It is not shocking that the average American spends thousands of dollars a year on healthcare costs.  What is more concerning is the number of Americans that are on disability and are unable to work has skyrocketed within the last three decades, despite advances in medicine.   According to the Social Security Association, 33.8% of newly disabled workers were out of  work in 2011 due to back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders (Joffe-Walt, 2013).  
 
There are many recent studies establishing chiropractic as the most cost-effective treatment for low back pain.  Cifuentes, Willets, and Wasiak (2011) reported in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: “In work-related nonspecific low back pain, the use of health maintenance care provided by physical therapists or physician services was
associated with a higher disability recurrence than in chiropractic services or no treatment” (p. 396).  They went on to report, “people who were mostly treated by a chiropractor had, on average, less expensive  medical services and shorter initial periods of disability than cases treated by other providers” (Cifuentes et al., 2011, p.396). 

Additionally, a study conducted by Legorreta (2004) compared more than 1.7 million patients considering treatment for their back pain.  The outcomes showed that when chiropractic care was pursued, the cost of treatment was reduced by 28%, hospitalizations were reduced by 41%, back surgery was reduced by 32%, and the cost of medical imaging, including x-rays and MRIs, was reduced by 37%.  Furthermore, 95% of the patients that received chiropractic care said they were satisfied with their treatment (Sudin, 2013, 34).

References:
Cifuentes, M., Willets, J., & Wasiak, R. (2011). Health maintenance care in work-related low back pain and its association with disability recurrence.  Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 53(4), 396-404.
Joffe-Walt, Chann. “Unfit for work: The startling rise in disability in America.”  http://apps.npr.org/unfit-for-work/  Found 15 May 2013.
Legorreta, A.P. (2004). Comparative analysis of individuals with and without chiropractic coverage. Archives of Internal Medicine, 164(18), 1985-1992.
Sudin, Mark. (2013). Organized medicine considers chiropractic as “first line” solution to the opioid epidemic.  The American Chiropractor, Vol. 35 Number 4, 34.

Todos hemos experimentado episodios breves de estrés de una manera u otra, como estar atrapado en el tráfico o las crecientes demandas en el  trabajo. El estrés en pequeñas dosis es normal y saludable, ya que nos puede motivar a nosotros mismos para hacer lo mejor y nos permiten superar desafíos u obstáculos abrumadores. A largo plazo el estrés crónico puede resultar en una larga lista de problemas de salud como hipertensión, daños en el tejido muscular, diabetes, problemas de fertilidad y disminución de la inmunidad.

No importa cuál sea la causa, el cuerpo percibe inicialmente todo el estrés como una "amenaza", haciendo que su sistema nervioso pare de responder. Conocida como la "lucha o huida", el sistema nervioso se estimula y las hormonas del estrés son liberadas por las glándulas suprarrenales.

El estrés crónico, o un estilo de vida poco saludable en general, puede dar lugar a la estimulación constante del sistema nervioso. La sobreproducción de las hormonas del estrés pueden debilitar o agotar las glándulas suprarrenales causando fatiga o la sensación de estar "agotado". En última instancia, la insuficiencia suprarrenal puede causar el síndrome de
fatiga crónica, problemas de tiroides, así como desequilibrio en el metabolismo. Las investigaciones han demostrado vínculos de altos niveles de cortisol con antojos de carbohidratos, aumento de peso y obesidad.

Una columna vertebral sana y equilibrada es la clave para hacer frente al estrés. Físicamente, uno de los efectos de estrés agudo y crónico es la tensión muscular o espasmo. La tensión muscular es causa directa de desviaciones de la columna, conocido como subluxaciones. Las áreas dentro de la columna vertebral que no se mueven correctamente pueden ejercer presión sobre los nervios circundantes, causando irritación o interferencia, e interrumpiendo el flujo de los impulsos nerviosos a los organos del cuerpo. El tratamiento quiropráctico se centra en eliminar subluxaciones restaurando el movimiento normal de la columna vertebral, así como la reducción de la tensión muscular y la interferencia nerviosa. Por otra parte, los ajustes regulares puede ser suficientes para desactivar la respuesta de "lucha o huida" en el cuerpo, comenzando el proceso de curación. Al corregir las subluxaciones en la columna vertebral, la homeostasis, o el estado de equilibrio dentro de nuestro cuerpo, se restablece.

Todo el mundo sabe que la verdadera " fuente de la juventud " es sólo una leyenda, pero sólo porque no existe, no significa que no haya manera de nosotros poder mantenernos jóvenes y sentirnos lo mejor posible. Si usted está
buscando una solución rápida, la misma no existe, para lograrlo debe ejercitarse  constantemente y mantener una alimentación saludable, tomar agua abundante y descanso adecuado. Los que ponen un esfuerzo adicional en los ajustes
quiroprácticos regularmente, verán mejores resultados.

No es ningún secreto que una dieta saludable y hábitos de ejercicio conducen a vivir más tiempo. Los individuos con bajos porcentajes de grasa corporal tienen un menor riesgo de enfermedades como el cáncer y enfermedades cardiovasculares. Visitar  periódicamente al quiropráctico nos ayuda a aliviar dolores y molestias, y nos permite continuar con el ejercicio y a maximizar la eficacia de estos hábitos saludables. Además, los ajustes quiroprácticos ayudan a mejorar la postura y la flexibilidad. Cuando nos sentimos rígidos y con poca flexibilidad... nos sentimos viejos!

Como quiroprácticos no podemos prometerle que va a vivir más tiempo y que ni curaremos enfermedades. Nosotros, sin embargo, tenemos la capacidad de corregir las subluxaciones vertebrales de la columna, lo que lleva a una vida más productiva y saludable. La quiropráctica trabaja mediante la optimización de la función del sistema nervioso. La columna vertebral protege la médula espinal que envía mensajes a otras partes del cuerpo. Cuando una vertebra en la columna está subluxada, nos está desalineando y no funcionamos correctamente, estos mensajes no pueden correr libremente hacia adelante y hacia atrás a lo largo de los nervios. Los ajustes quiroprácticos eliminan estas subluxaciones que causan interferencias nerviosas, mejorando así la función de los órganos y lograr el equilibrio y bienestar general.

Por otra parte, la quiropráctica ayuda a mejorar tanto la tensión física como mental, que tanto se sabe deprime el sistema nervioso. Hasta hace poco tiempo, poco se sabía sobre cómo el cuidado quiropráctico afecta fisiológicamente el cuerpo a nivel celular. De acuerdo con un estudio publicado en el “Journal of Vertebral Research subluxación”, hay evidencia científica prometedora que une el cuidado  quiropráctico con otros sorprendentes beneficios para la salud. Los
pacientes que recibieron cuidado quiropráctico a largo plazo tenían niveles séricos medios más altos de “tiol”, que es un antioxidante primario importante en la disminución de estrés oxidativo y que afecta la reparación del ADN, ambos
se correlacionan con la esperanza de vida y el envejecimiento.

Kids, parents and college students alike are all preparing to return to school, and with the increased course load come stresses that can lead to neck and back pain.  Proper ergonomics are the key of eliminating these strains, which in turn lead to optimal health.  The following are some common influences that can attribute to poor posture and pain in young spines.


Backpacks:

Carrying heavy textbooks in poorly designed backpacks is the number one cause of chronic back conditions in young children.  The American Chiropractic Association recommends that the backpack’s weight should be no more than 5-10 percent of the child’s body weight.  (For a 50 lbs. child nothing more than 5 lbs.) Anything heavier will cause the child to bend forward in attempt to support the weight, causing them to slouch and support the weight on the back, rather than on the shoulders by the straps.  Here are some additional recommendations by the ACA for preventing back pain caused by backpack misuse:

• Consider purchasing a backpack with wheels and a handle.
• Both shoulder straps should be worn.  A backpack slung over one shoulder places the weight disproportionately over the body causing not only neck and muscle spasms, but also low back pain. 
• The shoulder straps should also be adjustable so the backpack can be properly fitted to the body.  Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignments and pain. 
• Wide, padded straps are very important and more comfortable.
• Bigger is not necessarily better- the more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry and the heavier the backpack will be.  If the backpack is still too heavy, consider talking to your child’s teacher to see if the child can leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks.

Poor Sitting Posture:

Students sit for long periods of time while in school, and often in uncomfortable chairs and desks.  This can lead to poor posture as well as unwanted muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and lower back.  Although this factor is often unavoidable, speak to your child or teen about maintaining proper posture or consider bringing them to the chiropractor for a spinal check-up.  Regular chiropractic adjustments can improve their posture and eliminate spinal stress.

Homework and After-School Activities:

Spending too much time at the computer or looking at any screen, from the iPad to video games, can lead to neck pain and headaches in kids and teens.  As it is, most children do not get enough exercise in their day, and living a sedentary lifestyle leads to other health problems such as diabetes and obesity.  Children who learn healthy habits early in life tend to keep them throughout adulthood.  (If you think that your child or teen is not getting enough exercise, check out the following link (en Español) on how to encourage them to get physically active from the American Academy of Pediatricians.)  Even those who participate in organized after-school sports are at risk for lower back pain as well as other injuries.  Misalignments in the spine caused by any of these activities, often go undetected in children and teens because they might not experience symptoms as adults do.  With regular spinal check-ups by a chiropractor, these areas can be detected and eliminated, thus preventing any pain or injury to develop in the future.  Furthermore, here is some additional information by the ACA for keeping your young athlete healthy.

Un sorprendente 80% de los estadounidenses sufren de dolor de espalda alguna vez en su vida. Por otra parte, las disco herniados lumbares son una de las causas más comunes de dolor de espalda baja, una
condición que implica que los discos intervertebrales de la columna umbar.

El disco intervertebral es la sustancia como cojín que separa cada vértebra y actúa como un amortiguador de choque en la columna vertebral. Cada disco contiene una suave sustancia gelatinosa en el centro conocido como el núcleo pulposo. Debido a la degeneración ya sea (desgaste general) o una lesion traumática, la parte exterior del disco puede llegar a ser desgarrado, hacienda que el núcleo se abulte o sobresalga. Una vez que el herniado comprime o irrita un nervio rodea, la persona puede experimentar dolor de espalda sordo, dolor en la pierna de disparo o "ciática", así como la sensación de entumecimiento u hormigueo.

En algunos casos, la cirugía de espalda o dolor medicamento puede ser que sea absolutamente necesario en el tratamiento de las disco herniados lumbares, sin embargo la mayoría de los casos puede tratarse de forma
conservadora y tienen la capacidad de curar por sí sola. A pesar de los analgésicos son el tratamiento más común para el dolor de espalda baja, no eliminan el problema y simplemente ocultan el dolor y los síntomas de una hernia
de disco. El "éxito" de una cirugía de espalda también es controvertido porque no sólo se trata de un procedimiento costoso, pero puede causar complicaciones que resulta en aumento del dolor o daño en los nervios.

La quiropráctica es una de las formas más conservadoras eficaces de tratamiento para el disco herniado, ya que va a la
raíz del problema y corregir desajustes vertebrales que provocan irritación del nervio. Hay una idea errónea entre algunos profesionales de la medicina y el público en general de que los quiroprácticos simplemente "pop" de la espalda
herniado en el lugar con una manipulación forzada, sin embargo esto no es cierto. Bajo la fuerza de técnicas, incluyendo la flexión-distracción, es eficaz en el tratamiento de las hernias de disco lumbar, ya que ayuda a incrementar la altura del disco y permitir que el núcleo pulposo para asumir gradualmente su  posición normal dentro del centro del disco. Uso de movimiento pasivo, esta técnica también aumenta el flujo sanguíneo a la zona afectada para ayudar en la
curación. En conjunto, esta técnica ayuda a reducir la inflamación del nervio y los tejidos circundantes, y eventualmente el dolor asociado y otros  síntomas.

Some of you may already be aware of the prescription drugs available on the market because of their promotion on television and magazine ads.  Most patients suffering from fibromyalgia tend to stop taking these drugs due to their side-effects and/or inefficiency to control pain.  Luckily, there are lesser-known approaches to conservatively manage fibromyalgia.  

What is Fibromyalgia (FM)?
According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, FM is one of the most common chronic pain conditions, affecting  over 10 million people in the U.S.  For some people, this diagnosis can be severely debilitating and can disrupt the person’s ability to perform everyday activities.  Fibromyalgia is a syndrome defined by chronic widespread pain and
tenderness and is often associated with other conditions such as chronic fatigue, hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, and irritable bowel syndrome.  Because fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease, there tends to be a collection of signs and symptoms present. Other than diffuse pain and tenderness, some people experience an array of vague symptoms including fatigue/sleep disturbances, headaches/migraines, difficulty concentrating, short-term memory
loss, fluctuations in weight, and heat/cold intolerance (Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases, 191).

What Causes Fibromyalgia?
At this time, the cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, though there is strong evidence that genetics might play a role as well as other environmental factors such as infection, physical trauma and emotional stress.   
 
Researchers have studied the way the nervous system processes sensory and pain, which appears to be disrupted in patients with fibromyalgia.  Studies have shown a link between fibromyalgia and a high concentration of a chemical known as substance P, which is released during sensory nerve stimulation.  This suggests that those suffering from this condition have overactive sensory nerves.  (Primer, 189)

Diagnosis and Treatment
There are currently no specific laboratory tests for fibromyalgia.  Your doctor must determine your diagnosis by a thorough physical examination and a complete medical history.  Most importantly, the presence of other diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis should also be ruled out.

To receive a diagnosis of FM, the patient must meet the following diagnostic criteria:

-Widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months
-Tenderness or pain in at least 11 of the 18 specified tender points when pressure is applied (Fig. 1)

Because the cause of fibromyalgia is still vastly unknown, there are no medical treatments out there that are 100% effective.  Since 2007, there are three prescription drugs that are approved for treating the chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia; Lyrica, Cymbalta and Savella. Fortunately for those patients who are resistant to drug intervention, there are several ways to conservatively manage fibromyalgia syndrome that have proven to be just as effective as conventional medical treatment.

Drug-Free Approach to Treatment and Management of Fibromyalgia:
Conservative chiropractic manipulation and myofascial release techniques are hands-on therapies that show supporting and efficient data to help with the treatment of FM (Primer, 193).  Chiropractic treatment helps patients by decreasing chronic muscle spasm and stress and restoring joint range of motion, often the source of widespread pain.  Once pain is decreased, other symptoms such as sleep deprivation, depression and fatigue may diminish. 

Many fibromyalgia patients tend to have a condition known as upper cervical spinal stenosis, which causes the outer linings of the spinal cord, called meninges, to become compressed. This may result in severe pain felt all over the body.  By adjusting the head and neck and correcting any misalignments of the cervical spine, the patient may be relieved of this pain.  Chiropractic manipulation addresses the nervous system problems seen in fibromyalgia patients by decreasing nerve interference and restoring nerve function within the body.  Additionally, lifestyle changes such as an anti-inflammatory diet, herbal supplementation and exercise recommendations can be given to those patients by the doctor of chiropractic.  
  
Other common conservative treatments for FM include sleep management, acupuncture, physical therapy, stress-management, yoga, and therapeutic massage.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Fibromyalgia, be sure to consider other conservative methods of treatment.  Many times a combination of alternative therapy and conventional medicine is necessary to improve your quality life so be open with your doctor when discussing your options.

References:
National Fibromyalgia Association.  http://fmaware.org
Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases.  Edition 12. Copyright 2001 by the Arthritis Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia.

For many parents, it’s a common question to ask why their child should see a chiropractor especially if they are not suffering from any pain, injury, or condition.  While the majority of children do not experience obvious symptoms, read below how your child may benefit from a chiropractic evaluation.

From the time that a baby takes its first breath, newborns are subjected to misalignments in the spine during the normal birth process, known as subluxations.  Even smooth uncomplicated births can be physically traumatic especially as the baby’s head passes through the birth canal.  Additionally, births needing forceps or vacuum devices can place even more force onto the delicate spine and the developing nervous system.  These subluxations, if prolonged, can cause nerve irritation and may further lead to the following childhood conditions starting from one month to years after a baby’s birth.

-Colic
-Sleeping difficulties
-Recurrent middle ear infections
-Asthma
-Allergies
-Difficulties feeding
-Torticollis
-Irritability, hyperactivity

As the infant learns to crawl and walk, spinal misalignments in the lower spine and pelvis can also occur.  Innocent falls and bumps on the head, if left unnoticed, can lead to further complications.  Unless the child has an obvious spinal problem, most parents, and even pediatricians, will not be able to recognize that the child has subluxations. Chiropractors are the only trained specialists that are able to detect these subtle signs.  
 
In today’s technological society, more and more children are leading sedentary lives.  Whether using the computer or playing video games, sustaining poor postures for long periods of time may lead to spinal misalignments in children and young adults. Moreover, sports-related injuries may cause spinal stress which either goes undetected, or may result in mild neck or back pain.  In addition to treating obvious pain symptoms similarly felt in adults, correcting spinal subluxations in children may also help with the following conditions:

-Headaches
-Bedwetting
-ADD/ADHD
-Autism Disorders 
-Scoliosis
-Seizures

With this in mind, “it is important to understand that the Doctor of Chiropractic does not treat conditions or diseases. The expertise of the chiropractor is in checking the child’s spine for misalignments that impair nervous system function therefore affecting overall body function. The bones of the spine, the vertebrae, house and protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and carries information from the brain to the body parts and back to the brain again. Subluxations interfere with the nerves’ ability to transmit this vital information.

The nerve system controls and coordinates the function of all the systems in the body: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, hormonal, eliminative and immune system. Any aspect of health may be impaired by nerve interference. The chiropractic adjustment restores nerve system function allowing the body the ability to express a greater state of health and well-being.2”

Further Thoughts:

Adjusting kids is completely safe! Adjusting an adult is not the same as adjusting a child or newborn.  Very minimal force (as much as a fingertip of pressure) is needed to perform an adjustment on a young infant.  While adjusting adults usually results in a crack or “pop”, this is not always the case with children.  Regardless of age, the complications resulting in chiropractic manipulation is extremely rare.

Teach your children healthy habits now! Give your child a head start to a healthy life and a properly functioning spine.  You would bring your child to a dentist for a check-up to prevent any cavities…why not get your child a spinal check-up to prevent any future spinal problems?  Teach your child to learn how to take care of their body now instead of waiting for a problem to arise.

References:
1.  Merkle, D.C., Van D.  “Ear Infections.”ICOA Children Wellness Articles.  Issue 16, December 1, 2007.  http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/ear-infections.html
2.       Ohm, D.C., Jeanne.  “Why Should Children Have Chiropractic Care?”ICPA Children Wellness Articles.  Issue 5, March 1, 2005. http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/why-should-children-have-chiropractic-care.html
3.       Parks, D.C., William.  “Are Your Children Being Unnecessarily Medicated?” ?” ICPA Children Wellness. October, 7 2008.  http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/are-your-children-being-unnecessarily-medicated.html

We have all experienced short bouts of stress in one way or another, such as being stuck in traffic or increased demands at work.  Stress in small doses is normal and healthy because it can motivate ourselves to do our best and allow us to overcome challenges or overwhelming obstacles.  Long-term chronic stress, however, can lead to dis-ease resulting in a long list of health problems including hypertension, muscle tissue damage, diabetes, fertility issues, and decreased immunity.
 

The Effects of Stress on the Body:  There are three types of stresses:  environmental, physical and emotional.  No matter what the cause, your body initially perceives all stress as a “threat”, causing your nervous system to respond.  Known as the“fight or flight” response, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) becomes stimulated; increasing the heart rate, increasing blood flow to the extremities, increasing blood pressure and vision acuity. Stress hormones, such as adrenalin and cortisol are released by the adrenal glands, all of which prepare the body to fight or flee the danger by increasing muscle strength, stamina and heightening the senses.
 
Chronic high stress, or an overall unhealthy lifestyle, can result in constant stimulation of the SNS and an overactive nervous system.   Overproduction of the stress hormones can weaken or exhaust the adrenal glands causing fatigue or the feeling of being “run down”.   Disruption of sleep patterns and insomnia can also occur, which are all harmful to our health.  Ultimately, adrenal insufficiency can cause chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid problems, as well as metabolism imbalance and decreased immunity.  Additionally, research studies have shown links to high cortisol levels with increased carbohydrate cravings, weight gain and obesity.
  

A healthy and balanced spine is the key to coping with stress.  Physically, one of the effects of acute and chronic stress is muscle tension or spasm. Muscle tension directly causes misalignments of the spine, known as subluxations.  Areas within the spine that are not moving properly may exert pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing irritation or interference, and disrupting the flow of nerve impulses to the organs of the body. Chiropractic  treatment focuses on eliminating subluxations by restoring normal movement of the spine, as well as reducing muscle tension and nerve interference.  Furthermore, regular adjustments may be enough to turn off the fight or flight response in the body, beginning the process of healing.  By correcting the subluxations in the spine, homeostasis, or the state of balance within our body, becomes re-established.  
 
In addition to chiropractic treatment, there are additional recommendations advised by your chiropractor that may help you cope with the stress in your life.  Posture recommendations, stretching, yoga, relaxation or meditation techniques are all approved methods of coping with everyday and chronic stress.  However, if you are suffering from stress that is unbearable or are experiencing signs of depression, it is important that you take the necessary steps to seek professional help.  
  
For more suggestions on stress relief click here. http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=2203