Move It or Lose It Baby Boomers!
Posted on 10. Apr, 2010 by Oxnard Chiropractor in chiropractic
“Move it or lose it” captures the chiropractic philosophy in a nutshell, especially when it comes to aging. As we age, our joints lose much of their “natural” mobility mostly due to wear and tear over the years and age-related moisture decline. Unless we, boomers, make a concerted effort to get regular exercise and stretch daily, and perhaps to get periodic chiropractic manipulation to maintain or increase joint mobility, boomers are cruising towards a future of mobility-related disabilities that will be costly both in healthcare needs and quality of life in general. Which direction are a large number of baby boomers cruising? According to new study, the number of middle-aged Americans with certain mobility-related disabilities, (including walking a quarter-mile and climbing 10 steps) is on the rise. That’s right! The study, based on a National health Interview Survey carried out each year from 1997 to 2007, which included up to 15,000 individuals annually, revealed that more than 40 percent (that’s too close to half!) of 50 to 64 year olds reported having problems with at least one of nine physical functions and many reported more than one difficulty.
There was also an increase in the number of people using special equipment, like a cane or wheelchair, to get around. Moreover, an increased number of people reported needing help with daily personal care activities, such as getting out of bed and moving around the home. “This a disappointing trend with potentially far-reaching and long-term negative consequences,” said Richard Suzman, director of the Division of Behavioral and Social Research at the National Institute on Aging, which funded the study. “If people have such difficulties in middle age, how can we expect that this age group — today’s baby boomers — will be able to take care of itself with advancing age? If it continues, this trend could have a significant effect on the need for long-term care in the future.”The researchers note that the study was based on people’s self-reports, which could affect the results.
For more on the study, which was published in the April issue of the journal Health Affairs, go to LiveScience.com.
Your Oxnard Chiropractor Reveals That Most Disc Problems, Including Sciatica, Can Be Alleviated
Posted on 28. Jul, 2009 by admin in sciatica
Your Oxnard Chiropractor, Dr. Donald Bolt, is an expert when it comes to knowledge and treatment of your entire musculoskeletal system. In his years of experience he has become convinced that most disc problems, including sciatica, can be alleviated. If you suffer from sciatica, you are, unfortunately, all too familiar with the deep pain that accompanies your daily activities. Sciatic pain often travels from the low back through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg, and even into the knee.
The clinical diagnosis of sciatica is referred to as a “radiculopathy”, which means simply that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve.
Increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, as well as imbalances in the muscles encompassing the spine can happen during and after prolonged sitting, specifically in a awkward position. Often a particular event or injury does not cause sciatica, but rather it tends to develop as a result of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. Eventually the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses.
Ultimately, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, letting the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it produces the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, an individual can develop sciatica.
With chiropractic adjustments and care, which often includes postural exercises, most disc challenges, including sciatica, can often be eliminated. If you are experiencing sciatic pain, it is essential for you to seek chiropractic attention. Call Dr. Bolt, your Chiropractor in Oxnard. He can help!
Are You Wondering If Chiropractic Care Can Help Your Arthritis Pain? Your Oxnard Chiropractor Provides The Answer
Posted on 26. Jul, 2009 by admin in arthritis
Chicago Chiropractor and Arthritis
Your Oxnard Chiropractor, Dr. Donald Bolt, wants you to know as much as possible about arthritis and the benefits of chiropractic care. Please watch the video and read the information below. Then, call your chiropractor!
Arthritis is universally confusing to most people. Often the word, “arthritis,” produces fear of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints. However “arthritis” is a very general word that comprises many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will limit this discourse to the most common forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care
Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the terms for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the degradation of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces. When joint cartilage is injured, the sensitive bone tissue that is normally protected by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are more commonly called bone spurs. These spurs can produce painful irritation to other tissues adjacent to the joint, thus complicating the already distressing condition.
As a rule areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, particularly in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, the hips and the fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to influence both the onset and severity of DJD.
Pain and/or stiffness in the affected joints are primary indicators of DJD. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, ones mobility can be affected especially in the more advanced stages of the condition. In some cases, if the joint is sufficiently worn and the person can no longer walk without severe pain, the joints are surgically replaced with synthetic devices. Of course, one should attempt to manage the condition early on in ones life to avoid the need for surgery.
The best management of DJD is, without exception, prevention that involves taking care of ones joints at an early age.
- Making sure that all injuries to joints are correctly treated will help to avoid future problems.
- Shoes with suitable support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs demand extended periods of standing or walking.
- Excess body weight can produce increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.
- Care should be taken to protect knees from pain aad strain when kneeling on hard surfaces.
- The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants included in fruits and vegetables are essential for healthy joints and a healthy body.
Recently there have been some studies that reveal that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and can possibly help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over an extended period and does not work in all conditions.
Chiropractic adjustments are not only safe, but an effective treatment for arthritis, and can assist in restoring proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your Oxnard chiropractor has many of years of experience in helping people with arthritis pain. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is used to secure the joint and relieve pain. A chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.
Gout
Gouty arthritis is generated by increased levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by excruciating pain and swelling. A large number of people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are more often than not brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Particular foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms have the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, the accumulation in the bloodstream produces joint problems. In addition to the foods specified and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions need to be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The direct cause is not known, but it is thought to be due to a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, although other areas of the body can be affected as well. Morning stiffness aggravated by movement is generally associated with the disease. Further symptoms can consist of general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. There are particularized blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic manipulations. In addition, joint mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy and massage can help with the pain and stiffness associated the condition.
Dr. Bolt, your Chiropractor in Oxnard, is dedicated to supporting individuals in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.
Your Oxnard Chiropractor Discusses Recent Survey: Chiropractic Patients Report High Satisfaction
Posted on 16. Jun, 2009 by admin in back pain
Dr. Donald Bolt, your Oxnard Chiropractor, wants you to know about a recent survey on back pain and patient satisfaction he found “highly satisfying.” A recent Consumer Reports survey included 14,000 Consumer Reports subscribers, found that “hands-on” therapies, led by chiropractic care, were the top-rated treatments for people suffering from back pain. In fact, chiropractors were given the highest “satisfaction with care” ratings, well above those given to medical doctors who administered various forms of care to back pain sufferers
The survey, reported in the publication’s May 2009 issue, found that more than half of the respondents had “pain (that) severely limited their daily routine for a week or longer, and 88 percent said it recurred throughout the year.” The report stated that while many go to a primary care physician first for diagnosis and treatment, the majority were disappointed with the results.
On the other hand, 59 percent reported that they were “highly satisfied” with the care they received from chiropractors. The next highest rated practitioners were physical therapists (55 percent) and acupuncturists (53 percent), followed by “specialized” physicians (44 percent) and primary care physicians (34 percent).
Respondents were also asked to rate the types of treatments they received. Again, chiropractic/spinal manipulation got top honors, with 58 percent rating it as “helping a lot.” Spinal injections were next highest, rated at 51 percent, followed by massage (48 percent) and physical therapy (46 percent). Other highly rated treatments included prescription medications (45 percent), yoga (44 percent), movement therapy and acupuncture (both 41 percent).
According to a Dynamic Chiropractic article on that report, “Chiropractic ranked first out of 11 treatments, including massage, acupuncture, and exercise, in its ability to treat back pain. More readers said that chiropractic ‘helped me feel much better’ than any of the other therapies.” Prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs ranked eighth and 10th, respectively.
So, if you’ve been “highly satisfied” with your chiropractic care, you’re not alone! In fact, more and more people are turning to chiropractic treatment not only for back pain relief, but for a wide variety of painful conditions from sports and repetitive stress injuries to arthritis. And, if you’ve never tried chiropractic, give Dr. Bolt, your Chiropractor in Oxnard, a call today and find out what you’ve been missing!
A public version of the report can be found on the Consumer Reports Web site
Your Oxnard Chiropractor Knows About PMS
Posted on 06. Jun, 2009 by admin in womens health
Dr. Donald Bolt, your Oxnard Chiropractor, knows from his many years as a doctor that your PMS symptoms are not just in your head. At one time or another, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects and estimated 90% of women and nearly 20% of those women afflicted experience severe to disabling symptoms. Suggesting to a woman that her PMS is “just in her head” can be not only just plain risky, it’s also just plain non-factual! There are physiological origins of PMS in most cases, including one that might surprise you — spinal misalignment. That’s right. Your back could actually be the culprit. Spinal subluxations, expressly in the lower back, can commonly generate a complex variety of female health conditions in addition to Premenstrual Syndrome, such as pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, incontinence, and even infertility.
How can chiropractic treatment help to relieve the symptoms of PMS? Chiropractic manipulations get rid of nerve restriction in your body. Your nervous system governs and regulates every cell, fiber, tissue, organ, and system in your body. This includes your reproductive system. If your reproductive system isn’t functioning properly as the result of nerve impedance, it can cause a variety of symptoms such as those connected with PMS. When your reproductive system is overactive, you might experience agitation, pain, heavy bleeding, or severe cramping. Missed periods or infertility can be caused by an under-activity reproductive system. On the positive side, if nerve disturbance is generating your PMS symptoms, then chiropractic treatment can assist because adjustments restore harmony and balance to your nervous system and, hence, assisting it in functioning more normally.
A larger number of women experience an improvement in their reproductive health, in conjunction with improved general health, while under chiropractic care. So, if you’ve been thinking that your PMS is just in head, think again! And, make an appointment to see Dr. Bolt, your Chiropractor in Oxnard, as soon as possible. Chiropractic care is an all natural answer for PMS that could help you to avoid periodic misery, without medication, and keep you pain-free and energetic all month long.
If You Have Scoliosis, Your Oxnard Chiropractor Can Help
Posted on 22. Jan, 2009 by admin in Oxnard Chiropractic, scoliosis
Oxnard Chiropractor, Dr. Donald Bolt, treats many people who have developed scoliosis. He wants you to know as much as possible about this condition. Scoliosis is an atypical side-to-side (lateral) curvature of the spine. It isn’t confined to a definite age group. If you are not knowledgeable about the way scoliosis presents itself, you may inadvertently confuse it with weak posture because, as a rule, someone who has scoliosis gives the appearance of leaning to one side. However, there are obvious ways to observe the distinction between bad posture and scoliosis.
If you were to look at a person afflicted by scoliosis in a standing position, you would very likely observe that one shoulder is higher than the other, and that the scapula (shoulder blade) is raised or more prominent. You might also see increased area in between the arm and the body on one side if the individual’s arms were hanging unhampered at his or her sides. In additionl, one hip will likely be raised or more pronounced than the other. And lastly, the head will not be in plumb with the pelvis.
Scoliosis can be mild in nature or quite severe. In fact, both pulmonary and cardiac functions can be hindered if the curve and rib rotation are severe enough. The cause of scoliosis in 85 percent of cases is unknown. This type of scoliosis (Idiopathic) tends to run in families and is considered to have a genetic component.
In general, Idiopathic Scoliosis develops during adolescence when the body is completing the last major growth spurt. Girls more frequently develop this type of scoliosis. A scoliotic curve, if found, should be monitored for any progression. Your chiropractor can provide periodic examinations and, if necessary, will suggest standing x-rays.
As mentioned above, most (nearly 90 percent) of scoliotic curvatures are mild to moderate, and do not require a brace. Therefore, regular chiropractic care in these cases by a chiropractor, like Dr. Bolt, your Chiropractor in Oxnard, would be therapeutic in both in decreasing and adjusting any compensatory musculoskeletal conditions that might happen.
