Here we are on the third and final part to the series on surfing injuries and how chiropractic care can help. If you missed the first two articles, you can find them here…. In those articles we covered the neck, shoulders, chest, ribs, lower back and hips. This final piece will cover the arms and legs.

Elbow

Paddling is an essential part of surfing which means elbow pain is common, especially on the inside of the arm. “Surfer’s elbow” originates in the flexor carpi ulnaris (a muscle responsible for flexing the wrist) because of the repetitive paddling and pop ups with each wave.

Elbow pain on the outside of the elbow can be caused when the biceps muscle is worn down. This could occur during long stalls in a barreling wave or during layback snaps. Tendinitis is common in this area due to the repetitive action. This could also cause inflammation or irritation in the ulnar nerve causing burning pain shooting into the tips of the ring and small finger.

The best thing for these injuries is stretching exercises that will release the tension in the flexor. There are also exercises that can strengthen the muscles in the arm to help avoid this in the future.

Knee

The majority of all surfers have suffered from injuries and arthritis in the knee despite the fact that the time spent standing is minimal (in most cases, less than 5%). We run into a bit of a sticky issue here though. There have been numerous arguments that many exercises associated with muscle development and/or rehabilitation have been documented to actually worsen arthritis in the knee. Treadmill running, squats and leg extensions are very popular in most training circles. You will see opinions going both ways on these exercises, but the one exercise that everybody agrees on is cycling. Whether you use a stationary bike or the real thing, cycling is a great replacement for both the aerobic training and knee rehabilitation.

Anterior knee pain syndrome comes from the overuse of the body in the different forms of physical stress involved in surfing. Rest away from the board is your best option for relief.

For some surfers, overly bent knees cannot be avoided in certain situations. If the surfer is riding a fast tube backside, the “pig-dog” position, where he crouches low over his bent front knee, back leg extends back, outside hand holds onto the outside rail and his inside arm extends up, touching the face of the wave will push the patella (kneecap) of the bent knee against the thighbone.

Landing an air also causes tremendous stress to the knee. Even the slightest amount of swelling or muscle strain can cause pain at the back of the knee. Unless the knee is extremely swollen or unstable, rest, ice, compression and rehabilitation will get you back out there in no time.

Another common surfing injury comes from prolonged sitting on the surfboard where the insides of the knees are in contact with the board. This can lead to numbness and tingling in that area called “saphenous neuropathy.”  The healing time on this injury is from a few days to weeks.

Knee Knots

Like the chest and hip knots from previous articles, these come from board contact while knee paddling. These “knots” are benign masses and will go away with time away from your board. If you find that they are tender, show excessive redness or if you develop a fever, please seek immediate medical attention.

This finishes up my three-part series on surfing injuries. Neither the list of injuries nor the treatment for them is exhaustive. I hope this information has helped, and as always, if you have questions or need further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

As discussed in my previous article, living and working in Southern California has its perks. It is the perfect climate for those people who enjoy outdoor activities and surfing is one of the most popular. In the first article of this series , I covered the neck and shoulders and the types of injuries a surfer might suffer from. Let’s work our way down the body.

Chest and Rib Knots

This type of injury is unique to surfers. Chest knots or “collagenomas” are fluid-filled lumps on the ribs and sternum that come from paddling in a paddling position while short-board surfing. Draining these lumps has proven ineffective. The best treatment available is the use of ice on the swollen area and some light stretching.

Ribs

With the abuse that a surfer’s body can go through, rib injuries are very common. At any given time, there could be a bruised, strained, broken, or separated rib from surfing.  Some surfers who have high pain tolerances can push themselves too far and actually tear their ribs away from the cartilage that attaches them to the breastbone. This is called a costochondral separation. This type of injury can occur when the surfer pops up on their board or lands hard on their feet.

In the case of a rib injury, there will be pain and tenderness at the site of the injury. The person may also experience pain when they move, breathe, cough or laugh. Rest and ice for a few days will help with the selling and pain. Rib injuries do take some time to heal and could keep you out of the water for a while. Bruised ribs or costochondral separations can take 3 to 4 weeks to heal. Broken ribs take twice that and require treatment by a physician.

Low Back

The position a surfer is in as he or she paddles will often cause a spinal hyperextension in both the neck and lower back. Just think of the position that person is in as they try to see and paddle at the same time. Prolonged exposure to this can lead to a low back strain or a stress reaction of the vertebrae called “spondylolysis”. If this reaction is allowed to progress, it could cause a stress fracture in the lumbar (lower) spine. Chiropractic care can relieve the stress in the lower back, but if the pain is centered around the spine instead of the surrounding muscles, or if there is any pain shooting down the legs or into the groin, please seek medical care from a physician.

Hip

An important part of surfing, the hip flexor and surrounding muscles carry the load when surfers pop up on their boards and maneuver while riding a wave. Muscle strains in this area are common and could leave the surfer susceptible to further injury in the hip-socket. Without proper care and maintenance, it could lead to impingement, functional limitations and arthritis. Stretching can both prevent and rehabilitate these areas.

Hip Knots

Like the chest and rib knots listed above, these are associated with paddling on short-boards. These are also unique to surfers and ice and stretching are still the best treatments for this.

There will be one more article to finish up this series that will cover the arms and legs of surfers. I hope this information has helped, and as always, if you have questions or need further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

I am very fortunate to have my office in Santa Monica. Southern California gives its residents the opportunity to take advantage of the outdoors year round. It is no secret that one of the more popular outdoor sports here is surfing. If you’ve done any surfing, than I’m sure you’ve been beaten up by the ocean once or twice. Surfers are notorious for trying to “work through” their injuries and not seek medical attention. They would much rather continue to surf in pain than be told that they need step away from the beach for a while.

Sprains and strains of the shoulder, neck, back and hip are the most common injury for surfers. This type of injury can be prevented or limited in scope if they warm up and cool down properly. If you have read any of my other posts, this will sound like a broken record, but it is amazing what a difference is made with even just a short 5 minute warm up of stretching the muscles can do. For the purpose of this article, we are going to focus on the upper body, with another article covering the bottom half to follow.

It is imperative that we define these injuries and how they should be treated. Most athletes will take ibuprofen to help relieve some of the pain from a sprain or strain. Contrary to this popular belief, this could actually be counterproductive. Some pain relievers like Advil, Motrin & ibuprofen could increase scar tissue formation.

Strains are defined as partial or complete tears in a muscle and have three levels. A grade 1 strain is associated with small tears within the muscle fibers. Muscle strength stays normal healing takes 10-21 days. The muscle fibers are partially torn in grade 2 strains. The athlete will experience reduced strength and up to four weeks of physical therapy is required. A complete muscle rupture occurs in a grade 3 strain. Serious medical care and possibly an MRI is needed to fully evaluate the injury. You can expect to see swelling in grade 2-3 strains.

Most surfing injuries fall under the grade 1 category. The surfer will generally not feel pain until one to two hours after surfing or training. A break from surfing is required because a “chronic” development can lead to a build up of scar tissue and the possibility of a future rupture.

Sprains are injuries to a ligament, which are tough fibrous tissues that hold bones together across a joint. This injury can create pain or instability in the injured joint and is also listed in three levels. With grade 1 sprains there is pain and swelling, but no instability. Like the sprains, this injury is associated with small tears in the ligament. Time, rest, ice, compression wraps and elevation are required for healing. There are partial ruptures in grade 2 sprains that could cause some instability within the joint. Physical therapy may be required as well as prolonged rest, icing, compression and elevation. Grade 3 sprains may actually feel less painful than grade 2s, but there is a complete rupture of the ligament and much more swelling. A brace and possibly a surgical procedure is necessary for full healing.

The majority of surfing sprains are considered grade 1, but could progress up the spectrum if not taken care of. Chiropractic care is used often to treat surfing injuries. It is used specifically to regain the range of motion in the joint.

Neck

Chronic neck injuries typically fall under the muscle strain category. The neck muscles will spasm creating hard, tight muscles that are very tender. Pain will occur when the head is moved to either side or up and down. It is imperative to determine if the pain is emanating from the spinal column or within the muscles that surround it. Many surfers suffer this type of injury from all of the time paddling with their necks hyper-extended. Chiropractic manipulation can help relieve the tension in this area and restore the range of motion.

Shoulder

The shoulder is a popular target for surfing injuries. Because surfers are “overhead athletes,” they are susceptible to shoulder instability and injuries known as “rotator cuff strain” and “multidirectional instability”. The rotator cuff complex is what gives the shoulder stability and also connects the shoulder blades to the arms and collarbones. It is also the most vulnerable area for injury on a surfer.

Surfers my also end up with a problem with their posture where their shoulders are rounded and have a forward head posture called “upper-crossed syndrome.” This can also be treated by a Doctor of Chiropractic where the patient assumes a supine position (laying on their back) on a table.  A rolled towel or a foam pad is placed under the midline of the back. The chiropractor will gently push the shoulders toward the table, stretching the chest muscles.

If you are dying to get back on your board, but are dealing with pain like what has been described here, a chiropractor can get you back out there before you know it. Why suffer when you get back out there pain free?

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

Recently I was in the market for a new mattress. Most people see that selecting the best mattress for them can help their neck and back. The confusing part is that the idea of comfort is subjective. Most consumers look to the mattress salesperson as their primary resource. S/he must rely on the customer’s perception of comfort using a mattress “test-drive” in the middle of a store for 30 seconds as his evidence.

To complicate matters further, many mattress companies use special labeling that make comparison shopping nearly impossible. You will not find the same mattress in each store, because each store sells it under a different product name or model number.

Mattress features are also difficult to compare.  Companies will list coil count, but do not disclose the gauge of steel used. The lower the gauge, the stronger the coil. Some mattresses have high coil counts but use lower-quality steel (higher-gauge). This will result in decreased support.

The quality of foams and padding are extremely important, but density and type mean nothing to the average consumer. Most people think the longer the warranty, the better the mattress. Manufacturers try to capitalize on that by extending warranties as a marketing ploy without improving the quality of the mattress. The best advice mattress organizations give on selecting a mattress? Lay on it with your significant other.

Using a chiropractic point of view, properly fitted mattresses can decrease back pain by 57% and reduce back stiffness by 59%. As a chiropractor, I can help patients choose sleep systems using the same technique as with back supports, pillows and orthotics. An informed Doctor of Chiropractic will discuss the condition of a patient’s mattress as part of their spinal health care. Here are a few things to be aware of:

• Inner spring mattresses are the most popular of all mattresses sold. They are recommended most by medical doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors.
• Mattresses and box springs are sold as a set for a reason. They are designed to work together for optimal support and comfort. It is important to replace the mattress and box spring as a set. The warranty on your mattress could even be voided if it is not set up on the matching box spring.
• Domestically, there are over a thousand mattress manufacturers and most make more than one brand. Many have similar features but use different names and patents to project a unique marketing image. Due to the many subtle differences, doctors must be wary when recommending a specific brand or manufacturer in order to avoid a mistake at the point of purchase.

Plush and pillowtop mattresses both offer similar advantages over firm mattresses. They both offer an added layer of padding and cushioning to the mattress that gives the impression of sinking in. The extra cushioning also absorbs movement of a sleeping partner so you rest better. Pillowtop mattresses are the thickest available.

One thing to consider when purchasing a pillowtop mattress, is that it can not usually be flipped over due to the top layer interfering with making the mattress level and supported on top of the box spring or frame. Also, due to the extra thickness standard-size bed sheets may not fit properly over the mattress.

Plush mattresses offer a good compromise between firm and pillowtop. The extra cushioning provides a softer surface without compromising firmness. A plush mattress can also be flipped and standard sheets will usually fit a plush mattress.

Before recommending a mattress, I review the patient’s health and sleep history. The health history helps me to identify problem areas in the body that may need added support or systemic problems that may require specialized bedding. The sleep history should include the current type of mattress, a description of bedtime rituals and sleeping environment and their preferred sleeping positions. A chiropractic evaluation may also provide important information for a mattress recommendation.

The following issues should be addressed when recommending a mattress to a patient:

• Arthritis and fibromyalgia: Patients who suffer from painful joints usually prefer cushioning that disperses their weight across the greatest body surface. These patients often have spinal complaints as well. The proper balance of cushioning and support requires a higher-end mattress.

• Upper back and neck pain: Upper back and neck pain usually goes with softer or plushier bedding. This allows the head and thoracic area to sink into the bed to support the cervical area. A pillow-top mattress may be a good recommendation. Several types of pillows may also provide extra support for the neck.

• Lower back pain: Most patients prefer beds that are more firm. This prevents the lower back from sinking too deep into the bed. Higher-end mattresses provide plenty of support along with comfortable padding, while lower-end models provide the firmness, but with less comfort.

• Side-lying sleepers: Plush mattresses provide the best way to maintain the natural shape of your body while sleeping. Plush bedding cradles the body and disperses the weight of the body across the maximum surface area.

• Stomach sleepers: Sleeping on your stomach on a soft bed can create stress on your spine. Your pelvis and belly compress the bedding as well. A firmer mattress is best in this situation.

A chiropractor is most likely the best resource you will find when looking for a proper mattress. Drastic changes in your life with a simple change. After all, a good night’s rest can do wonders for the mind, body and soul.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

An allergy is categorized as a disorder of the immune system. A person can be allergic to just about anything: pollens, chemicals, drugs, foods, drinks,  water, herbs, vitamins, clothing, jewelry, bee stings, paint, plastics, grasses—even people.

Allergic reactions usually occur when normally harmless substances known as allergens cause reactions in an individual. Allergy symptoms can range from mild complaints to life-threatening illnesses. Common allergic reactions include hay fever, asthma attacks, eczema and hives. Medical scientists are still researching to find the exact cause and nature of allergies.

Conventional medicine uses several methods to diagnose allergies in patients. They include the patch, scratch, intradermal and blood tests such as the RAST and ELIZA tests.  Generally, the treatment for allergies is drug therapy using either antihistamines or steroids to control the symptoms. This does not correct the underlying issue however and the patient can experience serious long-term side effects from the drugs. Completely avoiding an environment in which the allergens would be present is the most effective treatment option. This is not a realistic answer in many situations, and in some cases it is absolutely impossible.

Enter Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques, also known as NAET®. These are non-invasive, drug free, natural solutions to eliminate all sorts of allergies using a blend of philosophies including acupuncture/acupressure, chiropractic, nutritional, and kinesiological disciplines of medicine among others.

One allergen is treated at a time. If a patient is not severely immune deficient, one treatment may be all that is required to desensitize that one allergen. A person with mild to moderate amount of allergies may take about 15-20 office visits to desensitize 15-20 food and environmental allergens.

NAET® has successfully eliminated adverse reactions to shellfish, animal dander, egg, milk, chemicals, peanuts, penicillin, aspirin, mushrooms, latex, grass, ragweed, flowers, perfume, make-up, cigarette smoke and other environmental agents.

In NAET®, a holistic perspective is used, based on Oriental Medical principles. The effect an allergic substance has is defined in terms of the energy flow in the body.

The allergen is viewed by the brain as a threat to the body’s well-being. It causes blockages in the energy pathways called meridians, disrupting the normal flow of energy through the body’s electrical circuits. This blockage causes interference in the communication between the brain and body via the nervous system. This triggers a chain of events that can develop into an allergic response.

Undiagnosed allergies can often be the cause of common or chronic illnesses that, if left untreated, can become serious or critical. The brain signals to the body that energy blockages are in the body through inflammation, headaches, illness, fever heart attacks, strokes and other physical, physiological or psychological maladies. The imbalance of energy in the body causes a diminished state of health.

NAET® helps the body achieve balance (homeostasis) and normal health by reprogramming the brain and removing blockages from the energy pathways.

There are three levels that allergies exist on: physical (mechanical), chemical (nutritional), or cellular (emotional).  NAET® addresses all three levels.  Physical or chemical allergies do not return once cleared.  Cellular allergies can return due to a new emotional experience and new treatment would be required.

This is an innovative treatment for allergies that is non-invasive, painless and completely natural. It can be used on patients of any age, from newborn to the elderly. It complements traditional medicine using drug therapy (e.g. antibiotics, chemotherapy, radiation) to treat for any side effects and to maximize the effectiveness of the drugs.

New technology, chemicals and products are created every day increasing potential allergens for many people.  NAET® can be wonderfully easy solution to those sufferers out there. It could provide relief and empower that person to live a better life in this modern world.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

Anybody who works in an office has come to know the term ergonomics over the past decade. It has become an increasingly popular theme, especially when planning work stations. Many of us sit in those Star Trek-looking chairs and use other items that help streamline our work process. Ergonomics affects every part of our lives without many of us every really noticing.

It’s more than chairs and desks. There are products out there that can help you with everything from how you sleep to travelling, even playing video games. Most of these objects are listed in big catalogs and on web sites with little in the way of education and advice.

Of course, when you go to a site, you are reading all of these wonderful things about each item as the owner of those sites are trying to sell you that product. The question is whether that product you are reading about really what you are looking for and whether it does what it says it does. After all, the catalogs and sites are trying to “sell” the product and not necessarily take care of your need.

You can put your worries aside now. At www.ergonecessities.com, we have a web site where every item listed is recommended and endorsed by a Doctor of Chiropractic and Clinical Ergonomic Specialist. There are products and articles for each part of the body that can be affected, such as your knees, hips, spine, head and elbow. There is an interactive “body” where you scroll your mouse to the part that is bothering you. Click on that part and a slew of ideas will be right there at your fingertips.

With each item, there is a brief review and links to Amazon so you can purchase the product. A few examples of what you will find on the site are the Black Swopper Chair, the Rejuvenation Millet Pillow and the 3M Copy Holder and Flat Panel Mount. I fully endorse and recommend each of these products to help you with your individual needs.

I have over 20 years experience dealing with poor office work conditions and the use of ergonomics. I also bring almost 15 years of chiropractic experience with me to help you make the right choices in regards to ergonomic products.

I created this site to give you access to this knowledge and experience. These suggested products help you in being proactive in your work and life. The intention is to create more ease and less physical stress in your body as most musculoskeletal (upper and lower body) pain is preventable with the right ergonomics.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

The job description of a Doctor of Chiropractic has always been more than about adjusting your spine. It’s about life’s balance. If you keep all areas of your life in balance, life stays a lot less stressful and overwhelming.

With that in mind, we have provided articles on different topics such as last week’s article on Whole Body Vibration or the Blood Type Diet. Continuing down that path, we bring you the Lifestream Generator.

The Lifestream Generator uses radiant energy waves (500,000 to 2.5 Million volts D.C. micro-current generation) to send a “unified field of energy” through the patient. The human body carries an electric charge and this will re-charge (yes, like a battery) the cell voltage throughout your body to 90% of its original state. There is over a century of research from Nikola Tesla, George Lakhovsky, Royal R. Rife and George W. Van Tassel that has combined to create this product.

As your body handles whatever lifestyle you throw at it, stress, over-exertion, poor diet, lack of exercise, etc. will weaken the cells in your body and disease, sickness and emotional stress can occur. Exposure to radiant energy will increase the charge in your cells. When your body is fully charged, it creates a balance. Like anything that needs to be re-charged, everything works better when the batteries are full.

From birth to about the age of 23, your cells are running at full power. This assists in your growth over the years. At you age past 23, the voltage level in your cells begin to decrease. For every 10 years you lose approximately 10% of your cell power. The more this progresses, the more your mind and body will go into conservation mode.

This is the basis behind the Lifestream Generator. It gives the body and mind the ability to restore that natural balance. This feeling is also known as “resonant cellular harmony.” This happens when all cells find the same harmonic pitch. This fluid vibrancy causes minimal if any imbalance in the body. It is simple to use. The machine has an antenna that emits the radiant energy. Up to 8 people can sit around the device. Depending on the age of the patient, the sessions last from 2-20 minutes. The energy travels right through you.

According to the Lifestream Generator website, it will help:

• Improve Performance
• Achieve Goals
• Eliminate Stimulants and Dependencies
• Reduce Visible Aging
• Increase Memory
• Restore Mental Balance
• Increased Energy
• Manage Stress
• Be Healthy
• Increase Longevity
• Sharpen Mental Clarity
• Live in Perfect Balance

Radiant energy is a state of energy that can be found in nature. Recent discoveries in this area in specifically in reference to exposure have had promising results. It works at the cellular level to clear the energy on the mental, physical, and spiritual level. It’s also very good at restoring imbalances created by other energies such as EMF, RFI, power lines, etc. There are many studies that document the link between EMF, power lines and leukemia, especially in children. Radiant wave energy can help your body remove these charges (there is no documentation that this can prevent or eliminate cancer).

While anybody can use the machine for group settings, a certified practitioner can use this same technology to focus on specific spots on the body. Certifications are offered through the company that has created the machine, Zero Point Research. Studies are currently underway to see the effects in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Doctors of Chiropractic can balance the brain and body through the central nervous system. Radiant wave technology balances your body at the cellular level. These methods complement each other and can help you feel better.

To seek a practitioner who uses Lifestream endorsed by Dr. Lynn Kerew, who has seen Vivian herself, please go to http://www.preventthepain.com/.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is the use of mechanical vibrations that are transmitted to the body through a vibration plate at set frequencies or repetitions per second. This mechanical stimulus causes involuntary muscle contractions. This means that the muscles react to the vibration by contracting and relaxing automatically. Depending on the setting of the machine, the contractions can be long and pronounced, or shorter with recovery times between.

Clinical studies have shown that WBV can vastly improve muscle strength, performance and flexibility. There is also documentation that it can enhance blood and lymph circulation, which is critical to the regeneration of damaged tissues. Another use for WBV is to assist the circulatory system’s ability to deliver vital nutrients and hormones throughout the body.

Studies have compared WBV to standard resistance training that is popular in most fitness centers. Where resistance training tends to work 40% of the targeted muscles, WBV encompasses all of the muscles. Used as a stand-alone exercise, or to complement your existing regimen, WBV can increase your training results in a fraction of the time. WBV does not put the body through the physical stress of traditional exercise, so patients with debilitating conditions can use this method to improve their overall fitness and potentially increase their quality of life like never before.

Basically, the patient just stands on the machine doing nothing but listening to their favorite music or watching television. Regardless of age, sex, physical or neurological condition, this treatment is easily accessible. This is an opportunity for certain patients that would otherwise, not have the ability to rehabilitate or exercise.

The Soviet Union first developed Whole Body Vibration Therapy to condition their cosmonauts to get used to the feeling of weightlessness in outer space. Scientific studies over several decades confirm the remarkable restorative powers and safety of WBV. The difference is shown when you compare Soviet cosmonauts that have lived in space for more than a year (420 days) without suffering the serious health effects of weightlessness. Their American rivals, who did not use WBV conditioning were able to live in space for only 120 days due to muscle weakness and lowered bone density.

Clinical Applications of Whole Body Vibration Therapy

WBV is now being used in the medical field for the prevention and treatment of many injuries, illnesses and adverse health conditions.

Lower Back Pain:
WBV strengthens the weakened lower back muscles that cause back pain. If you have an acute back herniation, you should consult with a physician before using WBV Therapy.

Stress:
In times of stress, the body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. This can throw the immune system out of balance and destroy brain cells. WBV increases serotonin (the “healthy, stress-free hormone”) secretion, lowers cortisol and epinephrine secretion by 31%, and enhances circulation. This all counteracts the effects of stress on the body and spirit.

Emphysema:
Due to this condition, patients generally can not do any kind of strenuous exercise because of the constant shortness of breath. WBV enables patients to exercise in ways they’ve never been able to before. This will help them achieve the type of results that cardio-fitness training such as walking or even running does.

Arthritis and Rheumatism:
WBV increases blood circulation in the joints and improves the flexibility and range of motion as well as reduce pain.

Multiple Sclerosis/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:
Normally, messages are sent through our Central Nervous System to our muscles as we exercise. Patients of MS/ALS have lost the ability to control their muscles. WBV activates the muscles directly without relying on the nervous system. This helps patients feel better, have more energy and experience less pain.

Osteoporosis:
A disease that affects mostly women, hormonal imbalances cause bones to become fragile from decalcification. WBV can increase bone density, which will reverse the effects of osteoporosis.

WBV can also be used to help with cellulite and weight loss. The results are documented and amazing. When combined with traditional chiropractic techniques, the opportunity for many patients to have a lifestyle they never thought would be possible again, is right at their finger tips.

To seek a practitioner endorsed by Dr. Lynn Kerew, who has seen Vivian herself, please go to http://www.preventthepain.com/.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

Chronic back pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months. It is not necessarily continuous, but it seems to always be there. 50 billion dollars a year is spent on the treatment of back pain in this country. It is one of the most common neurological complaints and can be debilitating if not treated properly.

The common sources of chronic pain include injuries that don’t ever heal completely, injuries to the nervous system and long-term diseases. The common denominator in all sources of chronic pain is the failure to completely heal.

There are two types of pain generally identified with back pain:

• Neuropathic pain – caused by damage to nerve tissue, usually associated with a sharp stabbing pain or burning sensation. Pinched nerves and herniated disks are good examples of neuropathic pain.
• Nociceptive pain – caused by injury or disease outside of the nervous system, typically defined as a constant dull pain or ache.

Chronic back pain can be a result of either type of pain. It is usually found in men and women between the age of 30 and 50, however lifestyle practices and injuries are also sources of any chronic or acute pain. Spinal degeneration and disc disease, which will bring on chronic pain, does increase with age though.

The onset of this kind of injury can be a life altering experience. Daily routines or chores that are normally taken for granted and completed without effort, become exercises in pain and frustration. For some, simply getting out of bed in the morning has become a monumental task.

While prescription medicine is common for those who suffer from chronic pain, neither it nor standard medical procedures can typically ease the suffering.  Temporary relief may be found for a little while, but the pain will continue in various intensities. This type of injury is debilitating and has the ability to cause depression. Studies have shown that depression is nearly four times more likely in people who suffer from chronic back pain.

Doctors of Chiropractic may differ on their techniques and theory of pain; some using modern explanations from neurology and orthopedics, while others apply Palmer’s theory of subluxation. However, all chiropractors use spinal adjustments for the treatment of pain. Chiropractic is extremely effective in the treatment of chronic pain that is associated with an injury that affects the nervous system. This type of treatment is also effective in re-introducing normal function to the muscles, joints and vascular system.  This will assist in eliminating the root causes of chronic pain.

Most Doctors of Chiropractic will supplement the treatment of chronic pain by using other therapies, such as trigger point therapy and massage. They may also use nutrition and suggest a regimen of vitamins, minerals and other supplements to strengthen the overall treatment.

An October 2005 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) shows that the costs of chiropractic and medical care for treating chronic low-back pain are comparable. However, chiropractic care produced significantly better results.

2,780 chronic low-back patients received treatment from 60 chiropractors and 111 medical doctors. The results of chiropractic treatment showed higher pain relief and satisfaction with the care and lower disability scores than that from medical care.

There have been several cost-effectiveness studies internationally that have favorably compared chiropractic to medical care. This was the first to compare low-back treatment costs and outcomes within the structure of the American health care system.

When used together, chiropractic and these other related therapies are extremely effective treatments for pain. There are no drug side effects, no surgery or other high-cost medical treatment. Patients dealing with this issue may find chiropractic just the right therapy for long term pain management, and perhaps even the elimination of pain.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

The problem is that there is so much noise when it comes to diet and exercise. Everybody has a different way to go about it and they all swear by amazing results in short periods of time. Whether it’s “Sweating to the Oldies,” “Tae-bo,” Atkins, the South Beach Diet or any other trend, it all comes down to time, effort and discipline. A diet does not mean having a diet Coke with your Big Mac meal.

My goal is to help educate and make every reader think for his or her self. Not every idea is perfect for every person. With that, I would like to discuss another type of diet. This one is called “The Blood Type Diet.” Naturopathic physician Peter D’Adamo has written several books on this subject and believes that the most important factor in what kind of diet a person should use is based on their blood type. There are separate diets for individuals with each of the different blood types.

D’Adamo continuously refers to the work done by biochemists and glycobiologists on blood groups. His claim is that their research supports his theory. His books state that human blood type is “the key to the body’s ability to differentiate self from non-self.” In D’Adamo’s view, Lectins or sugar binding proteins, in foods react differently with each of the blood types. There is also a difference with an individual’s secretor status. He claims that these lectins interact with the different blood type antigens can be “incompatible and harmful.” It is this philosophy that has created the different diets for A, AB, B, and O types.

This revolutionary theory is based on work by William C. Boyd, an immunochemist and blood type anthropologist. His worldwide survey of the distribution of blood groups is contained in his book, Genetics and the Races of Man: An Introduction to Modern Physical Anthropology. It is here that Boyd shows that, by genetic analysis of blood groups, human races are populations that differ according to their alleles. An allele is any one of a number of alternative forms of the same gene occupying a specific position on a chromosome. This is just part of the make up of what makes each of us different.

Boyd then divided the world population into 13 geographically distinct races with slightly different frequency distributions of blood group genes. D’Adamo groups the thirteen races by blood type, to create the different diets:

* Blood type O: “The Hunter” – the earliest human blood group. D’Adamo claims that this group should eat a higher protein diet. He bases this on the premise that this was the first blood type, originating 30,000 years ago.

* Blood type A: “The Cultivator” – dating back to the dawn of agriculture, 20,000 years ago. This diet emphasizes vegetables and is free of red meat; a vegetarian-based diet.

* Blood type B: “The Nomad” – This group is believed to have a strong immune system and a flexible digestive system (estimated arrival 10,000 years ago). D’Adamo claims that this group is the only one who can thrive on dairy products.

* Blood type AB: “The Enigma” – This diet is treated as a hybrid of the blood types A and B. This blood type evolved approximately 1,000 years ago.

Each blood type has specific food groups that are positive, neutral or foods to ideally avoid.  I usually ask my patients to highlight those foods they gravitate towards or tend to eat a lot of. The easiest thing to do is focus on the “avoid” category, as positive and neutral categories are not ones to be concerned with.  We systematically go through this negative group until we discover which food may be the culprit for their health issue whether it is allergies, headaches or even muscle pain.  Of course, this is all taken with respect to their lifestyle and also any medications they may currently be on.

Like any other breakthrough, there is controversy tied to this diet. The major consensus among dieticians, physicians, and scientists is that this theory is unsupported by scientific evidence. Many of D’Adamo’s claims are unsubstantiated and there is a complete lack of any published clinical trials by the physician.

I have used this diet myself and found it to be very helpful for diet related allergies I was having and have introduced it to several patients where about 85% of them reported great results when following the diet.

An internet survey conducted by D’Adamo’s website with 6,627 subjects claimed that people following the Blood Type Diet for one month or more, had significant improvement in a variety of health conditions in 71-78% of cases. The most common reported improvement was weight. The issue here is that the results are “self-reported,” and there is no statement on how this information was gathered.

This is a very interesting concept, but you must make sure to do your own research. Look it up online, read D’Adamo’s books and decide for yourself. No matter what you do, try to at least make your New Year’s Resolution last until Valentine’s Day.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.