Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain usually occurs when soft tissues --muscles,ligaments or tendons in the shoulder are injured or overused. This can occur by reaching awkwardly, throwing in sports activities, poor body mechanics and/or poor posture, and
weight-lifting/weight-training. Most shoulder problems respond to chiropractic treatment with physical therapy (which chiropractors are fully licensed to do in California) and changing activities of rest, exercise and medications.
Shoulder pain often radiates into the upper arm. Shoulder pain can fall into 3 categories: tendonitus/bursitis, arthritis, and instability.
Tendonitus involves inflammation and/or injury to the tendons in the shoulder area. Tendons connect muscle to bone. It can be caused by overuse or wear and tear.
Bursitis is a conditionresulting from excessive use of the shoulder and swelling of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs surrounding the shoulder joints).
Arthritis - the suffix -itis indicates inflammation (tonsillitis, appendicitis,etc.)
and in this case inflammation of the joints. Most of us have signs of this after 40.
This osteo-arthritis should not be confused with systemic rheumatoid arthritis.
Instability occurs when bones are pushed out of alignment grossly=luxation or
more subtly=subluxation. Chiropractic is the treatment of choice for instability.

Things to Avoid 1. Poor body mechanics, poor posture. 2. Stopping movement to avoid pain. 3. Repetitive activities especially overhead. 4.Repetitive heavy lifting.
5. Lying on the affected side. 6. Most important --No prolonged heat such as a heating pad.

Things to do 1. Use good body mechanics and good posture. 2. Use ice on the shoulder for 10 minutes each hour when there is inflammation accompanied by pain. Heat will not reduce this inflammation. 3. Remedial, that is corrective stretching, movements, and exercise to improve flexibility and strength should be done with professional instruction. Illustrated exercises are available at my office.

Silver Use as an Anti-microbial

Silver has been used for centuries to control microbes --bacteria, fungus, yeast, and virus--in various cultures. In India with its hot, moist climate --silver is used to wrap and preserve foods where no refrigeration is available. These foods are eaten wrapper and all without ill effects.
Silver was commonly used in the United States until the advent of antibiotics in the 1940's.
Today it is the treatment of choice in burn units.
Antibiotics as we know are widely overused and are estimated to cause over 100,000 deaths per year. Recently we have begun to hear of MRSA, that is microbes which are resistant to new forms of bacteria. We need alternatives. In this case it is Back to the Future as we seek forms of treatment. Silver is a good, safe, inexpensive choice.
Can Silver Cause Metal Poisoning or Toxic Nephropathy? Any substance can be fatal in excessive amounts --even water. The MERCK manual (17th edition, p. 1880) has a list of toxic heavy metals--silver is the only one not listed as one that cause toxic nephropathy --kidney impairment.
American Biotech Labs produces USDA approved products that are well within safe limits --that is 24 ppm (parts per million) --very low --that tests have shown to eliminate bacteria. The liquid and new gel forms produced at American Biotech Labs are now available at Rocklin Chiropractic Clinic ---www.rocklinchiro.com--916-624-0682.

FLU FACTS

(The following information is not intended to advise readers or their children as to whether they should or should not receive the "flu shot" or other vaccination.)
Following is a list of ingredients found in the flu shot:

• Thimerosal - a mercury disinfectant that can result in brain injury and autoimmune disease.
• Aluminum - has been associated with Alzheimer's disease and produced cancer in laboratory mice.
  
• Ethylene glycol - antifreeze (also an additive in many brands of ice cream
• Phenol (carbolic acid) - a disinfectant and dye
• Foramldehyde - "embalming fluid" a known carcinogen
• Streptomycin and Neomycin - as antibiotics may cause allergic reactions in some people
• Egg factors so those with hypersensitivity to eggs are cautioned against use.

Health practices to prevent contracting the flu:

• Know that your immune system is stronger than the pathogen - bug.
• See previous post (July 11, 2009) .
• Since the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a variety of viruses --porcine (hence "swine flu), avian and others it is spread by droplets expelled in coughing or sneezing AVOID these.
• Hand washing. Minimize contact between your hands and face (nose,eyes)
  
• Wash and rinse out your throat and nose,sometimes called a nasal douche.
  
• Keep well-hydrated and drink warm fluids such as teas
• Nutrition - fruits, vegetables, nuts and vitamin supplements and herbs
  

THE BIG D

We all experience depression from time to time and in different degrees.
We have all heard that many famous and accomplished persons experienced deep and prolonged depression. Depression is not a sign of weakness.
One of the first principles of psychology that I learned as a college freshman in 1960 was "depression" is 'anger turned inward', that is anger directed toward ones self. Almost 50 years later I still contemplate that simple truth.

Early in my practice I had a patient confined to a wheelchair as a result of a work accident. Peter was a large-framed man who had had a career as a professional athlete. Subsequently as a fire fighter he suffered terrible injuries that resulted in the wheelchair. He may have experienced brain injury as he spoke with a slur. One day he was wheeled in for treatment of musculo-skeletal complaints. I greeted him with a smile and asked How are you?
He answered "mizzzerable." He felt useless and depressed. I shared that I had just finished a book by one of the Meninger brothers, well known Drs. specializing in mental - emotional disorders. I quoted the book which stated very simply that the easiest and best "cure" for depression was to do something for somebody else.
I never saw Peter again. He was unfortunately unable to address what today would be called his "issues."

What were some of the things Peter could have done for himself? Following are some ideas: physical - Peter gets credit for this one because he was seeking care for the bodily pain he felt. Physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, yoga are examples of valid avenues. nutritional - amino acids which are the building blocks for proteins are essential. Supplements of B6 and B12 (sublingual is best) are crucial especially for the aging population. SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is available over- the- counter and has been successfully used by Europeans for decades. exercise - even stretching assists in producing endorphins which are the hormones that make us feel good.
breathing - as discussed in an earlier blog on this site is something we all forget to do properly.
stimulate olfactory senses - scents, fragrances, foods activate portions of the brain that enhance the joy in our lives.
visual senses - colors . When I think about it now flowers incorporate the last two (olfactory and visual) concepts and it's easy to see why flowers would be universally used as gifts for healing and mood enhancement. Lastly laughter (is this the last laugh?) we know can actually boost the immune system for healing and balance in our lives.

It's All in the Interpretation

The following appeared in the Berkshire Genealogist, Volume 27, Number 1.
You will enjoy it!:
An amateur genealogy researcher discovered that his great-great uncle,
Remus Starr, a fellow lacking in character, was hanged for horse stealing
and train robbery in Montana in 1889.
The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows.
On the back of the picture in this inscription: "Remus Starr; horse thief,
sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1883, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889."
In a family history subsequently written by his descendant, Remus' picture is cropped, scanned in as an enlarged image, and edited with image processing software so that all that's seen is a headshot. The accompanying revisionist history states:
"Remus Starr was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquistion of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana Railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to service at a government facility, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important
civic function held in his honor when
the platform upon which he was standing
suddenly collapsed."

Extra Vertebra in the spine

Question: "We have an interesting development with our 22 year old granddaughter.
She had been having balance and walking difficulty this summer and after seeing
many specialists and now consulting at Mayo, she has been diagnosed with an extra
vertebra between the 7 and 8th. We are assuming it isn't a very common condition.
Any input would be welcome. Thanks. K & J"
Answer: I'm assuming the extra vertebra is in the neck, cervical (yes, that is the correct term)
which normally has 7 vertebrae however if it is in the thoracic region the following will still apply.
An extra vertebra in the spine is not an uncommon occurrence. It is a "normal anomaly" which means a benign variation= we are all different. I have seen it occasionally. I don't think there
is a direct correlation with the symptoms you mention. In other words not everybody
with this extra vertebra has problems, but it is possible and worth pursuing from a
biomechanical (chiropractic) standpoint. As is so often the case, this sounds like a
last resort option. I hope it works for your granddaughter.

Metabolic Syndrome in a Thimble

Metabolic syndrome is a term that sounds so neutral, yet is such a pernicious concept that
it could be called "death markers." In fact the ominous term Syndrome X is used to describe
Metabolic Syndrome in some circles.
I recently met with a cousin, now 75, who was an athlete and coach and who was in relatively good shape until 5 years ago when I last saw him. He had noticeably gained weight and particularly around his middle. He announced that he had recently been diagnosed with several diseases --diabetes, high cholesterol and other blood lipids, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. I don't know that he mentioned elevated blood pressure but it is likely. I asked him Did your doctor call it "metabolic syndrome?" "No", he said, he had "never heard of that one."
I was distressed to see my cousin resigned to his conditions and displaying the six classic factors of Metabolic Syndrome: 1) excessive fat tissue around the waist, 2) blood fat disorders (high lipids), 3) high blood pressure, 4) insulin resistance (type II diabetes), 5) elevated risk of blood clot formation, and 6) inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
What can be done about this X Syndrome? I revert to my Formula for Wellness www.rocklinchiro.com .
The formula is 5-part: 1) chiropractic care, after all I am a chiropractor, 2) physical therapy including massage, 3) nutrition including supplements and herbs, 4) exercise, and 5) good sleeping habits. The first 2 are important, yet passive for the most part.
Nutrition, exercise, and sleeping habits are active and the responsibility of the individual.
NUTRITION I will make one comment about nutrition that is not often addressed, that is digestion and assimilation. We can eat the best foods in the world and we can take the most expensive vitamins, herbs and supplements BUT if they are not absorbed "they can go right through you." I have heard reports and seen xrays that show undigested "pills."
*Key= enzymes in our foods and as supplements are essential.
EXERCISE Like nutrition, volumes and a plethora of books have been written on this subject. So let me refer you to one of those for suggestions and let me say incorporate exercise in your activities of daily living. Basically I am saying move people. If the gym is not your thing- if competitive sports are not your thing --make your home, your yard, your garden, your grocery shopping, your pleasure trips --your exercise. Walk those few extra steps to the store of your choice, park some distance away. Take the stairs rather than an elevator. Why not mow your own lawn, clean your own house? In the mornings imitate your cat ---stretch-- no, I don't have a cat either.
Some mild activity before bed can help you sleep. Don't forget sex is exercise.
SLEEP I heard a "celebrity doctor" recently on a morning television show advise shifting gears downward an hour before bed, then at bedtime turning out all lights even LCD lights on clocks and electronic devices should be screened. If you can't break the habit of leaving TV on when you go to sleep, use your sleep-timer feature. I took this TV doctor's advice and it worked! I have slept more soundly.
I have omitted the obvious dicta regarding nutrition "eat healthy foods, avoid unhealthy foods" and sleeping preparations -"don't drink coffee before bed", "use a good mattress and pillow", as I hope the reader knows and follows that good advice which is widely available.

the chiropractic vs. medical perspective

Chiropractic = resistance (strength) of the organism (human)
Medicine =virulence of the pathogen ("bug")

The medical (allopathic) model is to focus on the "bug" be it a strep, staph, or cancer cell.
After identifying the pathogen, the next step is how to kill it. Burn, cut, or poison are the
choices. Of course all these choices compromise the human organism. We pay a toll.
Every medicine has its contraindications as we know.

In contrast, chiropractic has always focused on the human host if you will. The human is
composed of several aspects: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. These aspects
contribute to our immune system which we call our resistance.

We are surrounded by bugs in our external environment. They may be mosquitoes or
aphids. We are filled with bugs in our internal environment: staph, strep, cancer cells,
and misguided fragments of DNA.
The question is: Why do some people get sick while others don't? The answer is simple:
immunity.
In conclusion, chiropractic focuses on the integrity of the nervous system which is
network or wiring that serves all of our organs and systems including immune systems.
By enhancing and optimizing our immunity we can resist colds, swine flu, ulcers and cancers.

New machine for back pain relief as seen on TV

(This is in response to an inquiry from Mary B.)
Hi Mary--I have not seen the machine you ask about. However I have a patient
used it (same name and costing about $200) for 3 weeks and returned to me
yesterday. The results are very positive for his low-back pain which radiated
into his left leg. His pain is relieved, his range of motion is better, and he is walking
better. He used it daily as directed. He said he was unable to use it on his mid-,
upper back or neck.
As he described the device to me the principle is sound, that is, TRACTION.
"DECOMPRESSION" Has become the latest buzz-word to describe good, old-fashioned
traction.
Here is a list of tractioning procedures:
1. Chiropractic manipulations are tractioning movements. They have the advantage
of being specific and careful.
2. The Spine-o-lator machine I have patients use at my office in preparation for an
adjustment are general and unspecific trationing movements.
3. Massage therapy is targeted tractioning of soft tissues.
4. "Decompression" machine with treatements costing $3000 are simple tractioning
with lots of hype.
5. Even lying on your back with a round pillow under your neck and 2 regular pillows
elevating your knees with your spine forming a kind of bridge is traction.
6. Stretching exercises? = traction.
7. Yoga positions = ditto.

They all work! The methods listed above may be used in conjunction with each
other without conflict despite what health advocates (including MD's) who discourage
procedures different then their own. I am always suspicious of health providers who
say 'don't do this'/'don't do that' when there is a monetary consideration.
As you know I encourage patients to design their own program including chiropractic,
physical therapy (including massage), nutrition, exercise, and sleeping habits.
Thank you for your inquiry.

detox breath

Steps for detoxifying breathing:
1) Blow out your breath sharply as if blowing out a candle.
2) Continue exhaling until you "feel it", that is until it feels complete
and you are ready to inhale.
3) Now, do nothing, your lungs will start to fill all on their own.
4) At the end of you inhalation recruit your diaphragm to complete your breath.
(Be careful not to throw out your chest or lift your shoulders as you may have been taught.)
5) Do these 4 steps and repeat them 6 times per day or about every 3 hours.
This is similar to a baby's breathing cycle and similar to a yoga breath.

How does it work?We dump about 30% of our bodies' waste through our
organs of elimination -bowels and bladder --the rest is largely up to our
respiratory system, persperation,etc.
What is the magic key to efficient breath and maximizing full elimination or toxins?
We need to utilize our diaphragm in breathing. Watch a baby breathe. A baby is using
its diaphragm to breathe. Unfortunately we un-learn this mechanism.

What is the diaphragm? It is the muscle that separates our upper body, torso from
our abdomen. It attaches to the lowest ribs front and back. If you place your fingertips
under your sternum -wishbone- along the ridge of your ribs you may feel the attachments of the diaphragm. This tissue should be soft and pliable. You should be able to place a quarter inch of your fingertips under your ribs. If it is hard and tight you are prone to g.r.i.d. (gastrointestinal reflux disease), hiatal hernia, heartburn and other digestive disorders.
www.rocklinchiro.com

prednisone----a short affair

In November, 2006, I experienced severe pain in the major joints
of my body along with weakness, night sweats, and sudden weight loss.
I used an array of natural products and services: vitamins, minerals,
aloe vera, chlorophyll, chiropractic, massage, heat,ultrasound among others.
Later I worked with a very competent acupuncturist whose treatments
were supportive. But nothing gave me relief from the gnawing,
"hollow" pain. I consulted my M.D. I mentioned having dark stools and his
immediate concern was colon cancer. As I left his office, to my relief
I remembered taking the chlorophyll and how it would darken the stools.
On subsequent visits the M.D. prescribed pain medications which helped
and rendered a diagnosis of "polyarthralgia." I knew the source of my pain
was the connective tissues--ligaments, tendons--surrounding the joints, not
the joints themselves. I went on-line, plugged in my symptoms, and there it
was "polymyalgia rheumatica," referred to as "PMR". Within a day I had a
conversation with my older brother. I told him my symptoms and he said
"That sounds like a condition I had a few years ago called "poly-my-algia
rheu-ma-tica". Bingo!My differential diagnosiswas PMR. As a health professional
who considered himself a specialist in neuro-muscular-skeletal conditions I
had never heard of PMR. I went back to my M.D. who did not concur with
a diagnosis of PMR, but agreed to refer me to a well-known rheumatologist. It was another two months before he could see me. For those two months I suffered pain and was unable to work. I had a substitute practitioner take care of my patients. This practitioner proceeded to siphon off some of my patients and invaded my computer management program for confidential information.
I went to my health club and slipped on the wet floor only to be
caught in the arms of a friend who was shocked by my appearance and said, "Buddy,what's wrong?" I reassured him I had a "temporary arthritis" and would get over it.
********************************************
The welcome day arrived to see Dr. Taber, the rheumatologist, who looked
at my sed-rate (130---normally in the range of 10), examined me and
confirmed the diagnosis of PMR.
He started me on prednisone which I knew from my on-line research was
the standard medical remedy. The results were instant. I was out of pain and
my joint function returned. I could return to work and rescue my practice.
I started at a lower level of 15 milligrams per day. I proceeded to halve the
dosage and told Dr. Taber I was doing so. I could tell he was not happy I was
doing the dosage reduction on my own.
He also would not have been happyto know I was taking the prednisone
sublingually, under my tongue (it is a 'bitter pill') to allow it to get into my
bloodstream more quickly and directly than going through my GI tract.
Dr. Taber warned me that my appetite would be "enormous"
while taking prednisone. With a sed rate of 130 and a metabolic rate in overdrive,
I was enjoying large amounts of food and 2 additional meals per day.
For the first timein my life I was trying to gain weight! from 155 back to 175.
(Two and one half years later I am back to keeping my weight under control,
no more daily malts and frosties.)
In February, 2009, I was down to 1/2 milligram of prednisone per day,
my pain controlled, my joint function normal, my weight stabilized.
When I tried to stop the prednisone the symptoms came back with a vengeance.
I never developed the side affects we hear of from prednisone --no undesireable weight gain, no moon-face, no dowagers hump, etc. My blood tests all came back normal so it wasn't affecting my liver or other internal organs.
In summary I consider prednisone a friend to embrace with eyes wide open and tell:
"You know this is only temporary, don't you?"







1

Old Codger

While driving I could see an old grizzled man ahead trying to cross the street in heavy traffic. Several cars ahead ignored him and buzzed past.
I stopped and he crossed the street. He stood on the curb facing me, removed his dirty cap and tipped it toward me with a bow of his head.
It was performed in a stagey, theatrical manner.***************
Was he a by-gone actor? An alkie stumbling his way home?
An apparition from the past?
An angel unawares?
Perhaps.

inflammation perspectives

This post is in response to Gary who has emailed questions on his wife's xray findings.
I have not had the opportunity to see the films, but Gary, a layman, describes the pictures as having "poofey joints and bones appearing much older than her 40 years."
Here is my roundabout sight unseen answer to Gary.
First let's get clear on arthritis. "-itis" indicates inflammation whether it be tonsilitis, appendicitis, or cellulitis. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, said inflammation has
four characteristics: rubor, calor, tumor, and dolor, that is redness, heat, swelling and
tenderness. When you describe the joints as poofey I picture swelling. You have told me she had xrays because of pain which fulfills the "dolor" characteristic. Consistent with swelling would be spurring, osteophytes and other degenerative changes. A current descriptor of the condition being considered would be "degenerative joint disease."
Just as teeth and eyes show signs of wear our bones develop degenerative changes with age.
Once again without the benefit of seeing xrays my guess is that your wif'e's pictures show degenerative changes which is why someone may have described their appearance as "old bones."

Chiropractic Wellness Formula

The focus for the chiropractor and the patient should be on 3 tissues: bone, muscle, and nerves.
All 3 of these tissues are involved in a pain syndrome.
There are 5 ways to treat these 3 tissues: 1) chiropractic including manual manipulation of
affected vertebral segments, 2) physical therapy which chiropractors in most states are fully licensed to perform. Modalities may include: massage, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation,
and others. 3) Nutrition including foods, vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements. 4) Exercise.
5) Sleeping habits such as the type of bed and the type of pillow.
Conceptualizing and following the above can lead to optimal wellness and relief of back pain.
James Carlson, D.C.

Welcome To Our Blog

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in cause and prevention of disease." - Thomas Edison