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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Read More

What happens at the Chiropractor

What Happens at the Chiropractors

Great article written by university of Minnesota click here for full article: http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/chiropractic/what-happens-chiropractor

While visiting a chiropractor is similar to visiting other healthcare providers, it does have some unique elements. You will likely find the office setting and intake procedures quite familiar, but many notice the distinctive appearance of the chiropractic treatment table. These tables are often quite elaborate to allow specific positioning and movement during spinal adjustments and thus assist the chiropractic treatment.

A typical visit to a chiropractor includes an initial intake, physical exam, treatment, and follow-up plan.

What happens during the intake?

An initial chiropractic consultation is very similar to that of a standard medical intake. You will likely complete a health questionnaire and answer questions about your health history. Typically the chiropractor asks you to indicate where you are experiencing discomfort by marking the areas on a drawing of the human body.

What happens during the physical exam?

The chiropractor will start with a routine physical exam, then follow it with an exam that focuses on the spine, with particular attention given to the areas of complaint. The chiropractor will most likely examine your whole spine. For example, if you had a low back complaint, the chiropractor would also likely perform a neck exam because the adaptations resulting from injury or subluxation in one area can result in secondary irritations somewhere else in the spine.

Most often, a chiropractor will take X-rays of your spine prior to treatment. The purpose of the X-rays is to study the condition of the bony anatomy and soft tissues. It also helps the chiropractor understand the extent of wear, any anomalies in your spine, and other factors that will guide the development of the treatment plan.

The physical exam typically includes a variety of assessments, such as range of motion tests, palpation, reflex testing, muscle strength comparisons, and neurological and orthopedic tests focused on the main complaint.

What goes into a treatment plan?

Following the assessments, the chiropractor will develop a treatment plan that takes into account:

• The extent of your injury or irritation
• Your general health
• The condition of your spine as affected by age and previous injury
• What your goals are - this is most important item

Your goals of treatment should result from the discussion you have with your chiropractor. Many people seek simple relief of pain or discomfort, while others want to begin a regimen of ongoing care meant to improve their general health.

In initial consultations, your chiropractor will tell you the status of your condition and recommend an approach to care. Ask questions. As in any professional-patient relationship, trust and mutual understanding are vitally important.

What is a typical treatment?

"Adjustments" are usually the central part of chiropractic treatment. The chiropractic adjustment is a therapeutic manipulation that uses controlled force, leverage, direction, amplitude, and velocity directed at specific joints. In other words, an adjustment involves a lot more than simply opening up a joint. Click the videos listed in the column on the left to see examples.

Your chiropractor will most often make these adjustments to the spine, but he or she might adjust other joints, such as the ankle, knee, wrist, elbow, or shoulder in order to restore structural alignment or to improve joint function. Again, proper structure is necessary for proper function, and proper extremity function is an important part of healthy daily living.

When being treated for a complaint such as back or neck pain, you will most likely receive a series of adjustments, separated by either a day or a few days, to incrementally reduce the irritation and improve normal function. This might continue for several weeks, usually diminishing in frequency.

If you can't tolerate the manual adjustments, you may instead receive mild or non-force techniques.

Adjustments are often accompanied by non-manual therapies such as application of heat or ice, electrical stimulation, orthotic supports for your shoes, rehabilitative exercise, counseling about diet, weight loss, and other lifestyle factors, and nutritional supplements.

References

Expert Contributor: 

 Larry Kuusisto, PhD, DC

Read More

Plymouth Chiropractor helps YMCA Camp Clark

Koenig Family Chiropractic is raising money for local youth and YMCA. We are selling the new Koenig Family Chiropractic Logo T-shirts for a donation of $10-15 dollars with 100% of that money going directly to the Old colony YMCA. Dr. Koenig is on the board of the Plymouth YMCA and believes in giving back to the community,especially the YMCA with all they do for the youth in the area. The YMCA in Plymouth has many after school programs which are a great fit for children who need care which fits with both work and school schedules. Children can choose from a wide variety of activities including arts & crafts, reading, sports, games, plus field trips, themed special events, team building activities, and more! The YMCA also offers many experiences at Camp Clark here in Plymouth.

Camp Clark has a strong tradition of encouraging the physical and emotional growth of each child passing through our gates.

Camp is an experience for youngsters to challenge themselves, to develop new skills, and to build new friendships. It is also an opportunity for children to grow under the guidance of caring staff.

Log onto their website at:http://www.oldcolonyymca.org/camp-clark to learn more

Read More

What is a Spinal Adjustment?

Chiropractic has been helping people with musculoskeletal pain for over 110 years. Medical studies have shown that chiropractic can be effective at treating back pain, sciatica, neck pain, dizziness, and even high blood pressure. Millions of people have benefited from the natural approach of chiropractic.

The word chiropractic comes from the Greek “chiros” and “praktikos,” meaning “done by hand.” The technique of chiropractic was first developed by DD Palmer in 1895, and the theory of chiropractic was based on the concept that dysfunction in the spine can alter the function of the nervous system and create pain and illness.

Since 1895, our knowledge of neurology and biochemistry has grown exponentially, and over the last 20 years, modern science has made great strides in explaining how chiropractic works.

Here is a video that shows you what to expect with a spinal adjustment as well as the defintion and write ups from wikipedia for one seeking alot of information on spinal adjustments.

Spinal adjustment definition from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the generic approach to manipulation of spinal joints, see Spinal manipulation.

A chiropractor performs an adjustment on a patient.

Spinal adjustment and chiropractic adjustment are terms used by chiropractors to describe their approaches to spinal manipulation, as well as someosteopaths, who use the term adjustment.

Claims made for the benefits of spinal adjustments range from temporary, palliative (pain relieving) effects to long term wellness and preventive care. Chiropractic techniques were invented in the 19th century by Daniel David Palmer, a "magnetic healer". There is no good evidence that it is effective against disease.[1]

Contents [hide]
1 Adjustment/manipulation
1.1 Defined as unique to chiropractic
1.2 Intention: to correct vertebral subluxations
2 Adjustment methods
2.1 Adjustment techniques
3 Effects
4 Safety
5 See also
6 References
7 External links
Adjustment/manipulation[edit]

In a section entitled "Spinal Manipulation: The Chiropractic Adjustment", chiropractic authors and researchers Meeker and Haldeman write that the core clinical method that all chiropractors agree upon is spinal manipulation, although chiropractors much prefer to use the term spinal "adjustment", a term which reflects "their belief in the therapeutic and health-enhancing effect of correcting spinal joint abnormalities." (p. 218)[2]
Defined as unique to chiropractic[edit]

The International Chiropractor's Association (ICA) states that the "chiropractic spinal adjustment is unique and singular to the chiropractic profession", and that it "is characterized by a specific thrust applied to the vertebra utilizing parts of the vertebra and contiguous structures as levers to directionally correct articular malposition. Adjustment shall be differentiated from spinal manipulation in that the adjustment can only be applied to a vertebral malposition with the express intent to improve or correct the subluxation, whereas any joint, subluxated or not, may be manipulated to mobilize the joint or to put the joint through its range of motion... Chiropractic is a specialized field in the healing arts, and by prior rights, the spinal adjustment is distinct and singular to the chiropractic profession."[3] One author claims that this concept is now repudiated by mainstream chiropractic.[4] The definition of this procedure describes the use of a load (force) to specific body tissues with therapeutic intent. This ‘load’ is traditionally supplied by hand, and can vary in its velocity, amplitude, duration, frequency, and body location (p. 218)[2] and is usually abbreviated HVLA (high velocity low amplitude) thrust.[5][6]
Intention: to correct vertebral subluxations[edit]

The intention of a chiropractic adjustment is to affect or correct the alignment, motion and/or function of a vertebral joint.[citation needed] Specifically, they are intended to correct "vertebral subluxations", the term given to the signs and symptoms that are said by chiropractors to result from abnormal alignment of vertebrae. (p. 218)[2] This intention forms the legal and philosophical foundation of the profession, and US Medicare law formulates it in this manner:"Coverage of chiropractic services is specifically limited to manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation... Medicare will not pay for treatment unless it is 'manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation'."[7]
Adjustment methods[edit]

As the chiropractic profession engaged in the pursuit of improving health through adjustments to the nervous system, individual practitioners and institutions proposed and developed various proprietary techniques and methods.[citation needed] While many of these techniques did not endure, hundreds of different approaches remain in chiropractic practice today. Not all of them involve HVLA thrust manipulation. Most cite case studies, anecdotal evidence, and patient testimonials as evidence for effectiveness. These techniques include:
Toggle Drop - this is when the chiropractor, using crossed hands, presses down firmly on a particular area of the spine. Then, with a quick and precise thrust, the chiropractor adjusts the spine. This is done to improve mobility in the vertebral joints.
Lumbar Roll (aka side posture) - the chiropractor positions the patient on his or her side, then applies a quick and precise manipulative thrust to the misaligned vertebra, returning it to its proper position.
Release Work - the chiropractor applies gentle pressure using his or her fingertips to separate the vertebrae.
Table adjustments - The patient lies on a special table with sections that drop down. The chiropractor applies a quick thrust at the same time the section drops. The dropping of the table allows for a lighter adjustment without the twisting positions that can accompany other techniques.
Instrument adjustments - often the gentlest methods of adjusting the spine. The patient lies on the table face down while the chiropractor uses a spring-loaded activator instrument to perform the adjustment. This technique is often used to perform adjustments on animals as well.
Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) - this is performed by a chiropractor certified in this technique in a hospital outpatient setting when the patient is unresponsive to traditional adjustments.
Adjustment techniques[edit]

There are many techniques which chiropractors can specialize in and employ in spinal adjustments. Some of the most notable techniques include:
Activator Methods - uses the Activator Adjusting Instrument instead of by-hand adjustments to give consistent mechanical low-force, high-speed clicks to the body. Utilizes a leg-length analysis to determine segmental aberration.
Active Release Techniques - soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
Bio-Geometric Integration - a framework for understanding the body's response to force dynamics. Can be utilized with many techniques. Focuses on the body's full integration of forces and on assessment for choosing the most appropriate adjustive force application, ranging from light pressure to traditional joint cavitation, for each particular case presentation.
Blair Upper Cervical Technique - an objective upper cervical technique focusing primarily on misalignments in the first bone of the spine (Atlas) as it comes into contact with the head (Occiput).
Cox Flexion-Distraction - a gentle, non-force adjusting procedure which mixes chiropractic principles with osteopathic principles and utilizes specialized adjusting tables with movable parts.
Hole-in-one technique - developed by B.J. Palmer. He, at some point, claimed that the "pure, unadulterated & straight" chiropractors should only treat the upper two cervical vertebrae (C1-C2), which is the cause of most, if not all, disorders by being misaligned.
Directional Non-Force Technique - utilizes a diagnostic system for subluxation analysis consisting of gentle challenging and a unique leg check allowing the body to indicate the directions of misalignment of structures that are producing nerve interference. A gentle but directionally specific thumb impulse provides a long lasting correction to bony and soft tissue structures.
Diversified - the classic chiropractic technique, developed by D.D. Palmer, DC. Uses specific manual thrusts focused on restoring normal biomechanical function. Has been developed to adjust extremity joints as well.
Gonstead Technique - Developed by an automotive engineer turned chiropractor, this technique uses a very specific method of analysis by the use of nervoscopes, full spine x-rays and precise adjusting techniques that condemns "torquing" of the spine, which may harm the Intervertebral disc.
Kale Technique (Specific Chiropractic) - gentle technique which utilizes a special adjusting table that helps adjust and stabilize the upper cervical region surrounding the brain stem.
Logan Basic Technique - a light touch technique that works to "level the foundation" or sacrum. Its concept employs the use of heel lifts and specific contacts.
NUCCA Technique - manual method of adjusting the atlas subluxation complex based on 3D x-ray studies which determine the correct line of drive or vector of force.
Orthospinology Procedure - is a method of analyzing and correcting the chiropractic upper cervical subluxation complex based on vertebral alignment measurements on neck x-rays taken from three different directions. The adjustment can be delivered by hand, hand-held or table mounted instruments along a pre-calculated vector using approximately 1 to 7 pounds of force. The patient is in a side-lying posture with a solid mastoid support. The procedure is based on the work of the late John F. Grostic, D.C.
Thompson Terminal Point Technique (Thompson Drop-Table Technique) - uses a precision adjusting table with a weighing mechanism which adds only enough tension to hold the patient in the "up" position before the thrust is given.
Toggle Recoil Technique - a quick thrust and release to the upper cervical vertebra, the recoil is to allow the vertebra to oscillate into its proper position.

Over the years, many variations of these techniques have been delivered, most as proprietary techniques developed by individual practitioners. WebMD has made a partial list:[8]



Activator technique
Advanced BioStructural Correction
Applied Kinesiology
Atlas Orthogonal
Auricular
Barge Analysis
Bio Magnetic
Bio-Energetic Synchronization
Bio-Geometric Integration
Biomechanics

Blair
Body Restoration Technique
Carver Technique
Cervical Care
Cervical Drop
Chiropractic Biophysics
Clinical Kinesiology
Concept Therapy
Contact Reflex Analysis
Cox

Craniosacral Therapy
Directional Non-Force
Diversified technique
Flexion-Distraction
Gonstead
Grostic
Hole in one [HIO]
Kale
Leander
Logan Basic

Manual Adjusting
Meric
Motion Palpation
Network
Neural Organization Technique
Neuro Emotional Technique
Neuro Muscular Technique
Neuro Vascular Technique
Nimmo
Palmer Package

Pettibon
Pierce
Pierce Stillwagon
Pro-Adjuster
Receptor Tonus
Sacral Occipital Technique (SOT)
Soft Tissue Orthopedics
Spinal Biomechanics
Spinal Biomedical Engineering
Spinal Biophysics

Thompson
Thompson Terminal Point
Toftness
Toggle Recoil
Torque Release
Total Body Modification
Traction
Upper Cervical
Vector Point Therapy
Versendaal

Effects[edit]

The effects of spinal adjustment vary depending on the method performed. All techniques claim effects similar to other manual therapies, ranging from decreased muscle tension to reduced stress. Studies show that most patients go to chiropractors for musculoskeletal problems: 60% with low back pain, and the rest with head, neck and extremity symptoms. (p. 219)[2] Also the article "Chiropractic: A Profession at the Crossroads of Mainstream and Alternative Medicine" states that, “chiropractic was to be a revolutionary system of healing based on the premise that neurologic dysfunction caused by ‘impinged’ nerves at the spinal level was the cause of most dis-ease”. (p. 218)[2] The mechanisms that are claimed to alter nervous system function and affect overall health are seen as speculative in nature, however, clinical trials have been conducted that include “placebo-controlled comparisons [and] comparisons with other treatments”. (p. 220)[2] The American Chiropractic Association promotes chiropractic care of infants and children under the theory that “poor posture and physical injury, including birth trauma, may be common primary causes of illness in children and can have a direct and significant impact not only on spinal mechanics, but on other bodily functions”.[9]

The effects of spinal manipulation have been shown to include: temporary relief of musculoskeletal pain, increased range of joint motion, changes in facet joint kinematics, increased pain tolerance and increased muscle strength. (p. 222)[2] Common side effects of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) are characterized as mild to moderate and may include: local discomfort, headache, tiredness, or radiating discomfort. (p. 222)[2]
Safety[edit]
See also: Spinal manipulation#Safety

The World Health Organization states that when "employed skillfully and appropriately, chiropractic care is safe and effective for the prevention and management of a number of health problems."[10]As with all interventions, there are risks associated with spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). Common, but nonserious side effects include: discomfort, headache, and fatigue which will go away after 24 to 48 hours. Extremely infrequent, but potentially serious side effects include: strokes, spinal disc herniation, vertebral and rib fractures and cauda equina syndrome. (p. 222).[2][11]
See also[edit]
Chiropractic history
Cracking joints
Joint manipulation
Osteopathic manipulative medicine
References[edit]

Jump up^ "Sense about Chiropractic". Sense About Science. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i Meeker WC, Haldeman S (2002). "Chiropractic: A Profession at the Crossroads of Mainstream and Alternative Medicine" (PDF). Ann Intern Med 136 (3): 216–27. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-136-3-200202050-00010. PMID 11827498.
Jump up^ ADJUSTMENT AND SPINAL MANIPULATION ICA Policy Statements: Spinal Adjustment and Spinal Manipulation. ICA.
Jump up^ David Chapman-Smith (2000). The Chiropractic Profession: Its Education, Practice, Research and Future Directions. NCMIC Group. p. 160. ISBN 1-892734-02-8.
Jump up^ A.Lisi, M.Bhardwaj. Chiropractic High-Velocity Low-Amplitude Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of a Case of Postsurgical Chronic Cauda Equina Syndrome. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 27, Issue 9, Pages 574-578
Jump up^ Peter Gibbons, Philip Tehan. Manipulation of the spine, thorax, and pelvis: an osteopathic approach
Jump up^ American Chiropractic Association "Commentary on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)/PART. Clinical Documentation Guidelines"
Jump up^ Chiropractic Applications. WebMD
Jump up^ American Chiropractic Association (1994). "Infant and child care policy". Dyn Chiropr 12 (17).
Jump up^ WHO guidelines on basic training and safety in chiropractic, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2005. ISBN 92-4-159371-7. available online
Jump up^ Senstad O, Leboeuf-Yde C, Borchgrevink C (February 1997). "Frequency and characteristics of side effects of spinal manipulative therapy". Spine 22 (4): 435–40; discussion 440–1. doi:10.1097/00007632-199702150-00017. PMID 9055373.

Read More