The holidays are just around the corner, and the pressure is on to get everything wrapped up and ribboned! So, let’s not forget what Christmas is really all about. The birth of Jesus of course, but also Christmas is a time to celebrate family, food, and health. You can’t always choose your family so you should just relax and go with the flow this Christmas. Ignore your little sister’s comments, and try to appreciate your whacky aunt. And when your cake doesn’t rise or you dry out the turkey, take a deep breath for soon Christmas will be gone and a new year is in the making! When you make your resolutions this year, remember to put your health first. Staying active, quitting old and bad habits, and setting healthy goals. A massage can be the perfect gift for yourself of someone you care about in order to ease pain, stress, or detox after or during the holidays.

Call the Chiropractic Center and book your appointment today or pick up a gift certificate for a massage with Miranda!

949-498-6440

Merry Christmas From Miranda! 

Trigger Point Therapy

Releases tight muscles by pinpointing “trigger points” which force muscles and tendons to give way to cycles of pressure and release.

Swedish massage

Increase circulation and lymph movement

Good for stress and pain relief

Effective for weight loss and cellulite reduction

Deep Tissue

Injury management and prevention

Relieves muscle tension though varying techniques to reach and access deeper tissue

Perfect for chronic injuries or pain

Manually stretches and lengthens muscles, loosens scar tissue

Sports Massage

Manage and prevent injury

Promotes flexibility

Reduces post- work out recovery time

Reflexology

Give your hands and feet a break! Access pressure points to avoid carpal tunnel or tendonitis from computer overuse or give those tired feet a break and clear up plantar tension and energy charkas.

Cranial Sacral Massage

My specialty! Every Massage I perform includes this technique! Focus on head, neck, jaw, occipital ridge and scalp. This is the biggest reliever of headaches, sinus problems, jaw pain and stress.

Prenatal

Relieves pregnancy aches and pains

Reduces inflammation, stress, and fatigue

Insures a smoother pregnancy experience with consistent massage

Geriatric

Increases flexibility, circulation, balance, joint movement and pain relief

#8: Chiropractic Boosts Productivity – Since chiropractic care keeps you healthier, you will also find that your efficiency at work increases, also. For instance, chiropractic care rids LBP associated with sitting hour after hour in ergonomically incorrect chairs. “Sitting causes the pelvis to rotate backwards and causes a reduction in the lumbar lordosis, chunk-phi angle, and knee angle” notes researchers. Treatment also causes “an increase in muscle effort and disk pressure” (JMPT 1999; 22:594-609). In relating LBP can lead to work absence and higher medical costs: the focus of a study published earlier this year. In a review of 250 employees receiving workers compensation for low back pain– 72 of whom had no physically therapeutic care — patients receiving spinal adjustments experienced greater reductions in pain and disability. This translated into lower therapeutic costs and a faster return to work (Spine Journal 2006; 6:289-295). Chiropractic care effectively restores proper spinal alignment and reduces LBP. Missing appointments however, may foster a “one step forward, to step back” scenario.

#7: Chiropractic Improves Cognitive Function – Mapping of brain activity before and after chiropractic adjustments of the spine and the neck reveals that chiropractic care stimulates cognitive function. In a study involving 500 adult volunteers, researchers used cutting edge technology to create maps of functioning in the cortical portions of the brain before and after chiropractic adjustments of the cervical spine. Researchers found that “cervical adjustments activate specific neurological pathways” in the brain, potentially stimulating cognitive function (JMPT1997;20:529). Chiropractic adjustments also enhance response mechanisms in the brain, according to researchers in New Zealand who conducted a study involving 30 volunteers: all with evidence of cervical spinal joint dysfunction. Instead of cortical mapping the researchers used reaction time to various stimulation as a gauge. “Multiple sites of cervical spinal joint dysfunction were related to impaired cortical processing,” noted the researchers. This was demonstrated by “significantly less accurate response selection and a trend toward more variable performance of an anticipated response.” (JMPT 2005;28:502-7). After chiropractic adjustments, the volunteers demonstrated improved cortical processing and response selection.

#6: Chiropractic Boosts Immunity and Prevents Other Conditions – Scientific research reveals that regularly scheduled chiropractic care may boost the body’s immune response. And a powerful immune system is a key component of chiropractics all-natural approach. One study involved 11 patients over a nine-month period. The pilot study provided preliminary information regarding chiropractic care and possible links to improved immune status. Chiropractic care also boosted other aspects of health and quality of life – as mentioned above (JVSR 2006 1-6). Another study in 1991 even found that chiropractic adjustments boost levels of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and monocytes — white blood cells associated with a healthy immune system (JMPT 1991; 7:399-408).

#5: Chiropractic Reduces Stress – Chiropractic care reduces stress by allowing the body to achieve a balance. In addition, chiropractic helps keep patients free of the impairments to regular exercise, which is key to reducing stress and preventing stress-related anxiety and depression. And, while chiropractors do not treat depression, preliminary research demonstrates that chiropractic adjustments may ease depressive symptoms by increasing endorphins. “It has been long speculated that chiropractic interventions may affect mental health problems,” note researchers. Investigators followed 15 adults who were both clinically depressed and had cervical spine subluxations. Before and after receiving an adjustment, the subjects completed a standard assessment for depression called the Beck Depression Inventory II. Results revealed a marked reduction in depression scores following treatment (JVSR 2005:1-4)

#4: Chiropractic Care Encourages Increased Physical Activity – New patients frequently find that chiropractic care jump starts them toward a more wellness oriented lifestyle, simply because they can move more and with less pain. For instance, many chiropractic patients report improved function and with that, an increased ability to stick to a regular exercise program.

#3: Chiropractic Reduces Dependency on Medications – Individuals who maintain regular chiropractic care are far less likely over use medication, which all have dangerous side effects. Even OTC pain medication may cause problems in the gastrointestinal system. In addition, long-term use of pain medication can actually worsen the very symptoms they was intended to reduce – a “rebound’ reaction. “Rebound” headaches are relatively new, and describe a long standing, “unnamed” and largely unrecognized condition caused by taking painkillers — daily or on a regular basis — from migraines or other headaches. Remember, these conditions are common, they are NOT normal!

#2: Chiropractic Improves Sleep Quality – Chiropractic patients often enjoy improved quality of life, including sleep quality. This is due to a reduction in pain and anxiety which often interferes with sleep patterns. Improved sleep enhances immunity and your ability to fight disease. Some exciting preliminary research links insomnia with vertebral subluxations. The study collected data on 221 patients being cared for by 15 different chiropractors. According to the findings, “one third of the 154 patients who completed the semi structured interview reported their sleep pattern was changed immediately after their chiropractic adjustment. All but one of these 52 patients reported improvement” in the 20 patients with insomnia, improved sleep was noted in the six days following the chiropractic adjustment. ”However, no consistent trends were noted in the days and weeks following care, so additional research is necessary before a firm link may be established” (JMPT 2005;28:179).

#1: Chiropractic Adds Life and Improves Structural Wellness – Regular chiropractic care instills patients with sense of ‘health-confidence” and self-confidence. Much can be said for first impressions. So whether it be in business or in our personal lives, your posture can speak for you before you ever utter a word. If you see someone standing upright, they carry an aire of confidence that bears watching and commands respect. Contrast that mental image with someone who is hunched over or slouches and you can see what I mean. Chiropractic patients learn to take charge of their own well-being, and in turn, increase their longevity by adding a heightened quality-of-life.

Thank you to Dr. Russell D. Caram, Chiropractor, from Bethel, Connecticut!

from Dr Stephanie Maj-

I found this new study very interesting. For one, this is a study done by a medical journal, not a Chiropractic journal so any agenda or swaying of the results is not likely.  Plus, this is a large sample size, almost a thousand people that contributed.  What the study says in a nutshell is that when patients with low back pain were tracked for a YEAR, patients that utilized physical therapy and/or medical interventions were associated with a higher recurrence of disability as opposed to patients that underwent Chiropractic care. In fact, the patients were TWICE as likely to end up disabled with a physical therapist (PT) and almost 2/3rds more likely to be disabled when partaking in traditional medical interventions.

In fact, the patients were TWICE as likely to end up disabled with a physical therapist (PT) and almost 2/3rds more likely to be disabled when partaking in traditional medical interventions, compared to those patients under Chiropractic care.

This study is unique in that it was conducted by the Center for Disability Research at the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety and the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Hopkinton, Mass; and the Center for Health Economics & Science Policy at United BioSource Corporation, London, United Kingdom.

Their objective was to compare the occurrences of repeated disability episodes between types of health care providers, who treat claimants with new episodes of work-related low back pain (LBP). They followed 894 patients over 1-year, using workers’ compensation claims data.

By controlling for demographics and severity, they determined the hazard ratio (HR) for disability recurrence between 3 types of providers:

Physical Therapists (PT), Physicians (MD), and Chiropractors (DC).

The results are quite interesting:

For PTs: HR = 2.0

For MDs: HR = 1.6

For DCs: HR = 1.0

Statistically, this means you are twice as likely to end up disabled if you got your care from a PT, rather than from a DC.

You’re also 60% more likely to be disabled if you choose an MD to manage your care, rather than a DC.

The authors concluded: “In work-related nonspecific LBP, the use of health maintenance care provided by physical therapist or physician services was associated with a higher disability recurrence than with chiropractic services or no treatment.”

Health Maintenance Care in Work-Related Low Back Pain and Its Association With Disability Recurrence. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011 (Mar 14)

Dr. Stephanie Maj  practices in  Chicago. www.communitychiropractic.net

The vital energy that runs your body comes from the brain, travels over the nerves and gives vitality and vigor to your body. Logic says that if that energy is interfered with, your body will not work at its fullest potential.

2. Clearer Thinking, Concentration and Memory.

Did you ever have a day when your mind was extra sharp, thoughts and ideas came quickly or your memory was especially good? Ever have just the opposite type of day? Well, your body chemistry determines to a great extent your ability to think, concentrate and remember. Body chemistry is controlled by your nerve system and your nerve system works better without any interference (vertebral subluxation)

3. Less Stress

How can getting adjusted make your job easier or cause your kids to give you less problems? Well, it cannot. But there is a difference between adversity and stress. Adversities are the circumstances of life. You cannot change them. Stress is the inability to handle those adversities. How well your body is working will determine to some degree how much adversity you can handle and how much stress you have in your life.

4. A Longer Life.

Here is a reason based on logic. All things being equal, you will live longer if you take care of yourself, barring any unforeseen trauma, of course. Taking care of yourself, in no small measure, means keeping your nerve system free of interference due to vertebral subluxations.

5. More Sleep

All sleep is not the same. Just because you get ten hours does not mean you are getting the kind of rest you need. At different time, we have all awakened refreshed, sluggish, or tired from the same amount of sleep. How well your body is working will determine how much of your sleep is real sleep and not just “down time”

6. Greater Value from Your Exercise.

We all need to exercise regularly. Some of us do not have the energy to get up off the couch and begin a workout, although that is an issue we have already addressed. Some of us have an interference in the nerve system that keeps the muscles of our body from receiving a full complement of vital life energy. It is like trying to exercise a paralyzed muscle. There is not enough energy going to those muscles. That is what happens when there is interference in the nerve system due to a vertebral subluxation.

7. More Balanced Chemistry.

The proper balance of your body’s chemistry is unique for you. Only the innate wisdom of your body knows exactly what is should be. People can only guess. The organs, glands and cells of the body must be working properly to produce just the right amounts at just the right time. Your nerve system is critical in the coordination of that function.

8. More Hours in Your Day.

How can you get more than 24 hours a day from chiropractic visits, especially when the visit is going to take at least a little time? Well, time-management experts will tell you that it is the efficient use of your time, not the total number of hours that is the issue. If your mind and body are working as well as they possibly can, you will be more efficient and more than make up for the time it takes to visit your chiropractor.

9. Increased Income Earning Capacity

If you had more energy, clearer thinking, a better ability to handle adversity, more alertness, and were more efficient and physically, mentally and emotionally functioning at a higher level, you work more, work harder, get a better job or possibly a promotion, or even start a business of your own.

10. Improved Relationships.

Why is it that some people seem to be able to get along with people that you cannot stand? Perhaps it is you. If you were functioning at a higher level, if your body chemistry was balance, perhaps you could handle them better and not be bothered by whatever it is about them that affects your relationship. Even better, get them to a chiropractor and you could, perhaps, become best of friends!

11. Improved Performance.

With an improved nerve supply, all your performance levels will be elevated. Whether that improvement is enough to make a difference is an individual matter. As the advertisement says, “Results may vary.” However, getting adjusted and doing some other healthy things will have a cumulative effect and result in noticeable changes. It just makes sense to do everything possible to improve performance, including having a good nerve supply.

12. Better Digestion

There are probably hundreds of reasons why certain foods affect certain people. Most times, the cause can be traced back to the inability of the body to handle that food. If it was the food, then it would negatively affect everyone. There are many reasons why your body, in general, and your nerve system, in particular, may not work properly. One of those reasons, an interference in the nerve system due to vertebral subluxation, can be addressed by regular visits to the Chiropractor.

13. Enjoy Life More.

The bottom line is to have a happier and more fulfilled life. If you see improvement in the areas above, your life has to be more enjoyable. Even some of the things you do not enjoy now could become more pleasurable and rewarding. Visit your chiropractor this week!

Getting adjusted regularly just makes sense! Visit your chiropractor today!

2. Check for injuries. Most people don’t feel injured immediately after an auto accident because of the adrenaline rush. Be cautious. With every auto accident you are going to have an injury; the forces involved are just too great not to. If an ambulance comes, the EMT’s will check things out. They usually recommend you come with them. If you feel like you can drive home then tell them. If not, go. Better safe than sorry. It will be a pain to deal with the ambulance bill when it comes and your claim hasn’t been paid, but your health is worth the hassle

3. Exchange information. At minimum, you should get their name, telephone numbers, license plate and card numbers, and their insurance information. One of the more innovative things I would recommend besides writing down the above information is to take lots of pictures. Most cell phones these days have cameras. Take pictures of the accident but also take pictures of their driver’s license and insurance card.

4. Call the police. Do this just in case. Truth is, most of the time they just tell you to exchange information. It may not feel necessary to call but you never know. If you call and they can’t help you in time then call back later and file a police report. This will help protect you.

5. Inform your and the other driver’s insurance company. The quicker you get the ball rolling the easier it will be for you. There are two sides to an auto accident claim, the property damage and the bodily injury. The car they should fix quickly. Taking the time to see a doctor about the bodily injury before any decisions are made is important (will discuss next). If the accident was not your fault, you should still let your insurance company know. They can back you up if the other person is either under insured or just a pain to work with. You may also have Med-pay which is an extra writer that covers injuries regardless of who may be at fault.

6. See your chiropractor! Chances are you have some pain or discomfort. Even if you don’t have pain, get an exam. In every auto accident you are dealing with forces that cause tissue damage. Sometimes you don’t feel the problems until months later when weak scar tissue tears and starts the inflammation again. In addition, it is tough to argue with insurance companies unless you get checked out soon after the accident.

7. Ice. The protocol for icing should be 20 minutes maximum on the affected area. You want to feel the cold then burn then ache before it goes numb so only use a paper towel or thin t-shirt between your skin and the ice pack. NEVER USE HEAT after an auto accident. This will feel good while it is on but bring a lot more blood to the area and make the inflammation worse. Increased inflammation will slow down the healing process.

8. How should you pay for your care? This could be its own blog post but I will keep it short. If the accident was not your fault you shouldn’t have to pay anything out of pocket. I am happy to treat people on a lien until is settles. If it is your fault you either have to pay for it yourself or have Med-pay on your auto insurance policy.

9. Journal. The more information you have the better. Take note of your aches and pains, when you have to take pain meds, times when you get headaches, days/hours missed from work. One of the most important things you can document is what you cannot do anymore as a result of your injuries from the auto accident. Detail will help convince the insurance adjuster that your injuries are legitimate.

10. Get better. Healing takes time. It is a roller coaster ride that can be frustrating. Don’t stop treatment too early or it could come back and become chronic. Remember, a positive attitude goes a long way to healing.

Schedule and Appointment Today

Dr. Tyler Johnson and The Chiropractic Center in San Clemente are available 6 days a week to help you with your spinal health and wellness needs. Very often they can get you an appointment the same day you book, so call today.

Chiropractic Center

1502 N. El Camino Real

San Clemente CA 92672

(949) 498-6440

If you have specific questions or concerns you’d like to discuss personally with us, please click here . Or contact us at our San Clemente office @ (949) 498-6440 . It would be our pleasure to ensure your complete understanding of the science of chiropractic treatments or other subjects covered in the article below.

The benefits of chiropractic care for children have become increasingly evident as the number of children receiving chiropractic care continues to rise.¹ Chiropractic research has overwhelmingly shown the benefit of chiropractic care for children.  However, there continue to be reports which question the safety of chiropractic care.³ In light of this trend of care for increased numbers of children, and those safety considerations, it has become important to evaluate the risk potential to the pediatric patient presenting for chiropractic care.

In response to these safety concerns, the research department of the ICPA has published a first paper concerning the safety of adjusting children. In the current issue of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, ICPA research assistant Rich Pistolese has published a report entitled, “Risk Assessment of Neurological and/or Vertebrobasilar Complications in the Pediatric Chiropractic Patient.”⁴ This timely paper specifically addresses the safety issues associated with chiropractic care for children.

Reports of serious complications (regardless of age) following chiropractic adjustments and/or manipulation are extremely rare.^5,6,7 Nevertheless, since disturbance of vertebral artery circulation is the most commonly reported adverse event associated with the adult population under chiropractic care, the study focused on evaluating the risk of occurrence of neurovascular complications in the pediatric patient.

The study acknowledges most complications following cervical manipulation are caused by disturbances of vertebral artery circulation, and the resultant damage to neurological components supplied by the vertebrobasilar system. While it has been reported that vertebral artery dissection is an uncommon cause for stroke in children,⁸ current statistics reveal that the pediatric population is not exempt from this phenomenon. Reports show the annual incidence of strokes for children under 15 years of age to be 2.7 per 100,000 children.⁹

There is a strong correlation between the severity of spinal cord injury and the immaturity of the spine.¹⁰ It behooves the chiropractic profession to pay special attention to avoiding procedures that could induce stroke or other related complications in the pediatric patient, since the majority of complications attributed to spinal manipulative procedures are related to rotational manipulation of the cervical spine.¹¹

The author advises that all spinal adjustments should be of very low force and short amplitude to minimize risk to the pediatric patient. Adjusting procedures should exclude any maneuver that includes rotation, extension and traction. The author also suggests a change from manipulative methods to low-force movements, which may help to minimize neurovascular complications and other types of potential harm.

In regards to risk assessment, in this report the research department of the ICPA has conducted an extensive search of Medline and Mantis and found only two questionable reports of adverse neurovascular events in pediatric patients following chiropractic care. While the author has heard claims from pediatricians and other health care professionals that chiropractic may cause epiphyseal plate fractures in children, no such cases were found reported in the scientific literature. Any health care professional who makes such claims should be quickly challenged to provide documentation of such claims.

Based on information gathered in this study, the ICPA’s research department has concluded the following:

• In the prevalent scientific/clinical literature spanning the last 32+ years, there are only two reported cases of neurovascular complications related to pediatric patients receiving chiropractic care.

  
  

• Based on an eclectic summation of data derived from three sources, a conservative estimate of the number of pediatric visits to chiropractors in the U.S. over the same time span amount to over 1/2 billion visits.

  
  

• The risk of a neurovascular complication occurring as the result of chiropractic care is approximately one out of every 250 million visits.

When considering the use of any health care procedure, the expected benefit must be weighed against the inherent risks. Based on this axiom, chiropractic care relative to neurovascular complications appears to present little risk to the pediatric patient when compared to cited reports related to benefits of chiropractic care. While some pre-existing conditions may predispose the pediatric patient to a higher probability of complication, the estimate provided is considered applicable to the general pediatric population.

By Claudia Anrig, DC

To obtain your copy of this report, contact the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2950 N. Dobson Road, Suite 1, Chandler, AZ 85524, tel: 1-800-347-1011. You can also contact the ICPA at 5295 Highway 78, Suite D362, Stone Mountain, GA 30087, tel: 770-982-9037.

References

1. Goertz C. Summary of 1995 ACA annual statistical survey. JACA 1996;33(6):35-41.

   
   

2. Vange B. Contact between preschool children with chronic diseases and the authorized health services and forms of alternative therapy. Ugeskr Laeger 1989;151(28):1815-8.

   
   

3. Ernst E, Assendelft WJJ. Chiropractic for low back pain. BMJ 198;317(7152):160.

   
   

4. Pistolese RA. Risk assessment of neurological and/or vertebrobasilar complications in the pediatric chiropractic patient. J Vertebral Sublux Res 1998;2(2):73-81.

   
   

5. Crawford JP, Byoung YH, Asselbergs PJ, Hickson GS. Vascular ischemia of the cervical spine: a review of the relationship to therapeutic manipulation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1984;7(3):149-55.

   
   

6. Dvorak J, Baumgartner L, Burn JB, et al. Consensus and recommendations as to the side effects and complications of manual therapy of the cervical spine. J Manual Medicine 1991;6:117-8.

   
   

7. Fossgren J. Complications in manual medicine. J Manual Medicine 1991;6:83-4.

   
   

8. Khuruna DS, Bonnemann CG, Dooling EC, et al. Vertebral artery dissection: issues in diagnosis and management. Pediatr Neurol 1996;14(3):255-8.

   
   

9. Alvarez-Sabin J. Stroke in teenagers. Rev Neurol 1997;25(142):919-23.

   
   

10. Ruge JR, Sinson GP, McLone DG, et al. Pediatric spinal injury: the very young. J Neurosurg 1998;68:25-30.

    
    

11. Greenman PE. Principles of manipulation of the cervical spine. J Manual Medicine 1991;6:106-13.

Claudia Anrig, DC
Clovis, California

A majority of chiropractors had an opportunity to be exposed to the Gonstead technique while attending chiropractic college. This technique, although often difficult to master as a student, may provide an avenue for those doctors considering adding short-lever adjustments in their practice.

One might not realize that Clarence S. Gonstead, DC, taught infant and child adjustments as a part of his technique seminars. Later, a pediatric chapter on spinal examination and specific adjustments was included in Herbst’s 1968 description of the Gonstead technique.¹ In 1998, the textbook Pediatric Chiropractic contained several chapters dedicated to this system of analysis and specific adjusting protocol for the expectant mother, infant and child.²

What makes the Gonstead technique unique is its system that allows for a very thorough evaluation process: inspection (postural and gait), instrumentation (handheld), radiographs (when warranted), and static and motion palpation. Gonstead chiropractic evaluation allows for the doctor to determine a listing system for a systematic reference to the positional dyskinesia of the subluxated segment to be adjusted.³ This short-lever adjustment specifically directs a three-dimensional force away from the direction of misalignment while protecting the normal, functional spinal units.

The Gonstead technique does not advocate long-lever adjustments on the developing pediatric spine. The elastic properties of the spine and spinal cord dictate the minimizing of vectors that would introduce unnecessary forces and bending movements: longitudinal traction, extension, rotation, flexion and lateral flexion. This technique allows for the practitioner to evaluate from the condyle to the pelvic spine. One of the major contributions of Dr. Gonstead’s work was the development of a specific analysis for the AS (anterior-superior) condyle subluxation. Although not a common subluxation, the presence of this misalignment may present numerous neurological manifestations to the pediatric patient. Low APGAR score, depressed infant reflexes, failure to thrive, autism, ADD/ADHD and other disorders have been reported to be affiliated with this condyle presentation. This technique has further developed chiropractic analyses for the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and pelvic spine that accommodates the pediatric population.

One advantage to the Gonstead technique is that it allows for the doctor to adapt his or her hands to the segmental size of the pediatric patient. Often the second or fifth digit is used to contact the spinous process, lamina, transverse or mamillary process for the analysis and setup of the subluxated segment. By adapting the doctor’s hand to the patient size, this allows for a more specific correction and above all, avoids introducing unnecessary forces to the developing pediatric spine.

Another unique aspect of the Gonstead technique is its ability to look at the sacrum as segmental in the infant and young child. For example, a posterior S2 would require a specific contact to the sacral tubercle rather then a general sacral contact for correction.

Patient placement is another Gonstead opportunity for the doctor to reduce unnecessary stress to spinal joints and the neurological components. The Gonstead technique attempts to find a “neutral” position for the pediatric patient. For example, the newborn or infant may be placed across the lap of the parent. The toddler, young child or adolescent may be placed prone (for the majority of listings), seated for cervical adjustments and side posture for lumbar or pelvic adjustments.

Doctor positioning also is considered in the setup of the adjustment. Staying close to the patient, the doctor attempts not to place rotation or extension into the pediatric spine. The Gonstead technique advocates ambidextrous set-ups: the doctor positioning herself on the left or right side being able to deliver a specific adjustment from either hand.

This short-lever technique does not deliver a “forceful” thrust. During the setup stage, the doctor first considers the flexibility of the pediatric spine. Tissue pull and preload tension are essential prior to the adjustment. The purpose of preloading is to prevent the need for extra force to reach the end range of motion of the segment to be adjusted.

The Gonstead technique is ideal for the expectant mother.⁴ The pregnant patient may be placed prone using a hi-lo table or a side posture table for the lumbar or pelvic spine. Each adjusting table may be adapted for the comfort and safety of the patient. One particular adjustment table developed by Dr. Gonstead, the knee-chest table, is ideal for adjusting the spine of the pregnant patient, as it provides comfort to the breast region and there are no constraints to the abdominal regional. The knee-chest table also is helpful in adapting for the postnatal patient.

Additionally, the Gonstead technique gives the doctor the ability to adapt to different age groups and their needs. This technique allows for variety in hand contact, table selection, and setup choices, and the added benefits of safety and comfort for both the patient and doctor.

For more information, contact the not-for-profit Gonstead Clinical Studies Society at www.gonstead.com.

By Claudia Anrig, DC

References

1. Herbst RW. Gonstead Chiropractic Science and Art. Mt. Horeb, WI: Sci-Chi Publications 1968:261-268.
2. Anrig CA, Plaugher G. Pediatric Chiropractic. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 1998.
3. Kent C, Plaugher G, et al. “Diagnostic Imaging.” In: Anrig CA, Plaugher G. Pediatric Chiropractic. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1998:202-321.
4. Forrester JA, Anrig CA. “The Prenatal and Perinatal Period.” In: Pediatric Chiropractic. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1998:75161.

Almost 75 percent of families with children between the ages of 5 and 18 have at least one child who plays organized sports, either at school or on a community team. This may seem like a good thing; after all, there’s the benefits of learning to work together as a team, building camaraderie and consistent physical activity.

However, parents need to pay special attention to the potential injuries that can occur at any time and proactively involve you, their chiropractor, as a part of their child’s health care team. You may need to become more actively involved by teaching preventative techniques to young athletes and incorporating extremity adjusting, stretching and rehab and nutrition to maximize their performance and recovery if an injury occurs.

Inside the Numbers

It is estimated that 3.5 million children under the age of 14 receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year and that almost one-third of all injuries incurred during childhood are related to sports activities, with the most common injuries being strains and sprains. Here are the estimated number of children injured each year by sport:

* Football: 350,000+

* Basketball: 300,000+

* Soccer: 140,000+

* Baseball: 120,000+

* Swimming: 43,000+

* Wrestling: 33,500+

* Gymnastics: 26,500+

* Hockey: 21,000+

* Track and Field: 17,000+

In addition to the health consequences, the financial costs for treating injuries are estimated to be between $3 billion and $4 billion a year. In addition, the impact of childhood sports injuries on the number of school days missed can be significant. The Institute for Preventative Sports Medicine estimates that each year, there are almost 212 million school days missed by students due to musculoskeletal injuries, the vast majority of which are sports-related injuries.

Concussions: The Silent Injury

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 300,000 children and adolescents suffer from sports-related concussions each year. Many of these children will recover within just a few weeks, but research is proving that this “silent injury” can have long-lasting effects that are easy to miss at the time of the injury. Symptoms such as memory problems, chronic headaches, difficulty concentrating and even depression can manifest for months and even years after a serious concussion. Many doctors and parents have also noticed abrupt personality changes following a serious sports-related head injury.

Worse yet are the young athletes who get up, “shake it off” and continue playing after an impact on the field. Warning signs are silenced by adrenaline or endorphins, and since only about 5 percent of injuries that cause a concussion will actually “knock out” the athlete, they don’t realize that they’ve been seriously injured. Failing to get proper medical attention following a head injury can have disastrous consequences; while rare, a concussion can even result in death. And don’t think football is the only sport that results in concussions: Any child involved in basketball, soccer, hockey or any sport that puts them in close proximity with their opponent(s) and/or teammates is susceptible to this dangerous brain injury.

Repetitive Stress Syndrome

Sports that require children to move one arm or leg repetitively over long periods of time (baseball and tennis are good examples) can actually cause repetitive stress syndrome (RSS) to their still-developing spine and extremities. The body was designed to move symmetrically. When we walk, we tend to swing both arms rhythmically as our legs move in counter-motion to our arms. This develops muscle tone evenly and keeps the spine in proper alignment. However, many sports require participants to use their dominant arm or leg repeatedly, discouraging symmetry in their body movements.

Preventing RSS may be as simple as encouraging parents and their child athletes to ensure they are using both arms and both legs equally while playing their chosen sport. If their sport is inclined to have asymmetry, children should be encouraged to perform warm-up and warm-down symmetrical activities to provide as much balance to the body as possible.

Teach Children to Listen to Pain Signals

Athletes, whether professional or in grade school, place a tremendous amount of stress on their bodies. The running, jumping, tackling and falling that is a fairly frequent part of many competitive sports tend to result in sprains, strains and chronic injuries. These injuries can sideline an athlete and cause considerable pain, typically for only days, but sometimes for months.

The concept of pain should be taught to children as an important warning signal from the body that something is wrong and should be checked out. Taking prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers effectively masks the warning signal, which means children will tend to overextend themselves, resulting in a worsening of the underlying problem. This is why forward-thinking coaches, athletes and doctors (and parents) have come to realize that painkillers are not the answer. We need to teach parents and their children that painkillers merely cover up the pain and deceive the athlete into believing they can do more than they actually should.

By Claudia Anrig, DC

Doctors of Chiropractic spend more time in school focused on the Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal aspect of the body (the part that integrates the connection between the muscles, joints, and nerves) than any other health profession. This makes them highly qualified to help prevent, diagnose, and care for many of the injuries that occur during athletic competition.  Nowadays it is not uncommon to find a chiropractor on the sidelines of a major sporting event, or working behind the scenes at all levels of competition. But the benefits of chiropractic care do not end when ones athletic career is finished.

For most of us a career in professional athletics is not a reality. That however does not keep us from participating in the sports that we love. In many cases these are the people who benefit the most from chiropractic care as they do not have the kind of around the clock care and attention given to a professional athlete. The valiant “Weekend Warrior” who goes out every day or week can cause tremendous damage to the body as they continue to ignore the bodies subtle and not so subtle warning signs “playing through the pain” and may end up in much worse shape than if they had rectified the problem before engaging in activity.

The Doctors at San Clemente’s Chiropractic Center are happy to assist you in reaching your full athletic potential, whether you be an amateur,professional, or just a faithful weekend warrior. You can feel comfortable seeking their care and advice on a wide array of questions like:

-Proper pre-participation warm-up and stretching

-Proper conditioning and physical preparation

-How to avoid injury or re-injury during participation

-Choosing proper equipment for your chosen sport (including the right shoes and apparel)

-Specific problems that should be addressed before return to play and up-to-date return to play guidelines for competition athletes

-Proper nutrition and supplementation specific to your chosen activity

-Tips to help speed recovery following  participation

-Proper pre-participation and post-season screenings to insure safe participation as well as off season rehabilitation and training (Did you know? Doctors of Chiropractic are qualified to perform your Preseason Physical Exam for athletic participation.)

-And any other questions you may have with regards to staying active and healthy