Posts Tagged ‘disc herniation’
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.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Cause of Headache, Diet, Nutrition and Well Being, Digestion, Emotional Balance, Enzyme Replacement Nutrition Therapy, Ergonomics, Exercise, Extremity Adjusting, Foot and gait mechanics, Injury and Treatment following motor vehicle accidents, Mechanisms and Treatment of Low Back Pain, Rehabilitation Exercises and Protocols, Stress Reduction, Uncategorized, back pain, headache treatment | No Comments »
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.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Cause of Headache, Diet, Nutrition and Well Being, Digestion, Emotional Balance, Enzyme Replacement Nutrition Therapy, Ergonomics, Exercise, Extremity Adjusting, Foot and gait mechanics, Injury and Treatment following motor vehicle accidents, Mechanisms and Treatment of Low Back Pain, Rehabilitation Exercises and Protocols, Stress Reduction, Uncategorized, back pain, headache treatment | No Comments »
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.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Cause of Headache, Diet, Nutrition and Well Being, Digestion, Emotional Balance, Enzyme Replacement Nutrition Therapy, Ergonomics, Exercise, Extremity Adjusting, Foot and gait mechanics, Injury and Treatment following motor vehicle accidents, Mechanisms and Treatment of Low Back Pain, Rehabilitation Exercises and Protocols, Stress Reduction, back pain, headache treatment | No Comments »
A big thank you to lowerbackchronicpain.com for featuring Overland Park Chiropractor Dr. Patterson for his treatments on Barbara Lockwood to help relieve her back pain.
Barbara Lockwood, of Marceline Mo., was bed-ridden from severe back pain for four and a half years.
She felt like she had run out of options to cure her pain. “I’ve had physical therapy, I’ve had epidurals and nothing has worked,” Lockwood said.
Watch Barbara Lockwood discuss how Dr. Patterson’s treatments helped to relieve years of discomfort.
Through an article in the Kansas City Star, Lockwood learned about Dr. Robert Patterson of Overland Chiropractic. She went in for a free consultation and he performed a cat scan. Dr. Patterson firmly believed he could help Barbara with her pain. She began going to Overland Chiropractic five days a week for treatment and he delivered just what he had promised.
Lockwood remembers beginning to feel the relief of her back pain within the first week of treatment, until it was eventually nonexistent. “It was a miracle. I feel good, I’ve got my life back and I don’t have the pain,” she said.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Cause of Headache, Diet, Nutrition and Well Being, Digestion, Emotional Balance, Enzyme Replacement Nutrition Therapy, Ergonomics, Exercise, Extremity Adjusting, Foot and gait mechanics, Injury and Treatment following motor vehicle accidents, Mechanisms and Treatment of Low Back Pain, Rehabilitation Exercises and Protocols, Stress Reduction, Uncategorized, back pain, headache treatment | No Comments »
Overland Park Chiropractor Dr. Robert Patterson was recently featured on carpaltunnelsyndromezone.com for his treatment of wrist pain.
Watch Sherri Rinne discuss how she was able to avoid carpal tunnel surgery by receiving chiropractic treatments from Dr. Robert Patterson of Overland Chiropractic.
“I was having some wrist problems about ten years ago and it was to the point where I couldn’t type and couldn’t even have enough strength to hold a manila file folder,” explained Sherri.
After Sherri received her initial adjustment from Dr. Patterson to treat her carpal tunnel syndrome, she was amazed that she had immediate relief. She had a grip and strength in her hand, which she had not had for a few weeks prior to the adjustment.
Sherri had no down time and was able to return to work the next day and was actually able to do her job. She continues to see Dr. Patterson for minor adjustments and he also treats her back. Dr. Patterson has also taught Sherri exercises to help strengthen her back and wrists.
“I just love Dr. Patterson! He is fabulous; he talks to me; he listens to me; his staff is amazing and I would recommend him to anyone,” said Sherri.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Cause of Headache, Diet, Nutrition and Well Being, Digestion, Emotional Balance, Enzyme Replacement Nutrition Therapy, Ergonomics, Exercise, Extremity Adjusting, Foot and gait mechanics, Injury and Treatment following motor vehicle accidents, Mechanisms and Treatment of Low Back Pain, Rehabilitation Exercises and Protocols, Uncategorized, back pain, headache treatment | No Comments »
By: Dr. Patterson
Spinal decompression tables have been around in various forms for many years. Currently, I am one of only three doctors certified in Cox Flexion Distraction in the State of Kansas. This form of spinal manipulation uses decompression of the spine, but it is quite unique compared to other decompression tables.
Let’s look at some differences between the different types of traction devices. With traditional traction tables, the patient lies on their back. A belt or harness is placed around the ribs and a second belt is placed around the pelvis or hips. A percentage of your body weight is calculated, which determines the amount of force with which the table is going to pull. These tables pull straight out (axial distraction). There is no control over which vertebrae move. New tables such as the IDD and DRX9000 tables work on a similar principle. One of the main differences I see in these newer tables is their ability to pull at an additional angle. The idea is that they are going to try to isolate a particular vertebra. The problem is, no one actually has their hand on your spine to know if the vertebra they are trying to isolate really moves, and if it does, how much it moves.
Cox Flexion Distraction manipulation has many advantages over these other tables. The first advantage is that it allows me to be much more specific in isolating each vertebra. While the patient lies on their stomach, I place my hand one at a time on the individual vertebra. While blocking this vertebra with my hand, I manually bend the bottom of the table down until I feel that specific joint separate. This allows me to apply just the right amount of decompression to that vertebra. I can then move to the next joint and decompress it. Different joints require different amounts of decompression due to the varying degrees of arthritis, muscle activity and inflammation at each joint. Another advantage to Cox manipulation is that I can move each joint through all of its normal motions while it is decompressed. Most decompression tables only allow one motion, while a Cox table allows me to introduce flexion, extension, side to side bending, circumduction, rotation, and axial distraction.
People usually want to know if decompression with a Cox table is covered by their insurance. If your insurance plan covers spinal manipulation adjustments, then the answer is yes. This is taught and recognized as a form of manipulation because it is a “hands on,” skilled procedure. Other tables only require a technician or assistant to set you up on the table. Medicare, does not cover the IDD and DRX9000, but will cover Cox Flexion Distraction.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Cause of Headache, Diet, Nutrition and Well Being, Digestion, Emotional Balance, Enzyme Replacement Nutrition Therapy, Ergonomics, Exercise, Extremity Adjusting, Foot and gait mechanics, Injury and Treatment following motor vehicle accidents, Mechanisms and Treatment of Low Back Pain, Rehabilitation Exercises and Protocols, Stress Reduction, Uncategorized, back pain, headache treatment | No Comments »
By: Dr. Patterson
I am often asked if the chiropractic care that we provide can ever help arthritis pain. The short answer is yes. With flexion distraction manipulation, we gently move the decompressed joints through their various ranges of motion. This helps to “un-stick” the joints, improve motion, and reduce pain. It does not remove the arthritis, but it improves your function.
Consider this analogy. If you have ever looked closely at a rusty door hinge, you will see that the metal is pitted and rough. The hinge squeaks, and the door has limited motion. You get the WD-40 from the garage and spray it on the rusty hinge. After working the door back and forth, the squeak goes away. If you look closely at the hinge again, the metal is still pitted, but the door moves better. So it is with our spine and arthritis. The arthritis is pitted with rough cartilage lining our joints. Our chiropractic treatment is the WD-40 that helps those squeaky joints. The arthritic changes are still present, but the joint functions better and pain is usually reduced.
There are varying degrees of arthritis just as there are varying degrees of rust on hinges. Some can be helped more than others. We periodically adjust the joints to keep them moving better, and to slow the progression of the arthritis.
Have your spine checked regularly to lessen the effects of arthritis.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Cause of Headache, Diet, Nutrition and Well Being, Digestion, Emotional Balance, Enzyme Replacement Nutrition Therapy, Ergonomics, Exercise, Extremity Adjusting, Foot and gait mechanics, Injury and Treatment following motor vehicle accidents, Mechanisms and Treatment of Low Back Pain, Rehabilitation Exercises and Protocols, Stress Reduction, back pain, headache treatment | No Comments »
By: Dr. Robert Patterson
Most of us experience a periodic headache. Hopefully they occur months apart or accompany the occasional cold or flu. For some people, headaches are much more frequent and even debilitating. I am always surprised when patients say they don’t have any more headaches than “normal.” That’s usually my first clue that they have been dealing with headaches for quite some time. They may fail to recognize the toll it has taken on them in terms of quality of life. In addition to pain, headache sufferers commonly experience irritability, lack of sleep, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and relationship problems.
Let’s look at some of the different types of headaches.
Sinus/Allergy headaches are often generalized or they may be located over the sinus cavities above or below the eyes. Watery eyes or nasal congestion often accompany this type of headache. People often take medications to control the allergies symptoms. There are nutritional approaches to allergies as well. Be aware that silent reflux from the stomach can bring on sinus symptoms and also lead to headaches.
Hypertension headaches produce generalized or “hair band” type pain, most severe in the morning. Diminishes throughout day. Blood pressure must be controlled with one or a combination of diet, exercise, medication.
Rebound headaches occur from overuse of medication used to control headaches. The medication dulls the intensity of the headache but may lead to chronic headaches.
Migraine headaches occur on one side of the head and are usually severe and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light and sound. Some people experience an aura or precursor to the development of the headache. This consists of visual disturbances or tingling and numbness in an arm or leg. There are many different triggers for migraine headaches. Foods, noise, light, changes in hormones, and alcohol are a few of the triggers. Identification of the triggers is a key part in prevention of migraine headaches.
Tension or muscle contraction headaches are by far the most common type of headache that I see in my office. As with migraine headaches, there a number of causes. Emotional stress, poor postures, weak muscles and spinal dysfunction are commonly involved. Often overlooked are the chemical causes such as, excess coffee intake, digestive dysfunction of the gallbladder, stomach or pancreas. Low blood sugar from missed meals and poor diet must also be considered.
The key to treating headaches is discovering the sources of stress to the body that are overwhelming it. Keep a diary of your headaches. Note the date and time of each headache as well as what it felt like. Write down what you ate and drank prior to the headache starting. Note any other triggers such an emotional stressor or physical activity. You may discover that you suffer from more than one type of headache.
Once the source of stress is identified, a number of treatment options will likely be available. Chiropractic care often provides significant relief for headache sufferers. Diet modification, enzyme therapy and exercise are all conservative options to be investigated for the treatment of your headaches.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Cause of Headache, Diet, Nutrition and Well Being, Digestion, Emotional Balance, Enzyme Replacement Nutrition Therapy, Ergonomics, Exercise, Extremity Adjusting, Foot and gait mechanics, Injury and Treatment following motor vehicle accidents, Mechanisms and Treatment of Low Back Pain, Rehabilitation Exercises and Protocols, Stress Reduction, Uncategorized, back pain, headache treatment | No Comments »
By: Dr. Robert Patterson
Warm weather arrives again! Spring and summer brings outdoor activities: gardening, yard work and exercise. During the winter, physical activeness decreases and your muscles need to be reconditioned. Starting off with strenuous activities could increase your vulnerability to injury because your muscles could be weak and less flexible. I want to share a few tips about how to stay injury free.
Stretch – Take a few minutes to stretch your arms, legs and back before an activity. 
Use Good Mechanics – When lifting, remember to keep objects close to your body. Limit ‘twisting’ activities such as raking and sweeping.
Start Slow – If your physical activity decrease during the winter, don’t work all day in the yard the first time out. If you want to run a marathon, you would not try to run 26 miles the first day. Rebuild your muscles day-by-day.
Be Patient – Patience will pay off in the long run. Finishing a project in a weekend could be at the expense of injury.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Diet, Nutrition and Well Being, Emotional Balance, Exercise, Extremity Adjusting, Foot and gait mechanics, Mechanisms and Treatment of Low Back Pain, Rehabilitation Exercises and Protocols, Stress Reduction, back pain | No Comments »
By: Dr. Robert Patterson
While there are many special events in the Month of May, I felt compelled to write something special about Family Wellness Month. It is one of those subjects dear to my heart. As a father with one child in college, another one leaving for college this fall, and one in middle school, I feel the clock ticking away. When we think about Wellness, we tend to focus on the physical and nutritional aspects. I want focus for a few moments on the emotional side of wellness, particularly in our families. Families often struggle with divorce, finances or relationships in one way or another. The stress of these things takes a toll on us physically. Daily I work with patients whose emotional struggles are either contributing to or delaying the improvement of the physical pain that brought them to my office.
My wife and I have been married for almost 24 years. We have talked for many years about “making memories” for our children. In reality, we are making memories for them whether we choose to or not. Some are good memories and some are bad memories. Just as the bad memories can leave deep emotional scars throughout a person’s life, the good memories can help carry your children though the rough times in their lives.
I share a few tips with you on creating good memories.
Spend time together
• Vacations are great, but they don’t have to be expensive. My girls still talk about the time we had very little money and spent a few days at the Golden Horseshoe Resort. (Don’t let the name fool you!)
• More important than vacations is how you live life together. Spend time working in the yard or on projects together. These are great opportunities to teach them life lessons, discipline and responsibility. It does not always have to be “fun.” They will appreciate it when they are older. I know I do.
• Have a family movie night or game night. My kids love it when they can beat me playing anything. I have a very competitive nature, so my wife enjoys it when anyone else beats me. I hate to lose, but I do enjoy the pleasure that it brings them. Hmm, maybe that means I really always do win?
Traditions
• Traditions bring security and stability to us emotionally. They are something we can count on. I believe they are important for us at all ages. There are enough let-downs and disappointments in life.
• Traditions are often developed around holidays, but they can be at other times. For 20 years we have been at the lighting of the Plaza Lights on Thanksgiving evening. The next day we go to a tree farm and cut down a Christmas tree. On Christmas Eve, I go to breakfast with my dad and brother and then we do our shopping together.
• Realize that it is ok for traditions to change or be modified. Life circumstances change. As our children start their own families, our long- standing traditions will have to be modified. They will build their own new traditions for their families.
Record events
• Make some kind of record of events. In this digital world, almost everyone has a digital camera or a camera on their phone.
• Take video. My kids love to watch old video. Hearing the voices and watching the video is a powerful tool in taking us back to another time and rekindling those deep emotions.
• Scrapbook. If you are into scrapbooking, it is a great gift that you can pass on to your children or grandchildren. My wife has made a scrapbook for each of our children.
Start creating those good memories. Don’t feel like it is ever too late. My parents are still creating good memories for me and for their grandchildren. You grandparents can play a very special role in the lives of your grandchildren. Pass on a legacy that really matters.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Diet, Nutrition and Well Being, Emotional Balance, Exercise, Rehabilitation Exercises and Protocols, Stress Reduction | No Comments »
