Can Food Help Your Back Pain?

Back pain cost society more than 30 billion dollars! A ten fold increase since 1997.   Recent evidence shows that eating certain non-inflammatory foods can help decrease your pain.

 So what should we do to take advantage of this information?

Eat more:

• Cherries, or tart cherry juice
• Olive oil
• (such as in a salad dressing, drizzled over pasta or veggies.   less value if you use it for cooking)
• Canned salmon, sardines packed in water or olive oil, mackerel, albacore tuna (preferably wild caught)
• flaxseed
• Vegetable protein
• Vegetables and fruits of every color
• Nuts of all kinds
• Green Tea
• Ginger- try steeping some grated root with boiling water

Eat LESS:

• Corn oil, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed , or mixed vegetable oils
• Margarine and vegetable shortening
• Processed foods
• Products containing high fructose corn syrup
• Foods high in saturated fat, including meat, tropical oils and full fat dairy
• Foods made with trans fats

A lack of vitamin D may also contribute to low back pain.  In one study 80% of people who had chronic low back pain also were deficient in vitamin D. When they began taking supplemental D their back pain improved.

This anti-inflammatory way of eating is great for ANY inflammatory condition, aim to eat this way all of the time!

Springtime in the Pacific Northwest

Springtime in the Pacific Northwest

So, it is mid- April around the Puget Sound area.  The sun has broken through a few days and people are starting to knock down the winter’s growth of lawn and weeds.  Spring leagues for softball, baseball, soccer, and other sports are ramping up for their seasons. The golf course is drying out enough to make people want to get out for a round on the course.  These daily stresses can push the body to its limits. Yard-work, sports and activities that return your body’s use of those forgotten nerves and muscles put an abnormal amount of stress on bones, muscles, joints and nerves.

Various micro and macro trauma of the season:

• Full-speed collisions,
• Falls to the ground,
• Head and limbs being jammed,
• Body parts being pulled, pushed and twisted beyond their normal ranges,
• Even seemingly normal, easy, or moderate exercise.

What are some of the damaging effects of this punishment? How likely are you to develop problems or be seriously injured, and how can you be sure you are performing at your optimal level?

  

The development, growth, and function of our bodies is directed and controlled by the Nervous system.

Although the brain, spinal cord and spinal nerves are protected by the bones of the skull and spine, they can be damaged by slight misalignments; this creates pressure and interference to the spinal cord and nerves which can result in obscured growth, improper development, and poor function.

  

When the muscles and joints are not working properly you will become less flexible, weaker; making them more susceptible to injury; leading to arthritic and degenerative conditions. This pressure and interference causes decreased nerve supply to the tissues, organs, and systems of the body. This leads to impaired body functions, a loss of proper alertness, a lack of concentration, and lowered energy. These problems will slow down results in your exercise routine, cause poor performance in sports, the classroom, or at work.  A body functioning below normal capacity will have a lower resistance to infection and illness.  Many of these conditions may present as a subtle decreases in normal function, not presenting with identifiable symptoms. 

The Secret Response to All of These Problems is Chiropractic.  

Chiropractors analyze the spine for these spinal misalignments; we refer to this as a vertebral subluxation. A subluxated spine is out of its proper alignment and more prone to serious injury from a minor trauma. Chiropractic adjustments align the spine, and remove nerve interference, thus restoring proper health and optimal function. This keeps you free from illness, safer from injury, and allows you to perform at your best without the use of drugs or surgery. This is why top professional and Olympic athletes get adjusted and why millions of parents seek chiropractic for themselves and their families each year as a safe, natural form of health care.

Drugs that deplete vitamins

Drugs that deplete vitamins
When taken regularly, some frequently prescribed medications can diminish or deplete your body's stores of important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. If you take any medications, talk with a nutrition-oriented medical professional about whether you should add certain supplements to your daily regimen.
TYPE OF DRUG	EXAMPLES - NAME BRANDS	NUTRIENTS DEPLETED
Antacids	Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac	Vitamin B-12, folic acid, vitamin D, calcium, iron, zinc
	Prevacid, Prilosec	Vitamin B-12
Antibiotics	Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Penicillin, Tetracycline	"Friendly" beneficial intestinal bacteria
Antidepressants	Adapin, Aventyl, Elavil, Tofranil	Vitamin B-2, coenzyme Q-10
Antidiabetic drugs	Dymelor, Micronase, Tolinase	Coenzyme Q-10
	Glucophage	Vitamin B-12
Anti-inflammatories	Aspirin	Vitamin C, folic acid, iron, potassium
	Advil, Aleve, Dolobid, Feldene, Indocin, Lodine, Motrin, Nalfon, Naprosyn, Orudis, Relafen, Voltaren	Folic acid
	Betamethasone, Budesonide, Cortisone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone, Prednisone	Vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc
Blood pressure- lowering drugs	Apresoline	Vitamin B-6, coenzyme Q-10
	Bumex, Edecrin, Lasix	Vitamin B-1, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc
	Aquatensen, Lozol, Zaroxolyn	Coenzyme Q-10, magnesium, potassium, zinc
	Dyrenium	Folic acid, calcium, zinc
	Blocadren, Cartrol, Corguard, Inderal, Kerlone, Lopressor, Normodyne, Sectral, Tenormin, Viskin	Coenzyme Q-10
Cholesterol- lowering drugs	Baycol, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Zocor	Coenzyme Q-10
	Colestid, Questran	Vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, folic acid, iron
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)	Evista, Prempro, Premarin, Estratab	Vitamin B-2, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, folic acid, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc
Oral contraceptives	Estrastep, Norinyl, Ortho-Novem, Triphasil	Vitamin B-2, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, folic acid, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc
Tranquilizers	Ormazine, Mellaril, Prolixin, Thorazine	Vitamin B-2, coenzyme Q-10
	Haldol	Coenzyme Q-10
Source: Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, by R. Pelton et al.; Physician's Desk Reference

Reprinted from www.xmission.com/~total/temple/Program/datadir/FMS_Etiology/fmspres1pg88.php3

T'was a Chiropractic Christmas

Fri, December 24, 2010 4:56:10 PM

From Dr. Tim Gay

 

T'was a Chiropractic Christmas

...

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T'was a Chiropractic Christmas by Author Unknown T'was the day before Christmas, but there was no cheer. No jingle bells jingled, no sound of reindeer. The word had gone out that Santa was sick. There would be no visit from jolly St. Nick.    The people were sad; no gaiety sounded. For Christmas had come, but Santa was grounded. He drove down the road, and what should he see? But a sign for a doctor, who was a D.C.    Now Santa was not one to like a new tactic, But all else had failed, so he tried Chiropractic. He entered the office and saw at a glance, in a place such as this, illness hasn't a chance. The office staff smiled, the music was sappy, with all of the patients contented and happy. In a very short time, to judge by the clock, he was in the adjusting room, talking to Doc.    It must be the hurry, the tension and all, I simply can't seem to get on the ball. Life used to be easy; just kids, toys and whistles, now I dodge smog, spaceships and missiles.    And Doc, take a look at the size of this pack! Have you any idea what it does to my back? Poor Santa was miserable and just barely able, with the help of the Doctor, to get on the table.    The Doctor was gentle; without a fuss or a tussle he examined the vertebrae  and relaxed every muscle. He spotted trouble and then with a click, started aligning the spine of old St. Nick.    Santa felt aches and pains slipping away and in no time at all he began to feel gay. The air was a tingle with new fallen snow and a healthy Kris Kringle was rarin' to go. As he went out the door, he threw them a kiss; why, it had been centuries since he felt good as this! Then once more he shouldered the bag full of toys, his heart overflowing with true Christmas joys. Merry Christmas from Ultimate Parctice!

 

Good Nutrition & Lots of Exercise for Healthy Kids

Good Nutrition & Lots of Exercise for Healthy Kids
We're in the middle of a raging epidemic affecting America's youth - the obesity epidemic. The number of American adolescents who are obese increased 300% in the last 40 years. This is a problem that can potentially affect every family. The good news is that in almost all cases, obesity is a lifestyle disorder. In other words, children become obese because of behaviors learned from their friends and their parents. Healthy eating and regular exercise are the two critically important steps to take to help ensure your child retains an appropriate weight. With respect to healthy eating - Eliminate all trans fats from your children's diet - this includes almost all fast foods Cut down on sugary drinks (eliminate) Serve at least five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables every day Serve complex carbohydrates such as whole grains Serve lean meat, fish, and poultry Count calories! Children need at least an hour of physical activity every day. This includes outdoor play, sports, and calisthenics. Make sure your kids are getting enough exercise!!  use supplements to boost the nutritional value of the foods that are missing in your children diet.	!

Dr. Rodger Niemi
Renaissance Chiropractic Center
253-473-0300

The Tacoma Thursday Morning Healthy Edge Group Program

Randy Schroeder & Brian Thiel are the facilitators for the Health Edge in Tacoma.   They run a morning session at the Venue.  

This is  a program that helps to make little changes in you life to improve your overall health.  below is a summary of the course at the venue.

 The Tacoma Thursday Morning Healthy Edge Group Program Includes:

• - 8 weekly meetings facilitated by Healthy Edge Independent Facilitators
• - One-on-one coaching support
• - Initial coaching call to set goals
• - Weekly support through e-mails or phone calls
• - Healthy Edge meals prepared by Three Chicks Catering, Inc. each week. (Except week 2 (JUMPSTART WEEK))
• - 12 weeks of unlimited access to The Healthy Edge website (www.getthehealthyedge.com)
• - Full Healthy Edge program including videos, downloadable audios and notes and other support materials
• - Over 150 Healthy Edge recipes
• - BONUS GIFT: 1 month supply of top rated adult pharmaceutical grade supplements
• - Taking back control of your health and weight! FOREVER!
• * Spouse rates, Class Graduate rates, and children under 18 do not include all of the features listed above. Please discuss these features with the class Facilitators.
Tacoma Healthy Edge Course Outline8 Weeks to Your Healthy Edge Lifestyle:
• Week 1: Getting Started on The Healthy Edge – Congratulations on your commitment to yourself and your health. This program is intended to guide you in making lifestyle changes that will not only change your outer body size but you’re inside body as well. This first meeting, we will take your weight, measurements and before pictures. We will also lead you through what it takes to get ready for The Healthy Edge. This is really the beginning. Welcome to The Healthy Edge.
• Week 2: Insulin Resistance and The Glycemic Index – It may physically and mentally not be your fault for where you are in your health. Learn how to get rid of your carbohydrate cravings and get your insulin levels under control. What is Insulin Resistance? How does it adversely affects weight loss and your health? What is the role of blood sugar? What are the physical and emotional results of consuming low vs. high glycemic foods and meals? Learn why low glycemic shakes and bars will support you in overcoming insulin resistance and can jump start your new healthy lifestyle.
• Week 3: Eating Out and Eating at The Workplace – How do you take responsibility for your choices and live a life of freedom? How can you succeed living a healthy lifestyle at the workplace? Learn how to prepare your week and set up your environment at work to win. How do you stay on track when eating out? What are you really ordering? We will review the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of local restaurants menu’s.
• Week 4: Exercise – Most people know how to exercise so why don’t we? What is holding you back? Are your goals for exercise to get healthy, fit? How can strength training and circuit training dramatically increase the results you see? How do you know what is your target heart rate? How can you maximize the calories you burn for hours afterwards? Learn how exercise can really be fun.
• Week 5: Reading Food Labels Part I – Learn about the information found on food labels. What you need to know about carbohydrates, fiber, fats, and proteins to be empowered in your healthy lifestyle? What does low fat, no fat, low calories, etc. really mean when it comes to your weight and health? What is regulated on food labels and what is marketing? What should I be buying organic?
• Week 6: Reading Food Labels Part II – Know what is in your food and the effects of the 10 most common food additives. Most of these are in the diet foods that are being marketed for weight loss and in the foods you are buying for your children! Get empowered with knowledge! Bring pen and paper - we will review some cooking prep idea’s to make meals at home quick and easy.
• Week 7: Maximize Fat Loss – “I just have a slow metabolism” will never come out of your mouth again after this seminar! Learn how protein, fiber, and muscle mass can increase the fat and calories you burn daily and change your body! Discover the secret to how fiber and protein contribute to your fat release! Fine tune your Healthy Edge journey by evaluating your progress and identifying what is missing.
• Week 8: Where Do We Go From Here? - Congratulations! You are ready for the world, almost. Get your final pictures, weight and measurements and see how well you have done! Discuss your victories and challenges ahead and what how you can implement a lifestyle change from the education gained in the last seven weeks. Bring somebody special in your life to share your victory!

For mor information you can contact Randy and Brian through their Facebook page!!

http://www.facebook.com/healthyedgetacoma

Rodger Niemi DC

Renaissance Chiropractic Center

4902 Tacoma Mall Blvd. 

Tacoma WA 98409

253-473-0300

Use of Ice therapy to reduce inflammation

Use of Ice Pack

The use of ice packs helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, decrease pain from injury, and decrease the pain associated with muscle spasm and trigger points. When swelling is present, it helps to elevate the swollen area during the ice pack treatment.

The Gel packs are relatively inexpensive at any of the local drugstores. Many of them can also be used for heat therapy (but not all), make sure that you read the instructions if you plan on using one for heat as well as cold.

Never place the gel pack directly on bare skin. Always wrap the gel packs in a towel or washcloth. Gel packs can cause frostbite damage to the skin.

Place ice gel pack in freezer for about two hours.

Remove gel pack from freezer.

Place a flexible gel ice pack in a damp towel. (Crushed ice in a plastic bag may be substituted)

Place ice pack over the painful or swollen area. It may help to strap the pack on with an elastic strap.

Keep ice pack in place for approximately 20 minutes.

(Ice packs go through 3 stages, the area feels cold, the area feels “achy”, and finally the area feels numb. You want to leave the ice pack in place for about 5 minutes after reaching the numb stage.)

Remove ice pack.

This may be repeated if needed for relief of pain and/or swelling. You must wait at least 45-60 minutes for the area to re-warm itself before reapplying the ice pack.

Another alternative is to use a bag of frozen peas (or veggie of your choice) wrapped in a damp cloth.

1. Always use a washcloth or towel between the ice pack and skin.

2. Apply only for 10-20 minutes at a time.

3. Cold pack may be reapplied as often as needed as long as you wait at least 45-60 minutes between applications.

Dr Rodger Niemi
Renaissance Chiropractic Center 
http://www.chirotacoma.com
253-473-0300