Computers!

We all spend time looking at the computer. I have spent probably 2 hours just today. So let’s look at some tips to alleviate pain from too much computer time:

• If children and adults in your home share the same computer workstation, make certain that the workstation can be modified for each child’s use.
• Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at eye level. One way to raise the monitor is by placing it on large books such as phone books. For a child,  have them sit on firm pillows or phone books to reach the desired height.
• Make sure the chair at the workstation fits correctly.  An ergonomic back cushion, pillow or a rolled-up towel can be placed in the small back for added back support. There should be two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knees. The chair should have arm supports so that elbows are resting within a 70- to 135-degree angle (go for 90 degrees, it’s easy to judge) to the computer keyboard.
• Wrists should be held in a neutral position while typing – not angled up or down. The mouse pad should be close to the keyboard so you or your child doesn't have to reach or hold the arm away from the body.

Don't forget...

Your spine is your lifeline! You are healthy through your nervous system being strong.  Just as it is important to have your teeth checked or to have a yearly physical to be proactive in your health, it is vital to have your spine checked regularly. 

It's Fall... backpacks!

It’s FALL!!!!

So many great things happen during this time of the year. Everyone gets so excited about the cooler weather, football, roasted marshmallows…I could go on for pages.  I personally get excited about Halloween (mostly because of the candy corn) and Spinal Health Month. Many years ago, the American Chiropractic Association implemented this event bringing awareness to a natural approach to overall health and wellness as well as preventing back pain.

Back pain is pervasive among American adults, but a new and disturbing trend is emerging among the nation’s youth. Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks and poorly designed computer workstations is a contributing factor.

The increase in back pain among youngsters isn’t surprising when you consider the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks – often slung over just one shoulder – and the long hours they spend tapping away at computer keyboards. These activities can negatively impact a child’s body during the developing years, resulting in harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime.

Watch Those Backpacks:

• Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.

• The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.

But what about HEALTH?

Your spine is your lifeline! You are healthy through your nervous system being strong.  Just as it is important to have your teeth checked or to have a yearly physical to be proactive in your health, it is vital to have your spine checked regularly. 

Getting to the root of it all

So, you have a flooded basement. Should you just scoop all the water out and call it a day, or should you find the cause of the flood and fix it? Easy, right? We want to fix what is causing the flood!!! Why don’t we always do this with our body? Too many times people treat their symptoms (i.e. headaches, allergies) rather than getting down to the root cause.



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This past week, I posted a weekly sticky on Active Spine’s Facebook discussing this very topic. It begins with this…

You walk into your Chiropractor's office, hop on a table and point to where it hurts.  But the Chiropractor adjusts a totally different part of your spine… not even close to where you feel the pain.  Why is that?   

Well, it is because chiropractic treats the cause! Why are you getting headaches, why do you have digestive problems, why is your back hurting… I could go on and on!

Actually the rest of the Sticky says it best…

There's an old saying that goes when you step on a dog's tail, it barks out the other end.  In Chiropractic, that means where you hurt (the bark) isn't necessarily where the problem is (the tail).  Many times the symptom you feel in one area is due to a remote cause.  For example, someone with sciatica may feel pain down their leg, but the cause of the problem is a Vertebral Subluxation in their spine. 

Chiropractors know that if you address the cause of the symptom, the body will no longer have need to produce it.  That's why Chiropractors focus on fixing underlying problems and not superficial effects.  Chasing after symptoms is like a dog chasing its own tail – spinning around and around until it gets dizzy, confused and frustrated.  It's much smarter to address the underlying cause from the start.

Let’s take a look at constipation --this affects people of all ages. Constipation is a symptom. Muscles in the intestine push stool to where stool leaves the body. Special nerve cells in the intestine, called ganglion cells, make the muscles push. The celiac ganglion, in turn connects to the spinal cord (and the brain) through nerve roots that exit the spine in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar region. Pressure on these nerve roots caused by the effects of dysfunctional vertebrae or subluxations in this area may interfere with the normal function of the bowel as well as other organs of the digestive system. Bit technical, sorry, but you get the point.

How about Carpal Tunnel? I discussed Carpal Tunnel in a previous post – we feel the symptoms in our wrist, but the cause actually starts in our cervical vertebrae and is then exacerbated by our everyday movement of our wrists!

Allergies and colds are other times when we tend to treat the symptom. Did you know that having a small-grade fever is a sign that our body is working to heal. When we take medication to reduce a fever, the body is tricked into thinking everything is okay, and halts healing (please note that a high fever can be dangerous and you should consult a medical doctor). A runny nose is our body’s way of removing waste – why would we want to stop that? I understand that sometimes we have to reduce the symptoms so we can work or do important tasks. But, rest and fluids are often the best way…along with chiropractic care!

Current research is showing that there is a direct link between the nervous system and the immune system. Chiropractors help to achieve optimal nervous system function which, in turn, helps the immune system to work optimally. A healthy immune system is then able to better handle an invasion of foreign substances such as pollution, dust, dead cells, etc…this can be beneficial to everyone!

Now, will you scoop the water out or fix the leak?

What we did to get moving....

You don't need a gym to get a solid workout! You can walk your dog, explore the trails at the local park (amazing ones right here in Lake Norman area) or go for a bike ride.  

North Carolina is one of the most beautiful states, if I may say so myself. From where we live, you can drive 4 hours to the east for the beach and 2 hours to the west for amazing mountain views. This past weekend, the family and I went for a hike in those mountains. We decided on Grandfather Mountain. So, after I got home from the office, we hopped into the car and headed out. There are some great towns in the mountains, as well as a fascinating look into the state's history, and on your way to your destination you will most likely pass through many other wonders.  During our 90 min drive, we passed Blowing Rock - another great place to visit.

Grandfather Mountain is no exception. As you pass through the gate, they give you a CD to play as you drive up the mountain that discusses the history, scenery and several other interesting tidbits about the park. After a few minutes, we came to the museum – fascinating stuff! But, we were too excited about the mile-high bridge to spend much time in there. One of the most popular attractions in the NC mountains is the bridge. After parking the car, we took the brief, but tougher than you would think, half-mile hike to the top of the mountain (you can also drive to the top, but where is the fun in that?!). As I alluded to, don’t be fooled by it only being a half mile -- this isn’t the easiest of hikes. There are some large rocks to maneuver around and it is quite steep. But I am telling you it is completely worth it! I’ll stop typing and share some pics from the day. Remember to get moving – it’s the key to our body’s health!

Lookout from the Blueridge Parkway on our drive to the park

Someone is excited!!! BTW I recommend getting there early, we spent close to 30 mins just to get into the park - not fun with puppies or young children

Almost to the bridge



It is cable bridge that was rebuilt recently



Short rest to enjoy the view

The bridge from the tippy top (other side)

The Bridge isn't a mile above the ground, but a mile above sea level.

the NC mountains

What are you doing this weekend to get moving?

We're thinking of going for a bike ride.

ADD and ADHD

It seems more and more children are diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).  Why? Could it be we stimulate the mind at such a young age with televisions and computer games that they become 'used' to these things and anything less is boring? Don't get me wrong; these things can be wonderful educational resources but, there is so much going on that when we ask a child to sit quietly and simple read a book (I guess now their Kindle), they can't.  This one factor is not the only reason we see more cases. As a matter of fact, the increase in diagnose also has a lot to do with our advancement in the science and knowledge of this disorder which has helped doctors understand what is happening with our children. So now the question becomes what are some ways to help these children and, yes, adults?

Hyperactivity is not the result of a Ritalin® shortage! There have been numerous natural ways shown to improve many people’s function, such as an increase in exercise/activity level, reduction of inflammatory foods and Chiropractic adjustments.

As a chiropractor, I look for disturbances to the child’s nervous system. Many issues can be caused or exacerbated by the spinal distortions (misalignments) in the upper neck. In fact, this link between the spine, brain stem dysfunction and ADD/ADHD is common. A thorough chiropractic examination can reveal noticeable spinal distortion, even a reversal of the normal neck curve. With a schedule of safe and natural chiropractic adjustments, these often resolve, reducing nervous system tension.

ADD/ADHD is often a result of too much stress in the child’s system.  A misalignment or interference in the nervous system will cause additional stress responses in the body, sending the body into an over-stimulated state.  Reduction of subluxation or misalignment through chiropractic adjustments helps to decrease sympathetic stimulation and reduce symptoms of ADHD. Because of the differences between the manner in which boys and girls use the hemispheres of their brain, ADHD seems to occur in more boys than girls. And, for the same reason, it is often more easily observable in the behavior of boys than of girls.

Some symptoms of ADD/ADHD:

• Inattention, hyperactivity and being easily distracted
• Difficulty concentrating and sitting still
• Inability to control impulsive thoughts and behaviors
• Easily distracted by noises and activities
• Always moving—fingers, hands, arms, feet or legs

We do not "treat" Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder.  However, since ADD/ADHD appears as a neurological stress disorder and Chiropractic care helps reduce nervous system stresses; many parents who want a natural, non-drug solution for their child have found chiropractic care helpful, even miraculous.

Because a chiropractic approach is natural and drug-free, a large number of parents choose chiropractic care over the conventional medical practice of giving children Class 2 psychotropic drugs that have intense side effects including personality changes and permanent alterations in the brain.

Principles of Success

What makes someone successful – money, a huge house, a boat, a nice car, expensive jewelry?  To be honest, I feel most successful when I spend time with family and good friends (and Backster).  I am so blessed to have a wonderful support system that has helped me stay grounded and lifted during difficult decisions, moves across the country, career changes and starting a business during the “Great Recession.”

I have noticed lately that our society has become focused on competition. It makes me sad when people degrade other people to either make themselves appear or feel more successful – I have seen it among chiropractors. Although competition can be healthy, there are plenty of times we become so determined to out-do the next guy that we don’t reach our own dreams or goals. I am the first to admit life can be overwhelming and there are many times I need to sit down and refocus my goals as a chiropractor, husband, son, brother and friend. I was fortunate to attend a seminar this month about the Principles of Success. Now, these principles were directed more towards chiropractic, but as I listened to them, I thought “these can be easily applied to every aspect of life or any career.” I would like to share them with you so you can reach your dreams!

source

Principles of Success (stated in 1^st person)

Paint Your Dream and Plan it!

I was born with a dream. I was born with a GREAT dream! It is a God Given Dream! God would never give anyone a mediocre purpose or dream and I am no exception. It is a dream that motivates me. It inspires me! It excites me! It challenges me! I can hardly wait to see it happen! I realize that without this dream – I perish! Success requires a plan. I will not rely on luck or fate or the lottery. This is not a hope list. I will not wait to see how my future turns out, but instead I create and control my future with a detailed plan.

Love It!  

The dream is not just a piece of paper or a statistic. It is not an option. It is not a “new toy.” It is who I am. It lives in my heart and mind as well as on paper. It is the reason I wake up. I am the only one responsible for the results. I understand responsibility and ownership. The fact is my dream is so big it seems impossible at times. But I KNOW: if I believe, ALL things are possible! I must LOVE the dream!

Change for the Dream

If I keep on doing what I am doing I will keep on getting what I am getting. The only way to change what I am getting is to Change what I am doing.

Think Successful

When do we start believing we will and can succeed? The honest answer would be – as soon as we are successful! I must think successful to become successful. Clean the slate in my mind of all resentment, bitterness, hatred and negative prejudice.  I want to keep my mind limited to dream thoughts only. I cannot let my mind wander off on possible failures or cliffhangers which produce fear in my heart and cause me to make “chicken” decisions.

Live Inspired – Be Inspiring!

The key word is actually not INSPIRING – it is LIVE! Why? Because, everybody is inspired in certain moments and on certain days. We all have our “moments” of inspiration. I have to go into each day with inspiration and then sustain it throughout the day and into the evening, even when the circumstances aren’t right and even when I don’t feel like it. It has to be the plan -this is a choice that I must continually make. Surrounding myself with inspiring people is another key to living the inspired life.

I must be coachable!

To become a success, I must surround myself with successful people and copy them! I will get an amazing mind from listening to amazing thinkers.  No one gets to the moon by themselves, I have to choose to mentor, choose to be partnered, choose to be coached, and choose a team to listen to.

Develop the Constancy of Purpose

To Become Amazing Requires TIME! Amazing isn’t INSTANT! Success takes time. Success takes doing the right things over and over for a long period of time. The Secret to success is The Constancy of Purpose.



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Tunneling Through the Carpal

Lately, I have been asked 'How can Chiropractic help with Carpal Tunnel?"

Well, loads!

But first:

Is there really a tunnel?

Yes, the carpal tunnel is at the base of the palm formed by bones in the hand and wrist and is covered by a strong ligament. The nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel is the Median Nerve. The median nerve supplies sensation and movement to the thumb-side of the ring finger, and is most commonly affected in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.




Image from carpal-tunnel-symptoms.com



Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve becomes irritated and swells. The median nerve begins at the neck and runs through the arm and ends in your fingers. It is caused by pressure exerted on the nerves that control the wrist and the hand.  As the nerve swells, it causes pressure further irritating the median nerve. 

It is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist such as musicians, grocery store checkers, assembly line workers, meat packers, typist, accountants, writers, etc. When the wrist is poorly positioned, there isn’t enough space for the median nerve to travel to the hand. Most patients generally visit their doctor with these complaints, and the diagnosis is confirmed after physical examination and appropriate nerve testing.

SYMPTOMS:

¨ WEAKNESS IN ONE OR BOTH HANDS

¨ NUMBNESS OR TINGLING IN THE THUMB AND NEXT TWO OR THREE FINGERS OF ONE OR BOTH HANDS

¨ NUMBNESS OR TINGLING OF THE PALM OF THE HAND

¨ WRIST OR HAND PAIN IN ONE OR BOTH HANDS

¨ PAIN EXTENDING TO THE ELBOW

¨ IMPAIRED FINE FINGER MOVEMENTS (COORDINATION) IN ONE OR BOTH HANDS

¨ WEAK GRIP OR DIFFICULTY CARRYING BAGS (A COMMON COMPLAINT)

So, back to the question: What can I do (as a Chiropractor)?

Chiropractic care works on correcting symptoms and relieving pain associated with CTS without the use of drugs or surgery. Since the median nerve can actually be compressed anywhere along its long course from your neck to your fingers -- an examination of your hand, wrist, forearm, arm, and neck is needed to determine exactly where the nerve is being compressed. The chiropractor will also evaluate the base of the neck, shoulder and elbow, as a subluxation to these areas also contribute to the problems in the wrist. Chiropractic treatment in patients suffering from CTS helps restore full range of motion in the arms, improved finger sensation, nerve sensation, and provides relief from pain, numbness, and tingling sensation after a series of adjustments.

What are some things you can do to help?

Since many of the repititive jobs that are associated with CTS are also associated with poor posture (think about how the neck can cause pressure on the nerve, which is one of the reasons why Chiropractic is so effective) then there is quite a bit you can do! 

• First is make sure to take small breaks every 30 to 45 minutes - go get a drink of water, stretch or use the restroom. 
• Next, pay attention to ergonomics.  Make sure your chair is the proper height for you (when you sit at your desk your elbows should be relaxed and at a 90 degree position).  Also, make sure your monitor is at eye level so you are not hunching over OR constantly looking up. 
• Finally, do your posture exercises that your Chiropractor has shown you to help combat poor posture and muscle fatigue.