Fighting Degenerative Disc Disease

This article from Maximized Living has great timing given what my father-in-law has been through with his back these last few weeks, well really years, but specifically seeing the problems with these last two weeks.  I urge you to take a stand for your spine… daily spinal hygiene is necessry!

Once thought to be an effect of the aging process, degenerative disc disease (DDD) continues to be diagnosed earlier in life. Most commonly, DDD results from a combination of poor lifestyle habits.

The painful effects of DDD can be lessened and eliminated through a multifactorial approach that increases the strength of core muscles and stabilizes the spine.

By understanding how DDD develops, a comprehensive plan can be implemented to combat, prevent and even reverse this painful condition in patients of all ages.

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

In a nutshell, spinal discs serve three purposes: hold the spine together, allow for movement and absorb impact. If these discs become over-strained, they can bulge and rupture (herniate). 1

Even without herniating, though, simply stressing the spinal discs limits mobility and can suppress the immune system’s ability to fight the development of disease. The slightest misalignment of the spinal bones puts pressure on the spinal cord, which is responsible for communicating between the brain and tissues of the body (organs, muscles, ligaments, etc.). The resulting pressure can damage the function of any system or organ in the body, as well as cause tremendous pain.

This can make even the simplest everyday tasks difficult to perform.

DDD commonly develops when muscle tissue weakens and fails to provide the spine with the support needed to protect the spinal cord.

Desk jobs are another area of concern. Years (or decades) of slouching and hunching in front of a computercan lead to neglected, weakened muscle tissue meant to support the spine. If these muscles go unused for too long, the vertebrae can shift out of place and strain the spinal discs and nerves—kick-starting the development of DDD.

The most damaging effect of DDD is that it often presents no symptoms until the condition has become particularly severe.2 Fortunately, DDD can often be overcome through a smart, multifaceted care plan.

Important, yet Misunderstood

The body’s “core” consists of the muscles of the lower back and abdominals. Whether playing hockey or carrying groceries, these muscles stabilize the body—making them a vital part of even the simplest daily activity.3

What many people do not realize, though, is that a strong core supports healthy spinal movement and alignment.

Strong abs and low back muscles work together to maintain the spine’s proper alignment. This is essential because, when the spine’s structure is compromised, the spinal cord struggles to communicate effectively with the organs and systems of the body.

Though a six-pack may be a nice bonus, it takes a backseat to spinal integrity in terms of functionality.

Think of a strong core like a cast for a broken arm. Once the bone is reset, a hard cast is set around the arm bone to ensure it remains in its proper position. This allows the arm to heal quickly and properly.

Without the cast, even a broken bone that is reset could not heal properly, simply due to the stresses of driving, typing and tending to children. Over time, this would result in a painful structural deficiency that may even limit mobility.

Similarly, a specific chiropractic adjustment improves the positioning of the vertebrae, but supplementary core exercises and good posture are needed to keep the spine in alignment.

When out of alignment (or subluxated), the spinal bones aggravate the surrounding nerves and tissue. This can disrupt basic organ function.

If this type of subluxation occurs, a number of symptoms may arise:

1. Low back pain

2. Sciatica

3. Neck pain

4. Tingling sensations

5. Numbness

6. Difficulty walking, gripping, etc.

Many of these common signs are often overlooked as typical signs of aging. However, the most damaging symptom of all is actually the lack of symptoms.

Why?

Symptoms raise a red flag to signal dysfunction within the body. Conditions like DDD, though, can develop silently for years without producing any symptoms. Proactively evaluating the spine is the single most effective way to prevent the gradual worsening of DDD.

Take Action Today

While a strong core is helpful, it is not the antidote to DDD. If you’re looking to prevent or overcome DDD, then start working these three healthy habits into your daily life:

1. Seek Specific Spinal Correction.  Have your spine analyzed as soon as possible. Depending on your age, weight and lifestyle habits, your spinal discs may already be under a lot of pressure. Spinal correction can relieve this pressure and shift the spine into its proper position.

2. Think Outside the Crunch. Crunches are outdated and easy to perform improperly. At best, they help only your abs; at worst, they strain your discs. Instead of crunching, do full sit-ups or try basic planks, side planks and working with a stability ball. Remember: A new exercise program must be approached with caution. Always work at your own pace.

3. Bookend Stretching. Whether you’ve just crawled out of bed or you are about to hit the hay, take five to 10 minutes to stretch. Stretching improves flexibility, blood flow and loosens tight, aching muscles. Remember: Stretching should not be painful.4

Each of our doctors is certified to evaluate your spine and deliver the 5 Essentials of Maximized Living, a comprehensive system designed to improve all aspects of your health and fight the development of disease.

Sources:

1 http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/degenerative-disc/degenerative-disc-disease-animation 2 http://www.spineuniverse.com/wellness/exercise/aging-exercise-what-you-need-know-stay-fit 3 http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/Images/Spine%20Lumbar%20Back%20Stabilization%20and%20Core%20Strengthening_tcm28-181048.pdf 4 http://www.spineuniverse.com/wellness/exercise/aging-exercise-choose-safe-activities 5 http://www.princeton.edu/uhs/pdfs/Lumbar.pdf — Used as background only

Chiropractic as a way of life.

It is a wise choice for your primary healthcare provider to be a chiropractor.  Pretty self serving advice… but I have some pretty valid reasons why.  And they make so much sense when you go out into the world and see it happening.  Its pretty sad.

The average American has no idea that cancer is not a genetic program, and you would likely never find out if all of your education came from the medical model.  Granted, you could simply steer clear of the medical model, and pursue alternatives, and you would be more likely to have confidence in your decisions first, before trusting chance and genetics.  But it is clear, that engaging in a chiropractic lifestyle that is rich with lifestyle leadership, will bring you greater understanding, and in most cases, ACTION to put positive lifestyle efforts into effect.

Next, the study on Serum levels of Thiol in chiropractic patients.  This is one of those “I better have it at some level” studies.  Basically, the study showed that patients under chiropractic care had higher levels of a DNA repairing hormone, that is an anti aging hormone.  It improves your ability to heal and repair DNA.  Pretty awesome, and you are improving those levels by being here.  Is all chiropractic created equal?  No, corrective focused care has repeatedly shown better results in neurological balance.

How about the study from the University of Tokyo doctors on Demyelination and Neuronal loss due to kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine?  Basically, what I just said was loss of the outer covering of the spinal cord, followed by atrophy and death of nerves occurs when the curve in your neck is gone.  This study creates the suggestion that ALS, or Lou Gherig’s Syndrome might just be due to spinal cord compression more than anything else.

Check out this part of the abstract:

There was a significant correlation between the kyphotic angle and the degree of spinal cord flattening. The spinal cord was compressed most intensely at the apex of the kyphosis, where demyelination of the anterior funiculus as well as neuronal loss and atrophy of the anterior horn were observed. Demyelination progressed as the kyphotic deformity became more severe, initially affecting the anterior funiculus and later extending to the lateral and then the posterior funiculus.

If I tell you that anterior is front… and if you remember your doctors report, you would start to put two and two together.  The front of the cord controls your…. yep, organs.  So by causing anterior, or front demyelination and neuronal loss, you are killing your organs.

So then I ask, who would argue against corrective chiropractic care as the primary model which you live by?  Someone who chooses to live by the chemical I would guess.  So what about that chemicals?  The EPA has some unique considerations when it comes to chemical exposures.  As they have developed guidelines for mutagenic risk for adults and children.  It appears as though the risks are significantly multiplied when children are involved.  Did you know cancer is the leading cause of death for children over 1 year of age?

Can chiropractic adjustments save you from toxicity?  Well, according to some studies, yes.  There have been no landmark studies, but there have been many decent ones.  The general consensus has been that detoxification improves during spinal care.  Period.  And of course we have so much empirical data, that there is nothing but pure belief that chiropractic helps everyone with their detoxification potential.

Take it for what its worth, which is a lot.  Regular corrective chiropractic care is a life saver and game changer.  I hope we can keep you from ever having to know.  Be well, be blessed, Dr. E

Spinal Hygiene and Bathing in The Forest

What??? Whoever thought they could incorporate spinal hygiene, forest life and personal hygiene all in one post?  Ridiculous I tell you!  Outlandish to say the least.  So lets get to it!

The summer is fun, lots of activities… a little crazy, but still fun.  One thing I do not do a lot of during the summer months, is forest bathing.  The term comes from an article that a patient brought to me to read.  Nice read that brings out the value of spending time in the forest (thus bathing in the positive energy, aura and oxygen of the outdoors).  I do a ton of it compared to most, and surely have gotten to be ONE with a forest.

My daughter Brooke working out at The Garage during a CrossFit Kids Class, this is Spinal Hygiene!

I can recall camping on vacation was really the primary way I lived for about 15 years of my life.  I grew up pitching a tent, then either rushing to sleep so that I wouldn’t hear my brother snore, or strapping the headphones to my ears and falling asleep to some random Brit punk music.  But the days, the days were spent under the canopy, walking on trails, or casting a reel on the edge of a lake that was so amazing, as you lost yourself in the reflection of the trees you began to wonder which way was really up.  The kind of beauty that you can’t help to enjoy, even us a child.

Now, as you know, I spend much of my time out running riding, canoeing, or anything else, out in the woods.  I have my oldest daughter just about ready to trail ride with me, all good.  And this is all part of the forest bathing phenomenon that is getting so many people outside these days.   Actually, I might as well take this time to see who might want to prepare for a three day journey along the Appalachian Trail on November 6th.  We will start on the GA/NC border, and work our way back to Amicolola Falls over those three days.  My original plan was to do it straight through, no breaks, just try to push it into 36 hours.  But I have no takers to go it with me, so if you want to test yourself over three days, let me know!

Let me tie this together with Spinal Hygiene.  Ultimately, your nervous system is the most important piece of your anatomy.  The Brain and Spinal Cord together control everything in your body.  Pretty awesome.  However, these two awesome pieces of magnificence can be altered in their function, by simple pressure.  Pressure that probably wouldn’t happen if we never let a doctor pull a child’s head during birth (do you know why we see 400 kids a week for maintenance care now), or sit at a computer for 8 hours a day, EVERY DAY…. or sit in a chair, rounding our low back, and thrusting our heads forward.   All serious causes of pressure.

I have a VERY strong belief that all people should be doing something for spinal hygiene EVERY SINGLE DAY of their lives.  It is more important than dental hygiene, and way more enjoyable if you do it right.  Many of you are in a place right now, where your spinal hygiene should include 2 separate times a day of traction, and possible one time of wearing head weights.  Do you know that this might just be the difference between you getting correction and not?  Between organs never fully healing the way they are supposed to, and them flourishing with function.  I have had patients who have gotten pregnant, and I would argue that their head weights did it!  I know, seems crazy, and funny too.

Running through a forest is good for spinal hygiene.  Swimming in the ocean is too (this might be a good time to let you know I am finally taking a real vacation in August, I know, you don’t want me to leave when it seems like I just got back to adjusting, but this is for me to really vacation, so far I have just been feigning it while focusing on other ways to keep myself from going crazy.  But my point in including it, I will be at the beach, near a huge canopy of trees (Hilton Head), enjoying sea and shade.  This is God’s place.

If you are not getting outside and moving, stretching your legs under the trees, or getting a good stretch in, or using your homework (whatever it is that myself or Dr. Levi may have prescribed you), then please, please, please… do it.

Enjoy the earth, get out in it, and maintain your spine in the process.  Be well and be blessed! – Dr. E