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Overland Chiropractic11791 W 112th St. Suite 101
Overland Park, KS 66210
(913) 345-9247
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Posts Tagged ‘alleviating back pain’
October 12-20 is Bone and Joint National Action Week
Thursday, October 13th, 2011
Autumn is here! Although we usually think of Spring as the season for renewal, fall can be a great time to re-focus after the hot summer months.
October 12-20 is Bone and Joint National Action Week. This observance focuses on disorders including arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis, and trauma. Did you know that nearly half of the American population over the age of 18 -48% of us- are affected by bone and joint conditions? These conditions are the most common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability worldwide. (Source: United States Bone and Joint Initiative website)
At Overland Chiropractic, we provide comprehensive care for many musculoskeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, headaches, and extremity and low back pain. In the September issue of Kansas City Health & Wellness Magazine, our office has been recognized for our Cox Technic chiropractic treatment, a natural, gentle, and safe method for alleviating nerve compression and spinal pain. We use a specialized flexion distraction table to traction areas of the spine, increase the size of nerve openings, and restore more freedom of movement. Flexion distraction is one of the most-researched techniques for treating low back pain.
Take time this autumn to rejuvenate your body…there is no better time than now to get relief. Call our office at 913-345-9247 to find out if you are a candidate for this specialized treatment. You can read more about Cox Flexion Distraction Technic by going to http://www.kchealthandwellness.com/ and clicking on “Past Issues”.
Dr. Robert E. Patterson, Jr. is now a Certified Chiropractic Posture Therapy Specialist (CCPTS)
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
Overland Chiropractic, a Creating Wellness Center, is pleased to announce that Dr. Robert E. Patterson, Jr. is now a Certified Chiropractic Posture Therapy Specialist (CCPTS). Dr. Patterson completed a 36-hour certification course through Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri. “Our practice is focused on the patient as a whole,” explains Dr. Patterson. “Strong posture helps you move more effectively and reduces mechanical stress in nearly every part of your body. We are excited to offer an innovative Posture Program for our patients.” Currently, Dr. Patterson is the only Certified Chiropractic Posture Therapy Specialist in the State of Kansas.
Overland Chiropractic is located near College Blvd. and Quivira Rd. at 11791 W 112th St, Suite 101, Overland Park, Kansas 66210. The phone number 913-345-9247. For more information, visit overlandchiro.com.
Posture Month Continued: COMPENSATION
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
COMPENSATION – The 4th Posture Principle
You are probably sitting as you read this blog – at a computer desk, in an easy chair with your laptop, or enjoying the outdoors with your smart phone. And how you are sitting has most likely not crossed your mind. You are sitting the way you always sit…without thinking about your posture.
Your body has learned to move in the patterns it has been taught. Sitting, walking, crossing your legs or arms in your own unique pattern….it has all been learned over time. In fact, try this:
- Cross your arms
- Observe – is your left or right forearm on top?
- Now, cross your arms again, but this time put the OPPOSITE forearm on top. Doesn’t it feel awkward (if you can even do it at all)?
Dr. Steven Weiniger, founder of BodyZone, explains the above exercise this way: “The body moves in a pattern of motion which follows the path of least resistance. Reversing the top forearm moves your arms, shoulder girdle and neck in an unfamiliar pattern. Habits, old injuries and your unique body type cause muscles to strengthen and joints to stretch in your ‘normal’ pattern of motion.”
This is also known as Compensation. Compensation allows us to get better at creating the habits that shape our body. These habits can be good, or they can be bad. Bad habits begin taking hold when injury, then pain, cause us to compensate and avoid pain. As Dr. Weiniger puts it, “Over time, a vicious spiral of compensation and adaptation weakens posture, balance and joint stability and sets the stage for new injury, chronic pain, and joint degeneration (osteoarthritis.)”
A February article on the Center for Disease Control’s website states the following: “Research shows that pain or fear of pain, fear of worsening symptoms or damaging joints, and lack of information on how to exercise safely prevent people with arthritis from being physically active. Not being physically active is a risk factor for many other chronic diseases and interferes with management of these conditions.” Clearly, breaking the Pain Cycle is key to not only living better now, but also for preventing further serious illness.
Posture training can help break the pain cycle by reducing muscle and joint stress, and thereby preventing injury and further breakdown. Overland Chiropractic is offering our patients, their families, and their friends a Free Posture Photo Analysis. Please call our office at 913-345-9247 to take advantage of this offer for yourself and a loved one. Why put off living better and aging well? Let’s begin, together, today!
Posture Month continued: Patterns
Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
PATTERNS – The 3rd Posture Principle By Kelley Patterson
Just under a year ago, I made a commitment to leave my “couch potato” lifestyle and began exercising on a more regular basis. To age well, I knew that I needed to get moving. “Hypokinetic Disease” is a term drafted by Drs. Kraus and Raab in their 1961 book, and it means degeneration which occurs from a sedentary lifestyle. Hypokinetic Disease includes obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, and Type 2 diabetes. Peggy Kraus (Examiner.com) writes, “70% of our population have some type of hypokinetic disease… In spite of the fact that exercise reduces body weight, lowers cholesterol level, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep, improves body image, improves mood and lifts depression, reduces risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and osteoporosis (among others), and reduces the need for many common medications in addition to countless of other benefits, more than one-third of Americans do not exercise.”
May is Posture Month at Overland Chiropractic, and Patterns is the 3rd Posture Principle. “Patterns”simply refers to the fact that your body’s chain of motion will follow the path of least resistance. When you are sedentary, when you have a job that requires you spend a lot of time seated, and when you do not exercise on a regular basis, your body will begin compensating for your weaker muscles. Your brain, spinal cord and nerves will learn to use your stronger muscles more than your weaker ones, and your core and posture will become weak as your body strives to maintain upright balance.
Try this: Take a piece of paper and fold it sharply.
Now, unfold the paper, and take out the crease.
Can’t do it? Here’s why: You can unfold the paper, but once creased, it is always creased. The paper fibers are distorted in a pattern which becomes the path of least resistance. Now, think about your body. Contracting muscles and connecting ligaments, tendons and fascia fold and distort along the creases we create in our body as we, too, move along the path of least resistance.
Posture distortions not only cause fatigue and pain, but set the stage for posture degeneration and premature aging.
So, what can you do? You must create a new pattern of motion by:
1) Restoring motion to areas of restriction; and
2) Focusing exercise to unused muscles.
Posture and core-strengthening exercises will result in pain-free, balanced motion. Balanced motion helps you move naturally and age well!
Overland Chiropractic is offering our patients, their families, and their friends a Free Posture Photo Analysis. Please call our office at 913-345-9247 to take advantage of this offer for yourself and a loved one. Why put off living better and aging well? Let’s begin, together, today!
Smoking Weakens Low Back Muscles
Thursday, April 21st, 2011
Most of us are aware of the common health risks associated with smoking, such as cancer and heart disease. Did you know that smoking may also be a factor in causing low back pain? Studies have shown that smoking causes low back muscles to become weak. A 2010 study also showed that a smoker’s low back muscles fatigue more quickly. The increased fatigue and weakness may make a smoker more prone to back injury. The good news is that, with specific exercises, a smoker’s back muscles can still be strengthened. For our patients who smoke, it is even more crucial for them to perform the exercises that we teach. Everyone should work on strengthening and posture exercises regularly to stabilize the spine, prevent injury, and improve their overall health.
March is National Nutrition Month
Monday, March 7th, 2011
Do you suffer with symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, gas or bloating? As a chiropractic physician who is interested in all aspects of health and wellness, I am always concerned with nutrition and digestion and their vital role in how a body responds to chiropractic therapies. Enzyme therapy is one way we can help you reach your wellness goals.
“Enzymes are very large complex protein molecules. They are responsible for the pre-digestion of our food. Enzymes run every biochemical reaction in our body. What is poorly understood is how important enzymes are to digestion and to the concept of staying healthy. Think of enzymes as the workers or builders of a house. The house is made up of raw materials called: Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. To build the house, the enzymes put all of the raw materials together to build the house. If there are no enzymes present, the house won’t be built. If there are very few enzymes present, it will take years to build the house; or, the house may never get built at all. Enzymes also nourish the immune system. The immune system is responsible for keeping us from getting sick by destroying bacteria, and viruses.” (Paul S. Inselman, DC)
March is National Nutrition Month, and to celebrate, we are offering a 25% discount on our 24-Hour Urinalysis, and a 10% discount on our Source of Stress Exam. The 24-hour urinalysis tells us how your are digesting the fats, carbohydrates and proteins that you are eating. This helps determine the types of foods that you should eat and the ones that you should avoid. The Source of Stress Examination is a reliable, reproducible method of determining the stressed organ systems in your body. Combined with a 24-hou urinalysis, we can determine which enzyme formulations you need to improve digestion, improve waste elimination and nourish stressed organs.
Please give us a call at 913-345-9247, and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you. Happy Nutrition Month!
Overland Park Chiropractor Discusses Muscle Imbalance
Thursday, August 12th, 2010
By: Dr. Patterson
Have you ever noticed that one leg stretches easier than the other or that one arm goes farther behind your back? If so, you may be experiencing muscle imbalance. Muscle imbalances can occur almost anywhere in our bodies. We can be imbalanced from side to side or from front to back.
You might ask, what is the big deal about one leg stretching more than the other? In this example, the problem lies in the increased stress that this puts on your pelvis, hips and spine. A tight hamstring creates torque in the pelvis and may lead to pain and early arthritis in your joints. Muscle imbalance impedes your performance and can eventually interfere with your daily and recreational activities. Similar problems occur in the neck and shoulders.
Muscle imbalances develop for a number of reasons. Right or left handiness cause us to use one side more than the other. Work postures or sporting activities may force us to perform one-sided activities over and over. One set of muscles will naturally become tighter than the others. Stuck or dysfunctional joints themselves also lead to imbalances and increased stress. Poor digestion and stress to our organs create muscle contraction. Left untreated, this will cause muscle imbalances such as leg length discrepancies and shoulder contractions.
Stretching some muscles and strengthening others can treat many muscle imbalances. Other times it requires manipulation of the joints or nutritional approaches to relieve muscle contraction. The keys to correction are proper evaluation as to the cause of the imbalance as well as the identification of the muscles to retrain.
Overland Park Chiropractor Reviews Tips to Prevent Lower Back Pain
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
By: Dr. Patterson
We are nearing the month of August, and for many of us, that means back-to-school shopping with our kids. Usually, these shopping trips include the purchase of a new backpack.
Children and adolescents often carry backpacks that are too heavy or are worn improperly. To help prevent injury, please consider the following suggestions from the ACA (American Chiropractic Association) when shopping for a backpack:
1. Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.
2. The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
3. A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning 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.
4. Bigger 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.
5. Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.
6. Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child’s shoulders.
7. 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.
8. If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks.
9. Although the use of rollerpacks – or backpacks on wheels – has become popular in recent years, the ACA is now recommending that they be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack. Some school districts have begun banning the use of rollerpacks because they clutter hallways, resulting in dangerous trips and falls.
If your child experiences pain from his or her backpack use, please do not hesitate to call our office for an evaluation.
Antacids May Increase Your Risk of Osteoporosis
Friday, July 30th, 2010
By: Dr. Patterson
The importance of proper digestion cannot be overemphasized. Antacid medications are one of the leading over-the-counter drugs sold. In fact, in 2009, Nexium was the number two pharmaceutical drug sold in the United States.
Every day I see patients in my office who are taking these medications. Some patients have taken these medications for so long that they have become immune to the fact that they have a digestive disorder, or they feel because it may be an over-the-counter medication that there is no harm in it. I guarantee that it if you have symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, or reflux, it is not because you are suffering from a Nexium or other antacid deficiency. These medications are treating your symptoms, not the cause of your problems.
There are many potential problems with the long-term use of antacids. Today I want to focus on osteoporosis. Studies in recent years have indicated that use of these antacids, either for more than one year or in high doses, increases the risk of osteoporosis in people over 50. University of Pennsylvania researchers found a 44% increased risk of hip fracture in people taking proton pump inhibitor types of antacids. These are commonly known by names such as Nexium, Aciphex, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix and Zegerid.
In May 2010 , the FDA finally came out with a warning about the possible increased risk of spine, wrist and hip fractures with the use of antacid medications. They reviewed seven published studies. Six of the seven studies showed an increase risk of fracture.
As a Doctor of Chiropractic and Internal Health Specialist, these findings come as no surprise. Calcium can only be absorbed in an acidic environment. When you reduce the acidic environment of the stomach, calcium will have a more difficult time being absorbed into your system. The good news is that we can improve digestion with the use of enzyme replacement nutrition and diet modification. Specific testing can be performed to determine what your body is having trouble digesting, and we can treat the cause vs. treating the symptom.
If you would like information on how to be tested, please contact our office.
Overland Park Chiropractor Reviews Causes of Low & Chronic Back Pain From Pregnancy
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
By: Dr. Patterson
Pregnant women commonly develop low back or pelvic pain, especially toward the end of their pregnancy. New mothers may also experience discomfort resulting from newborn care-giving that may strain their backs. Chiropractic care is often effective in helping to treat pregnant and recently-pregnant women.
During pregnancy and after delivery, a woman undergoes changes that stress her back. The most obvious change during pregnancy is the increased size and weight of her abdomen. As her baby grows, her center of gravity shifts, and her changed posture may stress her spine and pelvis. A less obvious change is her body’s release of a hormone called “relaxin.” This hormone relaxes ligaments in order for the pelvis to spread more easily during delivery. This can change the way the joints move and can lead to pain in the back, pelvis, pubic bone and hips.
Following delivery, a new mom will be doing all kinds of activities that put mechanical stress on her body. Leaning over the crib and changing table loads the spine. Lifting a baby-carrier or placing the baby in a car seat, lifting and unfolding a stroller, carrying a heavy diaper bag on one shoulder, and even nursing or bottle-feeding can cause strain and injury.
At the same time, she is adjusting to hormone changes, lack of sleep, and increased family responsibilities. These things further stress her body and make it more difficult for her to recover from her pain.
At our office, we can treat pregnant women all the way up through delivery and into the months after delivery. During pregnancy, spinal adjustments improve joint motion and help to relieve or manage pain.