San Diego Chiropractor

Amidst a great deal of emotion and rhetoric coming out of Connecticut this week regarding the stroke issue The Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation has just released a very clear position statement on the issue of chiropractic and strokes.

Atlanta, GA, January 07, 2010 –(PR.com)– According to the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation there is no human experimental evidence that chiropractic adjustments or neck manipulations are causally related to strokes.

“While plaintiff’s attorneys and expert witness make claims and statements contending that such a causative link exists, the fact remains that these are based largely on anecdotes, case reports, and case controlled studies and cannot be used to prove causation” stated Foundation President Christopher Kent DC, JD a chiropractic researcher and attorney.

According to researchers and the scientific method itself there are all sorts of biases and distortions that effect conclusions drawn from such studies and other criteria must be used to determine whether such a link exists.

“What this boils down to is a simple lack of understanding of biostatistics and epidemiology” stated Foundation Vice President Matthew McCoy DC, MPH, a chiropractic researcher and public health expert. “Words like ‘association’ and ‘causation’ and ‘risk’ have very specific meanings when it comes to their use in epidemiology and it’s clear that laypersons involved in this debate are using these terms inappropriately.”

While the experience of a stroke can be devastating and no one would suggest ignoring the concerns of those who have suffered one, the reality is that when it comes to the contention that chiropractic causes strokes – the evidence just isn’t there. And while the strokes these people have experienced are indeed real, McCoy suggests there are often other issues involved and offered an example. “Millions of people visit a dentist every year and a certain number of those same people get into car accidents on their way home. If we were to run the stats on it we might find that there is a statistical association between visiting a dentist and getting into a car accident on the way home. But no one would even consider suggesting that the dentists are causing the car accidents.”

Self described chiropractic stroke victims say there is a risk and that people should be advised about it prior to undergoing chiropractic care. The majority of chiropractors would agree that patients should be informed of the risks, benefits and alternatives of any health care intervention, but according to Dr. Kent “Such informed consent must be based on appropriate information and since there is no scientific evidence that chiropractic adjustments or neck manipulations actually cause strokes, it is inappropriate to require a doctor to suggest that such a risk exists.”

Dr. McCoy added another often overlooked issue “Chiropractors utilize a number of techniques to address joint dysfunction and vertebral subluxation and in fact there are over 300 named chiropractic techniques and many do not employ the type of manipulation that has been alleged to be a factor in vertebrobasilar accidents. This adds to the inappropriate nature of such a disclosure.”

In the end, chiropractic has an impressive safety record compared to traditional medical care with estimates are that anywhere from 100,000 (Institute of medicine) to 750,000 (Null et al) people die every year from medical care. In comparison, other than some minor soreness following chiropractic treatment, research has shown chiropractic to be very safe.

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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Overweight middle-aged men may have a higher risk of heart problems and strokes and die earlier than their thinner peers — even in the absence of some traditional risk factors, a new study suggests.

Some past research has suggested that when obese and overweight adults do not have the so-called metabolic syndrome, their risks of diabetes, heart disease and stroke are no higher than those of normal-weight people.

Metabolic syndrome refers to a collection of risk factors for diabetes and heart problems — including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, low levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides (another type of blood fat). It is typically diagnosed when a person has three or more of those conditions.

In the current study, which followed more than 1,700 Swedish men for 30 years, overweight and obese men had increased risks of conditions including heart attack and stroke, even when in the absence of metabolic syndrome.

Among all men without metabolic syndrome, those who were overweight were 52 percent more likely to have heart attacks, strokes, and other complications than normal-weight men were, while obese men had nearly double the risk.

The findings are published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation. Read more…

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What does the word, “vertigo, ” denote? Vertigo is the term for the dizzy disturbance that a person suffers within a fixed environment. The perception is that the outer world is tilting or perhaps spinning. Vertigo might be quick and short- lived or chronic. But bear in mind, in either case, the precise root of vertigo should be identified and the correct professional treatment plan carried out.

There’s a lot of reasons for the manifestation of Vertigo. An inner ear malady, known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, may sometimes arise as the result of a sustained head injury or severe cold. Sometimes this particular vertigo can be the result of the aging process. The source, often times though, frequently is unknown. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is a wordy diagnosis, but it characterizes perfectly this non- progressive condition that is due to, as its name indicates, a abrupt change in head posture. The symptoms are typically unforeseen and varied.

It is usually valuable to look at the performance of the inner ear in an endeavor grasp what leads to this commonly incapacitating difficulties of this type of vertigo. The brain takes in motion and sustains equilibrium employing the fluid found in the inner ear. Also in the inner ear are miniature calcium carbonate crystals, generally known as otoconia. The crystals will float in the inner ear fluid if dislodged. As the crystals strike against the responsive nerve endings in the inner ear, they lead to the complaints of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV.

The good news is that chiropractic treatment can relieve the complaints of BPPV very quickly and effectively employing a technique that is known as the Epley maneuver. By means of the use of this treatment, a chiropractor rotates the head of a BPPV sufferer into a number of different positions, letting gravity relocate the calcium carbonate crystals into a zone of the inner ear that is away from the nerve endings where they will cause no further dizziness.

Your chiropractor has helped innumerable individuals for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo by using only the Epley Maneuver technique. In most cases, with just one treatment many patients no longer suffer from dizziness.  Your San Diego Chiropractor is highly experienced when it comes to treating vertigo. Call today!

Technorati Tags: BPPV, chiropractic, chiropractor, dizziness, epleys, vertigo

Arteries appear to be less clogged in those who nurse infants, study finds

By Serena Gordon
HealthDay Reporter

Although many women choose to breast-feed because of the numerous health benefits it offers their offspring, new research suggests that breast-feeding may also help the health of the mothers’ hearts later in life.

In a study of nearly 300 women, researchers found that those who had not breast-fed were much more likely to have calcification or plaque in their coronary artery, aorta and carotid artery. When calcification and plaque build up in the arteries, blood flow can be reduced, and, if enough of these deposits build up, they can cause a heart attack or stroke.

“Women who had not breast-fed were more likely to develop changes that might lead to symptomatic heart disease,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Eleanor Schwarz, an assistant professor of medicine, epidemiology, obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on health Care. Read more

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What is vertigo? Vertigo is a medical term used to describe the dizzy disturbance that a person experiences within a fixed environment. It is a sense that the surroundings are tilting or spinning. This sensation can be sudden and short-lived or chronic. In both cases, the precise cause of vertigo should be diagnosed and the proper treatment undertaken.

There are many causes for the symptoms of Vertigo. One kind of vertigo, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, can be the result of an inner ear condition that can take place after a person has sustained a head trauma or after a severe cold. Frequently this kind of vertigo can be a part of getting older. However, most often, the cause is unknown. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is a wordy diagnosis, but it delineates perfectly this non-progressive condition that is generated by, as its name implies, a abrupt change in head position. The symptoms are normally unanticipated and unpredictable.

To get an idea of what brings about the often disabling symptoms of this type of vertigo, it is helpful to examine the function of the inner ear. The brain senses movement and maintains balance through the medium of the fluid contained in the inner ear. Also in the inner ear are small calcium carbonate crystals, known as otoconia. When these crystals are dislodged, they then float in the inner ear fluid. The symptoms of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo are caused by the crystals striking against the sensitive nerve endings in the inner ear.

If you suffer from BPPV, it is important for you to know that San Diego chiropractors using a technique known as the Epley maneuver, can get rid of the symptoms of BPPV quickly and successfully. Through the use of this technique, a chiropractor moves the head of a BPPV sufferer into several different positions, and gravity moves the calcium carbonate crystals into an area of the inner ear that is away from the nerve endings where they will cause no further dizziness.

Your chiropractor has assisted hundreds of people suffering from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo using the Epley Maneuver technique and most are no longer dizzy after with just one treatment. Make an appointment with your San Diego chiropractor today!

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, dizziness, epleys, vertigo

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You can do it in just 10 minutes a day!

By R. Morgan Griffin
WebMD Feature

Feeling rundown and foggy on the job? Does the prospect of an afternoon’s worth of housework seem unspeakably grim? It’s time for a break to refresh and boost your energy.

Although you may not be able to take the afternoon off, you can surely afford 10 minutes to recharge yourself, no matter how hectic your life might be. And although a 10-minute break might not be quite as reinvigorating as 10 days on a Caribbean beach, it can boost energy and mood.

So how can you do it? How can you use a 10-minute break for something more energizing than aimless web surfing or yet another game of Minesweeper? To find out, WebMD turned to experts from different fields — therapists, dietitians, and integrative medicine specialists. Read more and find out about their 21 tips for quick ways to boost energy.

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From Alternative Medicine and Natural Health Information by Primmy

Sleep is vital to good health, yet many people do not get an adequate night’s sleep. The average number of hours for the best rest possible is eight; however, did you know that 100 years ago, the average was nine to ten hours? These days, even eight hours is a dream. While occasional insomnia is no big deal, frequent sleepless nights can cause a host of health problems. If you are not keen on prescription or over the counter sleep aids, there are several safe herbal remedies that can help as long as you do not have any underlying medical conditions that prevent you from sleeping.

Tension Tamers

Sometimes, working late at night or experiencing great stress can cause insomnia. If you fall into this category, there are a few herbs brewed in tea form that can help you unwind so you can get some shut-eye. Catnip is a popular herbal ingredient in relaxing teas because it in non-habit forming and has light sedative-like qualities.

Chamomile is a well-known tension tamer which soothes the nerves and calms the stomach. Teas or even tinctures with passion flower have sedative-like qualities which help clear the mind and ease worry and anxiety. Hops, an ingredient in beer, is also an effective herb for mild insomnia and works best in teas and tinctures as well.

Herbal Sleep Supplements

Valerian is one of the most researched herbs for insomnia, mainly because it has been used for thousands of years. It is an unpleasant tasting herb which is the primary reason why the supplement form of valerian is best. It is a non-addictive insomnia remedy which produces sedative-like effects. It is important to note though that some people experience vivid dreams and other side effects such as changes in heart rhythm and blurred vision, so it may not be for everyone.

Kava kava is a popular herbal remedy and can be found in drinks as well as supplements. This herb soothes frayed nerves and helps you achieve a deep sleep. Some people may experience more dreams or even elation with kava kava and it may cause liver problems with extended use. It is best to take this effective herbal sleep remedy infrequently.

Skullcap is an herb helpful for insomnia, especially when you are suffering from restless legs or extreme physical exhaustion. California poppy is an herbal ingredient safe enough for children with sleep problems.

Physical Problems Caused by Lack of Sleep

If you have trouble sleeping several times a week and you are not quite ready to try prescription medications, herbal remedies can be quite helpful. There are a whole host of physical problems that can occur when you consistently do not get enough sleep and rest. Your memory becomes faulty and your capacity to learn is affected. Weight gain can occur and metabolism can slow down as well. Lack of sleep and rest can alter your mood causing impatience, irritability and even irrational thought. Lack of concentration is normal and you may even put yourself at risk and compromise your safety when driving or even operating machinery when you doze off during the day because of lack of sleep.

Sleep is important to a fully functioning immune system. When you do not get enough of it, you are more susceptible to illness. Sleep problems have also been directly linked to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and other heart health issues. Sleep is clearly a vital part of your overall health and herbs can help you achieve it. Talk with your doctor about the different herbal remedies for a good night’s sleep to make sure they will not interfere with any current health condition or prescription medication.

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