Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Headaches

One of the more common conditions I have seen recently since moving to Arlington Heights and the Northwest Suburbs is headaches.  Many of these are misdiagnosed or self diagnosed as migraines.  In fact, because of the importance of computers in our lives, the headaches are not migraines and are tension headaches.  These are caused due to the lack of a cervical curve in the spine which in turn puts pressure on the Atlas and brain stem through leverage.  Typical onset of such headache is mild pain in the morning that increases throughout the day.  This is due to the constant struggle against gravity.  It is by far the most common headache condition I see on a regular basis.  If this sounds like you don't waste time, get yourself checked and stop the suffering!

Community

I can not tell you how thrilled we are to be part of the community of Arlington Hts!  The Northwest Suburbs as a whole are a wonderful place with excellent schools and opportunity for young people.  It reminds me of my small town Iowa roots but is close enough to the city to offer so much to do.  I have recently joined and been voted onto the American Legion Executive Board for post 208, and enjoy volunteering for American Cancer Society Men's Task Force.  It is a real privilege to serve the members of this area!   

Arthritis

Arthritis is the calcification of soft tissue, usually in a joint space.  It is the reinforcement of degeneration.  So if a joint has had trauma or is out of alignment the body will begin to strengthen the area much in the same way if would make a scar if you were cut.  It is vital to keep mobility in the joint to maintain full range of motion.  Now consider the fact that the spine has 144 joints and 24 moveable weight bearing vertebra.  Any misalignment or subluxated areas will begin to reinforce and form arthritis if left untreated.  This WILL cause issues later in life.  Choking off the nerves and preventing movement will decrease quality of lie significantly and quickly.  Don't wait for something to become chronic or pathological, get it fixed by a professional trained to deal with these things! 

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Disc Herniations



                                                          


Many patients with back pain, leg pain, or weakness of the lower extremity muscles are diagnosed with a herniated disc. When a disc herniation occurs, the cushion that sits between the spinal vertebra is pushed outside its normal position. A herniated disc would not be a problem if it weren't for the spinal nerves that are very close to the edge of these spinal discs.
What is the spinal disc?
The spinal disc is a soft cushion that sits between each vertebrae of the spine. This spinal disc becomes more rigid with age. In a young individual, the disc is soft and elastic, but like so many other structures in the body, the disc gradually looses its elasticity and is more vulnerable to injury. In fact, even in individuals as young as 30, MRIs show evidence of disc deterioration in about 30% of people.
What happens with a 'herniated disc'?
As the spinal disc becomes less elastic, it can rupture. When the disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary--this is called a herniated disc. When a herniated disc bulges out from between the vertebrae, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can become pinched. There is normally a little extra space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves, but if enough of the herniated disc is pushed out of place, then these structures may be compressed.
What causes symptoms of a herniated disc?
When the herniated disc ruptures and pushes out, the nerves may become pinched. A herniated disc may occur suddenly in an event such as a fall or an accident, or may occur gradually with repetitive straining of the spine. Often people who experience a herniated disc already have a narrowing spinal canal
, a problem that causes narrowing of the space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves. When a herniated disc occurs, the space for the nerves is further diminished, and irritation of the nerve results.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
When the spinal cord or spinal nerves become compressed, they don't work properly. This means that abnormal signals may get passed from the compressed nerves, or signals may not get passed at all. Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:
  • Electric shock pain  Pressure on the nerve can cause abnormal sensations, commonly experienced as electric shock pains. When the compression occurs in the cervical (neck) region, the shocks go down your arms, when the compression is in the lumbar (low back) region, the shocks go down your legs.
  • Tingling and Numbness
    Patients often have abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or pins and needles. These symptoms may be experienced in the same region as painful electric shock sensations.
  • Muscle Weakness
    Because of the nerve irritation, signals from the brain may be interrupted causing muscle weakness. Nerve irritation can also be tested by examining reflexes.
  • Bowel or Bladder Problems
    These symptoms are important because it may be a sign of
    cauda equina syndrome, a possible condition resulting from a herniated disc. This is a medical emergency, and your should see your doctor immediately
  • All of these symptoms are due to the irritation of the nerve from the herniated disc. By interfering with the pathway by which signals are sent from your brain out to your extremities and back to the brain, all of these symptoms can be caused by a herniated disc pressing against the nerves.
If you or anyone you know has any of these symptoms or are concerned about your spinal health please make an appointment and we will help you address your concerns.  These problems do not fix themselves even when the symptoms come and go!  www.hawkeyechiropractic.com

Monday, May 2, 2011

Diet Plan

So many of us want to shed a few pounds and tone up for the summer.  We go through the routine of working out, doing cardio and crunches, ect. ect. ect.  But if you aren't winning the battles in the kitchen you will not win the war on flab!   Portion size, correct timing for carbs, fats, and proteins are all necessary to see gains.  Even if your goal is to build size you must master the nutrition and give your body the correct building blocks to be healthy.  If you have any concerns about weight lose or exercise goals make an appointment to come in and see us.  I personally have run 3 full marathons and played many sports including rugby, football, wrestling, and track.   Everyone can benefit from cleaning up their eating habits a bit!  Your athletic and overall health are sure to improve!