Car Crash May Hasten Chronic Pain

Chronic widespread pain is pain that circulates above as well as below the waist, or in both sides of the body and lasts for at least three months. It can affect anyone, and doesn’t depend on age, sex and/or patient’s lifestyle.

Recent research conducted by a group of doctors from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland showed that more than 1 in 10 people have developed chronic widespread pain caused by a traumatic event taken place during 4 years following the accident.

Further studies revealed that 43% of all patients with chronic pain had experienced a traumatic accident, surgical operation or have had broken bones over the same period of time. This information proves that car accidents together with workplace fractures and other injures can be a significant indicator of future chronic widespread pain.

To support the study, Gareth Jones, PhD., University of Aberdeen, Scotland and his colleagues turned to the Epidemiology of Functional Disorders Study conducted in northwest England. 6,290 volunteers of various age, sex, working in diverse spheres were recruited from three general practices in Manchester and were given a questionnaire with part of the questions related to chronic widespread pain.

Four years later pain-free people were invited for a second questionnaire and were asked to answer the questions. Over 11% of people reported chronic widespread pain, and 38% of them mentioned at least one traumatic experience, such as car or work accident, fracture, surgery, childbirth (for women) or inpatient treatment.

Summarizing the evidence and the facts, Jones and his colleagues determined that traffic accidents still remained a major cause of new chronic widespread pain. Nevertheless, the current research may not be fully taken into account and requires deeper analysis and supportive evidence. Therefore, in future studies researchers will try to specify what aspects of car accidents can be responsible for chronic widespread pain.

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Little League Elbow

“Little League Elbow” is a throwing injury to the elbow commonly found among pre-teen and early-teenagers that play baseball or softball competitively. Injury occurs when the repetitive throwing creates an excessively strong pull on elbow tendons and ligaments. This can tear ligament and tendon away from the bone. Sometimes small fragments of bone are pulled away as well. The elbow can also become compressed, causing bones to rub together. Young athletes are particularly prone to this type of injury because their bones are immature. A child should stop throwing at the first sign of elbow pain, restricted range of elbow motion or locking of the elbow joint. Young pitchers are also advised against trying to throw a curve ball. The additional twisting motion used to make a pitch "break" is very hard on the immature elbow.

The age groups most affected are pre-high school players, anywhere from ages 10 to 15, with the peak incidence in the 12 to 14-year-old age group. Treatment and recovery depend on the severity of the injury. Recovery time ranges from 6 weeks to 3 months.

Symptoms:

 ELBOW IS SORE TO THE TOUCH AND MAY EXPERIENCE SWELLING

 SUDDEN ONSET OF PAIN & FEELS LIKE SOMETHING GIVING WAY IN THE ELBOW

 PAIN MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH CATCHING, THROWING OVERHAND OR LOCKING OF THE ELBOW JOINT

Prevention
Prevention strategies include:
 Always warm up before pitching with light aerobic exercise, such as jogging or jumping jacks.
Always stretch your muscles slowly and gently before pitching.
Always follow the pitching rules of your baseball league and do not play in two leagues at the same time.
Limit your pitching to:
4-10 innings per week
80-100 pitches per game
30-40 pitches per practice
Learn and practice the mechanics of good pitching technique.
Do not throw curve balls and sliders until high school when the growth plate in your elbow is fused with the bone.
Treatment may include:
CHIROPRACTIC & PHYSICAL THERAPY

REST
Do not pitch or do any activities that cause elbow pain. Do not play sports, especially throwing sports, until the pain is gone.

COLD
Apply ice or a cold pack to the outside of the elbow for 15-20 minutes, 4 times a day, for several days. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.


Doctor Koenig can offer guidelines on exercise, conditioning techniques, nutrition, and general fitness. Of course, when treatment is needed, the chiropractor is fully equipped to manage nonsurgical treatment of typical sports injuries. Chiropractic care also works on correcting misaligned or out of place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the nerve endings that line the surface of the joint and course through the space between the joints, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call (508) (746-5899) today for a complimentary consultation. Or log onto www.koenigchiro.com to book and appointment.

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What is Causing the Asthma Epidemic

What is causing the Asthma Epidemic?

written by:Doctor Josh Koenig

Recent studies have showed that asthma cases have enhanced almost 60% since the middle 1980s, and the number of deaths caused by asthma grew up to 5,000 per year in the United States alone. Many of us wonder what the primary reasons of such a dramatic peak are and what can be done to prevent even a larger outbreak. 

Luckily, modern medicine in combination with the newest chiropractic approaches can minimize and even eliminate the risk of getting asthma and its complications. We don’t know why it is developing at such an alarming rate, but we DO know how to learn to control it better.

If you are in your 30s and older, you may remember that in your youth years it was very rare to find a child with asthma. But nowadays the situation is completely different; asthma has become a constant companion of everyday life. Children are the most susceptible to asthma, although adults may suffer from occasional asthma attacks as well. 

There are several causes of asthma distribution. Among them are environmental, stress and nutrition factors.

It is no surprise that the ecological situation on the planet has dramatically changed for the 3 past decades. Air, water, soil pollution led to the decreased quality of vital nutrients that flow through our bodies and new contaminants have found their way into these systems. Moreover, our insulated houses and apartments don’t let in fresh air and let out the allergens and molds thriving in any basement. In addition, modern carpets are made with formaldehyde that evaporates in the air and this is what you end up breathing in. 

Modern commercials make you buy more cleaning products for literally every object in the house to keep it free from 99% of bacteria and viruses. But it comes with a price, as they don’t only kill all the germs; they kill the healthy flora in your house.  

Another major factor that contributes to asthma is a stress factor. Stress may induce or exacerbate asthma attacks. Moving to a new house, a change of lifestyle or a job, experiencing some negative emotions—all these can trigger asthma. 

Food manufacturers, especially in the United States, add a lot of preservatives, genetically modified additives, antibiotics and etc. in products to prolong their shelf life, to taste and look better. Poor food quality in combination with excessive vaccinations, unnecessary antibiotic intake and cesarean births lead to asthma outburst. 

Asthma is a chronic disease, and cannot completely cured. But it can be successfully controlled. With the help of your primary doctor, an asthma specialist and a chiropractor, you can find the right treatment program, medication and wellness adjustments. 

Recent research shows that chiropractic patients showed a significant improvement of major asthma symptoms. Your chiropractic doctor will start with a full body evaluation, check your overall neurological and physical conditions, adjust your diet and lifestyle and help reduce stress level. 

There are several tips that can help you keep your asthma under control:

• Choose a vegetarian-based diet. Animal products contain arachidonic acid that can cause inflammation.
• Eat fish and other products that include Omega-3 fats
• Include vitamin C in your diet, as it helps to reduce allergenic reactions
• Avoid food containing MSG (monosodium glutamate) and other sulfites
• Clean house air filters and have them checked every 3-4 months
• Cover your bed linen, pillows and mattresses with hypoallergenic dust bed covers
• Visit chiropractic doctor for alternative health and wellness program and physical activity adjustments
• Use relaxation techniques (tai chi, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and etc.) and minimize time spent in front of TV, computer and etc.
• Use medication with precaution, as some of them (aspirin, NSAI, beta-blockers) can cause asthma to worsen

Log onto my website for more www.koenigchiro.com  

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Be Proactive!

Chiropractic for Preventative/Wellness Care
Article written by: Doctor Josh Koenig

It is common knowledge that any illness is easier to prevent than it is to cure. This is why chiropractic doctors have developed wellness or preventative care that is created to help healthy individuals to stay and look younger and minimize any possible occurrences of illness or impairment in the future. Even if you have already experienced any problems with your health, chiropractors can help you promote your health, maintain your body and mind in a great shape and prevent any acute or chronic pains from reappearing.

How Can I Benefit from Chiropractic Wellness Care?

A preventative chiropractic health management plan incorporates all the necessary adjustments and lifestyle changes according to your body needs. Usually the chiropractic wellness care will include the following practices:

• Increase quality of life
• Promote wellness
• Prevent diseases and illnesses
• Decrease the number of injuries and associated complications/pains
• Prolong life

More than Pain Relief

Chiropractic preventative care goes beyond the performance of chiropractic adjustments and pain relief. Your chiropractor will actively involve you into various effective health activities and behaviors that will help you reach your goal of pain-and-trouble-free life.

Chiropractic doctors will generally work out a special wellness program plan that will consider your current state of health, your lifestyle and habits, your needs and limitations.

Fix Small Problems Before They Become Big

How many times did you promise yourself to visit your doctor and ask about an annoying back pain or an everlasting afternoon headache? But modern life dictates its own schedule, where there is no time for small stuff like this. We wait until the pain gets almost impossible and there is no way to avoid an expensive trip to the doctor.

Chiropractic doctors on the other hand offer you a great opportunity to stay healthy and live a pain-free life by early detecting and correcting any neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders. By taking care of these risk factors you secure your future life from possible health problems and even disability. 

Log onto www.koenigchiro.com to make an appointment.

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Infertility and Chiropractic Care

Infertility and Chiropractic Care

written by: Dr. Josh Koenig, Chiropractor Plymouth Ma

Chiropractors are doctors who use various conservative methods of health problem management. It means that chiropractic rehabilitative and wellness care mainly consists of health maintenance of the spine and its related nerves, discs, joints, bones without the use of drugs or surgery. Moreover, any chiropractic health management plan will include physical, lifestyle, behavioral and emotional adjustments and changes that will definitely promote your health.

Is Chiropractic Care safe for Women with Infertility Issues?

Chiropractic wellness programs are specifically designed to maintain and promote healthy, pain-free life, enhance your body’s ability to work in a proper way and improve the functioning of the nervous system.

Chiropractic care is absolutely safe for women with infertility issues, as well as for healthy women who are or plan on becoming pregnant. Many chiropractors get additional training and advanced education in the prenatal and postpartum areas, and therefore can give you advice on the best natural approaches and methods to resolve the infertility problems.

The following designations indicate that your chiropractic doctor underwent a special training program:

• DACCP – Diplomate with ICPA (reflecting highest level of advanced training)
• CACCP – Certified with the ICPA (reflecting advanced training)
• Member of ICPA (reflecting special interest)
• Webster Certified (trained to specifically work with breech positions)

How does Chiropractic Care Benefit Women with Fertility Issues?

Sometimes a woman can experience several infertility issues, because her nervous system doesn’t work properly. Infertility can be caused by a number of reasons, such as stress, bad lifestyle routine, poor nutrition, and the major case is usually the nervous system malfunction.

Chiropractic doctors are primarily nervous system specialists, who can help you restore your fertility by clearing your nervous system from unnecessary interference, changing or adjusting your lifestyle habits and improving your overall wellness.

Is Chiropractic Care Expensive?

Chiropractic care is commonly known to be a cost-effective method to improve your well-being and health. Traditional medical care, such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) can cost between 10,000 to 20,000 dollars per attempt. Chiropractic care can potentially save you thousands of dollars and avoid or dramatically reduce the number of IVF attempts.

Talking with your Health Care Provider about Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care programs become more and more popular around the world. As a lot of women choose chiropractic approaches over traditional ones, more and more health care providers look for specifically advanced trained chiropractors who can take care of their pregnant patients.

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The Myths of Chiropractic

The objective of the chiropractic is to reduce subluxation (or misalignment), in order to provide the patient with an increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability, reduced muscle spasm, reduced pain and/or improved function. Chiropractors are highly trained and highly skilled in the practice of adjustment. Many people find relief in it every day.

Yet, as successful as chiropractic has become in the last several decades, there remains a lot of misinformation throughout the general public. Many people still do not understand what chiropractors do. And myths and misconceptions still abound.

Like most everything, that depends. You only have to continue going to the chiropractor as long as you wish to maintain the health of your neuromusculoskeletal system. Going to a chiropractor is much like exercising at a gym or eating a healthy diet: As long as you keep it up, you’ll reap the benefits.

It’s like going to the dentist. No one would doubt that routine dental care will help your teeth remain healthy for a long time. The same is true for chiropractic care. It can help you feel better, move with more freedom, and stay healthier throughout your lifetime. Of course you can enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care even if you simply go for a short time, but to truly enjoy the real benefits of chiropractic care a part you should make it a continuing part of your lifestyle.

A chiropractic college grants a D.C. or Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. The chiropractic and medical school curricula are extremely rigorous and virtually identical. In fact, chiropractors have more hours of classroom education than do their medical counterparts. As part of their education, chiropractic students also complete a residency working with real patients in a clinical setting, supervised by licensed doctors of chiropractic. Once chiropractic students graduate, they have to pass four sets of national board exams as well as state board exams in the states where they want to practice. Chiropractors are licensed as health care providers in every U.S. state and dozens of countries around the world. Just like medical doctors, chiropractors are professionals that are subject to the same type of testing procedures, licensing and monitoring by state and national peer-reviewed boards. Federal and state programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Workers' Compensations programs cover chiropractic care.

The biggest difference between chiropractors and medical doctors is not in their level of education, but in their method of treatment. Chiropractors provide physical solutions -- adjustments, exercises, stretches, muscle therapy -- to help the body heal from conditions that are physical in origin, such as back pain, muscle spasms, headaches, and poor posture. Also unlike standard medical doctors, whom you usually visit only when you have a symptom to be treated, chiropractors can offer adjustments to improve spinal alignment and overall well-being before symptoms develop.

Article written by; http://www.chiropartners.com/MythsFactsFears and infographic by:Chiro Practice

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No Flu Shot?

Don’t get the Flu Shot! "...influenza vaccinations provide only modest protection for healthy young and middle-age adults, and little if any protection for those 65 and older, who are most likely to succumb to the illness or its complications. Moreover, the report’s authors concluded, federal vaccination recommendations, which have expanded in recent years, are based on inadequate evidence and poorly executed studies.

“We have overpromoted and overhyped this vaccine,” said Michael T. Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, as well as its Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance. “It does not protect as promoted. It’s all a sales job: it’s all public relations."
"...vaccines do not affect the number of people hospitalized and have minimal impact in seasons when vaccines and viruses are mismatched. (When the vaccine matches the circulating viruses, 33 adults need to be vaccinated to avoid one set of influenza symptoms; when there is only a partial match, 100 people must be vaccinated for the same effect.) It was also concluded that the vaccines appear to have no effect on hospital admissions, transmission or rates of complications."
Big pharma is thrilled that many people take the shots: "For vaccine manufacturers, it’s a bonanza: Influenza shots — given every year, unlike many other vaccines — are a multibillion-dollar global business."
As a number of group members have observed, hand washing provides the best protection: "Another option for those who want to reduce their risk of influenza and flulike infections may be simply this: Wash your hands more often. There is good evidence this works."

Source: article:
http://tinyurl.com/cvecgrt

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18 Questions I have about chiropractic

18 Questions I have about chiropractic,
but was afraid to ask... Great article written by: http://www.rechargeyourlife.com/drross_chiropage/18quest.html

Listed below, you will find 18 of the most commonly asked questions by patients in our office. If I have omitted anything on your mind in particular, please, by all means, ASK.

Feel free to share this information with your friends and family. We're here to help.

Why so many visits?
I feel great I think I'm cured!
How do you know when I'm done?
Why is it when people start going to chiropractors, they can never stop going? My husband won't start because he "doesn't want to get hooked."
I feel worse. How do you know this is working?
Am I fixed when the pain is gone?
How do you know when I'm progressing?
What makes you different from all other doctors?
Is there more to chiropractic than low back pain and whiplash injuries?
What is a subluxation?
My insurance only pays for 10 visits; you recommend 35. They must base their 10 on some scientific reasoning. What's yours? Can I trust you? I'm confused. 10 or 35?
Why is it that no 2 chiropractors think alike??
My insurance is much more accommodating with all my other doctors... why not my chiropractor?
No one knows I am going to a chiropractor. I don't think they would understand.
What is your specialty?
I hear that you adjust kids... isn't that dangerous?!
Why would my "real doctor" be dead set against me going to a chiropractor?
How come I find myself not referring to you as my primary care doctor?

---

1. WHY SO MANY VISITS?Have you ever had braces on your teeth, or known someone who has? How long did it take to achieve a corrected, straight set of teeth? 2 years? 3 years? Maybe 4? The Good news is, the time it takes to achieve a correction in your spine is a "drop in the bucket" compared to the orthodontist--in most cases taking only 30-40 visits. With teeth, constant, steady pressure over time is what initially corrects them back to normal. The same holds true for the spine.
   You must remember that the body WANTS to be healthy and subluxation-free. However, it is much like a tug of war between how your muscles, ligaments and tendons of your spine have been improperly trained and the way they should be.
   The adjustment pushes the bone in the right direction to help the body back to normal, and if reinforcement occurs on a regular basis (to prevent slippage or "tugging" of the vertebra back to its original position) the spine achieves a state of correction, and your body is able to restored its health.
   A subluxation (a vertebra out of normal alignment interfering with nerves) is like any other injury. It involves pulled, stretched or torn muscles and ligaments, and, in severe cases such as automobile injury, even ruptured joints. This takes time to heal. Studies show that damage to the nerves themselves takes even longer. Problem is, many times, this healing process is complicated or prolonged by old injuries, arthritis, age, improper nutrition, less than adequate exercise--and the real "biggie"- STRESS. These cause minor "reinjuries", complicating complete healing, and slowing down healing. Also, remember: your spinal muscle has an actual physical memory, which has become used to a certain position of the spine. To re-train this memory takes time and effort. But, consider this: since your LIFE-LINE (nerve system) is ultimately affected by your spinal condition, do you think it's worth the effort?
   
2. I FEEL GREAT I THINK I'M CURED !Ever hear of someone who never had a sick day in his or her life drop dead from a heart attack, stroke, or some other sudden illness? Unfortunately, many folks today are walking "time bombs"... they are on the ver ge of collapse. Yet, at present they feel "just fine." Many automobiles that "ran just great" yesterday sit in the engine overhaul shop today due to an overlooked maintenance item.
   It's wonderful when you are feeling better. Please share that with us!! Just don't make the mistake of letting the symptoms "be your guide." Many sudden health crises today could have been prevented yesterday.
   
3. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN I'M DONE?Basically, your body exhibits certain signs which alert me that your spine is stabilized and healing. Practical experience (from previous cases such as yours), plus routine clinical examinations, re-examinations and x-rays all signal me as to your progress. I will be constantly keeping you informed as to how you're doing.
   A LITTLE SECRET: Don't let symptoms, or the absence of them, be your guide as to how you are doing. Many cancer patients never have a symptom until the first tumor is detected. By then, for many, it is already too late.
   
4. WHY IS IT WHEN PEOPLE START GOING TO CHIROPRACTORS, THEY CAN NEVER STOP GOING? MY HUSBAND WON'T START BECAUSE HE "DOESN'T WANT TO GET HOOKED."Do you shower or bathe regularly? Would you consider yourself an "addict"? "Hooked"? What about brushing your teeth? How often do you do that? Why do we do these things? BECAUSE WE LIKE THE BENEFITS!! Interesting about anything positive to health: exercise, good nutrition, daily intake of vitamins, minerals and herbs, proper rest, showering, etc.; the more you keep regular with it, the better you feel, the better they are for you and the less sick you become. We term these habits health "maintenance". You can stop anytime you choose!! What tends to happen, though, is that most folks like the benefits of regular chiropractic care so they choose not to quit. Spinal maintenance, through chiropractic care, helps keep a body well so it stands less of a chance of getting sick.
   Does that sound like an addiction?
   
5. I FEEL WORSE. HOW DO YOU KNOW THIS IS WORKING?Change is seldom comfortable. When you begin an exercise program after years of non-activity, how are you going to feel a few days after your first workout? Maybe a bit sore? The body responds this way to healing change as well. Correcting subluxations allows changes the structure of the spine and also opens up nerve pathways that may have been obstructed for years. Known in natural health-care as "healing crisis", headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, soreness, etc. are prime indicators that your body is, in fact, making a change for the better. This usually lasts no more than 1-2 weeks, maybe 3-4 weeks in cases of severe accident trauma. We will, however, monitor your progress and if we have a concern other than this we will certainly let you know.
   In the mean time be patient: You are moving in the "right direction."
   
6. AM I FIXED WHEN THE PAIN IS GONE?A body can malfunction for half a lifetime in some people before a symptom shows up, signaling them to have something done. If that first symptom is serious, like a heart attack, stroke or major cancer growth, it may be too late to help the patient. Pain and symptoms are usually the last to show up when there is a body malfunction, and the first to disappear. This is especially common in cases where spinal pain is present. Once the spinal adjustment is made, the joint pressure is removed, nerves work better and the pain quits. The nerves, ligaments and muscles, however, have just begun to heal. To "patch up" the problem and not correct the underlying cause will normally result in a reoccurrence of the condition soon after; usually worse than before. Please, don't ever make the mistake of letting your symptoms, or the absence of them, dictate how healthy you are. We will be monitoring you for the indications of stabilizing and not needing to be adjusted as often. You can know that you are getting healthier when your subluxations (nerve interference) are reducing, or better yet when we check you for subluxations and you don't need to be adjusted. Then you know your body is working the very best possible!!!
   
7. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN I'M PROGRESSING?From your very first visit there are tests, measurements, x-rays and observations which are constantly compared and updated as you progress. This way there is no guess-work. We know , and so do you. We are always looking for you to be clear of subluxations and not needing to be adjusted.
   
8. WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER DOCTORS?In essence, what differs is my objective, or purpose. Conventional medicine today has as its goal the relief of symptoms. This is done using drugs, surgery and any other method which effectively accomplishes this goal. Chiropractic is different. My goal is to allow your body to function at its maximum potential by getting to the cause of your problem. At the core of chiropractic is the removal of interference to your nervous system, through spinal adjustments, because nerves control, power, and heal every part of your body.
   An example: You have a lawn which is dying and turning brown. Treat the symptom by painting the grass green (medicine). It seems ok, for awhile. But the dying grass will soon disappear, leaving holes in your lawn. Treat the CAUSE by turning on the water supply to the grass. Result? Healthy grass, which becomes green.
   
9. IS THERE MORE TO CHIROPRACTIC THAN LOW BACK PAIN AND WHIPLASH INJURIES?You bet. As a matter of fact, back pain is merely the "tip of the iceberg", usually indicating deeper nerve problems. In years past, people with all imaginable ailments-stomach problems, menstrual difficulties, asthma, blood disease, ringing in the ears, irritability, mood swings, bursitis, arthritis, fatigue, anxiety, high blood pressure-and many, many other difficulties sought the services of chiropractors, and got well.
   Is that because chiropractic treats these diseases? Not at all! The chiropractic adjustment frees up your body's own defenses and healing capabilities by removing nerve interference. When the "power" has been turned back on, the body is once again free to function as it should; and a properly functioning body cannot be sick!
   
10. WHAT IS A SUBLUXATION?Your nerve system controls and powers every single part of your body. Not some ALL. (Would you say it's kind of important?) The main "cable" running from the brain (the "master control organ") is the spinal cord, and travels through the core of your spine. Nerve roots ("wires") branch off from the spinal cord and feed into every organ and cell of your body. A spinal bone (vertebra) which has lost its proper alignment relative to the rest of the spine can interfere with the proper flow of nerve signals to the body by irritating these nerves or spinal cord. This causes malfunction, and ultimately, disease. These misaligned vertebrae are termed subluxations, and adjusting them is your chiropractor's job. By the way, sometimes subluxations can cause pain in the back (most do not).
    
11. MY INSURANCE ONLY PAYS FOR 10 VISITS; YOU RECOMMEND 35. THEY MUST BASE THEIR 10 ON SOME SCIENTIFIC REASONING. WHAT'S YOURS? CAN I TRUST YOU? I'M CONFUSED. 10 OR 35?You go to a heart specialist and he tells you that you need a triple bypass operation right away. You promptly inform him that your insurance will only pay for a single bypass. He replies, "Okay. We'll just do a single bypass, then." What would you think? How would you feel? Would you agree to the procedure?
    In this office, we believe you are entitled to the care you need; not what your insurance policy pays for. Many policies are created with "crisis" care in mind, that is, as with the medical model, once the symptom is gone, you're done. As we've explained, there's a lot more to getting you well than just treating your symptoms. Unfortunately, most insurance today isn't set up to accommodate this kind of health care. It is much more disease-care oriented.
    
12. WHY IS IT THAT NO 2 CHIROPRACTORS THINK ALIKE??Have you ever met 2 medical doctors or dentists who thought alike? How many people in general deal with problems in the same way? Each of us approaches problems from our own unique perspective. There are alone dozens of chiropractic techniques: each designed to effectively treat different patients as the individual doctor sees fit. And, in the hands of a highly trained doctor, they all work. I, as your doctor would not be as competent utilizing the method of another chiropractor as I am practicing the technique that I have chosen to use. I am the best at what I do, and will recommend accordingly. If you are not responding to my care I will definitely refer you to another chiropractor with a different approach. I know that chiropracTIC works but sometimes the chiropracTOR can fail.
    
13. MY INSURANCE IS MUCH MORE ACCOMMODATING WITH ALL MY OTHER DOCTORS.. WHY NOT MY CHIROPRACTOR?It all boils down to the kind of policy you have purchased. Some cover more extensively for chiropractic care than others. Also remember: insurance companies have been associated with medicine and its procedures dealing in crisis care and medication for much longer than with chiropractic. They don't want to pay for "maintenance care" if there are no symptoms. They see the body as the medical field does: NO SYMPTOMS = NO PROBLEM Always ask about specific coverage when buying any insurance.
    
14. NO ONE KNOWS I AM GOING TO A CHIROPRACTOR. I DON'T THINK THEY WOULD UNDERSTAND.Lack of understanding concerning chiropractic, what it is and how it works, is the basis of this concern. Certainly, this thinking is rooted in fear. Fear of the unknown and anything new has held people back for generations; probably as long as people have existed on this earth. As difficult as it may be to believe by today's standards, doctors in the last century were not required to scrub their hands between doing an autopsy and examining a living patient. As a result, many patients contracted infections and died. Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, at the time a young physician, suggested that washing of the hands might help keep so many of the patients from infection and death. For this he was not only "misunderstood", but ridiculed as well, and finally dismissed from his position. Only after germs and bacteria were actually proven to exist did they realize how right the good doctor was. The hand washing recommendation was made policy, and many lives were saved.
    There are many people today with multitudes of health problems that seem to have no solution, yet can be helped through chiropractic care; probably people right in your family or circle of friends. The only thing keeping them from getting the care that they need is lack of knowledge; nobody ever told them what chiropractic is and what is could do for them.
    The knowledge you now possess about chiropractic can be lifesaving to someone. Please, don't keep it a secret. Use the rubber band analogy to educate them on what we do.
    
15. WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY?My specialty is the correction of spinal subluxations for the restoration of health. Funny, but today in medicine we've divided up the body into separate systems and assigned each a specialist. The doctor who works with your whole body to make you well is becoming a rare "animal", indeed. Have you noticed how few general practitioners exist today compared to years past? Ironically, when the body becomes sick, it is generally because many parts of it have ceased to work well, together causing a loss of harmony. Because each part of the body affects every other part, before long a loss of health is evident. Chiropractic works to restore proper function and harmony throughout your body, allowing restoration of overall health and well being.
    If your home fuse-box broke down causing 15 different household appliances to go "on the fritz", would you call 15 different appliance "specialists", or just ONE electrical expert to repair the fuse-box?
    
16. I HEAR THAT YOU ADJUST KIDS... ISN'T THAT DANGEROUS?!I guess the first question I would ask is, "If I could hurt a child do you think I would be doing it?" As I am fond of saying "momma didn't raise no dumb boys!"
    I have a great deal of post graduate training (over 85 hours) in the care of the pediatric patient. 30% of my practice is children (the national average is sadly below 10%) and I am well versed in the most gentle and safe means to adjust the pediatric spine as it needs it. It is VITAL for their health. It is the infants and children who should be checked so they grow up with HEALTH and don't grow up having the same problems that adults complain about!!!!
    
17. WHY WOULD MY "REAL DOCTOR" BE DEAD SET AGAINST ME GOING TO A CHIROPRACTOR?More and more medical doctors today are beginning to understand the importance of chiropractic spinal care, but sadly, many are still of the mind set that the body is best treated by drugs and surgery. Unfortunately, there is an economic side to this issue as well: if your body is getting well under natural chiropractic care, you are buying less drugs and requiring less other forms of medical care as well. Understand that drugs are a multi-BILLION dollar industry in our country, and anyone who espouses to heal without using their products risks rocking the proverbial boat. It's not good business. Sad, but true.
    Another reason for a negative attitude exhibited by a physician is that many doctors have never had anyone explain chiropractic to them.
    Try this: If a physician tells you anything disparaging about chiropractic, just ask him or her: "Exactly what is chiropractic, and what does a chiropractor do?" The answer to that question will tell you plenty. Your doctor in most cases is sincere and has your well-being in mind. Many times, though, he has just been misinformed regarding chiropractic.
    You may not know that in Europe many doctors are referring to chiropractors and doing research into chiropractic. One article published in "Manual Medicine" recommended that all children be checked for subluxations by a chiropractor after birth!!! Pretty amazing for a medical doctor!
    
18. HOW COME I FIND MYSELF NOT REFERRING TO YOU AS MY PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR?As a patient relatively new to this office, and possibly to chiropractic in general, this is understandable. Many people see a chiropractic office as a place to go to find relief from "strain, pain, low back pain and an occasional migraine". Diseases such as asthma, allergies, ear infections, etc. and other chronic illnesses are not seen as chiropractic concerns until a person becomes a chiropractic patient. Most people growing up in this country are trained to go to the medical doctor when they have a symptom or health problem. However, once our patients realize what chiropractic is all about and how it helps in getting, and keeping, them well, we do in fact become the primary care giver, and find people consulting us before going in for medical treatment.
    Do you realize that in parts of the world doctors are paid for the service of keeping their patients healthy? If you get sick under this health plan, then, it indicates that something went wrong with the program, and the patient is treated until well again, at NO CHARGE.

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Chiropractic and Neck Pain: Plymouth MA

Chiropractic and Neck Pain: Conservative Care of Cervical Pain & Injury
by: Doctor Josh Koenig

The cervical spine, also known as your neck, supports your head, which on average weighs about 12 pounds. The neck starts at the base of your skull and consists of seven small vertebrae. It can move your head in almost any direction; however this flexibility makes your neck very sensitive to injury and pain.

The neck is widely exposed to various types of pain, caused by poor posture, extended sitting, falls, accidents, blows to your head and body, aging and everyday activity. And neck pain can often be quite annoying.

There three main causes of neck pain:

1. Injury and Accidents
2. Age
3. Daily activities

1. You can injure your neck quite easily: a sudden movement or a careless stretch in the wrong direction—and you end up with whiplash. Whiplash causes your neck muscles to tighten and contract, that leads to muscle fatigue and, consequently, results in severe pain and stiffness. Severe whiplash can cause injuries to the ligaments, muscles, intervertebral joints, nerve roots and discs. Among the most widespread whiplash causes are, undoubtedly, car accidents.

2. As your body ages, it undergoes certain degenerative changes, such as spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and disc disease that affect your spine.

• Spinal stenosis narrows the small nerve passageways that are located in the vertebrae. This leads to the compression and trapping of nerve roots. Spinal stenosis can cause pain and numbness not only in neck, but also in shoulders and arms.
• Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disorder of progressive cartilage deterioration with older people. As cartilage wears thin, your body naturally produces bone spurs that prevent your joints from full range movements.
• Degenerative disc disease may cause inflexibility and limitations in the height and elasticity of intervertebral discs. If nothing is donein the long-term, a disc can herniate or bulge resulting in numbness, tingling and pain that radiates into the arm.

3. Your daily lifestyle and routine can greatly contribute to neck pain as well. Poor posture, abdominal muscle weakness, and obesity often leads to spinal imbalance. To compensate, your neck leans forward in an unnatural posture. Any stress or emotional shake-up causes your neck muscles to tighten and contract. All these result in frequent neck pain and stiffness.

Chiropractic Care of Neck Pain

If you have neck pain and/or stiffness, a chiropractor can be the best solution for you. You will be asked questions about your current condition, common symptoms and medication you might have tried already.

The most frequently asked questions can be the following:

• When and how did the pain start?
• Where is the pain centered and if it travels to other parts of the body?
• What have you done to overcome the pain?
• Is there anything that helps you to reduce the pain or is there anything that worsens it?

Your first visit to the chiropractor may start with physical and neurological exams that may include, but not limited to the observation of your posture, movements that cause pain, range of motion and physical condition. During the neurological exam your reflexes, nerve changes and muscle strength may be tested.

Sometimes, you may undergo several tests to help determine your current condition. The possible tests are X-ray, a computerized axial tomography scan (CT/CAT Scan), a magnetic resonance imaging test (an MRI) or electromyography (an EMG).

Chiropractors belong to conservative care doctors who don’t use drugs or invasive procedures, like surgery. If your condition exceeds the conservative approach limits, you will be referred to the appropriate specialist or physician. Often chiropractors contact your family doctor to ensure that the chiropractic care you are getting is properly coordinated.

Neck Adjustments

A cervical manipulation, or simply speaking, a neck adjustment, is a special chiropractic procedure applied to the neck joints, usually made by hand. This procedure improves the mobility of your spine and restores its range of motion. Additionally, it can increase the flexibility and movement of the adjoining muscles. You may notice an improvement in the ability to tilt and turn your head, and reduction in neck stiffness, soreness and pain.

Your chiropractic doctor will likely to develop a special program that will include other types of treatment depending on your current physical condition and personal needs.

Research Supporting Chiropractic Care

Recent research reports significant improvement in patients with chronic neck pain who were enrolled in chiropractic spinal manipulation. The article published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found “high-quality evidence” that patients with chronic neck pain showed significant pain-level reduction after a course of spinal manipulation. Even after 12 weeks of post-treatment all groups enrolled into the experiment showed positive changes.

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In the United Sates, the flu season is considered October through May.

Cold & Flu Season, We Meet Again In the United Sates, the flu season is considered October through May. In addition to washing your hands, taking a high quality multi vitamin, and other preventative measures against colds and flu such as immune support with the correct nutrtional intake of super foods. Another unlikely force has been proven to enhance our bodies immune system function, massage. In a 2010 study, scientists at Cedars-Sinai investigated the physical effects of massage therapy. Results are in and the 29 subjects who received 45 minutes of Swedish massage had an immune boosting response when compared to the 24 participants who received 45 minutes of light touch. Hormones and blood cells were measured before and after the massage, and at regular intervals up to one hour post massage. Interestingly, lymphocytes—cells that help the immune system defend the body from disease— also increased in the Swedish massage participants. Of important note is that these results were seen after a single massage. The blood tests of participants who experienced Swedish massage showed changes indicating a benefit to the immune system, including a sizeable decrease in arginine vasopressin, a hormone that contributes to aggressive behavior. Scientists also noted a small decrease in the stress hormone cortisol. Frankly put, considering massage therapy as a regular part of your health and wellness regimen should be a no brainer. The research indicates that massage doesn’t only feel good, it is also good for you! People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle, but there hasn’t been much physiological proof of the body’s heightened immune response following massage until now. Stay healthy this season and enjoy the benefits of enhanced immune system function!

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Obamacare to cover Chiropractic?

Obamacare to cover acupuncture, alternative medicine

Updated: Mar 29, 2013 8:01 PM CDT

By Allison Scott - emai

(RNN) - Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as "Obamacare," what is now called alternative medicine may become as accessible and widely accepted as conventional care.

The controversial act specifically mentions complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and integrative healthcare in seven different sections throughout the law. This is thanks in part to the efforts of the Integrative Healthcare Policy Consortium, a coalition of major organizations started at the request of legislators in Washington devoted to the promotion of CAM and integrative healthcare in the U.S.

There have been debates about the efficacy of some of these practices, which include acupuncture, and it has been a long road for proponents to get them recognized in the ACA.

"Everybody has been holding their breath. So the implementation phase of the ACA has only just started becoming formulated now that we know that it's actually going to be here," said Dr. Len Wisneski, clinical professor of medicine at George Washington University Medical Center and chairman of the IHPC board of directors.

Within the seven sections that specifically mention CAM and integrative healthcare, two sections are essential.

The first, a "non-discrimination in healthcare" section prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against healthcare providers. It was created to encourage full utilization of healthcare providers and reduce the cost of patient care.

According to Wisneski, the non-discrimination section specifically includes providers of integrative healthcare, and they are also to be included within the health plan coverage. However, there is concern this section could lose ground during the ACA's implementation.

"This is something that is being taken up on a state-to-state basis," Wisneski said. "We are focusing on this area very carefully and have formed a committee that is functioning of both our members and various experts, to ensure that this part of the law is implemented. This, we consider to be the most important passed."

A second notable section focuses on establishing community health teams to support patient-centered medical homes. Included within those teams are doctors of chiropractic, licensed complementary and alternative medicine practitioners.

"This is the first time, really in history, that this type of language has been articulated in the law. Very few people are aware of what's in the law in this regard," Wisneski said.

Wisneski added that seeing things coming to fruition was "very exciting."

A 2011 Consumer Reports survey found more than 38 million Americans make an excess of 300 million visits each year to CAM specialists, including acupuncture, massage therapists and chiropractors.

Obamacare was enacted over strong objection in 2010 with the stated goal of providing all Americans access to quality, affordable health insurance. Whether it would be completely enacted or repealed, along with the future of the CAM and integrative medicine industry, was dependent upon the 2012 presidential election.

With President Barack Obama's re-election and the assurance of the ACA beginning in 2014, it is the first time in U.S. history that CAM and integrative medicine practitioners have been included in a national healthcare law.

Copyright 2013 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.

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I know about Back Pain

The majority of back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cause of most back pain is the cumulative affect of improper sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of proper exercise and other lifestyle-related factors. All of these factors cause stress and imbalances on the spine and eventually pain. This is why people often injure their back by just bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already compromised and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the problem. When this occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. In the US, low back pain is one of the most common conditions and one of the leading causes of physician visits. In fact, at least four out of five adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Thirty-one million Americans have low back pain at any given time. One half of all working Americans admit to having back symptoms each year. One third of all Americans over age 18 had a back problem in the past five years severe enough for them to seek professional help. And the cost of this care is estimated to be a staggering $50 Billion yearly--and that's just for the more easily identified costs!

SYMPTOMS:
 TENDERNESS, PAIN, AND STIFFNESS IN THE LOWER BACK
 PAIN THAT RADIATES INTO THE BUTTOCKS OR LEGS
 DIFFICULTY STANDING ERECT OR STANDING IN ONE POSITION FOR A LONG TIME
 WEAKNESS AND LEG FATIGUE WHILE WALKING
 DISCOMFORT WHILE SITTING

If you have any of these symptoms call me. Below is a story that one of my clients wrote about us.

When I contacted Koenig Family Chiropractic for the first time I could barely stand up. I have dealt with back pain my whole life and this was the worst case I’ve experienced. Dr. Josh clearly explained to me what my test results documented and convinced me to go through an extended 3 month treatment. Dr. Josh treated me to fix the problems that had showed up on the exam and not just the pain! After just one week my pain was gone and through weekly adjustments my spine became straighter, my disks are spaced further apart and the curvature is returning to my neck. Dr. Josh has opened my eyes to the benefits of long term chiropractic treatment and I am a big advocate!

Brian Gorman

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Healthy recipes to plan for the week ahead

 Breakfasts

(Get your shopping list for the week here!)

1. Easy Oatmeal Pancake
Combine 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup egg whites, 1/4 tsp baking powder & cinnamon to taste in a small bowl.  Cook in a greased skillet until the pancake has set. Flip and cook the other side. Serve with 1 Tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp butter.

2. Steak & Swiss Omelet
Whisk 1 egg and 1 egg white together in a small dish. Cook 2 Tbsp chopped onion in a skillet until soft. Add the eggs and cook until set. Add 3 oz cooked steak and 1 slice Swiss cheese, fold over the omelet and serve with 1 slice whole-grain toast.

3. Yummy Yogurt Parfait
Layer 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup fruit & 1 serving granola in a dish and serve. 

4. Creamy Honey Toast & Berries
Combine 2 Tbsp cream cheese with 1 tsp honey, then spread on 2 slices whole-grain toast. Top with 1/2 cup berries and sandwich the two slices together. 

5. Hearty Sweet Potato-Sausage Hash
Pierce 1 small sweet potato with a fork and microwave on high until tender. Cook 2 Tbsp chopped onion and 1 breakfast sausage patty in a skillet until meat is cooked through. Add 1 cup kale and cook until wilted. Chop sweet potato and stir into hash. 

6. Peachy Keen Smoothie
Combine 1 cup skim milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup peaches & 1 frozen banana in a blender until smooth. 

7. Avocado Breakfast Toast
Top 2 slices whole-grain bread with 1/3 of an avocado, 1 scrambled egg, and 2 tomato slices. Season with black pepper and salt.

 Lunches

1. Cheesy Broccoli and Rice
Cook 1 cup broccoli and combine with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese & 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard. Heat until the cheese has melted, and season with black pepper. 

2. 'I-Can't-Believe-It's-Not-Meatball' Sub
Heat 1 serving veggie (soy-based) meatballs according to the package directions. Microwave 1 cup fresh spinach and 1/2 cup marinara sauce in a bowl covered with a wet paper towel until the spinach has wilted. Place 1 oz mozzarella cheese inside a whole-grain pita, then add the meatballs, spinach and sauce. 

3. Sausage-Stuffed Pita Sandwich
Cook 1 cup bell pepper strips in a skillet until soft and starting to brown. Add 1 cooked and sliced chicken sausage and 1/2 cup marinara sauce, and cook until heated through. Transfer to a whole-grain pita, adding cheese if desired. 

4. Peanutty Chicken & Veggies
Heat 1 package Green Giant Antioxidant Blend Frozen Vegetables with Olive Oil Seasoning according to package directions. Then combine with 3 oz cooked chicken, 1/2 cup cooked brown rice & 2 Tbsp prepared peanut sauce and heat through. 

5. Smothered Chicken Burrito
Fill 1 whole-grain tortilla with 3 oz chopped cooked chicken, 1/2 cup assorted vegetables & 1/4 cup low-fat Cheddar cheese. Microwave until sauce is bubbling and the burrito is steaming. Combine 1/4 cup salsa and 1/4 cup Greek yogurt in a small bowl, then spread over the burrito.

6. Avocado Chicken Salad
Combine 1/3 of an avocado, 1 Tbsp chopped onion, 1 Tbsp Greek yogurt, juice of 1/2 lime and 1 Tbsp chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Add 3 oz shredded cooked chicken and spread between 2 slices of whole-grain bread; add desired condiments. 

7. Slim & Satisfying Mac 'n Cheese
Cook 1 cup chopped cauliflower in a skillet until tender, then combine with 1 oz cooked whole-grain pasta, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard & 1 slice cooked bacon. Heat until the cheese has melted; serve immediately. 

 Dinners

1. Shrimp & Veggie Alfredo Pasta
Heat 1 package Green Giant Healthy Vision Blend Frozen Vegetables according to package directions. Meanwhile, cook 1 oz whole-grain pasta, adding 3 oz frozen, ready-to-eat shrimp during the last minute of cooking. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, then stir in 2 Tbsp reduced-fat cream cheese. Top with 1 tsp Parmesan cheese. 

2. Almond-Crusted Chicken with Broccoli and Rice
Mix 1 Tbsp flour and 1/4 tsp pepper. Dip 1 (3-oz) chicken breast first into the flour mixture, then 1 beaten egg white, then 2 Tbsp almonds and 1 tsp Parmesan. Bake on a greased baking sheet at 350 until cooked through. Meanwhile, cook 1 cup broccoli and reheat 1/2 cup cooked brown rice. 

3. Quick Tuna Casserole
Prepare 1 oz whole-grain pasta and 1 package Green Giant Digestive Health Blend Frozen Vegetables according to package directions. Drain pasta and combine with 3 oz drained canned tuna, 1 Tbsp reduced-fat cream cheese & 1 Tbsp shredded Cheddar cheese; serve.

4. Chili Mac 'n Cheese
Prepare 1 oz whole-grain pasta according to package directions, reserving one Tbsp of the cooking water. Combine 1 serving canned chili and 2 Tbsp each Greek yogurt & shredded Cheddar cheese; heat through. Mix in the macaroni and reserved cooking water. Serve with a side of spinach salad. 

5. Smashed Potato with Beef and Mushrooms
Bake 1 small potato until tender. Cook 4 oz sliced beef in a skillet with 1/2 tsp olive oil until no longer pink. Season with salt & pepper; set aside. Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 1/2 tsp dried herbs to the empty pan, browning mushrooms. Add 2 Tbsp vegetable broth and 1 cup kale; cook until wilted. Return meat to the pan to heat through. Slice potato in half and smash it; serve meat and veggies on top.  

6. Southwest Shrimp Burrito
Cook 3 oz frozen, ready-to-eat shrimp in a skillet. Sprinkle on 1/2 tsp taco seasoning and cook until heated through. Add the shrimp to a whole-grain tortilla, then top with 2 Tbsp chopped onions, 1 chopped banana pepper & 1/4 of an avocado. Garnish with cilantro. 

7. 5-Minute Black Bean Soup
Combine 1 cup canned black beans, 1/4 cup salsa, a cup diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup cooked brown rice & 1/2 cup vegetable broth and heat through. Top with 1/4 of an avocado. 

 Snack Options

 

Choose 1-2 snacks each day:

Veggies dipped in 1/4 cup guacamole

1/2 cup shelled edamame, sprinkled with sea salt  

1 slice of whole-grain toast with 1 Tbsp of peanut butter  

1 cup of vegetable soup  

1 whole-grain tortilla sprinkled with 1/4 cup part-skim cheese and salsa, folded over and grilled

1 cup fruit salad with a dollop of Greek yogurt

1 cup whole-grain cereal with 1/2 cup skim milk

Simple smoothie made with 1 cup frozen berries and 1/2 cup skim milk

A handful of celery stalks with 1 Tbsp of peanut butter

A handful of roasted almonds

Egg white omelet made with 1/4 cup egg white and veggies and spices of your choice

1 cup of sliced cucumber with 1 oz cheese

Small whole-grain tortilla filled with chicken, veggies and salsa

1 package Green Giant Healthy Heart Blend Frozen Vegetables

Half a bran muffin and 1/2 cup of berries

1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese with 1/2 cup sliced fruit

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