immediate investigation and intervention.

The causes of RLS are varied. Often, the “cause” is a combination of two or more of the following components:

1. Genetic, especially if appearing before the age of 30.

2. Secondary variations that are reversible (pregnancy, kidney failure, and anemia’s).

3. Associated conditions that exacerbate RLS and must be treated to resolve the condition (spinal cord compression, peripheral neuropathy, iron and B-12 anemia’s, kidney failure, iron deficiencies).

There are many lifestyle factors that make RLS worse. Central nervous system stimulants and depressants must be evaluated in a thorough history, and be reduced or eliminated for maximum recovery.

The mechanism of RLS is primarily dysfunction of a part of the brain called the basal ganglia. It controls neurological output from the brain and allows our central nervous system to be calm relative to body movements. When the basal ganglia is not functioning properly, excessive movement while at rest occurs in the body. A very well known and severe manifestation of poor basal ganglia function is Parkinson’s disease. RLS is a less severe manifestation of the same brain dysfunction.

The medical approach is to treat with dopamine medications, to calm down the basal ganglia and benzodiazapines to keep the patient asleep. The approach is typically successful, but the side effects of long term use of these medications can often create psychiatric side effects, and can damage internal organs.

There are other approaches. Functional medicine treats the body as a whole and evaluates all components–musculoskeletal, neurological (i.e. basal ganglia), and metabolic (i.e. anemia’s, iron deficiencies, diabetes, etc)–that contribute to destabilizing the basal ganglia itself, and thus allowing the excess movements to occur. Neurologically, other parts of the brain (cerebellum and frontal lobes) “fire” on the basal ganglia and cause it to work properly. If they are not functioning correctly, they need to be, and can be, “strengthened” through specific brain exercises. As they strengthen and function better, the basal ganglia calms down and can recover; so does the RLS.

The brain needs proper nutrients to function well. Those patients are evaluated metabolically for indicated nutritional and dietary changes, or herbal/botanical support that will allow the frontal and cerebella lobes to function better, and do their job in correcting the basal ganglia and subsequently the RLS. The advantage of the functional model: no medications, no long term side effects, and an individualized operating manual for that patient to follow, to control the condition permanently.

It is a very effective approach for those individuals interested in non-drug, cause-based alternatives if the medications don’t work or if side effects, present and future, are an issue.

References:

1. Watts RL, Koller WC. Movement Disorders Neurological Principles and Practice. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hiull Companies, Inc. 2004.

2. Fernandez HH et al. A Practical Approach to Movement Disorders Diagnosis and Surgical and Medical Management. Demos Medical Publishing. 2007.

For mor information contact Dr. Rutherford at www.PowerHealthReno.com

What is colic? Dr. Sears was asked this question, and even though no one completely understands colic, let’s make two assumptions: First, the baby has pain in the gut, as the term “colic” comes from the Greek kolikos, meaning “suffering in the colon.” Secondly, the whole baby is upset as a result. My perspective on colic changed years ago when a mother brought her baby in and wanted me to find out why he was crying so much. After I diagnosed her baby with colic, she challenged me. “Do pediatricians call it colic when they don’t know why a baby is hurting?” she asked bluntly. She was right. A gastroenterologist I often work with once confided to me: “Colic is a five-letter word for ‘I don’t know’.”

“The cause of colic is unknown,” states the Mayo Clinic. Researchers explored a number of possibilities, including allergies, lactose intolerance, an immature digestive system, maternal anxiety, and differences in the way a baby is fed or comforted. Yet it’s still unclear why some babies have colic and others don’t. Infants of mothers who smoke during pregnancy, or after delivery, have a greater risk of developing colic. Many other theories about what makes a child more susceptible to colic have been proposed, but none have been proven. Colic doesn’t occur more often among firstborns or formula-fed babies. A breast-feeding mother’s diet isn’t likely to trigger colic. Girls and boys, no matter what their birth order or how they’re fed, experience colic in similar numbers.

A study came out in October of 1999 that showed a significant decrease in all symptoms associated with chiropractic care in infants who received chiropractic care. The study goes as follows:

One group received spinal manipulation for two weeks, and the other was treated with the drug dimethicone for two weeks.

Outcome Measure: Changes in daily hours of crying as registered in a colic diary.

Results: By trial days four to seven, hours of crying were reduced by one hour in the dimethicone group compared with 2.4 hours in the manipulation group (P = .04). On days eight through 11, crying was reduced by one hour for the dimethicone group, whereas crying in the manipulation group was reduced by 2.7 hours (P = .004). From trial day five onward, the manipulation group did significantly better then the dimethicone group.

Conclusion: Spinal manipulation is effective in relieving infantile colic.

As we can see, by helping to decrease the pressure off the nervous system the body can better regulate itself. Children deserve the best chance to express health and their peak potential. It is a child’s nervous system that controls the person they will grow to be. Knowing this, it is imperative that their nervous system be working properly. For this to occur, children must be free from vertebral subluxations (i.e. irritated or pinched nerves). Usually the first subluxation your child will experience is a result of the birthing process.

Chiropractic is the best way to help a nervous system begin to be free of these subluxations or irritated/pinched nerves. So now is the time for you and your children to realize your health potential, and to seek out the best care.

References:

1.  http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/fussy-baby/coping-colic/whats-colic-does-your-baby-have-colic-how-tell

2. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colic/DS00058

3. www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(99(700003-5/abstractBottom of Form

4. www.Icpa4kids.org

& Randall Gates, D.C., D.A.C.N.B. |

Strokes, also known as cerebrovascular accidents, are one of the leading causes of death and disability in this country, with approximately 795,000 individuals suffering from a stroke each year. These tragic and life altering events result from a disruption of appropriate amounts of blood flow to areas of the brain.

There are numerous warning signs of an impending stroke, some of them including sudden confusion, trouble speaking, trouble understanding, numbness or weakness of the face or part of the body, difficulty walking, dizziness, lack of balance or coordination, and severe headache without a definite cause. If you or a loved one ever experiences one or more of these symptoms, urgent and immediate evaluation at an emergency room can be a life saving event.

Many individuals often discount the symptoms of a stroke as just not feeling well, or they do not want to bother anyone by being examined. Unfortunately, on the contrary, these individuals often do not realize the importance of these symptoms and their potential life altering impact. Therefore, never hesitate for yourself or a loved one to go to an emergency room if experiencing the warning signs of a stroke, as it could save your life.

Emergency room physicians and Medical Neurologists specialize in identifying and treating the area of the brain affected by a stroke.  In fact, there are Medical Neurologists whose entire practice is dedicated to treating patients with cerebrovascular accidents. Prompt evaluation and treatment by these health care professionals saves lives. Some stroke victims come away without any permanent side effects, while others are left with significant disabilities, some of which include paralysis, weakness, difficulty walking, difficulties speaking and understanding verbal communication. Once a patient is cleared as being stable by their Medical Neurologist, they will often be discharged to a rehabilitation program.

In the past, stroke rehabilitation focused on showing the stroke victim strategies and coping mechanisms for using their unaffected limbs and uninvolved areas of their body. With this rehabilitation, the patient would be able to get through their day to day lives with their handicaps and disabilities. However, the latest research regarding the brain opened up an entirely new paradigm regarding rehabilitation for not only victims of strokes, but also other patients who suffered from brain damage as a result of such things as traumatic brain injury, subdural hematoma’s, and tumors (after they were taken out).

This new paradigm is termed neuroplasticity. Through neuroplasticity, neuroscience researchers have demonstrated the ability of the brain to create new connections, and even grow new brain cells (neurons) in certain areas of the brain. With this knowledge, new therapies have been created, targeted at the affected area of brain injury, to help strengthen the damaged area and make it stronger. With this being said, there can be limitations, in that if areas of the brain are dead as a result of a brain injury from a stroke, then odds are that the function in this area of the brain is not coming back. However, the areas surrounding dead areas of neurologic tissue are often working, but not working well because of the dead neuron’s lack of activity. It is with these cells that not only their function can return, but also they can in certain circumstances assume the function of their neighboring cells. For the stroke patient this translates into a more complete recovery.

The chiropractic neurology approach to treating patients who have incurred strokes is to use neuroplasticity to the patient’s advantage. Some of the new, non-drug patient specific therapies used include specific exercises on one side of the body, mirror therapy, and sensory motor exercises designed to target areas of the brain that are still able to recover their function. With this exciting field, patients are learning that there are aspects of their disability that can be restored, thus enhancing the abilities of the patient to perform their normal daily activities.

In addition, the functional metabolic approach promotes a functional perspective in evaluating an individual’s laboratory markers, which consists of using more specific laboratory normal values to evaluate a patient’s potential for recovery. The medical profession is more than competent in their efforts to create strategies that identify individuals who are more likely to suffer from a vascular accident, such as a stroke. The functional metabolic approach attempts to take it one step further by utilizing even more stringent normal parameters for laboratory markers. With this, patterns or trends in the patient’s laboratory work may become clear as to why an individual may have developed or be developing atherosclerosis, which could have lead to the stroke. By evaluating laboratory tests in this fashion, attempts are made to identify what may have been the underlying cause of the stroke and what natural non-drug steps can be taken to enhance patient recovery and prevent further reoccurrence.

If you or someone you know has suffered from a stroke, and have been discharged into a rehabilitation program, getting evaluated from a neurological and metabolic perspective, and utilizing these cutting edge therapies, should be your first step. Undergoing a treatment program that focuses on treating physiological dysfunction and not the disease, can produce life changing effects for stroke patients.

References:

1. http://www.strokecenter.org
2. http://www.strokeassociation.org
3. http://www.carrickinstitute.org
4. Antonov, I., Kandel, E. R. & Hawkins, R. D. Presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and metaplasticity during intermediate-term memory formation in aplysia. J. Neurosci. 30, 5781-5791 (2010).

For more info, contact Dr. Rutherford or Dr. Gates at (775) 329-4402, or visit online at www.PowerHealthReno.com

What are movement disorders? Movement disorders are a group of diseases and syndromes that affect an individual’s capability to produce and control movements. There are many different types of movement disorders. Some consist of an individual having too much movement, while at other times the movement disorder can consist of too little movement, or an inability to initiate movement. Furthermore, in certain cases, there can be a mixing between too much and too little movement. There are a myriad of conditions and syndromes that produce movement disorders. Some of which include Parkinson’s disease, Parkinsonism–caused by drugs or poisons, Parkinson-plus syndromes, Huntington’s disease, chorea, Wilson’s disease, inherited ataxias (Friedreich’s ataxia, Machado-Joseph disease, and other spinocerebellar ataxias), Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders, Essential tremor, Restless leg syndrome, dystonia, stroke, encephalopathies, myoclonus, and hemiballismus, to name a few. The list can go on and on. There are textbooks and neurological societies dedicated solely to this topic. Movement disorders are estimated to affect 28 percent of the population, between the ages of 50 to 89. The prevalence of tics in school aged children is estimated to be as high as 19 percent. These numbers reflect truly how common these afflictions are, yet they do not do justice to how disabling a movement disorder can be.

As a generalization, movement disorders consist of a breakdown in the basal ganglia of the brain. The basal ganglia, for all intent and purpose, are the filter mechanisms of the brain. If you want to move your arm for example, the brain has to send a signal that basically gets the “okay” from the basal ganglia before that movement is initiated successfully. The basal ganglia have many different parts to it, and the dysfunction of any given area can lead to certain types of movement disorders. The medical approach to treating movement disorders consists primarily of medications. These medications attempt to replace neurotransmitters, which may be deficient due to one area of the basal ganglia not working properly. These medications can produce awesome changes to the movement disorder, and therefore the life of the afflicted individual. Unfortunately, as time goes on, often more and more of the medications must be used as the individual becomes less responsive to the initial dosage. As a consequence, the practitioner who is prescribing the medications is faced with the dilemma of the dose limiting side effects of the medication. What this simply means is that there comes a point where the benefits of the medication used to treat the movement disorder are outweighed by the side effects of that medication. Therefore, the current theory in treating many of the movement disorders is to use as little medication as possible so that the patient’s life span will be prolonged as much as possible.

The chiropractic neurology, and the functional metabolic approach, is unique in that they attempt to stimulate the basal ganglia by firing the sensory and motor pathways that go to this area of the brain. This is done by designing specific sensory-motor exercises that the patient performs in office and at home, with the purpose of stimulating the dysfunctional regions of the basal ganglia. Metabolically and nutritionally, the basal ganglia are extremely sensitive to toxins, heavy metals, infectious processes, lack of oxygen, autoimmune processes and more. These factors need to be determined by utilizing specialized tests; which are common, but not often run. These tests will direct a non-drug functional dietary protocol, which aims to calm down that individuals metabolic system and its effects on the basal ganglia. The chiropractic neurology and functional metabolic goal is to slow down the progression of the disease or syndrome, so that the individual’s symptoms are reduced. Therefore, the individual and the practitioner who is prescribing their medications, can determine the appropriate dosage, and possibly reduced dosage of their medications.

If you or someone you know is suffering from a movement disorder, getting evaluated from a neurological and metabolic perspective should be your first step. Movement disorder patients often use the analogy of being trapped in a cage to describe what their lives have become. These cutting edge treatments, designed to treat the physiological dysfunctions and not the disease, can produce life changing effects for these patients.

References:

1.  Wenning et al. Prevalence of movement disorders in men and women aged 50-89 years (Bruneck Study cohort): a population-based study. Lancet Neurol. 2005 Dec;4(12):815-20.

2.  Kurlan et al. Prevalence of tics in schoolchildren and association with placement in special education. Neurology. 2001 Oct 23;57(8):1383-8.

For more information, contact Dr. Rutherford or Dr. Gates at (775) 329-4402 or visit online at www.PowerHealthReno.com

People who suffer with chronic vertigo, dizziness or balance problems are often told that the issue is with their inner ear or their sinus; when, in fact, balance disorders can be caused by a complex combination of neurological, hormonal, immune, mechanical, and nutritional problems as well.

There are several different kinds of balance disorders. There is vertigo with spinning. There is vertigo without spinning. There is ataxia, which is like clumsiness. There is disequilibrium, in which your balance is off–you bump into things. There’s visual vertigo, where you walk into an area and you see something that overwhelms your brain and makes you feel like you’re spinning. There is Ménière’s disease, which causes imbalance, hearing loss, nausea and tinnitus (ringing in ears). There is also just plain dizziness, car sickness and more; and these are all individualized variations of the same neurologic and metabolic mechanisms.

The main thing to remember when trying to help a patient with severe vertigo or dizziness is you have to look deeper into the causative mechanisms when traditional treatments don’t solve the problems. Good balance and steadiness is a result of a complex interaction between a couple of different systems: your visual system and what your eyes are seeing; your muscle joint feedback system and what your body is doing; and your vestibular system (your inner ear) and what your head is doing. When all of these systems are playing together nicely, and they calibrate properly, you have good balance. When they don’t, you don’t.

The brain (mainly the cerebellum, frontal lobe and parietal lobe) is also a big factor in helping with balance and equilibrium, along with the inner ear. Many people who suffer from chronic vertigo or dizziness also suffer from a problem in those areas of the brain called the Functional Disconnection Syndrome (FDS), for reasons that will soon become apparent.

Your cerebellum is at the back of your brain. It’s right at the base of your skull. The cerebellum coordinates everything–your balance, your body movements, your spine movements, your eye movements, even your thought processes.

The parietal lobe of the brain must synthesize, or put together, all the information coming from your eyes, inner ear, muscles and joints. This coordination of brain function creates the “map,” so your body and nervous system know where you are, where you’re moving, what direction you’re moving in, and how fast. When one of these areas starts to weaken or deactivate it doesn’t pull its weight and all parts of the brain including the cerebellum, frontal lobe, parietal lobe and inner ear disconnect (FDS), and you become imbalanced.

To reconnect this system, the newest research in brain and metabolic technologies have found that you can “reset” the brain with numerous, targeted and specific brain-based “activations” or exercises, which can strengthen the weakened areas and bring these synchronized neurological areas into balance.

However, the involved brain cells in the “weakened” areas must be healthy in order to achieve balance. Neurons become unhealthy due to various stresses and metabolic imbalances (i.e. diabetes, Hashimoto’s, thyroid issues, etc), which cause improper fuel to the cell; the main fuels being glucose and oxygen.

So, depending on the individual issues that the vertigo or dizziness patient is suffering, specific testing should be done to determine their oxygen and glucose levels, along with a myriad of other items that should be tested, based on the patient’s history and condition.

Once the results are in, treatment can proceed with dietary alterations and natural supplementation support. Further non-drug methods can be utilized to activate the weakened brain cells and bring corrective long-term balance to the system and to the balance disorder sufferer.

References:

1. Hesham MD, Samy. Dizziness, Vertigo and Imbalance. www.emedicine.medscape.com.

2. Dieterich, M. Central vestibular disorders. Dept. of Neurology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.

For more information, contact Dr. Martin Rutherford  at www.PowerHealthReno.com

A question you need to ask yourself is do you want to be healthy or just not sick? When you ask most people what makes you healthy, they’ll tell you “nutrition and exercise.” These are two big components to better health; but most people overlook the two key components: which are Emotional Health and the Brain and Nervous System. All of these play a major role in your overall function of good health.

Nutrition is very important and is overlooked more than we think. Most people eat a lot of processed foods that taste great, but this is not very nutritious. A healthy diet is not as confusing or restrictive as you might think. It’s about choosing foods that provide your body with the calories and nutrients it needs to perform–not more or less. The best way to start is to learn the recommended daily calorie intake for your age, weight, height, activity level and gender. In other words, skip the fads and focus on proper nutrition.

After figuring out your nutrition needs, you’ll need to decide what type of exercising will be best for you. Your exercise program should include something from each of the four basic fitness components: 1) Cardio respiratory endurance, 2) Muscular strength, 3) Muscular endurance and 4) flexibility. Each workout should begin with a warm up and end with a cool down. As a general rule, space your workouts throughout the week and avoid consecutive days of hard exercise. How often, how long and how hard you exercise, and what kinds of exercises you do, should be determined by what you are trying to accomplish. Your goals, your present fitness level, age, health, skills, interest and convenience are among the factors you should consider.

Remember to maintain good thoughts because they affect your health. Neuroscientists are now finding the influence our emotions have on our health and well-being, and mounting evidence that we do in fact control our health. Good emotional health is feeling good about yourself and those around you. It is having the ability to handle emotions, anger, stress, depression, etc. in healthy ways. Not having good emotional health is just the opposite and can include mental diseases and disorders.

The most overlooked aspect of health is the nervous system. Research proves that the slightest pressure on a spinal nerve root as it emerges from the spine can reduce the function of that nerve by 60 percent, in a matter of minutes. Everyone knows that a broken neck, or similar spinal injury, can produce pressure on the nerves causing partial or even complete paralysis may result. However, one tends to shrug off the possibility that a subluxation (pinched nerve) resulting in pressure on these same nerves can be extremely destructive, causing a condition of decreased activity amounting to a slight paralysis–or the reverse, a dangerous increase in activity. For instance, a sluggish liver or gall bladder indicates decreased activity, and an over-active stomach or rapid heartbeat signifies increased activity. The normal nerve control that has been denied must be restored. By eliminating nerve interference, chiropractic care can not only correct numerous health problems, but also may prevent many conditions from developing.  Incorporate these components of health into this New Year and experience a Happier and Healthier new you.

References:

1. Nutritional needs:  www.everydayhealth.com

2. The President’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports: www.fitness.gov/fitness

3. How Emotions Control your Health: www.drdavidwilliams.com.

4. Define Emotional Health: www.righthealth.com

5.  Nerves Interference: www.levanchiro.com

For more info, contact Dr. Tony Jensen at (775) 323-1222.

There is a new exciting breakthrough in treating and healing pinched nerves. Back and neck pain, headaches, numbness or tingling anywhere in the body can be caused by pinched nerves. Pinched nerves and their side effects are described in the Healthy Beginnings February, 2010 issue titled: “Pinched Nerve Caring for Your Nervous System.” Chiropractors believe in treating the source of the problem effectively and naturally. One should not have to rely on medication to get through the day, as drugs tend to mask the problem rather than treating it at the source. With the ProAdjuster Vision Technology, Chiropractic is taken to the next level.

What is the ProAdjuster? It is an advanced computer and engineering technology, with a hand-held device that allows Doctors of Chiropractic to both analyze and treat the human body in ways never realized before. Newborns, as well as the elderly with osteoporosis can be treated safely and gently with this innovative mechanism.

How does it work? The ProAdjuster computer system uses a piezoelectric sensor in the soft-tipped instrument to administer a precise oscillating force which measures specific levels of joint motion in a relaxed, effective manner. With the patient sitting in an upright position, the treatment is performed comfortably, without any turning or sudden movements. Data is then transferred and displayed on the computer monitor, allowing the doctor to isolate and treat the problem area faster and more accurately than manual procedures. Following the treatment, the ProAdjuster’s sophisticated re-analysis allows both the patient and the doctor to chart all progress toward successful recovery.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing the effects of pinched nerves & you are not under chiropractic care, NOW is the best time to start. Remember, it’s always best to rule out pinched nerves before other symptoms start.

For more info, contact Dr. Jensen at Jensen Chiropractic (775) 323-1222.

by Tony Jensen, D.C. |

Proper care of your nervous system can give you a head start in ensuring health and the highest level of functionality to the immune system.

In a research article entitled, “The Winsor Autopsies,” by Dr. David Winsor, studies at the University of Pennsylvania were conducted on 75 humans and 25 cat cadavers to determine if any of the causes of diseased organs were related to pinched nerves. It was found that 221 organs were diseased. In all cases, there was nearly 100 percent correlation between “…minor curvatures or pinched nerves of the spine and diseases of the internal organs.”

Pinched nerves have a recognized effect on diseases of the stomach, lung, liver, gallblader, pancreas, spleen, kidney, prostrate, bladder, the uterus and all other tissues. Your brain and nervous system control the body and immune system; they must function at 100 percent in order to fight off hits from viruses and bacteria to which you are exposed daily.
When nerve blockage occurs, the interference of messages sent to the brain might be similar to an individual trying to speak to another with a hand held over their mouth while talking. Needless to say, the person on the listening end will not receive the message clearly, only hearing muffled or distorted sounds. The presence of nerve interference in the body decreases communication between the brain and those body parts that the nervous system controls…i.e., stomach, heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys, as well as other organs, extremities and the immune system, causing a decrease in function…and with time, physical symptoms.

For example, if the communication or nerve reception going to the stomach and intestinal region is decreased, one must question how effectively the food will be digested and if it is going to deliver optimal nutritional benefits. Due to nerve interference, the stomach may require additional acid in order to properly digest or break down the food that has been consumed. However, the communication will be disrupted, leaving the brain incapable of hearing the exact message from the body. Of course, one can opt for medicinal solutions, but if the problem is a result of nerve interference, that problem is not going to be resolved, the symptoms are simply going to be masked. This allows the cycle to continue…more pills for temporary relief, but no “fixing” of the problem. If the condition is chemical in nature, medication might correct the digestive problems and they may never return. However, if the symptoms persist, the problem is most likely physical, and should be treated with a physical solution by correcting the nerve interference.

Most people are unaware that they have pinched nerves or subluxation degeneration problems. There are four phases of subluxation degeneration: Phase One Subluxation Degeneration is seen in subluxations that have been present for up to twenty years. This phase is characterized with a loss or change in the normal curve in the spine. Segmental motion may be abnormal but overall motion is not affected. More than 80 percent of people with Phase One Subluxation Degeneration have no pain. When subluxations occur and are left uncorrected, ongoing, relentless changes occur which result in damage to the structure and function of the spine, along with nerve damage and the resulting problems caused from improper nerve supply. Without correction, degeneration continues to Phases II through IV with the possibility of fusion of the diseased spinal segments.

If you or someone you care about are experiencing pain, stiffness, soreness, aching, numbness or tingling anywhere in the body, do not put off addressing the problem. Including Chiropractic Care to your health regime is a great option for proper care of your nervous system.

References:

1. Sympathetic Segmental Disorders, by Dr. Henry Winsor, November 1921
2. Phases of Subluxation Degeneration from Renaissance from 1970’s by Felessia & Riekeman.

For more info, contact Dr. Tony Jensen, DC of Jensen Chiropractic at (775) 323-1222.

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is now 45 years old! What is AK you might ask? It was introduced in 1964 by Chiropractor, George Goodheart. After making observations about muscle function and health he began teaching AK methods to other chiropractors.

AK is a system for evaluating body function that is unique in the healing arts. Much of the improper signaling that occurs in functional health problems is a result of improper balance of the nervous system, organ systems and muscular system. With AK techniques, advances have been made in this functional evolution. Corrections are directed towards nutritional supplementation, glandular function, neurological function and sometimes the mental aspect, such as an imbalance in hormones or nutrition of health.

In 2003 it was the 10th most frequently used chiropractic technique in the United States and has also been used by naturopaths, medical doctors, dentists, nutritionists, physical therapists, massage therapists and nurse practitioners.

When Applied Kinesiology is used in conjunction with the standard methods of diagnosis developed in medicine and chiropractic work, chiropractors have a greater ability to understand a patient’s health problems.

Much of the improper signaling that occurs in functional health problems is a result of improper balance of neuro-humoral control. This humoral system directly or indirectly alters cardiac function, vascular function and arterial pressure. With AK, techniques and advances have been made in this functional evolution. Corrections are directed towards nutritional supplementation, glandular function, neurological function and sometimes even the mental aspect of health.

AK recognizes that the body is a self-maintaining and self-correcting mechanism; it looks at the patient and the body as a whole. When health is lost, something is interfering with the body’s adaptability and it is unable to cope with the different environmental stresses. The examination focuses on how the body is disfunctioning, the cause of dysfunction, and finally the therapeutic efforts that will enable it to regain and maintain health.

Integrating AK with a ProAdjuster (a new technology) ensures a proper method of fixing functional disturbances in the body. When a Chiropractor palpates your spine, they are checking for joint fluidity, motion and or rigidity. Improper motion affecting the nerve function is called a subluxation. In a similar fashion to palpation, the ProAdjuster can determine whether the vertebra’s motion is too rigid or too fluid. However, instead of utilizing the doctor’s judgment as to what areas are too rigid or too fluid, the ProAdjuster measures precise levels of motion. Therefore, the ProAdjuster can isolate a problem area faster and more accurately than manual procedures. Also, there is NO twisting, or turning needed to get your nervous system functioning properly. In Dr. David Windsor’s study named the Windsor Autopsy Report, the research found that in almost all cases where there was an organ disease, there was a pinched nerve associated with that organ. Combining Applied Kinesiology with the ProAdjuster to decide which direction the spine or extremities (i.e. arm, leg, etc.) or TMJ (i.e. jaw) should be adjusted alleviates the pressure on the nervous system.

Remember, your alignment is essential to your health; it is to your benefit to utilize professional care for it.

References:

1.  Applied Kinesiology Synopsis, by David S. Walther, 1988
2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applied_kinesiology
3. www.cvphysiology.com/Blood%20Pressure/BP007.htm
4. www.proadjusterlifestyle.com/index.php?do=chiropractic#section4
5. Walther, David S. Applied Kinesiology Synopsis: Windsor Autopsy Report. Dr. David Windsor. 1988.

ProAdjuster Technology Takes Chiropractic Care to the Next Level

Written by Tony C. Jensen, Doctor of Chiropractic |

When it comes to back and neck pain chiropractors believe in treating the source of the problem. By checking the vertebrae for misalignment, it may be discovered that they are unable to move and function as they were designed. These misaligned vertebraes are termed subluxation, fixation or motion defects. If not treated, the end result is Nerve Impingement Syndrome. Ultimately this translates to nervous system interference resulting in pain or ill health. One shouldn’t have to rely on medications to get through the day; most may only mask the problem, instead of treating it.

ProAdjuster technology was created to keep up with people in today’s society who are consistently asking their bodies to perform at higher levels and who want to feel better, safely and naturally.

What is the ProAdjuster?

The ProAdjuster chiropractic treatments are performed comfortably, while sitting in an upright position without the need for turning or sudden movements. These treatments are safe and gentle for newborns, as well as the elderly with osteoporosis.

Significant advances in computer and engineering technologies have allowed chiropractors to both analyze and treat the human body in such a way that has never been realized before.

How does it work?

By placing a sensitive instrument at each vertebral level of the spine, the doctor will apply very slight pressure. The instrument will accurately and comfortably measure the resistance of the vertebrae of your spine and record the data.

An algorithm* is formulated before a treatment can be designed. The computer screen will display a waveform that matches the resistance of the vertebrae. A normal vertebra would produce a symmetrical bell-shaped waveform. A dysfunctional vertebral joint will produce erratic or aberrant waveforms; they may be too high, too low, or asymmetrical. These waveforms indicate the area and type of malfunction.

The doctor can now apply the treatment via the percussive instrument using a very light and steady pressure. When the computer registers 10 consecutive “taps” measured equally, it knows that the vertebrae is less rigid and automatically stops the percussion. This information allows the doctor to isolate and treat a problem area faster and more accurately than manual procedures. After the computerized treatment, the ProAdjuster’s sophisticated re-analysis allows both you and the doctor to chart your progress toward recovery.

* Algorithm-interprets a series of formulas or data and then gives the answer, much like a translator listening to 15 people speaking 15 different languages. Imagine if that were funneled into a device that could take the information and translate it into one language that everyone could understand.

References:  

1. Dr. Tony C. Jensen

2. Improve Your Health Pro-Actively by Dr. Maurice A. Pisciottano, Dr. Richard F. Barrett

For more info, contact Jensen Chiropractic at (775) 323-1222.

By Ffjorren Zolfaghar |

Taylor Donovan is a Chiropractor who has lived in Reno for two years, having moved here from the southern California desert town of Joshua Tree. He has practiced chiropractic medicine and healing for 4 years. His background includes strong basic science (biochemistry and molecular biology) and a ton of related holistic healing experience and training. At this point, you may already think you know who he is, or at least his “type.” You might be telling yourself:  hmmm, another holistic bone cracker joining the ranks…

Sadly, this is what humans do. Decide in advance about things, with little or no direct knowledge:  Our brain pigeonholes our experiences and uses them to form new judgments, rather than utilizing the new information available to us each moment. However, you’ll find that Dr. Donovan doesn’t fit in a pigeonhole. He is far different from the experiences most of us are familiar with. Yes, he’s a chiropractor, but the areas of his study and the work he undertook after college clearly affect his personal values and the way he practices. The difference is most palpable in a one-on-one experience with Taylor Donovan the person, not Taylor Donovan, DC. Let me explain.

Chiropractic care is about “reconnecting the mind with the body by ensuring that the nerves are communicating information properly to the muscles and internal organs,” Taylor said. He believes that it is vital to teach our body to self regulate from the inside out. Your body will start “falling apart” at some point in your life. Therefore, it’s truly imperative for a person to find a practice that helps delay the body’s natural decaying process. Taylor has studied multiple styles of medicine, along with long living indigenous cultures to find a practice in which healing and wellness were key.

Taylor studied biochemistry and molecular biology during the first four years of college. He was amazed at the very miracle that lies within one microscopic cell and the importance of intercellular communication. He minored in anthropology, focusing on medicinal anthropology. He was and is intrigued by the way a community ebbs and flows, together. He researched the various healing modalities that have existed in our world over time. Most importantly, he wanted to know which practices were essential in creating a healthy and prosperous environment for everyone involved.

He took this knowledge and curiosity to the wilderness with an organization that helps troubled teens find a new path to a better life. Taylor worked with this group for 5 years in Idaho. He feels that bringing people into nature in a community-oriented setting, truly teaches a person how to find health, on many levels.

Taylor wanted to focus on the actual therapy behind this concept, which took him to West Virginia. He worked as an adolescent therapist for a boarding school for two years. This was not the dark blue blazer and expensive dormitory type of school — more like 28 days in the woods and village style living. Yes, they had 3 months of a “boarding school” existence at the end of their stay, but the majority of therapy came from their experience with nature and with each other. Taylor was in charge of the kids’ one and a half month experience in “the village.” He created programs that taught them the impact that their individual actions had on the entire village community.

After his stint in West Virginia, Taylor knew that he wanted to continue helping people find health, but in a different capacity. He went on to study the world of chiropractic medicine. He obtained his doctor of chiropractic credentials in 2004 from The Los Angeles College of Chiropractic.

Taylor does not limit his healing work to simple chiropractic adjustments. He incorporates yoga poses, health classes, wellness assessments and nutritional supplements if he deems they are needed. He is currently taking yoga teacher training classes and would like to center his attention on the relationship between chiropractic and yoga. Taylor said that this connection might “define the rest of my career.”

In his free time, Taylor enjoys biking, backpacking, gardening and reading and writing poetry. He seems most passionate about the sport “Ultimate Frisbee” and happens to be the captain of his team. Just for the record, it is not like frisbee golf, at all.

What would Mr. Donovan be doing if he were not practicing in the field of chiropractic care? Taylor said, “I would most likely be living on a tropical coastal paradise with all of the incredible friends that I’ve shared my life with, practicing permaculture, performance arts, and mindful relationship work.”

“Really though, my mission in these years is to serve the causes of vibrant sustainable health practices in community. Reno is my chosen playing field.”

aka: Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome

Written by Aric Gomez, DC |

The Iliotibial (IT) band is a tough group of fibers that run along the outside of the thigh. It begins at the hip and extends to the outer side of the shin bone (tibia) just below the knee joint. Iliotibial Band Syndrome is due to inflammation of this band. The IT band acts primarily as a stabilizer during  running and may become irritated from overuse. The pain is generally felt on the outside (lateral) aspect of the knee or lower thigh.

IT Band Friction Syndrome is often predisposed by overuse, training errors or faulty biomechanics. Running on slanted roads can tilt the pelvis because one leg is forced to be longer than the other. The biomechanical abnormalities that may lead to IT band problems include: excessive pronation of the foot, leg length discrepancy, lateral pelvic tilt, and “bowed” legs. Muscle tightness or lack of flexibility in the gluteal or quadriceps muscles may exacerbate IT band injuries.

What can be done/Chiropractic Treatment:

Chiropractic management of ITB friction syndrome is a multi-step process beginning with reducing the stress on the ITB. This may include manual therapy of muscles (usually the TFL and Lateral Rectus being the problem areas), adjustments for proper alignment of the hips or ankles and physical  therapy modalities such as muscle stimulation and ultrasound to reduce inflammation and scar tissue.

At Home Care!!

1. Reduce inflammation with icing after activity and throughout the day.

(15 min. w/thin paper towel barrier – at least one hour between icing)

2. Massage the TFL or any lumps within the IT band and Lateral Rectus muscle

3. Supplement w/ Bromelain (proteolytic enzyme that helps with the reduction of inflammation). 4x/day on an empty stomach – up to 1,000 to 2,000 Mg/day

4. See ITB stretches on www.HBMag.com

Note – do not use in conjunction with warfarin or other blood thinning agents.

For additional information call Dr. Aric Gomez at 775-329-5599

Written by Taylor Donovan |

At no time in human experience are there more vital developments in the female body than in the periods before, during, and after pregnancy. Being in an optimal “state of being” will allow the mother-to-be the best opportunity for a more comfortable pregnancy and give her new baby the essential ingredients required for an outstanding development that will set the foundation for a life of health.

When caring for a pregnant woman, the Chiropractor has two main objectives: Structural and Neurological Integrity. The Structural component consists of symmetrical alignment (or as close to it as possible) and proper movement. The Neurological component consists of a free flow of nerve impulses to all cells of the body without interference. Optimal Structural and Neurological integrity leads to an increase in overall physiological and psychological health, which allows for an optimal internal environment for the mother, the growing baby, and the supportive partner.

Creating a more flexible body, especially in the region of the lumbar spine and pelvis, is crucial for a successful pregnancy. Ideally, the mother-to-be’s spine should be subluxation-free before conception. Subluxation is a term used to describe what happens when a spinal bone, or bones, misaligns and causes pressure or irritation to be placed on the nerve exiting between the vertebra. This is detrimental to one’s health process because the nervous system is the information super highway that allows for all communication and development to happen. A useful analogy is to think of what a dam does to a river and all the changes it makes to its ecology. With a flexible but stabilized spine the mother-to-be is able to handle the increase in 20-30 lbs that she will be carrying. This is a matter of gravity and biomechanics.

As the pregnancy advances, breast tissue becomes larger as does the size of the belly. To help ease the changes in the biomechanics, i.e., weight distribution, specific chiropractic adjustments to the distorted and misaligned spine will help the mother-to-be adapt to the increased stress on her spine and body. By staying out of pain from jammed and compressed joints, emotional volatility and fatigue are reduced. Pre/peri natal yoga classes, support groups, and working with a childbirth practitioner like a doula or midwife are great complements to chiropractic care during this life phase.

Another vitally important reason for chiropractic care is in-utero constraints. After the 7th month, throughout the final trimester, any position of the fetus other than a vertical head down position is considered to create constraint to the fetus and make it especially uncomfortable for the mother!  The biomechanical constraints on the fetus and the potential for a more challenging labor, or even the need for heroic surgical procedures, all point toward chiropractic care as being not just helpful, but essential. Usually the lumbar spine, pubis and sacroiliac joints are the first to succumb to increased weight demands and associated ligament laxity from the hormone “relaxin.” As the abdominal region extends forward, the center of gravity changes and the mother-to-be must make adaptive changes to her posture. By making sure the pelvis and sacrum are moving freely the mother-to-be will have more freedom to move. By having more freedom she is able to move more often and exercise based on her ability and comfort level. During this phase the chiropractic methods tend to incorporate more sacro-occipital and energy release techniques, particularly in the lumbar spine.

Neurologically, the body just works better with a healthy nerve supply. That means removing any irritation to the nervous system. Irritation can be in the form of traumas, toxins, and negative or stressful thinking. When enough stress builds up the spine will distort much like a fuse in a circuit breaker box gets tripped when too much current is running through it. This is one of the main reasons why an individual will have a “spot” in their body that consistently gets painful when life gets stressful. With a healthy nerve flow to all the tissues of the body, the mother gives herself the greatest opportunity for wellness and vitality. When vitality exists, the environment for conception is ripe much like a garden’s growing potential exists in the health of its soil.

The miracle that is the birthing process is challenging. Chiropractic care, sound nutrition, relationship support, and the support of other skilled childbirth and bodywork practitioners can create an experience that is empowering for the mother-to-be. Specific chiropractic adjustments allow the bones to move, the muscles to relax, and the nerve impulses to flow without interference.

References:

The Webster Method (www.icpa4kids.com)

Personal correspondence with Dr. Karen Bagnell, DC

Please contact Dr. Donovan at (775) 323-1230 or visit www.renohealthforlife.com for more information.