The fall is my favorite time of the year.  It marks the start of cooler, less humid weather, the start of the football season and the holiday season.  September also means our kids go back to school.  Over the past five years I have seen more and more kids at my chiropractic office in Springfield, VA with back pain.  One of the main reasons kids are having back problems is because their backpacks are way to heavy.  Your child’s backpack should not weigh more than 10% of their body weight.  If they weigh 100lbs their backpack should weigh 10lbs at the maximum.

Here are some other tips to help prevent back pain in your kids:

• Is the backpack the correct size for your child? The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking. Also, a bigger bag is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry and the heavier the backpack will be.
• Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps? Non-padded straps are uncomfortable and can dig into your child’s shoulders. Also, two shoulder straps are better than one. Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.
• Are the shoulder straps adjustable? The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
• Does the backpack have a padded back? A padded back not only provides increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by sharp edges on school supplies (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack.
• Is there a waist belt? Many backpacks have a waist belt that can be snugly buckled around the child’s waist. These belts can distribute the weight of a heavy load from the back and shoulders to the hips and torso.
• Does the pack have several compartments? A backpack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back, and try to place the heaviest items closet to the body.

If your child is having back pain or neck pain, give our office a call today at (703) 912-7822 or visit us at www.NovaChiroWellenss.com .  Children respond very well to chiropractic care and we can help prevent their back problems at an early age.

Weekly Health Update
Week of: Monday, July 4th, 2011
Courtesy of:
Todd P. Sullivan, DC
(703) 912-7822

NovaChiroWellness.com

Mental Attitude: Suicidal Teens And Eating Disorders.
Teens 13-18 years old suffering from anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders are more likely to suffer from suicidal thoughts, anxiety disorders and substance abuse. 0.3% of the teens surveyed reported suffering from anorexia nervosa and 0.9% from bulimia nervosa. A full 1.6% suffered from binge eating disorder. One third of those with bulimia actually attempted suicide. 15% of those with binge eating had and about 8% of those with anorexia had attempted the same. 55-88% of teens with eating disorders also reported such problems as anxiety, depression, or a behavioral disorder.
American Journal of Psychiatry, May 2011

Health Alert: Uninsured Unable To Pay Hospital Bills.
50 million Americans are uninsured. Most uninsured people have virtually no savings, half with less than $20 net worth. Half of families with income at 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, or $89,400 a year, have financial assets below $4,100. Every year, 2 million uninsured Americans are hospitalized, with 58% of these hospital stays resulting in bills of more than $10,000.
US Dept Health and Human Services, May 2011

Diet: Weight Management Tips.
1.Fruit. Fruit contains vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. Consumption of fiber is associated with lower body weight and gives a feeling of fullness. 2. Keep hydrated. Feeling tired or hungry? You may just be thirsty. Drink at least 6 glasses of water a day. Water helps your body transport nutrients and eliminate toxins. 3. Close the kitchen. When you finish a meal, clean the dishes and turn off the lights. Tell yourself the kitchen is now closed.
Family Features, April 2011

Exercise: Exercise and Colds.
Regular exercise helps jump-start the immune system, thus helping to reduce the number of colds, flu and other viruses.
Mayo Clinic, May 2011

Chiropractic: The Nervous System Connected To The Immune System?
The neurotransmitter norepinephrine is present in sympathetic nerve fibers that innervate lymphoid organs and act on the spleen. Norepinephrine in lymphoid organs plays a significant role in the regulation of the immune system. Stressful conditions lead to altered measures of immune function, and altered susceptibility to a variety of diseases. Many stimuli, which primarily act on the central nervous system, can profoundly alter immune responses. The two routes available to the central nervous system are neuroendocrine channels and autonomic nerve channels.
The Chiropractic Research Journal, 1994

Wellness/Prevention: Minutes Of Exercise A Day Can Keep The Pain Away.
As little as 2 minutes of exercise a day can reduce pain and tenderness in adults with neck and shoulder problems. After 10 weeks, the 2-minutes-per-day exercise group experienced significant reductions of neck and should pain (decreased 1.4 points out of 10) and tenderness (decreased 4.2 points out of 32). The 12-minutes-per-day exercise group had slightly larger reductions in pain and tenderness (an extra .5 and .2 points, respectively).
American College of Sports Medicine, May 2011

If you or a family member is suffering from neck pain, lower back pain or headaches call our chiropractic office in Springfield, VA at (703) 912-7822.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of pain, loss of work, and work related disability in the United States. It affects approximately 50 per 1000 persons in the general population and the average lifetime cost of carpal tunnel syndrome (including medical bills and lost work time) is estimated to be about $30,000 per each injured worker. In 2003, there were more than 3.8 million visits made to health care providers for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is based on the patient’s complaints, the examination findings, and special testing such as electro-diagnostic tests (like Electromyography or EMG). The success or failure of treating carpal tunnel syndrome rests on the accuracy of the diagnosis. Often, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome will present after surgery complaining of the same symptoms they had prior to surgery, such as numbness and pain in the index, 3rd and 4th fingers, weak grip, sleep interruptions and so on, only to find that the median nerve is pinched higher up than the wrist, such as in the neck or elbow.

Treatment failure, as well as an increased likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, may also result from the presence of other “risk factors.” These include (but are not limited to) advancing age (>50 years old), females > males, and the presence of diabetes and/or obesity, which often coincide. Other risk factors include pregnancy (due to hormonal shifts and fluid retention), certain occupations (highly repetitive), strong family history of carpal tunnel syndrome, specific medical conditions like hypothyroidism, autoimmune and rheumatologic diseases, certain types of arthritis, kidney disease, trauma, anatomic predisposition of the wrist and hand (shape and size), infectious diseases, and substance abuse. The difficult thing in treating carpal tunnel syndrome is when multiple factors exist – like a female over 50 with a highly repetitive job and who is also obese. Obviously, the “best” treatment here would include weight management, and possibly work station modifications, in addition to the in-office treatment approaches. Patient compliance or, following the doctor’s recommendations is VERY important such as wearing the wrist splint at night, doing the carpal tunnel stretch exercises, weight management / dietary recommendations, and so on. Therefore, successful treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome relies on a balance between the patient and provider communicating about ALL the treatment options – surgical and non-surgical so the patient can make an informed decision. Since each patient is unique, the treatment approach must be tailored to that individual and may require, as previously stated, a number of treatment strategies aimed at patient specific issues.

Chiropractic is in a unique position for managing the carpal tunnel syndrome patient. This is because we look at the whole person, not just the wrist and, we offer the LEAST INVASIVE approach. Many times, there are issues in the neck, shoulder, elbow and forearm in addition to the wrist/hand that MUST BE carefully assessed in order to obtain a successful, satisfying result for the patient. We also consider the many “risk factors” described above and can assess or coordinate services with other health care providers so the many conditions described previously can be properly evaluated. So, the question remains, what do chiropractors do when treating a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome? Treatment often includes “the usual” such as wrist splinting during sleep, work modifications, and anti-inflammatory approaches (ice cupping, herbal, etc.). Unique to chiropractic are manipulation or adjustments (often to the neck, shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand), Active Release Techniques and Graston Technique to loosen up muscular adhesions and scar tissue, exercise training for the involved areas including the hand/wrist, as well as dietary strategies for weight management, metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes) and so on.

We realize you have a choice in who you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend or family member require care for carpal tunnel syndrome, we would be honored to render our services.  To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome visit our website at Chiropractor in Springfield, VA or give us a call at (703) 912-7822.

Over the years of treating many fibromyalgia patients at my chiropractic office in Springfield, VA I have put together five tips if you suffer from Fibromyalgia (FM).

1.    “Keep a journal every day about what you do and how you feel.” Many times when discussing your symptoms of fibromyalgia with us, it is very hard to remember important details and keeping a journal is REALLY appreciated as it serves as a reminder for the patient of the things that trigger a flair-up.  The journal can often save an immense amount of time trying to determine what can be done to help the patient, such as when to employ biofeedback skills, like visualization. This is performed any time or place where you may find yourself in a situation that is totally out of your control and you sense your ability to cope is failing. At uncontrolled times such as this, shutting the eyes and visualizing a calming and relaxing scenario is usually very helpful and can be exercised as often or for as long as needed. Again, write down the most effective visualization scenarios or thoughts so you can refresh your memory from time to time.

2.    “Sleep is very important. Try not to nap during the day so you can sleep better at night.” One of the biggest complaints from fibromyalgia patients is sleep disturbance, whether it’s getting to sleep or waking up multiple times a night and/or not being able to return to sleep. Many “pearls” were found that dealt with sleep quality and methods for improving sleep.  One of the most important issues is stated above – try to avoid napping during the day. Another is to go to sleep at the same time each night, or, to stay on a schedule that is consistent. Some recommended avoiding thoughts about the day that are stressful or situations you can’t control prior to going to sleep.

3.    “Exercise on a regular basis.” This too, was a popular recommendation.  Most felt “light exercises” was better, while a few favored strenuous exercises.  Some gave specific recommendations like yoga, stretching, or swimming (“…because it’s easier on my joints.”). Some gave specific instructions like, “…Exercise! Keep those muscles and bones flexed and firm. But do not overdo it!” Another recommended wearing a sweat suit to keep the muscles warm. Most importantly, develop a routine that includes regular exercise doing something you like! This will ensure consistency and flow.  Exercise also has the very important ability to reduce stress simply from “working out,” and stress reduction and control was mentioned by itself multiple times. Not mentioned is the fact that endorphins and enkephlins are released with exercise that can reduce pain, as they are “natural pain killers,” morphine-like substances our body produces.

4.    Diet: This too, was popular and frequently mentioned.  Some gave very detailed information about what to eat such as, “Balance your meals with a low-fat, high-protein diet. Drink plenty of water.” A low gluten diet is anti-inflammatory and very helpful.

5.    Miscellaneous: Educate yourself about fibromyalgia by gathering as much information as possible, reading about fibromyalgia on a regular basis, starting or attending a support group, choosing a doctor who understands fibromyalgia were also very common themes. Perhaps most important was, “accept your limitations,” and in doing so, don’t be afraid to ask for help – create a list of reliable friends and family who are willing to help out when needed.

If you, a friend or family member requires care for fibromyalgia, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services! To learn more about fibromyalgia please visit http://www.NovaChiroWellness.com or give us a call at (703) 912-7822.

Weekly Health Update
Week of: Monday, June 13th, 2011
Courtesy of:
Todd P. Sullivan, DC
(703) 912-7822

Mental Attitude: Stress And Cellular Health.
University of California San Francisco (UCSF) scientists report psychological stress leads to shorter telomeres – the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that are a measure of cell age and thus, health. Their findings also suggest exercise may prevent this damage. They examined telomeres in leukocytes, or white blood cells, which defend the body against both infectious agents and cell damage. “Our findings suggest that traumatic and chronic stressful life events are associated with shortening of telomeres in cells of the immune system, but that physical activity may moderate this impact,” said co-author Jue Lin, PhD, associate research biochemist in the laboratory of senior author and Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn, PhD, professor of biochemistry and biophysics at UCSF.
UCSF, April 2011

Health Alert: A Natural Therapy?
An environment of pure oxygen at three-and-a-half times normal air pressure adds significantly to the effectiveness of artemisinin, a natural compound already shown to kill cancerous cells. In a new study, using artemisinin or high-pressure oxygen alone on a culture of human leukemia cells reduced the cancer cells’ growth by 15%. Using them in combination reduced the cells’ growth by 38%!
Anticancer Research, April 2011

Diet: Skeletal Muscles Affected By Obesity.
This new study shows obesity involves more than accumulating excess fat and carrying excess weight. During the development of obesity, skeletal muscles fail to adjust their molecular composition appropriately to the increasing body weight. Consequently, the muscles of obese mammals are not properly ‘tuned’ to the higher body weight they carry. This may explain why muscle strength and locomotion are impaired in obese humans and why it is difficult to lose excess weight.
Journal of Experimental Biology, May 2011

Exercise: Benefits of Exercise.
Exercise increases your level of muscle strength, improves athletic performance, can help relieve the pain of tension headaches, allows you to consume greater quantities of food (while still maintaining caloric balance) and helps you sleep easier (and better).
Surgeon General

Chiropractic: Patients Are More Immune?
The chiropractic immunology connection was strengthened in 1991 when Patricia Brennan, Ph.D. and other researchers found improved immune response following chiropractic treatment. Specifically, the study demonstrated the “phagocytic respiratory burst of polymorphnuclear neutrophils and monocytes were enhanced in adults [who] had been adjusted by chiropractors.” In other words, the cells that act like “Pac-Man”, eating and destroying bad cells, are enhanced through chiropractic care.
Circulation, 1992

Wellness/Prevention: Breast Cancer Risk Lower Among Coffee Drinkers.
Women who drink coffee regularly have a significantly lower risk of developing antiestrogen-resistant estrogen-receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer. Breast cancer may be sub-divided into hormone-responsive (ER-positive) and non-hormone-responsive subtypes (ER-negative). They discovered regular coffee drinkers were less likely to develop breast cancer compared to women who either never or rarely drank coffee.
Breast Cancer Research, May 2011

If you or a family member is suffering from neck pain, lower back pain or headaches call our chiropractic office in Springfield, VA at (703) 912-7822.

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Poor Eating Habits Can Cause Depression.
The ingestion of trans-fats and saturated fats increase the risk of suffering depression, while ingesting olive oil appears to protect against depression. Participants with an elevated consumption of trans-fats (fats present in artificial form in industrially-produced pastries and fast food, and naturally present in certain whole milk products) showed a 48% increase in the risk of depression. Also, the more trans-fats consumed, the greater the harmful effect they produced.
Public Library of Science, February 2011

Health Alert: Only 24 Hours In A Day!
National restrictions were first introduced in 2003 to limit the hours resident physicians could be on duty. At the time, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) cited increasing acuity and intensity of medical care in teaching institutions, as well as scientific evidence of the negative effect of sleep deprivation on performance, as reasons for instituting restrictions. Those limits were not to exceed 80 hours in a week or more than 24 consecutive hours. In December 2008, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued a report recommending further action to reduce resident fatigue and ensure patient safety within 24 months of the report. The IOM committee did not recommend a change from the maximum of 80 hours per week, averaged over four weeks, but instead recommends decreasing the maximum length of shifts, increasing the time off between shifts and mandating a sleep period during longer shifts.
Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2010

Diet: Tea Can Help.
This study looked at the effect of treating superficial precancerous lesions in the mucosal lining of the mouth with a mixed tea product. After the six-month trial, partial regression of the lesions was observed in 37.9% of the group treated with tea as compared to only 10% of those treated with a placebo.
Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, 1999

Exercise: Exercise And Stress.
Regular exercise reduces the amount of stress hormones in the body, lowers the resting heart rate, relaxes blood vessels, and lowers blood pressure.
Mayo Clinic, March 2011

Chiropractic: Have Back Pain?
Spinal manipulation is the best treatment for acute low back pain.
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research

Wellness/Prevention: A Cup Of Tea.
The antioxidant properties of tea flavonoids may play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing lipid oxidation, reducing the instances of heart attacks and stroke, and may beneficially impact blood vessel function (an important indicator of cardiovascular health).
Archives of Internal Medicine, 1996
If you or a family member is suffering from neck pain, lower back pain or headaches call our chiropractic office in Springfield, VA at (703) 912-7822.

Mental Attitude: Risks For Quitting College.
40% of students in the US fail to get a bachelor’s degree within 6 years at the college where they began. Surprisingly, events such as a death in the family and students’ failure to get their intended major did not have a significant influence. The critical event with the most influence was depression. Other reasons include recruitment by an employer or another institution; losing financial aid or experiencing a large increase in tuition or living costs; unexpected bad grades; and roommate conflicts.
Journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Feb 2011

Health Alert: Cough It Up.
Research has linked over-the-counter cough and cold products to poisoning or death in hundreds of children, ages 2 and younger. Studies also show these medicines do little to control symptoms. In 2008, the FDA formally recommended OTC cough and cold products not be given to children under age 2. 61% of parents of children ages 2 and younger gave their children OTC cough and cold medicine within the last 12 months. More than half of parents report their child’s doctor says OTC cough and cold medications are safe for children under 2.
University of Michigan Health System, Feb 2011

Diet: Too Fat!
The rate of obesity among children and adolescents in the US has nearly tripled between the1980s and 2000s. Childhood obesity can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep problems, cancer, liver disease, skin infections, asthma and other respiratory problems later in life.
Pediatrics Journal, February 2011

Exercise: The “Skinny” on Exercise.
Exercise boosts blood circulation and the delivery of nutrients to your skin, helping to detoxify the body by removing toxins. As exercise boosts oxygen to the skin, it helps increase the production of collagen, the connective tissue that keeps your skin elastic.
Mayo Clinic, Feb 2011

Chiropractic: Headache Help!
A study compared 6 weeks of chiropractic adjusting for tension-type headaches to 6 weeks of medical treatment with amitriptyline, a medication often prescribed for severe tension headache pain. Chiropractic patients experienced fewer side effects (82.1%) and only chiropractic patients continued to report fewer headaches when treatment ended.
JMPT, 1995

Wellness/Prevention: Zinc!
The cold accounts for 40% of sickness absence from work and millions of school days missed each year. Zinc taken within a day of cold symptoms can reduce severity and shorten the length of illness. At 7 days after onset, a higher proportion of people who took zinc reported no cold symptoms compared to those who took a placebo.
The Cochrane Library, Feb 2011
“If we did all the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.” ~ Thomas Edison

We realize you have a choice in who you consider for your health care providers and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.  If you, a friend or family member require care please give us a call at (703) 912-7822 or visit us at Chiropractor in Springfield, VA.

Are you discouraged because you failed on your new diet or you have not followed through with your New Year’s resolutions. Here is a great speech by one of the New York Jets coaches on discouragement.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS, is one of many “repetitive strain injuries” or RSI’s and it’s one of the most common work place injuries that we treat at my chiropractic office in Springfield, VA.  The term “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome” was first used in 1939 and since the 1950’s, this disabling overuse injury to the hand has been one of the most frequent work injuries reported. So, what jobs carry the greatest risk for developing CTS?

Basically, any job that requires fast, repetitive movements of the hands with little rest can be considered a potential “risky job.”  A partial list of the causes of RSI’s including CTS are: stress, tension/tightness of the arm muscles, inflammation of the wrist tendons, repetitive movements like keyboard/mouse work, poorly designed workstations, poor posture including awkward wrist/hand positions required on the job, heavy lift/carry workloads, vitamin deficiencies, and neck / spine complaints. Couple these jobs with age > 50, and being female – especially if she takes oral contraceptives (as they retain fluids), during pregnancy or menopause.

Here’s a list of jobs we can consider “risky”:

• Typists: When typing speeds reach 60 words / minute, for 8 hrs a day, there can be up to 25 tons of pressure each day exerted in the wrist. Frequent breaks are NEEDED!

• Computer users: The proper position is feet flat on the floor (adjustable chair necessary), arms at the side with elbows bent slightly MORE THAN 90 degrees; sitting up “tall” in the chair (prop a pillow, water bottle, or rolled up towel behind your back if necessary), tuck in the chin (avoid chin poking), and MOST IMPORTANT – TAKE BREAKS AS NEEDED.

• Musicians: If you think about it, what task requires faster, repetitive movements of the fingers in awkward positions?  For example, playing a flute. Or, how about piano, trumpet, saxophone, guitar, violin, drums… wait a minute!  Just about every instrument requires awkward hand positions and fast repetitive movements!  It’s no wonder a large percentage of musicians develop CTS / RSIs! Again, the secret is taking meaningful breaks and stretching and when it’s uncontrolled, come see us (but DON’T wait too long)!

• Line workers: There are many types of jobs where standing on a line while working in fast/repetitive environments such as assembling an engine, packing cookies, pushing wires into a harness, inserting screws, packing meat or fish, using vibrating tools, carpentry tasks such as screw driver use, hammering, sawing, lifting/carrying materials……..you get the picture!  These jobs are notorious for CTS!

• Other RSI’s: include tennis elbow, golfer’s/bowler’s elbow, cubital tunnel syndrome (numbness in the pinky), de Quervain’s disease (thumb tendonitis), and sports injuries (sprains/strains). Postal workers, cake decorators, dentists and hygienists, as well as waiters are all at risk for developing CTS.

The bottom line is: 1. Take multiple breaks. 2. Work at your own pace. 3. Wear a wrist brace at night. (If recommended) 4. See a chiropractor (us!) to loosen up those tight hand, forearm, shoulder and neck joints and muscles to relieve nerve pressure. DON’T jump right to surgery – it’s the “last resort.”

If you, a friend or family member is suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome give us a call today at (703) 912-7822 or visit us at http://www.NovaChiroWellness.com

 Today’s post is a short video that discusses my personal background with chiropractic care, what makes my office unique and the types of conditions that we treat at our office.