Volunteering my time providing Chiropractic Care

As a practicing Chiropractor I had never thought that I would be able to volunteer my professional services.  When I relocated back to the Boston area in 2003, I received a letter requesting donations of equipment, supplies or time for a clinic that served a population that was uninsured or on public assistance and not able to pay very much for care.  I inquired and soon after began volunteering as a Doctor at the Boston Benevolent Chiropractic Clinic, now located in Boston’s South End as well as in Back Bay.  Once per month I go on a Thursday and spend time giving care and adjustments to those who come to the clinic.  It is so very rewarding to give care to those who are so appreciative and otherwise would do without.

If you know someone who is uninsured or unable to afford chiropractic care, you can suggest they go to this clinic for some help and relief.  Each week they are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for about 2 hours to see patients.

The clinic’s website is www.bostonbenevolent.org Chiropractic care can help so many and I like to spread the word.   Please tell others.

Chiropractic and the management of Hypertension

Hypertension is a widespread health issue these days, affecting approximately 25% of adults.  Chronic hypertension can speed up the development of a number of other health problems such as atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack and congestive heart failure.  This issue is a major one to address, because managing hypertension is a very effective way to reduce these other disease processes that are direct a result of it.

There is some recently documented evidence that chiropractic care consisting of specific upper neck adjustments, nutritional and dietary change and lifestyle modification have a profoundly positive effect on the management of hypertension.  The recommended dietary change is moving toward a Paleo-Mediterranean type diet consisting of mostly lean protein, fibrous vegetables and fruits, nuts & seeds, and is primarily eating low on the glycemic index.  Certain supplements are also quite helpful such as Coenzyme Q-10, vitamin D, and L-carnitine to name a few.  Exercise and stress management are also important components of the lifestyle changes, as well as intermittent fasting.

Implementing these suggestions along with the specific neck adjustments were actually TWICE as effective at reducing hypertension than traditionally prescribed medications, and these results were found in more than one research study.  This is a completely natural way to manage high blood pressure, and with fewer side effects than those that come with the traditionally used drugs.  Indeed there are those who have certain types of hypertension that are more organic in nature and will need medication as an intervention, but with such a large percentage of the population affected by this health issue, I think it is nice to know that there is quite a lot one can do to improve quality of life and help to manage hypertension, giving a sense of empowerment.

Diet, exercise, occasional fasting, lifestyle changes and specific chiropractic adjustments can help you feel more vital and alive, and now research shows it can also help manage high blood pressure.  Sounds great to me!

The Chiropractic Adjustment – How it Works

The most current research on how Chiropractic actually works reveals some interesting things.  There is new information on how results are achieved with the adjustment, and I will do my best to explain as simply and plainly as I can for you.

Chiropractic had been thrust into a medical model historically, which means the Outside/In model was the point of comparison.  In medicine, germs and/or a malady cause disease, and the course of action is then to provide treatment to eradicate the problem.  Chiropractic has tried to fit itself into this model for more than 100 years, and thusly used the bone pinching a nerve analogy as an attempt to fit into the medical model.

Chiropractic is really about Functional Neurology, and the reason results are achieved is because the Adjustment actually directly modifies brain and nervous system function.  This is an Inside/Out model.  Recent research has shown that it is the nervous system which controls Wellbeing, by sensing the internal environment of the body and then accommodating the entire body to its “best survival response”  or striving for homeostasis.

“If the nervous system overloads, it responds to the best of its ability; however, continued overloading will cause an unbalanced neurological pattern to develop. This unbalanced or abnormal pattern (neurological interference or neurological subluxation) has consequences.

The body’s systems respond to the abnormal neurological messages and will malfunction until such a time when signs or symptoms show up indicating that something is wrong.  Medical response is to render treatment to remove the signs and symptoms. The modern chiropractic approach is to focus on restoring normal neurological function.” 

This is how the Adjustment works!!  We manipulate/adjust the spine or a joint which in turn restores proper alignment and normalizes neurological activity.

(Paraphrased from an article that appeared in Chiropractic Economics, by Richard Barwell, DC)

Philosophy 101…

Chiropractic believes that You do the healing, that Wellness is the natural and inevitable state you and your body seeks.  Your body will be in a state of health and wellness as long as the nervous system is uninhibited and free from interference or distress.  As a practitioner, I am simply the facilitator, nudging the alignment of the nervous and spinal systems, and your body does the healing and restoration of a healthy state.

Stress can be mechanical (postural), emotional, nutritional, chemical or spiritual.  As a chiropractor, I focus on the nervous system which is encased within the spine in order to “free” the moving vertebral bones to reduce the stress and restore harmony.  Your nervous system coordinates every single facet of your body, including your immune system, and thus is the ultimate system to address for so many issues.   

Restoring this vital brain-body connection allows for maximum Vitality, Health and Wellness.  It unleashes the Power of your Body so that you can be all that you can be, reaching your full potential.

Chiropractic Triad of Health

Chiropractic views health and wellness as a triad of components which affect the nervous systems and therefore overall health.  The three areas are Structural, Mental and Chemical and the focus of this article will be to explain and clarify each part of this trio and the intrinsic role it plays in wellbeing.  An imbalance of any of these facets can cause misalignments in the spine and be an influence one’s health status.

The Structural factor relates to the skeletal, muscular and nervous system and the workings of the physical body.  A muscle spasm, sprained joint, broken bone, accident, poor posture and ergonomic problems would fit into this category.  Nerves can be twisted, stretched or pinched by vertebrae, bones and muscles and from these structural imbalances, there is an effect upon how well the body is.

The Mental factor refers to the thoughts, ideas and feelings one has related to the multitude of issues going on in life.  Loss of a loved one, work stress, finances and marital or family problems cause emotional stress.  Negative thoughts and feelings can manifest as pain and discomfort on a varying scale of intensity based on how strong one’s thoughts/feelings are.  The mind is powerful and often it can be used to our advantage (through prayer or affirmations), it can however be a negative influence if there is a lot of negative “self talk” or thoughts of negativity regarding some perceived flaw or problem.

The Chemical factor relates to nutrition, diet, medications, vitamins/supplements and environmental toxins.  Foods ingested and any substances taken in such as supplements, drugs/medications, alcohol, tobacco, allergens and even certain chemicals in beauty/personal care products can have an effect upon our health.  The more refined and processed foods are often means there are chemical additives and preservatives as compared to whole foods, and they can negatively impact health.  Medications can have side effects that are significant.  Chemicals in cleaning agents, beauty products such as shampoo and soap and household products can result in reactions in the body that are detrimental to health.

Adjustments help your body adapt to the many stressors that can be encountered in life by sparking the wisdom that is within.  Function and proper alignment will be restored, as that is the purpose of the adjustment.  Your body’s ability to heal itself will be encouraged and relief from pain caused by any of the above factors will be forthcoming, putting you on the road to Wellness.

And remember, health is not merely the absence of disease, it is optimal functioning and wellness.

Staying Healthy in Winter

On many people’s minds is how to stay healthy as the cold weather approaches and as winter settles in.  I wanted to take this opportunity to share my thoughts and knowledge on this topic.

Have you ever noticed that in many households or work environments, only some get sick while others stay well?  The reason for this is largely because of an individual’s immune system - the one who stays well even in an environment where others are not well – has a strong, healthy immune system and constitution, and is thus able to persevere.

You ask, what are the key ingredients to a healthy immune system?  These are the important factors in keeping your health and building up your natural immunity and ability to respond to the variety of organisms, germs and viruses that we all come into contact with on a daily basis.  Here is a list of the most important factors as I see it.

1.  Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.  They have an enormous number of phytonutrients that build a strong body.  Make this this foundation of your meals and then add healthy fats and proteins for a balanced nutrition plan.

2.  Drink plenty of water; staying hydrated is essential.

3.  Engage in adequate exercise each day.

4.  Wash your hands regularly.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as they are the avenue through which most harmful organisms are introduced.

5.  Get your Vitamin D and Omega 3 fats, both have been shown to be incredibly important in immune function.

6.  Take a multivitamin.

7. Thinking positive thoughts helps to  focus the mind on health and wellbeing.  Management of your stress levels is important in the responsiveness of your body’s natural ability to maintain health, and implementing lifestyle changes for reducing your stress is essential.

8.  Take anti-oxidants to strengthen your body and immune system.  OPC’s, garlic, vitamin C, Green Tea and zinc are some of the most powerful to consider.

9.  Get your spine checked and adjusted - spinal alignment promotes immune function.

10.  Get adequate sleep and rest.

Wishing all of you a healthy body and mind throughout the year, not just in Wintertime!

Supplements for Relief of Pain and Inflammation

There are numerous reasons people seek chiropractic care, and some of them are searching for relief from pain.  One way of augmenting your adjustments and adding to your own wellness plan and increasing general health is to utilize nutritional supplements, ones that alleviate inflammation, and therefore pain. 

Quite a bit of research has been done in recent years and it is becoming increasingly clear that Vitamin D is much more important than initially believed.  It is important for more than bone health – it is also an anti-inflammatory, improves immunity and can help with prevention of diabetes, cancer and heart disease.  Research does show that nearly all people are deficient in vitamin D, unless they have been supplementing for a significant period of time.  Sunlight is one way our skin makes Vitamin D, but it is insufficient in quanitity.  This is one nutrient that really is essential to improve so many facets of health, life and longevity, so I urge you to consider taking it.

Regimen for pain and inflammation:

Omega 3′s – about 2-3 g daily of EPA + DHA

Vitamin D – 1000 mg daily MINIMUM

Magnesium – 400 mg daily

Calcium – 1200 mg daily

Multivitamin – as recommended

Other nutrients and botanicals that are helpful for pain relief include Boswellia, Turmeric, Curcumin, MSM and Ginger.

There are several options in the office that contain all or some of these vitamins and nutrients, all are pharmaceutical grade and of very high quality and purity.   The two lines I prefer are Thorne Research and NutraMetrix.  You can also visit my online store at www.nutrametrix.com/drsusan should you be interested in additional information on the NutraMetrix line of isotonic supplements which are highly absorbable due to their unique delivery system.

Relief from Repetitive Stress….Aaahhhhhh

As we become ever increasingly routine with our daily lives and work activities, there is a risk of what is called Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI).  This means that an activity or motion that we perform repetitively can have the potential to cause stress to the body and result in pain and injury.

Perfect examples that many have heard of but may not know much about are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which can occur from use of a mouse or keyboard, Tennis Elbow which occurs from overuse of forearm/elbow muscles and Rotator Cuff Syndrome which results from overuse of the shoulder. 

Another way we place repeated stress on the body is with poor posture, and so many who sit at a desk the majority of the day can have headaches, neck, shoulder or back issues and pain as a result of habits of poor posture.  Retraining sitting posture is often very helpful and may alleviate many people’s neck, upper back and lower back aches and tension resulting from poor postural habits, another form of repetitive stress.

Chiropractic care is an ideal treatment choice for these injuries as it addresses the alignment of the joints as well as the soft tissue tone, flexibility and healing.  I utilize many soft tissue techniques that help these types of injuries, as well as prescribing home exercises and stretches that allow active participation in the recovery of health and wellness.

Use this chart and image to assess your own alignment and posture as you sit at your desk, in your car or at home in any chair.  Ideal position and alignment would be the ear, shoulder and hip all in one line as seen from the side.  Commonly people have a slouched posture which will weaken the muscles in the back and neck as well as put the spinal column in a stressful posture making injury and repetitive stress a possibility.  As you begin to use better posture it may feel very awkward since your body is accustomed to your usual posture.  Over the first weeks you will begin to feel it is easier and that you are gaining strength.  Making this simple change can have profound effects upon your body, productivity and wellness.

Chiropractic Care Helping Children Get Healthy

Many medical professionals agree that antibiotics are overused and over prescribed.  Utilizing the body’s own ability to heal itself is at the heart of chiropractic care, and this is achieved by alignment of the spine and vertebra so that the body’s own mechanisms can then reach for homeostasis, balance and thereby improving health status naturally. 

As colder weather and winter approach and the incidence of colds, flu and other infections rise, many parents consider natural alternative treatments for their kids.  Children in my experience typically improve more quickly than adults because they’ve had less stress accumulating in their body to interfere with this process of reinstating health and wellness.  Some people feel that trying something natural, gentle and with no or few side effects is the best first treatment choice, and they utilize chiropractic care to feel better, reduce pain, improve immunity and increase mobility.  Then if the desired results are less than expected, other interventions are sought.  It all comes down to personal choice and values. 

If you have questions about care for your child/ren, please check out this great resource for chiropractic care for children and infants - www.icpa4kids.org .

Is Your Nutrition Really Healthy? Low Glycemic Index eating, the way to Go!

Related to the last blog post on diet induced inflammation, is the nutritional approach of eating low on the glycemic index.  The Glycemic Index is a measure of a food’s impact on blood sugar.  If one were eating in the style suggested above, you would most likely be eating in a way that would have your blood sugar maintaining a stable level, your energy would be consistently good and if you needed to lose body fat due to being overweight/overfat, then that would also probably take place. 

When we eat foods such as colorful, fibrous vegetables and fruits, healthy fats such as nuts, avocado & olive oil, and low fat proteins then our body’s response is a slow, steady rise in blood sugar, rather than the quick rise and fall that is felt after eating a candy bar on an empty stomach.  It helps us to burn body fat as our fuel, as well as reduce storage of additional fat.  This method of eating minimizes the focus upon breads, pastas, crackers/cookies, baked goods, sweets/candies, white flour, potatoes and rice to name a few.  Emphasizing whole foods, lean protein, vegetables, good fats and low sugar fruits will aid your body in reducing dietary induced chronic inflammation, so that the potential for insulin resistance, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity and other diseases of lifestyle is lowered.  You can make changes in your diet and lifestyle that will have a great impact on your health status!

The nutrition and lifestyle program that I teach in my office in a group or individual setting uses the approach of low Glycemic Index eating.  It is called the Transitions Lifestyle System   www.transitionslifestyle.com   If you have any interest in participating in a group or individual class of this nature, please contact me for futher information.