Peak Balance Chiropractic

Degenerative disc disease is misnomer, because it’s not really a disease. It is a term that refers to the normal changes in the spine as we age. In particular, it refers to the deterioration of our spinal discs, which are the soft, cushiony cartilage between our bony vertebrae.

Spinal discs are like shock absorbers, in that they separate the bones and allow the spine to bend, twist, and flex. Degenerative disc disease usually occurs in the lumbar region of the spine (lower back) and the cervical region (neck). It results in

1)      The breakdown of cartilage, also known as osteoarthritis

2)      The bulging of discs, also known as disc herniation, and

3)      The narrowing of the spinal canal, also known as spinal stenosis.

These conditions can lead to pain and nerve problems, due to pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.

The cause of degenerative disc disease is aging. Aging leads to a loss of fluid in the discs, making them more brittle and less flexible. They also become thinner, which brings the vertebrae closer together. In addition, small cracks or tears in the discs may cause leakage of the jellylike material inside. This causes bulging, breaking, or fragmenting of the discs.

Degenerative disc disease does not affect everyone the same way and at the same rate. It is usually worse among smokers and those who do heavy physical labor that taxes the spine. People who are overweight and obese tend to have worse symptoms as well. A sudden injury can also initiate the process of deterioration.

When the discs between the vertebrae get thinner, there is less cushion for the spine and it loses stability. In response, the body generates bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, which can cause pain due to pressure on the spinal nerves. The pain may be felt in the back or the neck, depending on the person and the location of the degeneration. Discs that are affected in the neck region can lead to pain in the arms or neck, while affected discs in the lumbar or lower region can lead to leg, back, or buttock pain.

Colorado Springs chiropractor, Dr. Melissa Harlow can diagnose degenerative disc disease through the use of a physical examination and a medical history.  Dr. Harlow will look for areas of tenderness, range of motion, pain, and numbness.  Imaging tests are not particularly useful for degenerative disc disease, but can demonstrate the structural changes occurring in the body.

For treatment Dr. Harlow usually includes ice, light exercise and anti-inflammatory diet and supplementation.  Stretches and physical therapy are often recommended and will greatly aid in flexibility and strength.

A burning sensation in the shoulders, numbness of the arms and hands, and tightness in the neck are common sensations among both recreational and competitive cyclists. They might be easy to ignore at first, but if they come back again and again they can seriously interfere with both enjoyment and training progress. Upper and lower back problems are another common consequence of regular cycling. Can Colorado Springs chiropractor, Dr. Melissa Harlow help with these problems?

Absolutely! In addition, chiropractors can help prevent injuries and even enhance speed, strength, and efficiency for healthy cyclists. Athletes of all kinds can find help with rehabilitation, maintenance, prevention, and treatment in the hands of a well-trained chiropractor.

Colorado Springs chiropractors have a unique set of skills to offer cyclists, in addition to their general musculoskeletal expertise. Both specific and general skills are critical to successful treatment of cyclists because everything in cycling is interconnected: the nerves, the muscles, and the joints. In fact, if your physician or chiropractor doesn’t address all three of these issues at once, you are likely to continue to have the symptoms, pain, or injury without relief. In particular, a chiropractor that specializes in sports medicine is will probably have the most to offer you as a cyclist. He or she will also work with adjunct professionals such as sports trainers or physical therapists as needed to address your particular needs.

Solutions to problems cyclists experience will likely be multi-dimensional. That is, a combination of adjustments, deep tissue massage, exercises, and stretches will likely be required. For example, if a cyclist is suffering from lower back pain, it’s possible the chiropractor will determine that it is due to hip rotation. An adjustment of the sacroiliac joints will be quite helpful, but appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises will also be needed to address the weakness and tightness in the muscles that affect the hip joints. Strengthening exercises will contribute stability to the joint, while stretching will help to lengthen the muscles in the region thus preventing them from contracting when stressed.

In fact, it is absolutely essential that patients do their part to contribute to their recovery from cycling injuries or pain. The chiropractor can do adjustment after adjustment, but if you do not complete the required stretching and strengthening exercises at home, you may not see the relief you expect.

References:

• http://www.athleticamps.com/cycling/coaching/id0068/
• http://www.progressivechiropractic.com/cond_sports4.php

These days, there are a wide variety of mattress options to choose from. In addition to the familiar innerspring mattresses, you now can opt for memory foam, latex foam, air, futons and waterbeds. One type of mattress is not inherently better than any other, and all can provide the proper support your body needs. The key is in carefully reviewing the available options, testing each kind out, and determining the right mattress type and style for your preferences and your body.

Many people assume waterbeds are better than other kinds of mattresses because of the lack of pressure points and the fact that a waterbed conforms to the shape of your body. It is also nice to be able to adjust the temperature of the bed based on the season. However, waterbeds are expensive, require heaters, they may leak, and they are not good at isolating movement. If you are sensitive to motion in bed, a waterbed is probably not the right choice for you. Some rented homes and apartments place restrictions on the use of waterbeds as well.

In terms of typical mattresses, the most important thing to consider is proper sleeping posture.

When you are lying on your side, your waist should be supported by the mattress and your shoulders and hips should sink in. It should feel like your spine is in the same position while lying down as it is when standing up. No matter what the mattress is made of, if it is too firm or too soft you may not achieve proper spinal alignment. One special note for heavier people is that a firmer mattress often provides better support. Another consideration is movement isolation. If you sleep with a partner, go with him or her to the mattress store to test out how much the mattress transfers movement across the bed.

In fact, testing a variety of mattresses is critical. Some experts suggest you need to test out 30 mattresses to get a proper idea of your needs! One good way to get exposure to lots of mattress types is to ask friends and family if they are happy with their bed. If so, test it out yourself in their home. That way you don’t have to go to 30 stores to try out all the available mattresses. Stay on the mattress for at least 15 minutes, 5 minutes on each side of your body.

As you are exploring your options, remember that mattresses are often significantly marked up and then discounted during sales. Ask the salesperson about a comfort guarantee, and get the details in writing. That way if you end up unhappy with the mattress, you can return it or exchange it for a better one.

References:

• http://www.consumersearch.com/mattress-reviews/how-to-buy-a-mattress
• http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/guide/mattress-construction.html

You can benefit from chiropractic care at any age. Because the birthing process – even with natural childbirth methods – can cause subtle injuries to the clavicle, collarbone, spine and neck, parents often bring their infants to their chiropractors for a checkup soon after they are born. Dr. Harlow has received specialized training in pediatric care, and has been trained in how to assess these subtle problems and imbalances in ways that medical doctors and pediatricians have not.

Chiropractic care can also benefit children as they continue to grow. Spinal problems may result as the result of falls, or from long periods of time spent in cramped or uncomfortable positions, such as riding in car seats. This can result in many common disorders in children, such as persistent earaches, bed-wetting, colic, or headaches. These conditions have often been successfully treated via chiropractic care. In 2007, nearly 3% of American children were treated with chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, making it one of the most common forms of complementary or alternative medicine used for children.

Chiropractic has been proven for decades to be one of the safest alternative health care methods, and of course safety is even more important when dealing with children. Spinal adjustments, when performed on infants or young children, involve very light, finger-tip movements. One or two pounds of pressure is all that is necessary to correct spinal structures that have become misaligned, because although it is easy for children’s spines to shift out of alignment, it is also easy to ease them back into place. The “popping” sound that is often heard when spinal joints are manipulated in adults is not always heard in children. There is rarely any pain or discomfort, and many children enjoy their visits to the chiropractor and look forward to subsequent visits.

So there is no reason why, as a parent, you should not consider chiropractic care for your infant or child, and there are many reasons why it may be wise to do so. The focus of chiropractic is, after all, to treat the “whole person” and, by keeping the spine and nervous system healthy, keeping the whole body healthy. This is as important in children as it is in adults.

It is important to note, however, that a chiropractor is not a replacement for your pediatrician, who is there to provide your children with medications and care in case of serious illness or injury. The chiropractor provides complementary care, focusing on wellness, integrity of the spine and the nervous system, and the development of a healthy immune system. You would not expect your medical doctor or pediatrician to perform a checkup on your children’s teeth; instead you’d take them to a dentist, who has had more specialized training. Similarly, chiropractors have had more specialized training that enables them to diagnose subtle imbalances in children’s spinal structures and restore them to balance with subtle, non-invasive adjustments.

References

• http://backchat.hubpages.com/hub/Why-should-children-see-a-chiropractor
• http://www.chiropracticprovo.com/articles/at-what-age-should-a-child-start-seeing-a-chiropractor/
  http://local.yodle.com/articles/what-age-can-you-visit-a-chiropractor
• http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/painter/2009-01-18-your-health_N.htm
• http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=41406
• http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=37423
• http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/media/pediatricjournal.htm
• http://www.acatoday.org/press_css.cfm?CID=3247

Generic drugs are medications that include the same active ingredient at the same dosage as a brand-name drug. The US Food and Drug Administration requires that generic drugs have exactly the same pharmacological effects, dosage, intended use, administration route, side effects, safety, risks, and strength as the brand-name drug.

Some people worry that because the generic version costs so much less than the brand-name drug, that the quality or effectiveness of the medication might be compromised in order to save money. However, the generic versions cost less not because of cutting corners, but because the manufacturer has not had to pay for researching, developing, and marketing a new medication. The bulk of the expenses for drug manufacturers come from research, development, and promotion of the drug, and companies that develop new drugs are given a patent. The patent usually lasts for 7 years and allows them to sell the drug exclusively until it expires. When patents near expiration, other manufacturers can request permission to create and sell generic forms of the medication. Since they don’t have the start-up expenses of development, they can sell the drug less expensively. In addition, competition between various companies who manufacture generic versions can drive the price even lower.

It is a myth that generic medications are made in inferior facilities or that they are poorer in quality to brand name medicines. The FDA also regulates the facilities that make medications and all must meet the same stringent standards. In fact, many manufacturers make both generic and brand-name drugs, so a lot of the generic versions you may use are created in exactly the same facility as the brand name drugs.

There is also no evidence that there are any differences in rates of side effects between generic and brand name products.

Finally, there is no truth to the idea that generic medicines take longer to work, because the FDA requires that both kinds of medications work as fast and as effectively as the original product. The company making the drug must demonstrate that its medication delivers equal amounts of active ingredient within the same time frame as the brand-name product. They also must demonstrate bioequivalence, or that the product performs in the same manner as the original. The reason that some of the tablets or capsules in generic versions look different from name brand version is that US trademark laws require them to have different colors, flavors, or inactive ingredients.

References:

• http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204

http://www.worstpills.org/public/page.cfm?op_id=47

Chiropractic is not only safe when you are pregnant, pregnancy may be one of the best times to receive chiropractic care. The changes that take place within the pregnant woman’s body are profound, and take place in a relatively short period of time. The additional stress placed on the body by the baby, combined with an average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, can result in considerable discomfort; studies have shown that at least half of expectant mothers develop back pain during their pregnancies. Also, during pregnancy the physiological and hormonal changes that occur can result in symptoms of spinal or joint misalignment and problems such as protruding abdomen, increased back curvature, pelvic changes, and postural abnormalities.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy can thus provide many benefits for pregnant women, including:

• Maintaining a healthier body during pregnancy
• Relieving back, neck or joint pain
• Helping to control nausea and allowing more activity during pregnancy
• Reducing the need for pain medication, during both pregnancy and delivery
• Shortening the time of labor and delivery
• Creating optimal fetal positioning
• Preventing potential cesarean delivery

All chiropractors receive training in how to work with pregnant women. Some use tables that can be adjusted to accommodate a pregnant woman’s changing body, and utilize techniques designed to avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdomen. Some chiropractors seek additional training in prenatal and postnatal care, and become certified with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) as a DACCP, CACCP, or as Webster Certified to work specifically with pelvic balance during pregnancy. Chiropractors can also provide you with exercises and stretching routines that are safe to use during pregnancy.

It is important during pregnancy to maintain a strong body and mind. A healthy pregnancy requires a balanced spine, hips and pelvis, and internal organs free from postural or nerve stress. This is even more important in late pregnancy, as the baby’s head presses down on the mother’s back and legs, potentially irritating the sciatic nerve. If you already suffer from low-back pain, these problems can become even worse. Safe, effective chiropractic care helps you to ensure that all your bodily systems continue to function properly during your pregnancy.

There are no known contraindications to chiropractic treatment during pregnancy. In addition, chiropractic care during the actual labor and birth process itself has been found in studies to shorten labor time by 25 to 60 percent, reduce the amount of pain medication required, and help make the whole delivery process more comfortable.

References

http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=85

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/chiropracticcare.html

http://www.pregnancy.org/article/pregnancy-and-chiropractic-care

http://www.dcdoctor.com/pages/rightpages_wellnesscenter/pregnancy/chirocare.html

http://www.thecmr.com/The-CMR/Alternatives/Chiropractic-and-Pregnancy-A-Natural-Combination.html

Skiing is one of the most exhilarating sports for almost any age. Unfortunately, the excitement and fun is all too often marred by accidents that can range from the inconvenient to the deadly. Although one can exercise good judgment, be in excellent shape and be an expert skier, there is no way to avoid the significant risk of accidents on the slope due to careless skiers, unforeseen obstacles and equipment failure.

It is in those brief moments of chaos where head protection becomes the deciding factor between getting back up and being evacuated by the ski patrol. A good helmet protects not only against the blunt force trauma of high-speed head-to-ground contact but also the puncturing wounds from head-to-tree collisions.

When choosing a ski helmet, make sure the size and fit are perfect for your head. Determine your helmet size by measuring your head’s circumference (a measuring tape works quite nicely). When trying out helmets, make sure it fits properly by rolling the helmet off of your head. If the skin of your face moves then the helmet fits properly. Also make sure the helmet is not too tight, as any pressure points while fitting the helmet will cause significant pain on the slopes. Even the chinstrap should be relaxed and comfortable, enough to hold the helmet on but not to cause any pressure.

It is also important that the back of the helmet not touch the back of the neck even when the head is fully titled back as this may cause injuries during a crash.

If you plan to order online then be aware that helmets are designed for varying head shapes as well as sizes. You may need to order a variety of styles and return the ones that don’t fit well. Have a friend check the shape of your head to determine if you have an oval, round or “roval” head.

Your ski goggles should also fit the helmet perfectly. While wearing the helmet, you should be able to fit the goggles properly without any exposed space on your forehead and a minimum amount of exposed space on the sides. The goggles should not overlap the helmet on any side. Make sure the helmet has a clip in the back to hold the goggle strap otherwise you may find it slipping off at the worst possible moment.

Helmets not only provide vital protection during collisions but also provide protection from the cold and adverse weather conditions. You can find helmets that provide ear protection and other comfort features, such as vents for warmer weather skiing

Lastly, for an extra bit of fun and some long-term memories, helmets allow you to attach cameras so that you can record your ski runs. What better way to enjoy your runs than show them off on video!

During the winter months, the phone rings constantly with people who have “the flu.” Except…they don’t. Do you know the difference between having a cold and having the flu?

The common cold (and boy is it common) develops gradually over several days and can start with a scratchy throat, sneezing and sniffles leading to congestion. Any fever present is mild (in adults). Coughing is generally hacking and can be moist due to congestion.

On the other hand, influenza often starts rather suddenly with fever (usually greater than 101 degrees F and lasting 3-4 days), headache and all over body aches (myalgia).  People with the flu are often exhausted or fatigued. Coughing is usually dry and hacking and can last days or weeks after all other flu symptoms have passed.

Influenza or “the flu” is more of a systemic illness, meaning it affects your entire body, whereas a cold generally just affects the upper body. You can sometimes get a stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat with the flu, but it’s much more common with colds. The flu is more serious because it can lead to other problems, like pneumonia in susceptible adults and young children.

Influenza is caused by a virus. In general, viral illnesses will run their course without a trip to the doctor. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses, so all your doctor can recommend to help you are pain medications, cough suppressants or an anti-pyretic (fever reducers). All of these are available without a prescription from your local drug store to help you deal with flu symptoms.

If you are suffering from cold or flu symptoms, you should also schedule a visit to your chiropractor. Chiropractic care doesn’t treat the virus directly, but rather boosts your body’s ability to fight the invaders. That’s why regular chiropractic care can reduce the frequency with which you get sick. When your body’s immune system is in peak condition, it can fight off minor intruders with ease.

Yoga is becoming a popular activity in the Western world and is usually on the top of my list of home exercises. The number of places holding Yoga classes is on the rise and with so many different types, where do you start? With a choice of Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and many more it can be easy to get confused. This article will help you to understand the difference between the most popular types of Yoga so you can choose which type is right for you.

Hatha Yoga – In Sanskrit (an ancient classical language ofIndia) “Ha” means “sun” and “tha” means “moon”. This type of Yoga is a relatively slow paced, gentle type of Yoga and is a good place to start if you are completely new to Yoga and don’t know any of the asanas (poses).  Like all types of Yoga, Hatha Yoga aims to unite the mind, body and spirit.

Ashtanga Yoga – Ashtanga means “eight limbs” in Sanskrit. It’s a fast moving, intense style of Yoga based on a progressive sequence of asanas, synchronized with the breath. Ashtanga Yoga can be quite physically demanding as you are constantly move from one asana in the sequence to the next, so you’ll find that it will improve your stamina as well as your flexibility and strength..

Power Yoga – This is a western interpretation of Yoga and is based on Ashtanga Yoga. A Power Yoga class may not necessarily stick to the exact sequence of poses like Ashtanga Yoga does, but it does involve practicing a series of poses without stopping and starting.

Iyengar Yoga – This type of Yoga is based on teachings by B.K.S Igengar and concentrates on the correct alignment and form of the body.  Unlike Ashtanga Yoga, there is an emphasis on holding each pose for a long period of time rather than moving constantly from one pose to the next. Iyengar Yoga uses props such as blocks and straps to help align the body into the different poses.

Vinyasa Yoga – Vinyasa means breath-synchronized movement and is another fast paced type of Yoga, with an emphasis on breathing. A practice typically starts with sun salutations and moves on to more intense stretching. Throughout the practice each pose is balanced with a counter pose.

Bikram Yoga – Otherwise known as “Hot Yoga”, Bikram Yoga is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees, with a humidity of around 40%. Generally a sequence of 26 different poses is practiced during a Bikram Yoga class and the hot temperature helps to loosen muscles. Due to the high temperature most people sweat a lot during the class and this helps to cleanse the body of toxins.

If you’re just starting out or have never done any Yoga before, you may want to try a few different types of yoga to find out what you like best. Remember, there’s no rule that says you have to stick to one type of Yoga.

Ten Wellness Tips For Winter in Colorado Springs

1. Go for a walk even when the weather is really cold – your body has to work overtime to get warm and you may burn up to 50% more calories than you would on the same walk in summer! But remember, go a little slower until you get warm and keep up the hydration.

2. If you find it hard to get motivated to exercise in winter…just think of spring and how much harder it is to get back into shape rather than maintain your fitness throughout the winter.

3. Be aware of tendonitis and stress fracture if you don’t exercise in winter and expect to pick up where you left off after a whole winter with no exercise.

4. Instead of picking up a cup of hot chocolate to keep yourself warm, try a herbal beverage.

5. Develop an interest in indoor sports as opposed to cycling and jogging outdoors. Don’t forget that swimming at an indoor pool is an option for a great cardio workout!

6. Cold Colorado Springs air and indoor heaters can dry out your skin. Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water each day and use moisturizers throughout winter.

7. Buy some indoor plants to soften up the dry atmosphere caused through heating. Indoor plants give off moisture and oxygen and the colors will brighten up a dull day outside.

8. Wear the right clothes when exercising in winter. Polypropylene is the perfect fabric to wear underneath a tracksuit, which will provide great insulation but minimize moisture loss. Gore-Tex is a fabric used widely for providing protection from the rain and wind.

9. Caught a cold or flu? If the infection is above the neck (nose, throat) you could be OK to complete a low intensity workout. However, if you have symptoms that are worse than an average cold (chest congestion, muscle aches), exercise will only make you worse and delay your recovery. Rest is the best approach.

10. Keep your immune system in peak condition with regular wellness visits to your chiropractor. Not getting sick in the first place so you can continue your normal exercise through the winter is much better than having to battle back from an extended absence.