lifestyle

My back hurts, why look at my feet?

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

168

Improperly supported feet can affect the alignment of all of the structures above. To improve your overall comfort:
✓ Choose shoes with good arch support.
✓ Avoid going barefoot or wearing shoes that lack support (i.e. flip-flops). The following brands of sandals provide better than average arch support: Naot, Fit Flops, Orthoheels, Abeo, Vionic and Yellow box.
✓ Avoid high-heeled shoes or boots (keep heels to a maximum of 1½ inches, especially if you are going to be doing a lot of walking).
✓ “Cross-trainer” athletic shoes tend to provide the best all around support and shock absorption for daily activities.
✓ Patients with fallen arches should consider adding arch supports or orthotics.
✓ Repair or replace shoes with worn soles or heels.

Why do so many suffer with CTS?

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

​According to the literature, carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most prevalent upper extremity complaints. In fact, it IS the most common “compression neuropathy” (of which there are many) and affects 3-6% of adults in the general population. Additionally, CTS can affect BOTH hands in up to 50% of patients with the condition!

The CAUSE of CTS is often unknown and typically comes on gradually, making it difficult to determine a definite cause or specific “date of onset” for CTS.

Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, loss of dexterity, loss of strength (like pinch or grip), and the need to shake the hand or flick the fingers to restore sensation are ALL VERY COMMON CTS SYMPTOMS. The REASON for these symptoms boils down to one thing: The median nerve in the wrist gets pinched! The cause/s can include:

1)  Repetitive motion from either work or hobbies like assembly line work or playing a musical instrument can cause swelling within the carpal tunnel, placing extra pressure on the median nerve as it passes through.

2)  Obesity can contribute to CTS due to extra fluids or fatty deposits that can build up within the carpal tunnel.

3)  Pregnancy: Elevated levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone can cause the body to retain fluids and increase pressure in the carpal tunnel.

4) Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can lead to CTS (such as when a spur forms inside the tunnel). Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to an autoimmune response and antibodies that end up attacking the cartilage of the joints in the wrist, which can lead to CTS.

5)  Hormone-related conditions: In diabetes mellitus, the blood becomes thicker due to high sugar levels (like syrup) and can’t pass through the small blood vessels, resulting in “neuropathy,” which can make CTS more likely. In hypothyroid, low thyroid function results in “myxedema,” a specific type of swelling that makes CTS more likely to occur.

6)  Trauma: A wrist fracture could cause the carpal tunnel to “collapse” or change in shape resulting in less space for the nerve to travel through.

7)  Mass lesions: A “ganglionic cyst” is a good example. This is where joint fluid leaks out and forms a “bump” on the INSIDE the carpal tunnel, which reduces space and increases pressure in this anatomical structure.

8)  Amyloidosis: This is a rare condition where a protein substance called “amyloid” builds up in any tissue or organ. If this occurs in the wrist, it can “pinch” the median nerve as it passes through.

9)  Sarcoidosis: This is the growth of small collections of inflammatory cells called “granulomas,” which can accumulate in different parts of the body. If it occurs in the wrist, pinching can occur.

10)  Multiple Myeloma: This is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow, and inflammation in the wrist can occur creating the pressure increase on the median nerve that can lead to CTS.

11)  Leukemia: This too is a type of cancer that involves the white blood cells, and CTS can result from its effects on the tissues in the wrist.

12)  Anatomy: The size and shape of the carpal tunnel is hereditary, and some of us have a smaller tunnel than others. If CTS is present in multiple family members, this “genetic” factor may play a role.

There are other conditions that can “mimic” CTS, but doctors of chiropractic are trained to perform an accurate history and examination so treatment can be directed in the proper manner!

How can a low speed crash cause injury?

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

There is certainly a lot of interest in concussion these days between big screen movies, football, and other sports-related injuries. Concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are often used interchangeably. Though mTBI is NOT the first thing we think about in a low-speed motor vehicle collision (MVC), it does happen. So how often do MVC-related TBIs occur, how does one know they have it, and is it usually permanent or long lasting?

Here are some interesting statistics: 1) The incidence rate of fatal and hospitalized TBI in 1994 was estimated to be 91/100,000 (~1%); 2) Each year in the United States, for every person who dies from a brain injury, five are admitted to hospitals and an additional 26 seek treatment for TBI; 3) About 80% of TBIs are considered mild (mTBI); 4) Many mTBIs result from MVCs, but little is known or reported about the crash characteristics. 5) The majority (about 80%) of mTBI improve within three months, while 20% have symptoms for more than six months that can include memory issues, depression, and cognitive difficulty (formulating thought and staying on task). Long-term, unresolved TBI is often referred to as “post-concussive syndrome.”

In one study, researchers followed car crash victims who were admitted into the hospital and found 37.7% were diagnosed with TBI, of which the majority (79%) were defined as minor by a tool called Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS) with a score of one or two (out of a possible six) for head injuries. In contrast to more severe TBIs, mild TBIs occur more often in women, younger drivers, and those who were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Mild TBI is also more prevalent in frontal vs. lateral (“T-bone”) crashes.

As stated previously, we don’t think about our brains being injured in a car crash as much as we do other areas of our body that may be injured—like the neck. In fact, MOST patients only talk about their pain, and their doctor of chiropractic has to specifically ask them about their brain-related symptoms.

How do you know if you have mTBI? An instrument called the Traumatic Brain Injury Questionnaire can be helpful as a screen and can be repeated to monitor improvement. Why does mTBI persist in the “unlucky” 20%? Advanced imaging has come a long way in helping show nerve damage associated with TBI such as DTI (diffuse tensor imaging), but it’s not quite yet readily available. Functional MRI (fMRI) and a type of PET scanning (FDG-PET) help as well, but brain profusion SPECT, which measures the blood flow within the brain and activity patterns at this time, seems the most sensitive.

We realize you have a choice in whom 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 requires care for Whiplash, we would be honored to render our services.

Food Myth #3

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

how-much-cholesterol-in-eggs

Avoid eggs because of their cholesterol content.

Eggs got a bad rep years ago because we thought they contributed to a rise in levels of LDL (Bad) cholesterol. The most recent research shows that eggs don’t actually contribute to high cholesterol at all and are a great source of iron, zinc, lutein, vitamin D and choline, not to mention a cheap, easy source of protein.

So go ahead with your eggs tomorrow morning! You’ll be healthier for it.

 

eggs.png

 

 

 

https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-eating/food-and-nutrition/protein-foods/eggs
https://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Heart-Health/Understanding-Eggs-and-Cholesterol-How-many-eggs.aspx
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/are-eggs-risky-for-heart-health

A Few Sleep Tips From Us To You

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

276

Your mattress and the position you sleep in may affect your spine.

✓ Choose a mattress that provides medium or firm support, such as a traditional coil spring or adjustable airbed. Avoid waterbeds, thick pillow tops and soft, sagging mattresses.
✓ Always sleep on your back with a pillow either underneath your knees or on your side with a pillow between your knees. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
✓ Keep your neck and back covered while sleeping to avoid drafts that could cause potential muscle spasms.

Here are a couple of tips to help you get in and out of bed more comfortably:
✓ To lie down: Sit on the edge of the bed, pull your arms to your sides and tilt your body into the bed, maintaining the bend of your knees at 45 degrees. Finally, bring your feet into in a lying position or roll onto your back.
✓ To get up: From a side-lying position with your knees bent, push your body upright into a sitting position, swinging your legs over the edge of the bed as you rise.

If you find that you wake up sore then you may be suffering from any number of conditions that get worse overnight.

Food Myth #2

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

Meal Prep

Mixing Carbs, Fats & Proteins is hard on digestion

I’ve heard this myth from people for years and I have no clue where it came form. The idea is that by combining foods you will overwhelm your digestive system and minimize proper absorption of nutrients.

In reality, there is zero science to back this up. Your body is more than capable of dealing with multiple food type as soon as they enter your system. The acids in your stomach will start working on every ounce of food you ingest without fail regardless of the make up of your meal.

Trying to separate carbs, proteins and fats into individual meals over the course of the day while also trying to eat healthy is an unnecessary complication to an already complicated process. Enjoy balanced, healthy meals without worrying about the processes your body uses to get the nutrients into your system.

Up Close & Personal With Headaches.

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

​Migrane

Headaches are REALLY common! In fact, two out of three children will have a headache by the time they are fifteen years old, and more than 90% of adults will experience a headache at some point in their life. It appears safe to say that almost ALL of us will have firsthand knowledge of what a headache is like sooner or later!

Certain types of headaches run in families (due to genetics), and headaches can occur during different stages of life. Some have a consistent pattern, while others do not. To make this even more complicated, it’s not uncommon to have more than one type of headache at the same time!

Headaches can vary in frequency and intensity, as some people can have several headaches in one day that come and go, while others have multiple headaches per month or maybe only one or two a year. Headaches may be continuous and last for days or weeks and may or may not fluctuate in intensity.

For some, lying down in a dark, quiet room is a must. For others, life can continue on like normal. Headaches are a major reason for missed work or school days as well as for doctor visits. The “cost” of headaches is enormous—running into the billions of dollars per year in the United States (US) in both direct costs and productivity losses. Indirect costs such as the potential future costs in children with headaches who miss school and the associated interference with their academic progress are much more difficult to calculate.

There are MANY types of headaches, which are classified into types. With each type, there is a different cause or group of causes. For example, migraine headaches, which affect about 12% of the US population (both children and adults), are vascular in nature—where the blood vessels dilate or enlarge and irritate nerve-sensitive tissues inside the head. This usually results in throbbing, pulsating pain often on one side of the head and can include nausea and/or vomiting. Some migraine sufferers have an “aura” such as a flashing or bright light that occurs within 10-15 minutes prior to the onset while other migraine sufferers do not have an aura.

The tension-type headache is the most common type and as the name implies, is triggered by stress or some type of tension. The intensity ranges between mild and severe, usually on both sides of the head and often begin during adolescence and peak around age 30, affecting women slightly more than men. These can be episodic (come and go, ten to fifteen times a month, lasting 30 min. to several days) or chronic (more than fifteen times a month over a three-month period).

There are many other types of headaches that may be primary or secondary—when caused by an underlying illness or condition. The GOOD news is chiropractic care is often extremely helpful in managing headaches of all varieties and should be included in the healthcare team when management requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Most of know someone who has been affected by headaches. If they are looking for help and information please feel free to contact us at 204-586-8424 or at info@aberdeenchiropractic.com.

Food Myth Series

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

01-signs-healthy-fats-mufa.jpg

Over the next few weeks we will be addressing some common food myths that, frankly, drive us a little bit crazy when we hear them. Hopefully we are able to clarify some common misconceptions regarding diet and how what you eat affects how you feel and perform.

We are always open to discussion and want to hear any food myths you have heard in your travels that made you go “What?”.

So, without further delay, food myth #1:

Eating Fats Is Unhealthy

Generations of now adults have been brainwashed into believing that fats = getting fat by the Canada Food Guide. This is simply not the case. While some fats are unhealthy, plenty more have benefits that you won’t find elsewhere. A lower calorie eating plan that includes healthy fats can help people lose more weight than a similar diet that’s low in fat, according to a study in the International Journal of Obesity. Fats make food taste better, keep you fuller and help prevent overeating.

It is true that fats have more calories per gram than proteins and carbs but those calories come with health benefits that the others don’t. Healthy fats like the ones found in salmon, olive oil, nuts and avocados are key to several healthy living goals including:

1. They are a major fuel source for your body (meaning they provides a lot of calories) and are also the main way you store energy.
2. You need fat to help you absorb certain nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) and antioxidants (like lycopene and beta-carotene).
3. Fats are important in giving your cells structure.
4. Omega-3 fats, a type of unsaturated fat, are important for optimum nerve, brain and heart function.

One type of fat you don’t need? Trans fats, an artificial kind of fat found in partially hydrogenated oils and a main ingredient in the food frying process (delicious, yes, but very unhealthy).

Source

So there you go, a quick overview of why fats are important in every healthy diet. Come back next week for more food myth-busting.

health-fats-for-your-heart.jpg