Thursday, August 20, 2009

What is a Subluxation?

Subluxation - “The Silent Killer”

Your Nervous System is responsible for controlling and coordinating all other systems and structures in your body. The Central Nervous System consisting of the Brain and Spinal Cord is responsible for sending and receiving messages to and from every tissue, organ and system in your body. This communication is made possible by your spinal neurological network. This vast communication network is in charge of virtually every function in your body and determines whether you enjoy good health or suffer with ongoing malfunction or disease. The central nervous system is so important that nature build a protective case around it, your skull and spinal column. However, even with this “inborn Protection” your nervous system can experience interference, injury or disturbance. We call this damage to our nervous system a Subluxation.

Your examinations have determined that you have one or multiple subluxations that exist in your spinal neurological network. This is a very serious threat to your continued overall health and well being. Many people have subluxations and do not even know that a problem exists. Early subluxation development causes a loss of function in the body, but in the early stages create few symptoms. Most people overlook the early warning signs until significant damage occurs.

Subluxations are often called the “Silent Killer” because of their nature of causing a progressive loss of function, while initially not causing any pain until they are quite progressed. Subluxations usually go undetected for years before they are diagnosed, and frequently have caused progressive deterioration to your overall health potential.

Subluxations have devastating effects on your overall health and wellbeing. Our primary goal is to detect and correct subluxations that are interfering with your nervous system and health thereby allowing your body to heal and establish a healthier you.

Since there is such a hidden nature to the Subluxation, we recommend all individuals be checked for this significant threat to your health. The earlier the subluxation is identified the less likely damage is to occur, so children especially should be checked for interference or subluxation early. Call Wade & Associated Chiropractic and schedule an evaluation, 256-237-9423.



Wade & Associated Chiropractic
A Partnership To Better Health

217 East 7th Street
Anniston, Al
Phone 256-237-9423

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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most expensive of all work-related injuries. Over his or her lifetime, a carpal tunnel patient loses about $30,000 in medical bills and time absent from work.

CTS typically occurs in adults, with women 3 times more likely to develop it than men. The dominant hand is usually affected first, and the pain is typically severe. CTS is especially common in assembly-line workers in manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, meatpacking, and similar industries. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, according to recent research, people who perform data entry at a computer (up to 7 hours a day) are not at increased risk of developing CTS.

What Is CTS?
CTS is a problem of the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand. CTS occurs when the median nerve gets compressed in the carpal tunnel-a narrow tunnel at the wrist-made up of bones and soft tissues, such as nerves, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. The compression may result in pain, weakness, and/or numbness in the hand and wrist, which radiates up into the forearm. CTS is the most common of the "entrapment neuropathies"-compression or trauma of the body"s nerves in the hands or feet.

What Are the Symptoms?
Burning, tingling, itching, and/or numbness in the palm of the hand and thumb, index, and middle fingers are most common. Some people with CTS say that their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. Since many people sleep with flexed wrists, the symptoms often first appear while sleeping. As symptoms worsen, they may feel tingling during the day. In addition, weakened grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist or grasp small objects. Some people develop wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb. Some are unable to distinguish hot from cold by touch.

Why Does CTS Develop?
Some people have smaller carpal tunnels than others, which makes the median nerve compression more likely. In others, CTS can develop because of an injury to the wrist that causes swelling, over-activity of the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, poor work ergonomics, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, and fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause.

How Is It Diagnosed?
CTS should be diagnosed and treated early. A standard physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck can help determine if your symptoms are related to daily activities or to an underlying disorder.

Your doctor of chiropractic can use other specific tests to try to produce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The most common are:
• Pressure-provocative test. A cuff placed at the front of the carpal tunnel is inflated, followed by direct pressure on the median nerve.
• Carpal compression test. Moderate pressure is applied with both thumbs directly on the carpal tunnel and underlying median nerve at the transverse carpal ligament. The test is relatively new.
Laboratory tests and x-rays can reveal diabetes, arthritis, fractures, and other common causes of wrist and hand pain. Sometimes electrodiagnostic tests, such as nerveconduction velocity testing, are used to help confirm the diagnosis. With these tests, small electrodes, placed on your skin, measure the speed at which electrical impulses travel across your wrist. CTS will slow the speed of the impulses and will point your doctor of chiropractic to this diagnosis.

What Is the CTS Treatment?
Initial therapy includes:
• Resting the affected hand and wrist
• Avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms
• Immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending
• Applying cool packs to help reduce swelling from inflammations
Some medications can help with pain control and inflammation. Studies have shown that vitamin B6 supplements may relieve CTS symptoms.

Chiropractic joint manipulation and mobilization of the wrist and hand, stretching and strengthening exercises, soft-tissue mobilization techniques, and even yoga can be helpful. Scientists are also investigating other therapies, such as acupuncture, that may help prevent and treat this disorder.

Occasionally, patients whose symptoms fail to respond to conservative care may require surgery. The surgeon releases the ligament covering the carpal tunnel. The majority of patients recover completely after treatment, and the recurrence rate is low. Proper posture and movement as instructed by your doctor of chiropractic can help prevent CTS recurrences.
How Can CTS Be Prevented?
The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following tips:
• Perform on-the-job conditioning, such as stretching and light exercises.
• Take frequent rest breaks.
• Wear splints to help keep the wrists straight.
• Use fingerless gloves to help keep the hands warm and flexible.
• Use correct posture and wrist position.
• To minimize workplace injuries, jobs can be rotated among workers. Employers can also develop programs in ergonomics-the process of adapting workplace conditions and job demands to workers" physical capabilities.

FREE CARPAL TUNNEL HELP VIDEO

14 Fruits and Vegetables That Provide

14 Fruits and Vegetables That Provide
the Best Protection Against Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, nearly one out of three Americans has arthritis. Of these 66 million adults, 43 million have been diagnosed with arthritis and another 23 million live with chronic joint symptoms that have not been doctor-diagnosed.
In fact, arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability among Americans over the age of 15, and costs related to the disease cost the U.S. economy over $86 billion a year.
Further, half of the people with arthritis do not believe anything can be done to help them. They are wrong. Chiropractic can help, and read on for more help.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis.
However, new research into just that is finding that for arthritis protection and relief you may need to look no further than your neighborhood grocery store. A study from the University of Manchester's Medical School, published in the August 2005 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that antioxidants called carotenoids in brightly colored yellow/orange fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
How Does it Work?
Oxidation, which produces free radicals in our bodies, is known to play a role in joint damage, such as that seen with rheumatoid arthritis. Antioxidants help to combat free radicals, and by doing so may suppress inflammation along the way, researchers said.
Out of the 25,000 participants in the study, 88 developed cases of inflammatory arthritis. These 88 people had:
• 40 percent lower intake of the antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin than those who did not develop the disease
• 20 percent lower intake of another antioxidant zeaxanthin
"Those in the top third for beta-cryptoxanthin intake were only half as likely to develop inflammatory polyarthritis as those in the lowest third, and vitamin C was also found to be an important factor," said Dr. Dorothy Pattison, the lead researcher of the study.
According to this study and many others, increasing your intakes of certain fruits and veggies does appear to be a sound way to protect against and fight arthritis. Here are the top 14 fruits and vegetables to consider:
1. Oranges: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study found that a modest increase in the antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin intake, equivalent to one glass of freshly squeezed orange juice per day, is associated with a reduced risk of developing inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Berries: Berries are all great sources of antioxidants and vitamin C. Blueberries have been ranked number 1 in terms of antioxidant concentrations, but cranberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries are good choices too.
3. Kiwi: One kiwi provides almost double the vitamin C of an orange, according to the California Kiwifruit Commission. Vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of arthritis.
4. Apples: Cornell University researchers found that apples contain antioxidants that fight inflammation (along with allergies, cancer and viruses).

"It is known that phytonutrients and antioxidants [in fruits and vegetables] have a role in minimizing inflammation," says Carol Henderson, PhD, a registered dietitian.
5. Cherries: According to Eve Campanelli, PhD in Prevention magazine, after drinking two glasses of black cherry juice (four ounces of juice with four ounces of water) twice a day, 85 percent of her patients experienced at least partial relief from their arthritis pain. Further, the effect continued even after the patients stopped drinking the juice.
6. Parsley: Parsley contains beta-carotene, making it a useful ingredient for those with arthritis, says Cherie Calbom, M.S., a certified nutritionist in Kirkland, Washington.
7. Prunes: These dried plums are antioxidant powerhouses. Researchers at the Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston found that prunes had more than twice the antioxidant power than any other fruit or vegetable in their study.
8. Carrots: They're rich in the antioxidants vitamin A and carotenoids.
9. Broccoli: Calbom says broccoli is helpful for arthritis because of its beta-carotene content. It's also a rich source of vitamin C.
10. Pineapple: Pineapple is rich in the enzyme bromelain, a powerful and natural anti-inflammatory agent.
11. Beans: "The protein in beans helps to replace body proteins broken down by inflammation," says Denise Cedar, a Salem, Oregon-based dietitian.
12. Red Grapes: Red grapes are loaded with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis (as well as fight heart disease and cancer).
13. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been found to help fight degenerative diseases (and reduce the risk of prostate and other cancers). Cooked tomatoes (tomato sauce or paste, marinara sauce, ketchup, etc.) are best when it comes to lycopene.
14. Sweet Potatoes: These are loaded with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. One half-cup serving provides twice the Recommended Daily Amount of vitamin E.

Juice Plus provides 17 fruits and vegetables to help supply the essential enzymes, phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants to your body for reducing inflammation and assisting your body with the sufficient quantity of nutrients for optimal functioning. See one of the staff to get your Juice
Plus information.

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10 Natural Highs

In previous corespondence we've looked at evidence showing that feeling happy is good for our physical health. But what are the conditions for happiness? In our next few newsletters we will look at particular aspects of our lives and examine how they can enhance – or detract from! – psychological wellbeing.
An obvious place to begin is with the workplace – after all, most people will spend a significant proportion of their lives at work. And whilst statistics suggest that that levels of absenteeism due to stress now number 13 million working days each year and are on the rise, unemployment has consistently been shown to have a devastating effect on people's wellbeing, over and above the impact of earning loss.
More than this, however, good work can be one of the most positive drivers of wellbeing. Firstly, jobs provide opportunities to mix with other people and can help to give us a vital sense of identity. Secondly, one of the key strengths of working environments is their ability to engage our interests and abilities, which in turn leads to a sense of purpose, self-worth and satisfaction. US psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi has coined the term “flow” to describe the experience of being so immersed in an enjoyable activity that we lose track of time; at its best, work can provide these experiences.
Of course, finding a job exciting and challenging is most likely to occur when there is a good fit between the tasks set by an employer and the skill level of the employee. Results of a recent survey have shown that employees who have a positive view about their managers are “those who are most engaged with their work, perform better and less likely to quit their jobs”. Leadership styles that are supportive, offer constructive feedback and encourage autonomy are important for wellbeing at work.
So, the research indicates that work can make us happy. But it is a complex cocktail of job characteristics and management styles that, in reality, holds the key to our wellbeing.
10 Natural Highs

WARNING: Below are extremely powerful substances. Once you get a taste you will be hooked. They can boost your heart beat, send electric tingles up your spine, cause you to grin and give you the ultimate buzz of your life. Prepare to pop a dose of life's ultimate trip of natural highs.
The good news is you can take as much as you want without having to go through the misery of a hangover. The only side effect you will feel is enthusiasm for life. You will wake up alert, inspired and feel more alive than ever before. There's a reason they say mother knows best. When it comes to feeling maximum intoxication, there are no greater thrillers than those created by Mother Nature.
Too many times we waste our energy searching for titillation in artificial substances when the most potent adrenaline rushes of all are right in front of us. In the quest for spine-chilling excitement we often overlook and ignore all the incredible rushes available at our fingertips free of charge.
There's a reason we crave heart-stirring excitement. It's because our bodies were built to enjoy these experiences. It's remarkable how powerful our four senses are especially, when we maintain perspective on their functions.
Have you ever been punched so hard with enjoyment by listening to your favorite band play live? Have you ever traveled back in time by taking a bite of a home-cooked meal or had your breath taken away from the beauty of a sunset over the mountains? Have you ever started to shake with nervousness when someone you like, smiles back?
These moments are continuously happening. All you need to do is awaken your senses, stop searching and open your eyes. Here's a dose of 10 natural highs that will keep your senses stoned with excitement.
1. Falling in love
2. Appreciating natures beautiful landscape and playing on it
3. Creating something and sharing it with others
4. Performing in front of a crowd
5. Accomplishing a long-term goal
6. Accidentally hearing someone say something nice about you
7. Seeing someone you love accomplish their goals
8. Laughing so hard with your best friend that it hurts
9. Meeting someone you admire
10. Having a really good conversation