Welcome To Our Office

Magna Chiropractic

165 Natchez Trace, Suite 201

Bowling Green, KY 42103

Located inside Western Kentucky Orthopaedics and Neurosurgical Associates Building

Entrance

Adjustment Rooms

 Decompression Tables

 Modality Room

 Rehab

 

Manage Your Headaches

Having Headaches? 

If you have a headache, you're not alone. 9 out of 10 Americans suffer from headaches. Some are occasional, some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain and nausea.

What do you do when you suffer from a pounding headache? Do you grit your teeth and carry on? Lie down? Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away? There is a better alternative. 

  

Research

Research shows that spinal manipulation - the primary form of care provided by doctors of chiropractic - may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck.

A report released in 2001 by researchers at the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, NC, found that spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck, and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than a commonly prescribed medication.

  

Also, a 1995 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulative therapy is an effective treatment for tension headaches and that those who ceased chiropractic treatment after four weeks experienced a sustained therapeutic benefit in contrast with those patients who received a commonly prescribed medication.

  

Triggers

Headaches have many causes, or "triggers." These may include foods, environmental stimuli (noises, lights, stress, etc.) and/or behaviors (insomnia, excessive exercise, blood sugar changes, etc.). About 5 percent of all headaches are warning signals caused by physical problems.

Ninety-five percent of headaches are primary headaches, such as tension, migraine, or cluster headaches. These types of headaches are not caused by disease. The headache itself is the primary concern.

"The greatest majority of primary headaches are associated with muscle tension in the neck," says Dr. George B. McClelland, a doctor of chiropractic from Christiansburg, VA. "Today, Americans engage in more sedentary activities than they used to, and more hours are spent in one fixed position or posture. This can increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck, upper back and scalp, causing your head to ache

What Can You Do?

  

· If you spend a large amount of time in one fixed position, such as in front of a computer, on a sewing machine, typing or reading, take a break and stretch every 30 minutes to one hour. The stretches should take your head and neck through a comfortable range of motion.

· Low-impact exercise may help relieve the pain associated with primary headaches. However, if you are prone to dull, throbbing headaches, avoid heavy exercise. Engage in such activities as walking and low-impact aerobics.

· Avoid teeth clenching. The upper teeth should never touch the lowers, except when swallowing. This results in stress at the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) - the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull - leading to TMJ irritation and a form of tension headaches.

· Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to help avoid dehydration, which can lead to headaches

  

What Can a Doctor of Chiropractic Do?

· Perform spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system.

 · Provide nutritional advice, recommending a change in diet and perhaps the addition of B complex vitamins.

· Offer advice on posture, ergonomics (work postures), exercises and relaxation techniques. This advice should help to relieve the recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

The ACA (American Chiropractic Association) notes the following quote: "Doctors of chiropractic undergo extensive training to help their patients in many ways - not just back pain," says Dr. McClelland. "They know how tension in the spine relates to problems in other parts of the body, and they can take steps to relieve those problems."

* Information obtained from the American Chiropractic Association (acatoday.org)

Fibromyalgia: What Does It Mean For You?

If you or your loved ones have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you may be wondering what the disorder means for you. The condition still remains a mystery, although an estimated 3 to 6 percent of Americans, predominantly women, have fibromyalgia syndrome. Even diagnosing the condition can be complex: according to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it can take a patient up to 4 years to be accurately diagnosed.

  

Fibromyalgia is typically diagnosed in patients with:

•   in all 4 quadrants of the body for a minimum of 3 months; and
• Tenderness or pain in at least 11 tender points when pressure is applied. These tender points cluster around the neck, shoulder, chest, hip, knee, and elbow regions.

Some fibromyalgia experts say, however, that many people may still have fibromyalgia with fewer than 11 tender points if they have widespread pain and several other common symptoms, including:

• Fatigue
• Sleep disorders
• Chronic headaches
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Cognitive or memory impairment
• Malaise and muscle pain after exertion
• Jaw pain
• Morning stiffness
• Menstrual cramping
• Irritable bowels
• Numbness and tingling sensations
• Skin and chemical sensitivities

Correct Diagnosis Is Key

Correct diagnosis of fibromyalgia is very elusive, so if you are diagnosed with the disorder-or suspect that you have it-seek the opinion of more than 1 health care provider. Other conditions may create fibromyalgia-like pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. Ruling other conditions out first is very important.

  

In addition to clinical evaluation that will assess possible causes of your pain, your doctor may need to order blood work to determine if you have:

• Anemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Lyme disease
• Other rheumatic diseases

• Hormonal imbalances

• Allergies and nutritional deficiencies

Disorders that cause pain, fatigue, and other fibromyalgia-like symptoms.

If the tests show that you have 1 of these conditions, treatment will focus on addressing that problem first. If your pain is caused by a muscle or joint condition, chiropractic care may help relieve it more effectively than other therapies.

  

Treatment Alternatives

If no underlying cause for your symptoms can be identified, you may have classic fibromyalgia. The traditional allopathic approach includes a prescription of prednisone, anti-inflammatory agents, antidepressants, sleep medications, and muscle relaxants. These temporarily relieve the symptoms, but they do produce side effects. If you prefer a natural approach, the following suggestions may be helpful:

• Studies have shown that a combination of 300 to 600 mg of magnesium per day, along with malic acid, may significantly reduce may significantly reduce the number of tender points and the pain felt at those that remain. B vitamins may also be helpful.
   

• Eating more omega-3 fatty acids and fewer saturated fats has shown promise in fibromyalgia patients. Limit red meat and saturated fats and increase the amounts of omega-3 fatty acids by including fish, flax, and walnut oils in your diet. Fatty acid deficiencies can interfere with the nervous system and brain function, resulting in depression and poor memory and concentration.  
  • Improving the quality of sleep can help reduce fatigue. Watch your caffeine intake, especially before going to bed. Reduce TV and computer time. If you watch TV in the evening, choose relaxing, funny programs instead of programs with violent or disturbing content. Ask your doctor of chiropractic for other natural ways to help you sleep better.
  • Stress-managing strategies can also help address anxiety or depression issues. Cognitive therapy has been shown helpful in relieving fibromyalgia patients' negative emotions and depression by changing their perception of themselves and attitudes toward others.

  • A traditional gym-based or aerobic exercise program may exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms and is not recommended. Instead, yoga, Pilates, or tai chi-which offer mild stretching, relaxation, and breathing techniques-may work better than vigorous exercise.

  • Chiropractic care has consistently ranked as one of the therapeutic approaches that offer the most relief for the fibromyalgia patient. Your doctor of chiropractic can also include massage therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation in the treatment program, which may help relieve stress, pain, and other symptoms.

  Your doctor of chiropractic has the knowledge, training, and expertise to help you understand your problem and, in many cases, to manage it successfully. Remember, however, that the treatment program can be successful only with your active participation. If your doctor of chiropractic feels that he or she cannot help you, you will be directed to another health care provider.
  
  
  * Information provided by the ACA (American Chiropractic Assocation.

Vacation Travel Tips

Traveling can be rough on the body. "Prolonged sitting can wreak havoc on your body." says Dr. Scott Bautch, past president of the ACA's Council on Occupational Health. "Even if you travel in the most comfortable car or opt to fly first class, certain pressures and forces from awkward positions can result in restricted blood flow. One of the biggest insults to your system from prolonged sitting is the buildup of pressure in the blood vessels in your lower legs. Contracting and relaxing the muscles help the blood flow properly."

Warm Up, Cool Down--- Treat travel as an athletic event. Warm up before settling into a car or plane, and cool down once you reach your destination. Take a brisk walk to stretch your hamstring and calf muscles. 

In an Airplane- Check all bags heavier than 5 to 10% of your body weight. Overhead lifting of any significant amount of weight should be avoided to reduce risk of pain in lower back or neck. 

* When stowing belongings under the seat, do not force the object with an awkward motion using your legs, feet, or arms. This may cause muscle strains or spasm in the upper thighs and lower back muscles. Instead, sit in your seat first, using your hands and feet, gently guide your bags under the seat directly in front of you. 

* While seated, vary your position occasionally to improve circulation and avoid leg cramps. Massage legs and calves. Bring your legs in, and move your knees up and down. Prop your legs up on a book or a bag under your seat.     

Travel By Car--Adjust the seat so you are as close to the steering wheel as comfortably possible. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. Place four fingers behind the back of your thigh closet to your knee. If you cannot slide your fingers in and out of that space, you need to re-adjust your seat. 

* Consider a back support. Using a support may reduce the incidence of low-back strain and pain. The widest part of the support should be between the bottom of your rib cage and your waistline. 

* Exercise your legs while driving to reduce the risk of any swelling, fatigue, or discomfort. Open your toes as wide as you can, and count to 10. Count to five while you tighten your calf muscle, then your thigh muscles, then your gluteal muscles. Roll your shoulders back and forth, make sure to keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. 

* Do not grip the steering wheel. Instead, tighten and loosen your grip to improve hand circulation and decrease muscle fatigue in the arms, waist, and hands. 

* Take rest breaks. Never underestimate the potential consequences of fatigue to yourself, your passengers, and other drivers.       

Check Out The New Billboard!!!

   

The first of our new billboard campaign has launched around the Bowling Green area.  You will be seeing more Magna Chiropractic billboards like this one in various locations within the coming months.

Interested in a Free Prize?

The first one to correctly answer the exact location of our first billboard pictured above will win a free Magna Chiropractic t-shirt and Biofreeze tube!!! 

Contact Magna Chiropractic at:

165 Natchez Trace, Suite 201

Bowling Green, KY 42103

Phone: (270) 746-9400

                              Pain in your heel?

Are you having stabbing pain that usually occurs with your very first steps in the morning? Does this pain decrease after you get to moving? Does your pain come back if you stand or get up from a seated position for long periods of time?  If you answered yes to some or all of these you may have what is called “Plantar Fasciitis.”

The next most common question typically asked is what is the Plantar Fascia?, and what is Plantar Fasciitis?

As noted in the picture below, the plantar fascia, runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. When there is pain and inflammation of this area it is called Plantar Fasciitis. It will commonly occur in one foot, but can at times be both feet.

                    

Who gets this? It can be commonly found in people who run or walk fast on a regular basis. We will give you more on what else to watch for if you are a runner in a later blog. Plantar Fasciitis can also be found in people who are overweight, women who are pregnant, and those who wear shoes with inadequate support. It’s commonly recommended to avoid loose, thin-soled shoes, as well as shoes without enough arch support or flexible padding to absorb shock. If you are a runner, then change your shoes every 500 miles.

Here is a list of things that increases your risk of developing plantar fasciitis:

1.      Age: Typically occurs between ages 40-60

2.      Sex: Women are more likely to develop

3.      Exercise: Long distance running, ballet dancing, and dance aerobics

4.      Faulty Foot Mechanics: Being flat footed, Having high arches, or Abnormal walking pattern

5.      Obesity: Added pounds can put extra stress on your plantar fascia.

6.      Jobs on your feet: Factory workers, teachers, and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing.

7.      Improper shoes and addressed earlier.

What can you do at home for the short term:

1.      Put your feet up: Stay off your feet for several days when pain is severe.

2.      Apply Ice: Hold a cloth-covered ice pack over the area of pain 15-20 minutes three or four times a day or after activity.

3.      Decrease your miles: You probably won’t have to permanently retire your running or walking shoes, but it’s a good idea to cover shorter distances until the pain subsides.

4.      Take up a no or low impact exercise. Swap swimming or bicycling for walking or jogging while it’s bothering you.

5.      Arch support: you can add some arch supports to your shoes to help absorb some of the shock.

Before you start any home exercise program, it’s always recommended to consult your doctor first.

Why to get it checked out? Ignoring plantar fasciitis may result in chronic heel pain that hinders your regular activities. A heel spur can be a common after affect of untreated plantar fasciitis. You may also develop foot, knee, hip or back problems because of the way plantar fasciitis changes your walking.

What can I do to fix it? There are numerous treatments available for Plantar Fasciitis, one of the most beneficial  is chiropractic care for your spine, your foot, as well as active/passive soft tissue mobilization of the plantar fascia region to help fix and correct the problem.

How's Your Posture?

This is the question that was asked in our last newsletter we sent to our patients. If you’ve read that newsletter, you now know some basic information about posture. If you haven’t, please see it linked on our website.

As promised, here are some proper positions for your posture, with help from the American Chiropractic Association.

How do I sit properly?

• Keep your feet on the floor or on a footrest, if they don't reach the floor.
• Don't cross your legs. Your ankles should be in front of your knees.
• Keep a small gap between the back of your knees and the front of your seat.
• Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips.
• Adjust the backrest of your chair to support your low- and mid-back or use a back support.
• Relax your shoulders and keep your forearms parallel to the ground.
• Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time.

How do I stand properly?

• Bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet.
• Keep your knees slightly bent.
• Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart.
• Let your arms hang naturally down the sides of the body.
• Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward.
• Tuck your stomach in.
• Keep your head level-your earlobes should be in line with your shoulders. Do not push your head forward, backward, or to the side.
• Shift your weight from your toes to your heels, or one foot to the other, if you have to stand for a long time.

What is the proper lying position?

• Find the mattress that is right for you. While a firm mattress is generally recommended, some people find that softer mattresses reduce their back pain. Your comfort is important.
• Sleep with a pillow. Special pillows are available to help with postural problems resulting from a poor sleeping position.
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
• Sleeping on your side or back is more often helpful for back pain.
• If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your legs.
• If you sleep on your back, keep a pillow under your knees

Affecting your posture on a daily basis is also your computer workstation. It is hard to pinpoint the countless positions your computer, keyboard, chair, mouse, etc. should be in. We have decided to link you to OSHA’s website on computer workstation checklist to ensure that your posture isn’t hindered by your work station placement.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/pdffiles/checklist1.pdf

Go ahead and compare your workstation and the workstation of those around you for proper placement. If you notice your posture has changed or is changing, if you are starting to have pain, please contact us at Magna Chiropractic today at 746-9400.