arthritis Archives - Damron Chiropractic & Wellness

Degenerative Disc Disease

July 27, 2017 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

According to the Arthritis Foundation, most adults over the age of 60 have degenerative disc disease. This condition occurs when the discs between each vertebrae in the spine lose their ability to effectively absorb shock. As we age, our spinal discs, which have a high water content, begin to dehydrate lessening their ability to function. While age is the most common factor causing degenerative disk disease, other factors can contribute too. Factors such as daily activities, sports, and injuries.

While the effects of this degeneration are different for everyone, some people do experience back and/or neck pain. However, there can be other symptoms typically in conjunction with the pain:

back pain that extends to the legs
neck pain that extends to the arms and hands
tingling and numbness in these extremities
headaches
reduced range of motion

Unfortunately, there is very little blood supply to the spinal discs. So if a disc is weakened or damaged, it cannot heal itself as other body parts can. When the disc continues to deteriorate, that is when a person can begin to experience the symptoms above.

A chiropractor that offers onsite X-rays can determine the level of compression between vertebrae. Treatment can include sessions of time on a decompression table. This device very slowly extends the neck and/or back, relieving the pressure between vertebrae. Relieving the pressure reduces pain, but most importantly can help reduce inflammation around the nerves. Over time, this treatment, in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments, can stop the progression of degenerative disc disease, eliminate pain, and improve flexibility. The goal is to attempt to avoid surgery, however, in some cases, surgery is recommended after all other options have been exhausted. A chiropractor would then refer the person to a specialist for an MRI.

Getting older does not mean settling for aches and pains. You do have the option to grow older pain-free, but the choice is yours.

Heartburn & Chronic Kidney Disease

May 23, 2017 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

Good health is wealth. You can have all the money in the world, but if you don’t have good health then so what. One could argue that the definition of good health is differs from person to person. That, in fact, it is quality of life that matters more than good health. Either way, how you choose to live your life is key, regardless of limitations that may be out of your control. Such limitations could be type 1 diabetes, paralysis, or even arthritis. However, when we limit ourselves due to our own choices, who are we to blame if our quality of life suffers? Even if we don’t blame ourselves, perhaps denial has a part to play.

A recent article in the Cincinnati Enquirer (5/21/17) questioned the safety of heartburn medications. It appears there is a correlation between the use of certain drugs and chronic kidney disease. Upon further research, the overuse of these drugs called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, is of greater concern. The two most common PPIs are Nexium and Prilosec, both of which are very effective at treating reflux, ulcers, and heartburn. The overabundance of marketing has increased the use of these drugs in treating even minor indigestion. This is also a concern because it leads to a chronic dependence on these drugs.

Labeling indicates only a short-term use of PPIs, from a few weeks to a few months. However, people tend to use them for much longer, typically for years. Feeling good once again, people forget that the drug was only designed and approved by the FDA for a much shorter duration. Consequently, evidence suggests a correlation between PPIs and chronic kidney disease, which is now resulting in a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturers. The question we need to ask ourselves is why? Why the over-dependence on prescription medications when it is only a “band-aid” approach, at best? Why not take the time to uncover the true cause of the reflux, ulcers, and heartburn?

Perhaps the truth is that medications are too easy to get and take. Or perhaps we would rather not change our lifestyle to be healthier and settle for what we have always done. Chiropractic care allows you to improve your quality of life without the use of prescription medications. When stomach acid is not at the right levels a person experiences reflux and ulcers. PPIs work to block an enzyme that releases acid in the cells that line the stomach. A chiropractor will use supplementation, diet, and nutrition to heal the lining of the stomach first. Once this healing has occurred, the next step is to bring the stomach acid back into balance using supplements.

The “band-aid approach” comes with too many risks. While quality of life may appear to improve on the surface, it isn’t. The trade-off is a temporary fix for a chronic condition that could be far worse than the original problem. Do yourself a favor and seek to heal yourself inside and out through chiropractic care.

Gout and Chiropractic Care

May 2, 2017 By Pam Rezai 1 Comment

When cells die, which happens at a rate of millions per second, they release substances called purines. Purines are broken down into uric acid which is then removed by the kidneys. Sometimes there is more uric acid than the kidneys can eliminate. When this happens, the uric acid content in the body steadily increases. This condition, called hyperuricemia, can lead to the development of crystals in the joints and tissues. It is these crystals that cause the pain and inflammation associated with gout.

It is common for the pain to register at a 9 or 10 by those who suffer from this condition. This pain can last for several days, too. In addition to pain, other symptoms of gout include:

stiffness
swelling
redness
tenderness

The occurrence of gout has been documented for over 4,000 years. It was once considered a king’s disease due to the foods that triggers its onset, which are all high in purine as well:

alcohol
red meat
shellfish
organ meats

Gout is a form of arthritis that typically manifests itself in the joint of the big toe. Other areas include the joints of the knees, feet, and ankles. The first common sign is pain and swelling of the big toe, with men over the age of 45 more likely to suffer from this condition. However, other health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart or kidney disease are present first. But gout does not discriminate. Both young and old, male and female can develop it.

Chiropractic care is an often overlooked treatment option for gout sufferers to alleviate pain with adjustments, therapeutic medical massage, and dietary supplements. Unfortunately, many of the medications prescribed to treat this condition come with serious side effects. These include stomach pain, headache, nausea, diarrhea, rash, elevated blood pressure, and decreased kidney function.

A chiropractor can help a gout sufferer manage their symptoms holistically and without side-effects. Including help with diet and exercise. The ultimate goal is improving quality of life, minimizing or eliminating pain, and improving mobility.

Refined Grains vs Whole Grains

March 7, 2017 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

There seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to eating healthy, otherwise why are we in the midst of an obesity crisis? If we truly understood what healthy meant, perhaps there would not be an epidemic. Walking down any health food aisle, the sheer number of products available can be overwhelming. We want to get healthy but hesitate because we don’t know where to start. Which product is best? How do I know what to look for? A great place to start is with what the average American consumes at least 10 servings a day of – refined grains.

Refined grain is what flour is made from. This is the flour that is used to make bagels, donuts, cakes, bread, pancakes, waffles, buns, rolls, pizza, and cereal. Think about your typical day and all the refined grains around you. But why is refined so bad for us? The answer lies within how it is made. During this process, the oil inside the grain is released with grinding. Prior to mass production of breads, this released oil caused spoilage. With the advent of industrialized milling, the hard outer shell is removed and the rest pulverized into a fine white powder, giving it a much longer shelf life. However, there was also a down-side, too.

Creating this fine powder by eliminating the hard outer shell also meant removing the nutritional content as well. Whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fiber, all contained within the hard outer shell. What is left causes the health problems we are experiencing today.

Spikes in blood sugar which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Food cravings that cause overeating and obesity.
Inflammation which in turn causes conditions such as cataracts, heart disease, and arthritis.
Gastrointestinal disorders.
Food allergies and intolerance.
Bone density loss.

Refined grains are like a poison to our bodies. Understanding the difference between refined grains and whole grains we can preserve our good health. Choosing whole grains provides our body with the essential nutrients it needs to thrive. Use these tips to make healthier choices at the grocery store:

Look for whole kernel grains such as quinoa, wild rice, rye, millet, barley, oat, spelt, corn, and wheat.
Try sprouted grains.
Use flour that is whole-grain only.
When baking, replace some of that whole-grain flour with nut or seed meal (almond, cashew, flax, or coconut).

Advocate for your health. Do not be a bystander, casually observing the food that literally surrounds you. Question the food’s integrity. Learn what different foods do to your body and why. We will focus on what refined grains do different parts of your body in the next post.

Treating Pain and Inflammation

October 11, 2016 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

Treating pain and inflammation in the U.S. focuses less on the underlying cause and more on the symptoms of pain, especially when it is chronic. It is a temporary solution that only masks the real problem. While the patient may experience pain relief, it is only a band-aid approach that is accompanied by health risks. Risks from the medicine prescribed to the body’s response to the pain.

Chronic pain typically goes hand-in-hand with inflammation, which is how the body protects itself from injury. The role of the inflammation response is to:

remove harmful stimuli such as damaged cells, irritants or pathogens.
begin the healing process.
restore the body to normal function.

A prolonged state of inflammation increases the risk of other diseases especially as we age. Poor lifestyle choices and a sedentary lifestyle are sources of inflammation which has a detrimental effect body’s ability to effectively process it. This gradual decline over the years opens the door to conditions such as arthritis, chronic fatigue, sciatica, fibromyalgia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Somehow we expect our body to withstand constant stress, day after day, year after year and remain unaffected by it.

Western medicine typically treats chronic pain with anti-inflammatory medicines. These medications are associated with long-term health problems, in addition to addiction. A better solution that avoids these pitfalls is chiropractic care. Why? Because pain is resolved through a combination of spinal adjustments, massage, proper nutrition, and rehabilitation. Identifying the cause of the pain allows for effective treatment of it.

Today, more and more people are choosing to see a chiropractor when experiencing chronic pain. And finally reclaiming their lives in the process.

What Is a Real Doctor?

August 9, 2016 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

If you were asked the question, “what is a real doctor?” how would you answer it? Would your answer include how they look? Where they work? Where they went to school? How they ranked in their graduating class? What their specialty is? It’s probably safe to say that our answers are based on our own experiences with doctors and what we have seen in the media. If we look beneath the surface, do we really know what makes not only a real doctor, but a good doctor?

History tells us that a doctor is about disease care. We see one when we are sick and suffering from symptoms. We also see a doctor when we discover something abnormal about our body, have suffered a broken bone, or have a chronic condition like juvenile diabetes or arthritis. Unfortunately, sometimes when we see that abnormality or have developed that chronic condition we are at a major disadvantage. It also costs us far more in the long run. So, what is the alternative? Being on the offense, or rather, practicing preventative care.

To a majority of Americans, preventative care means going to the dentist twice a year, getting a mammogram at the age of 40, or a yearly checkup at the pediatrician for our kids. But shouldn’t it go further than that? In an ideal world, wouldn’t it be better to prevent illnesses and chronic conditions, plus improve our quality of life in the process? The reality is that the ideal is possible and with a real doctor, too.

One of those real doctors that most Americans fail to consider are Doctors of Chiropractic. Yes, it’s true. Chiropractors actually specialize in preventative care. In other words, their treatment helps to keep us healthy and improve our quality of life. These specialists earn a Bachelors Degree just as physicians do, typically in biology, chemistry, physics or exercise science. Just as physicians do. Both chiropractors and physicians attend four years of graduate school with similar classes such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physiology. They both also perform clinical hours, lab hours, and are required to pass their Boards to become certified.

So perhaps it’s time to rethink what a real doctor is and which camp you have been in – disease care or preventative care.

Sacrum & Coccyx

May 18, 2016 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

Sacrum is derived from the Latin word os sacrum which means “sacred bone.” The word “sacred” is significant because it is the base of support for the entire upper body. In addition to that it also provides support for the spine, holds the spinal nerves, and connects with the hip bones to form the pelvis. The sacrum is located just below the lumbar spine and begins as 5 distinct vertebrae until it solidifies into a single bone between the ages of 18 and 30. Just beneath the sacrum is the coccyx, also known as the tailbone. It is made up of between one and three bones that are fused together, bears the body’s weight while sitting, plus provides an anchor for the muscles in the pelvic region.

Everything from the hips on down are the parts of the areas of the body that are controlled by the nerves in this region of the spine. There are symptoms associated with a problem in the sacrum and coccyx from pain when sitting, to hemorrhoids and itching in the same area. The sacrum plays a vital role in several systems in the human body: skeletal, muscular, nervous and female reproduction. In the skeletal system, the it is the cornerstone for the spine and hips. It connects key muscles in the legs and hips, giving the legs movement. With respect to the nervous system the sacrum and coccyx protect the nerves that control the lower extremities. And in a woman, the sacrum helps to form the pelvic cavity which supports and protects the fetus.

Fractures can occur in the sacrum. These fractures are known as sacral insufficiency fractures. These occur when the sacral bone is no longer able to handle the weight it carries. In older women, osteoporosis is the leading cause of sacral insufficiency fractures, but other risk factors include radiation to the pelvis, steroid use, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperparathyroidism, anorexia, and hip joint replacement. Surprisingly these fractures can also occur in pregnant or breast feeding women due to a condition known as temporary osteoporosis. Symptoms of this type of fracture include pain in the lower back, hips, groin, or pelvis area. Up until the early 80’s, sacral insufficiency fractures went undiagnosed. Treatment is non-surgical and requires rehabilitation therapy, electrical stimulation, and massage.

Car Accident Protocol

April 14, 2016 By Pam Rezai

The National Safety Council estimates that in 2015, 4.4 million people were injured on U.S. roads. This is a significant increase from prior years. In fact, “serious injuries,” which according to the NSC is defined as requiring medical attention, rose 30% from the same time period in 2014, and there was a 24% increase in the costs associated with these crashes. Costs can be anything from property damage, lost wages, and medical expenses. Many times the medical expenses can be significantly reduced if the right path is taken following a car accident, no matter how minor it is. To make things easier, we’ve created a “chiropractic car accident protocol” if you or someone you love experiences a car accident.

CAR ACCIDENT PROTOCOL

1. Seek the care of a licensed chiropractor 24-48 hours after your car accident.

2. If you do not have one, ask for a referral from a friend or Google “chiropractor” and look for one that has great reviews plus offers a special for new patients.

3. You may not experience symptoms up to two weeks after the accident, even if there was no damage done to your car. Your body absorbed the energy from the impact of that collision.

4. Remember, all passengers should be seen by a chiropractor. Even infants in car seats.

If you have a car accident and do not seek treatment you run the risk of developing degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or disc herniation later in life. The other thing you risk is your sanity. It can take sometimes two weeks for symptoms to manifest themselves. By that time something else may have happened in your life that you think is the cause of your symptoms, opening the door for a misdiagnosis, needless visits to specialists, increasing medical costs, pain, and frustration. We hear it all too often. Patients will say “Had I only known I would have seen a chiropractor first.”

Remember that your body will absorb the energy from the impact of any car accident. Much like a lightening rod, your spine will bear the brunt of the collision. And that spine has vertebrae that are connected to every part of your body. While you might feel pain in your shoulder, hip, or even bladder, the source needs to be found. Seeing a chiropractor first after a car accident saves you money, worry, potential pain and suffering, not to mention needless frustration. It will be worth it!

The Alternative To Knee Replacement Surgery

November 3, 2015 By Damron Chiropractic

Did you know that each year there are over 670,000 total knee replacement surgeries performed in the United States? Most of these surgeries are due to arthritis, a disease of the joint that causes swelling, inflammation, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. For the first time ever, a study was conducted to compare the effects of knee replacement surgery with that of other treatment options. The results indicated that there are alternatives to surgery.

While knee replacement surgery is a very popular remedy for those suffering from knee pain, there has not been good evidence showing its effectiveness. This first-ever study took 100 patients and split them in two groups. One half were provided non-surgical treatment that consisted of rehabilitation, exercise, diet recommendations, and pain medications. The other half were provided surgery followed by 12 weeks of the treatment given to the first group. Those who had the surgery improved twice as much as the other group in terms of pain, daily activities, and quality of life. However, the results had significant findings for the non-surgical group, as well. Two-thirds of those not given surgery still had a considerable improvement in pain levels, daily activities, and quality of life. Plus, only one-fourth in that group ended up having surgery within the year.

On the surface, the surgical option may appear to be the preference. Yet, if we dig a bit deeper, we find that the research revealed results for the surgery group that should also be taken into consideration before opting for surgery. With the knee replacement surgery, complications were much more frequent. These complications included “several serious deep vein clots, a fracture, and a deep infection.” There have also been other studies that indicate surgery is not as successful as one might think. Interestingly, 1 in 5 patients still experience pain six months later.

Medical experts agree that surgery should be your last resort. Other options such as weight loss, rehabilitation therapy, exercise, strength training, and diet changes can be effective at significantly improving the situation. Resist the more invasive approach. Instead try other options that give your body the opportunity to heal through the changes you make yourself.

The Hazards of High Heels

October 22, 2015 By Damron Chiropractic

You’ve heard the saying, “The shoes make the outfit.” Women and their shoes. It all started when we were young, dressing up in our mother’s clothing, with lots of jewelry, and heels! And the higher the heel the better. Didn’t matter if they didn’t fit us, we just loved the way they looked on our little feet. Now that we are older, high heels speak femininity, make us feel sexy, makes our legs more shapely, and our outfit look better. As much as we love them, wearing heels comes with a price. This price affects our posture, knees, muscles, tendons, and potential for pain.

Just like anything in life, there needs to be a balance. Balancing the good versus the bad to create a happy medium. A good example is with our diet. Maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t mean cutting out all the bad stuff. It means keeping that bad stuff in moderation. It can’t be all or nothing. Moderation is key. Now, if we look at shoes the same can be said, especially when we understand the impact the shoe has on our body.

High heels cause many changes in our body:

They put our whole body out of alignment. The heels are unnaturally raised above the toes. This, in turn, creates a shift in our hips, shoulders, back, and spine. In the long-run this can cause severe lower back and leg pain.

The higher the heel, the more pressure on the front of the foot. This can cause bruising, ankle injuries, pain, tendinitis, and even arthritis.

Our balance can be affected, which increases our chances of falling and spraining or breaking an ankle.

Much of our body weight is carried by the ball of our foot. Over time this can create a condition called metatarsalgia, which is pain in the foot just before the toes.

Pressure is increased on our knees due to the body shifting forward. One study found the pressure on the knees to be increased by 26%. This situation increases one’s risk of developing arthritis in that area.

Because the muscles and tendons naturally contract when we walk in high heels, long-term wear can cause them to shorten and tighten creating tendinitis.

“Pump Bump” is a term used to describe the bony enlargement on the back of the heel that can develop from the straps of shoes or simple the height of it. This condition is also known as Haglund’s deformity.

Hammertoes can develop from squeezing our feet into poor fitting high heeled shoes. This causes the toes to curl in order to fit into the shoe. Over time, this can cause the toes to become misshapen.

By understanding how shoes, especially high heeled shoes, affect our body, we can make better choices in terms of which shoes we purchase and how long we wear them. Being aware can help us age well so we don’t negatively impact the later years of our life.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Heartburn & Chronic Kidney Disease

Gout and Chiropractic Care

Refined Grains vs Whole Grains

Treating Pain and Inflammation

What Is a Real Doctor?

Sacrum & Coccyx

Car Accident Protocol

The Alternative To Knee Replacement Surgery

The Hazards of High Heels

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Dr. Andrew Damron, Chiropractor

Dr. Greg Washam, Chiropractor

Brooke Snyder, Operations Manager

Nicole Foreman, Licensed Massage Therapist

Erika Pantona, Insurance Specialist

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