Over the past few decades, healthcare researchers and clinicians have come to recognize that physical, psychological and emotional well-being are very closely linked and that they can influence each other in very complex ways. Some refer to this general idea as the "mind-body" or "brain-body" connection. While science doesn't fully understand all of the relationships and feedback mechanisms involved, we have learned a great deal about some patterns-including a link between chronic pain and depression. Back pain can be crippling. It's difficult to get out of bed, you can't take part in the activities you used to enjoy, and you may feel like you're trapped. Depression can present the same types of symptoms. And it's obviously even more challenging to suffer from both simultaneously. Yet this is what often occurs. In fact, depression is the emotion most frequently reported by people suffering from back pain. Statistics illustrate the seriousness of this issue: Close to 31 million Americans suffer from lower-back pain at any given time. Nearly half of all people who suffer from chronic back pain also report symptoms of depression, and some researchers suggest that this number may be as high as 85%. With chronic pain, it's not unusual for heightened levels of tension and anxiety to become constant. As time passes, this unrelenting stress can trigger a wide variety of symptoms often associated with depression. Patients may experience exhaustion, sharp mood swings, reduced self-esteem, and relationship problems as well as general physical decline, sleep disorders, and weight gain (or loss). And while the healthcare community generally recognizes that chronic back pain can cause depression, there is also some evidence that it can happen the other way around, too-that depression can cause chronic back pain. Physical symptoms are actually quite common in people who suffer from depression. A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that of the 1,146 patients surveyed and diagnosed with depression, 69% reported that physical symptoms were the only reason for their visit to the doctor. Given this fact, it's not surprising that false diagnoses are also quite common. Writer Dr. Marc Browner, a chiropractor and co-owner of Windmill Health Center in Weston, Florida, "This link between back pain and depression is believed to be caused by a shared neurological pathway. The brain moderates pain stimuli by releasing serotonin and norepinephrine, which also play a role in affecting mood. People with a neurotransmitter deregulation may also exhibit an imbalance of serotonin and norepinephrine, which can lead to a heightened sensitivity to pain. This suggests that there may be a chemical reason why people diagnosed with depression also complain of physical pain, especially in their joints, neck, and back." So what can patients do to end this vicious cycle of chronic back pain and depression? And how can their support networks (family, friends, coworkers and healthcare providers) be as helpful as possible? When dealing with both depression and back pain, it is important to: * Recognize that that the two problems-pain and depression-are often inextricably linked. Many healthcare professionals believe that you cannot reliably address both conditions by treating only one. "Rather, it is best to treat both conditions simultaneously for the most effective results," notes Dr. Browner. He continues, "A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that combining antidepressants with a pain management program was an effective way to relieve both depression and pain." You and your doctor (or doctors) must create a treatment plan that targets both issues simultaneously. * Use all the tools at your disposal. Depending on your specific situation, this may include chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, massage therapy or laser pain relief treatments. It may also include supervised stretching, exercise or nutritional programs. Finally, your healthcare team may recommend stress management or relaxation techniques as well as counseling sessions and/or antidepressant medications. * Try to normalize your life as much as possible. Says Spine-Health.com: "Multidisciplinary treatment of the chronic back pain and major depression will ultimately give the patient more of a sense of control over the pain and start a 'positive spiral' toward physical and mental re-conditioning." If you're dealing with chronic back pain and depression (whatever the underlying cause), having a multidisciplinary healthcare team to guide your recovery may be your best option. However, seeking holistic treatment like this may seem like a very tall order. Don't be afraid to consult with your general practitioner and Dr Bonnie about your condition and to ask for their advice and help in coordinating care. The sooner you get the treatment you need, the sooner you can get out of pain and start living your life again! #Chronicpainanddepression

Chiropractic care has evolved a great deal over the past century, with skilled practitioners around the world introducing new techniques to meet the clinical needs of their patients. The foundation of spinal manipulation-the basic procedure most people associate with chiropractors-is called a high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) adjustment. While this type of adjustment has traditionally been done manually, it has become increasingly common for chiropractors to use different types of instruments to apply force in even more targeted ways. In fact, instrument adjusting is now the most frequently used chiropractic technique after manual spinal manipulation. A wide variety of professional adjustment instruments are available on the market, ranging from mechanical spring-loaded models to high-tech, electrically powered ones. But whatever their design differences happen to be, their basic function is to administer force to the precise area of treatment. Chiropractic adjustment instruments are designed to provide fast and targeted adjustments to a patient at around 100 times the speed of a manual adjustment. Whereas manual adjustment will vary depending on the technique and amount of force applied by the practitioner, adjustment instruments can be set to deliver the same impact on each adjustment. Further, the small tip of adjustment instruments can be targeted much more precisely than human hands. In addition to these advantages, adjustment instruments do not cause the popping and cracking sounds that typically accompany manual manipulation, which makes them particularly useful when treating children, seniors and other patients who may be anxious. The sensation of being treated with an adjustment instrument has been described as a light tapping on the targeted area. The adjustment is usually painless, and patients often report reduced pain and greater mobility afterward. There is also evidence to suggest that instrument adjusting may lead to fewer uncomfortable side-effects than manual manipulation. The precision of adjustment instruments can be used to move spinal vertebrae without disturbing adjacent muscles, which results in less pain for the patient. In addition to being better for patients, using adjuster instruments reduces the physical demands on chiropractors themselves, who can-ironically-suffer from carpal tunnel and postural problems brought about from frequent daily applications of manual treatment to patients. Although research into the use of adjustment instruments is still in its infancy, several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this form of treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal problems. The fact that instrument adjustment has found widespread acceptance in modern chiropractic treatments suggests that many chiropractors have become convinced of the practical benefits, and that it is likely to remain a core part of chiropractic treatment for the foreseeable future. The wide range of techniques and tools available today means that there are plenty of options to choose from. Dr Bonnie will work closely with you to select the ones that will be safest and most effective given the specific goals of your treatment plan and your overall physical condition. If you have questions, please call or visit our office. We'll be happy to explain our approach! #WhatistheActivatormethod #Gentelchiropracticadjustments

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise, and offers many benefits. It can be done anywhere, it tones the lower body, and it burns a ton of calories. Pounding the pavement over time, however, can result in injuries to the knees, ankles, and hips. Whether you run a few miles a week to keep the extra pounds off, or hoof it in several marathons a year, there is unfortunately a good chance you will get hurt at some point. The first step to recovery if you injure yourself running is to give your body time to heal. A visit to the doctor, ice packs, and over the counter pain medication are all ways to treat an injury. However, one of the best ways runners can treat their injuries is by visiting a chiropractor. If you are dealing with a running injury and think a chiropractor may be able to help you get back on your feet with less pain, you are most likely correct. Here are four important things to know about chiropractors and how runners can benefit from chiropractic care: Chiropractors work on more than necks and backs It's a common misconception that a chiropractor's sole purpose is to adjust their patients' necks and backs. The entire body can benefit from a chiropractic manipulation. For example, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) states that knee pain is the most common running injury. Chiropractors are often able to work with an injured knee and bring about a positive outcome. Strains, sprains, and other trauma to your body's joints can be treated by a chiropractor. Soft tissue around the joints benefit from chiropractic treatment, which can greatly ease an injury to the ankle, knee, or hip. Chiropractic promotes quicker healing of the injured area From increasing blood flow to the hurt area to breaking up restrictions with manual manipulation, chiropractic treatment helps the body heal itself. Chiropractors view the body in its entirety, and may use manipulations and adjustments on other parts of the body to stimulate healing of the afflicted area. Chiropractors assist in pain management Running injuries can often cause great pain that lasts for weeks. Visiting a chiropractor can help reduce the severity of the pain and shorten the amount of time you experience pain. This is an especially attractive benefit for those who avoid taking medicine. Chiropractic care helps manage the discomfort and soreness associated with the injury, allowing the patient to rely less on drugs. Chiropractic reduces the risk of getting re-injured A common reason runners end up hurt is their bodies had something out of alignment in the first place. Since chiropractors take the wellness of the body as a whole into consideration, they often work with runners to minimize the chance of re-injuring themselves or suffering a different injury. By making certain an individual's body is in alignment and functioning properly, a chiropractor can help the runner feel comfortable moving back into the routine of running. Running is a great form of exercise and stress relief, and many people run for years without incident. However, it’s vital to take steps up front to minimize the chances of getting hurt, including choosing proper shoes, stretching beforehand, and avoiding overexertion. If, however, you feel a twist, pop, or crack as you are out for your morning run or finishing your half marathon, know there are chiropractic treatment options available to you that will decrease pain, healing time, and the risk of re-injury. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of chiropractic and more about our office, click here. #Painmanagementandchiropracticcareforrunners #Runninginjuriesandchiropracticcare

Another Miracle Mattress? Your grandparents just didn't have this problem when they shopped for a new mattress. And your parents probably didn't have it either. What problem are we talking about? Too much variety! There are so many different kinds of mattresses to choose from today that the options can seem overwhelming-even if you have the time and energy to do your homework. Familiar innerspring mattresses are just one alternative. What about memory foam, latex foam or inflatable? Maybe a futon or even a waterbed? Manufacturers and retailers like to talk about differences in design, construction and materials. Plus they like to talk about differences in adjust-ability and personalization. Some of this is just marketing, but some of the differences are also real. But do any of them actually matter? Do any of these things really add up to a "miracle mattress?" The truth is that all of the options have their pluses and minuses when it comes to comfort, durability, maintenance, flexibility and price. How big these pluses and minuses actually are will depend on your own priorities. One type of bed or mattress is not inherently better than any other, and several types can probably provide the proper support your body needs for a good night's rest. The key is to understand your own preferences, carefully review the available options and to "field-test" them before buying. Remember-your body is different and the chances are good that you'll be living with your decision for many years to come. If you have a specific health problem--especially one that involves your back or neck-you should check with your chiropractor about the kind of mattress that might be best for you. Think Sleeping Posture First When evaluating a mattress, the single most important factor to consider is proper sleeping posture. When you are lying on your side, your waist should be supported by the mattress and your shoulders and hips should sink in. No matter what material the mattress is made of, the goal is for your spine to remain aligned (or "neutral") from top to bottom when your body is at rest. This simply won't happen if the mattress is too soft or too hard. For this reason, it's worth keeping two things in mind: 1. A firmer mattress often provides more appropriate support for heavier people. 2. If you have a partner, it may be challenging to find a mattress that offers a "just right" solution for both of you. If you sleep with a partner, both of you should test mattress options. This will help you understand the other's firmness preferences as well as how movement is transferred across the bed by different types of mattress. Depending on what you and your partner learn, you may need to consider bed or mattress options that allow independent adjustment or that isolate movement. Test, Test Test Whether you sleep alone or with someone else, testing a variety of mattresses is critical. Some experts even suggest that you need to test 30 mattresses just to get a proper idea of your needs! One good way to get exposure to lots of different mattress types without spending hours in retail showrooms is to ask friends and family if they're happy with the bed they sleep on. If so, they may let you test it out yourself in their home. If you decide to use this "friends and family" approach to comparing mattresses, be sure to lie on the mattress for at least 15 minutes-5 minutes on your back and 5 minutes on each side of your body. And be a gracious guest! Many retailers also offer to let you "test drive" different mattresses in your own home over a certain period of time. This can be a great option provided that you understand exactly how the test-drive program works and that you're willing to go through the effort of trying different mattresses until you find the right one-including the potential inconvenience of opening your home to teams of installers every few weeks or months. Buy Smart In addition to test-driving different mattress options, be sure to compare prices (including incidental charges for delivery, installation and take-away) at different retailers. The Internet makes it easier to do this, though you may also want to make a few phone calls. Remember that mattresses are often significantly marked up and then discounted during sales. In addition, ask the salesperson about a comfort guarantee, and be sure to get the details in writing. That way you can return an unwanted mattress or exchange it for a different one if necessary. If you would like to learn more about chiropractic care and our office, click here. #Whattolookforwhenpurchasinganewmattress #Mattressoptions

Judging from recent statistics, sleeplessness is an epidemic in America: *While most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, the CDC has found that 30% of civilian-employed adults in the US-about 41 million people-sleep fewer than 6 hours on average. * According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 50 million Americans will suffer from a sleep disorder at some point in their lives. Sleep deprivation can lead to wide range of health problems (including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke), lower levels of workplace productivity, decreased school performance, lower quality of life and impaired public safety. All of these things raise costs for society as a whole. If the numbers we shared earlier are even broadly accurate, it's not surprising that growing numbers of people are turning to their healthcare providers for help. In many cases, this help will begin with a sleep study. Sleep studies are designed to help diagnose a range of chronic sleep disorders: * Sleep apnea. A condition that occurs when a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more at a time while asleep. There may be a problem in the way brain signals are sent to the muscles responsible for breathing, or there could be some obstruction or narrowing of the breathing pathway. * Nighttime insomnia. Inability to sleep at night, possibly due to stress, hunger, depression or physical discomfort. * Periodic limb movement disorder. Where the legs, feet or arms twitch repeatedly during sleep. * Nighttime behavior problems. Problem behaviors include sleepwalking, bed-wetting and night terrors. * Problems staying awake during the day. Narcolepsy is one example. * Problems sleeping during the day. This can be a particularly challenging issue for those who work at night or in shifts. * Problems with your stages of sleep. Each night you should normally have four to five cycles of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. A sleep study can determine if there is an abnormality in this pattern. If a sleep study is necessary, general practitioners and family doctors typically recommend four common types: * Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). Determines how long it takes you to fall asleep and if you enter into the REM stage of sleep. * Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). Determines if you can stay awake during your normal hours of wakefulness. * Polysomnogram. Records different body functions as you sleep, including blood levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, eye movement, brain activity, breathing rhythm and rate, heart rhythm and rate, snoring, how air moves through your nose and mouth, belly and chest movement and general muscle movement. * Actigraphy. A device worn on the wrist similar to a watch that measures your movements both while asleep and while awake. It is used in cases where there is a problem with a person's body clock. In most cases, a sleep study is performed either in a hospital's sleep lab or in a specialized facility, where conditions can be controlled and patients can be closely monitored. However, a sleep study can sometimes be performed in your own home as well. Electrodes will be painlessly attached to your skin to record information as you sleep. Although many people begin the process believing that they won't be able to fall asleep under these kinds of circumstances, most have surprisingly little difficulty. Dr Bonnie works closely with our patients to develop healthy lifestyle habits-particularly in the areas of nutrition, exercise, stress management and (YES!) sleep-that help prevent illness and injury. If you or someone you care about isn't getting enough quality sleep, we encourage you to call or visit our office today! #Signsandsymptomsofasleepdisorder #Whatarethetypesofsleepstudies

The question of whether to apply ice or heat to a particular injury is a familiar one for many people-and especially for parents who see more than their fair share of kids' cuts, bumps and bruises. We know we want to relieve the pain, reduce swelling and speed healing, but which is the right approach, ice or heat? And how can you tell? Both heat and cold can be beneficial in certain circumstances, but each can also cause more harm than good if applied at the wrong time or in the wrong way. This article provides several simple guidelines that you can use to help decide on the best course of treatment. The first general rule is to ice an acute injury and apply heat to a chronic injury. Swelling (aka inflammation) is your body's natural first response to injury-your blood vessels expand in order to rush more blood to the area to begin the healing process. So the best thing to do within the first 24 hours of an acute injury is to apply ice. This will cause blood vessels to contract, reducing inflammation and bringing down the swelling. It will also relieve the pain by numbing the area. Ice or cold packs should never be applied directly to the skin, since this can actually cause damage to the tissue. Instead, they should be wrapped in a damp washcloth or towel. Ice should be applied to the injury for 10 to 20 minutes every two hours within the first 72 hours after injury. If the injury involves your hands or feet, these can be submerged in ice water for 10 minutes every 2 hours for the same effect. Cold therapy should generally not be continued beyond 72 hours unless it is being used to aid recovery after a strenuous athletic workout. Heat treatment is typically most useful for chronic injuries since it increases blood flow, allowing additional oxygen and nutrients to speed healing and helping to relax tight and injured muscles. Heat can also reduce joint stiffness and muscle spasms. Heat should not be used immediately after an injury, as it may ultimately increase pain and swelling. While sitting in a hot tub may feel good in the moment, it may trigger more pain and stiffness the day after. Heat may be applied beginning 72 hours after an injury, assuming there is no inflammation in the area. Though a heating pad may be used, moist heat is the most ideal for healing, so you can apply a warm, wet towel or submerge yourself in a warm bath or hot tub for 10 to 30 minutes between two and five times a day. Warm (rather than hot) treatments should be used to avoid the risk of burns, and heat should never be applied over an extended period of time or while you are sleeping. Dr Bonnie is an expert in diagnosing and treating a wide range of health conditions that affect the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. She also understands that effective self-care can make a big difference in how completely and how quickly our patients heal. If you or someone you care about has recently suffered an injury-whether in an auto, work or sports accident-we can help relieve their pain and speed their recovery. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care and our office, click here. #Whentoaddiceorheattoaninjury #Benefitsoficetherapy

As experienced chiropractors, we like answering the questions we receive from our patients. A common inquiry is what is the difference between a sprain and a strain? Sprains and strains are injuries to the musculoskeletal system that are commonly diagnosed conditions, and are two separate issues people frequently mix up. We will attempt to explain away some of the confusion today. Let's look at three ways sprains and strains differ from each other. 1. Sprains and strains afflict different parts of the body. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH), a sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament which provides joint instability. A strain is a stretch or tear of a muscle or tendon in the area where it is turning into a muscle. 2. Sprains and strains are most often caused from different actions. Falling or twisting the wrong way typically causes a sprain, because the movement forces a joint into an awkward position and ends up stretching or tearing the ligament. Twisting an ankle, falling down the stairs, or trying to catch yourself on an icy walkway are all ways to end up with a sprain. A strain often results from overexertion or trauma, and repetitive movement. Lifting an item that is too heavy, jumping into an exercise routine that is too strenuous, or performing repetitive movements in either a sport or work are ways an individual can end up suffering from a strain. 3. Sprains and strains generally affect different areas of the body. Sprains occur at parts of the body that are injured when falling or suddenly twisting. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, ankle sprains alone number around 2 million each year. Ankles, wrists, knees, and fingers are all areas that are frequently sprained. Strains, on the other hand, commonly occur in the back, shoulder, or hamstring, as both of these areas are affected by overexertion or repetitive movement. Although sprains and strains are different injuries, they do have some similarities. This is most likely why people get them mixed up. Let's discuss a few commonalities of sprains and strains. Both share common symptoms. Both injuries can bring on pain, swelling, and limited movement at the injury site. The pain can be moderate or intense, depending on the severity of the injury. Sprains and strains both benefit from ice packs, rest, and elevation. They can require surgery. Most diagnosed strains and sprains heal on their own with time, but a serious tear can require surgery to repair. With both injuries, it's important to visit a doctor if an individual experiences severe pain and swelling, and decreased mobility. Both can benefit from chiropractic care. Chiropractors can work wonders on the neck and back, but chiropractic care can assist in lessening the impact of a strain or sprain injury, too. The benefits of seeing a chiropractor for both sprains and sprains are twofold. Chiropractic treatments promote healing of the injured area as well as help strengthen the areas around the injury to decrease the chance of future injuries. Sprains and strains can sideline individuals from their activities, no matter if they are athletes or regular guys doing yard work. It's vital to take steps to avoid sprains and strains in the first place. Always properly stretch and avoid overexertion to prevent strains. Take pains to clear walkways and stairways to avoid falls or sudden twisting movements to decrease the risk of sprains. If you end up with a strain or sprain, contact us for a consultation. Dr Bonnie has extensive experience in working with patients suffering from sprains and strains. #Signsandsymptomsofstrainsandsprains #Chiropracticcareforsprainedankles #Differencesbetweenasprainandstrain

If you've ever watched a large group of children playing outside for any length of time, you know that falls are just a routine part of their young lives. They usually pick themselves up, dust themselves off and get right back into the action. As we get older, we (of course) fall much less often than kids do. And we typically fall for very different reasons. At the same time, though, our bodies also tend to lose some of their durability as we age, and most of us just won't be as good at getting up when we're 70 as we were when we were 7. It's a fact of life for an increasing number of people. Simply falling to the floor or pavement from an upright position causes a great many serious injuries-and even deaths-each year. But what can be done? Fall Prevention: What's at Stake? No one really knows for certain how many falls could actually be prevented, but the topic is of growing interest to a wide variety of people, from public health officials, designers, architects and community planners to business owners, workplace supervisors and employees. Senior citizens are perhaps the most at risk. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) presents several statistics that highlight this point: * One out of three older adults (those aged 65 or older) falls each year, but less than half talk to their healthcare providers about it. * Twenty to thirty percent of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as lacerations, hip fractures, or head traumas. These injuries can make it hard to get around or live independently, and increase the risk of early death. * Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. In 2010, about 21,700 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries. Over 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls. In 2010, there were 258,000 hip fractures. * Many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, and in turn increases their actual risk of falling. * In 2010, 2.3 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 662,000 of these patients were hospitalized. In 2010, the direct medical cost of falls, adjusted for inflation, was $30 billion. The Biomechanics of Staying Upright Walking is a very complex activity, and science has only recently begun to understand the biomechanics involved. Shirley Wang wrote in a recent Wall Street Journal article, "Scientists are finding that maintaining stability and balance with each step we take requires complex coordination of foot placement, arm movement, trunk angle and neck and head motion." At the same time, researchers are also learning how other factors like sloping, uneven or slippery surfaces and obstructions come into play. There are many variables to consider. Even when the body's movements are perfectly coordinated, small things about environment can still foil our best efforts to remain upright. We know from nervous system studies that the body is capable of reacting within milliseconds. Science has shown that a person's balance is maintained by simultaneous feedback from the body's visual system, proprioceptive system and inner ear. If one of these systems becomes less efficient or fails altogether, then the other two can usually compensate to keep us balanced. If two fail, then balance becomes far more difficult. Aging frequently leads to poorer eyesight and troubles with the inner ear, so it's small wonder that seniors are more likely to fall. Understanding the Problem Canadian researchers at Simon Fraser University used video cameras in a long-term care facility to see if seniors were right about "tripping" or "slipping" being the reasons for their falls. What they found was surprising. Tripping actually accounted for only 20% of events. The nearly 3-year study of 227 falls involving 130 people showed that the single largest cause (41%) was from improper weight shifting, such as leaning over too far. This seems to indicate a failure in the seniors' proprioceptive system. What to Do? There are a few ways you can help to prevent slips and falls. Be sure to keep walkways clear of clutter, and consider adding non-skid material to flooring-especially to floors that are more likely to become wet. Maintaining your strength helps too. Upper body strength is particularly important for catching yourself before or during a fall. Even when there's nothing to grab onto, having the sort of upper body strength that helps you to do push-ups can soften the blow to more sensitive parts of the body. Reaching out with hands and flexing elbows upon impact can slow the fall or stop it altogether. The late Jack LaLanne, fitness guru, was still doing fingertip pushups at age 93. Don't say it can't be done! Balance requires that every part of the body works well together. Dr Bonnie can help you maintain this balance by ensuring you have a healthy spine and nervous system. She will also recommend specific exercises that maintain or increase your upper body strength. So if you or someone you care about is interested in avoiding slips and falls, we can help you take advantage of the latest research! Just call or visit the office today! #Proprioceptionandaging

When people think about scars, they tend to think about the ones that you can actually see. Usually, these are the result of some obvious trauma that has left its mark on the surface of the skin. But did you know that scarring can also occur below that surface, and that this type of scarring can influence how well you move? Everyone develops scar tissue over time. This is the body's normal reaction to injury-no matter how slight. Even simple actions that most people wouldn't regard as injury-producing can lead to a buildup of scar tissue. Repetitive motions like typing, for example, can cause micro-trauma to the soft tissue (often referred to as an overuse injury), leading to carpal tunnel syndrome. As part of the repair process, scar tissue is created. However, this type of tissue tends to interfere with the smooth movement of muscle and may eventually affect your range of motion. If you have ever felt a tightness or inability to move a joint in a fluid manner, you likely have a buildup of scar tissue. Our soft tissues (including tendons and ligaments) are made of collagen, which is a substance that looks like strands of rope wound together into a net-like formation called fascia. When an injury occurs, it causes frays, kinks and bends in the collagen strands of the fascia, which create the scar tissue. Ideally, scar tissue is replaced by normal tissue as it heals, but this does not always happen. Adhesions are small bits of scar tissue that bind the tissues around them, leading to stiffness and a reduction in strength and range of motion. Nerves often become trapped in these adhesions, creating "trigger points" from which pain can radiate. Painful movements lead to less activity, and less activity leads to a further reduced range of motion. Because scar tissue has less circulation and is less flexible and elastic than normal muscle tissue, muscles become shorter and weaker. It is important to remove these scar tissue adhesions in order to reduce pain and restore strength and the proper range of motion. Dr Bonnie is an expert in diagnosing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including those that affect the body's soft tissues-particularly the joints. We work closely with our patients to build strength, stamina, balance, flexibility and coordination so that they maintain their mobility and enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle. If you have general health and wellness questions or specific concerns about your own mobility or range of motion, please call or visit our office today! We're here to help! #Rangeofmotionandscartissue #Triggerpointsandscartissue

It’s 2 am and the crying has only gotten progressively worse across the past hour. You are pacing the downstairs hallway trying anything to soothe your inconsolable 10-month old so that your 5 and 8 year old kids can get some sleep upstairs. Your plan is to call the doctor’s office the moment they open – seven hours from now! Although your infant cannot tell you what is wrong, your intuition says it is another middle ear infection. The statistics would suggest that your hunch is probably right. Earaches are the #1 reason for visits to the pediatrician’s office. As a parent, that probably comes as no surprise. But, you may be surprised to learn that both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Family Physicians recommend a “watchful waiting” or “wait and see” approach to acute ear infections. Research published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated that there was no difference in fever, otalgia (pain) or number of future visits between kids that were given an antibiotic prescription and those that were not. As it turns out, antibiotics only outperform the body’s own immune system in a handful of cases. At the same time, numerous studies of manipulative therapies including chiropractic care have shown remarkable results without the side effects of antibiotics. A groundbreaking 1997 study of 332 kids ages 27 days to 5 years indicted a strong correlation between chiropractic adjustment and the resolution of otitis media (the technical term for a middle ear ache). Just to highlight one finding – there were 104 kids in the group classified as having ‘chronic’ otitis media. This group of kids got 5 chiropractic adjustments each. Across the next six months the recurrence rate among this group was only 16%! Let’s put that data into more human terms. That means that 84% of these kids classified as having chronic ear infections went six months without having another one after just 5 adjustments. A full half year devoid of screaming in the middle of the night, lost sleep and anguish of watching your child suffer for 84% of the parents. The prior study published in a chiropractic journal spurred further research into the uses of chiropractic care for acute and chronic ear infections. The critical questions was - how would chiropractic fare head-to-head with standard pediatric care? A 2003 study published in a pediatric medicine journal comparing children receiving manipulative therapy and those receiving standard pediatric care, found that those who received manipulative therapy had fewer episodes of Acute Otitis Media (AOM), fewer surgical procedures and had higher rates of normal tympanograms. This amazing news for parents has been validated and confirmed numerous times since then. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) even maintains a webpage of all the published research studies done on children’s ear infections and the role of chiropractic care in treatment and prevention. The last time I looked there where 25 separate studies listed. You can view the full list at: http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/Ear-Infection-Otitis-Media/ All this data and research is great, but at the end of the day what matters to parents is getting their own child out of pain and on a path to a success in school, sports and life without the constant interruption of ear infections. Don’t spend another sleepless night pacing the halls with a screaming toddler in your arms. Call us now and make an appointment for a consultation. Don’t wait until another ear infection strikes. Prevention is always the better option. Besides, when your child is in pain, your anxiety level as a parent goes way up. We want you to be able to ask all your questions and get all the facts at your own pace and not feel pressured to make a decision or start treatment because your child is screaming. Of course, if your child does have current symptoms, we want to see both of you as soon as possible. #Earinfectionsandchiropracticcare

Fibromyalgia is one of today's most common chronic pain conditions. According to the American College of Rheumatology, around 1 in 50 Americans currently suffer from fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, the condition is difficult to diagnose, and, being chronic in nature, can linger for several months or even years. Fibromyalgia typically causes pain throughout the body and creates areas so tender that the slightest pressure hurts. Patients diagnosed with the condition have both traditional and alternative treatment options available to them. Traditional approaches to managing the pain and treating fibromyalgia are anti-inflammatory prescriptions, sleep medications, and muscle relaxers. Patients frequently choose natural remedies instead of or in addition to traditional medication, such as vitamin therapy, acupuncture, and meditation. One of the most common treatments is chiropractic care. The main ways chiropractic care benefits those who suffer from fibromyalgia are: Reduces pain levels The most difficult issue to deal with for fibromyalgia sufferers is the constant pain, which often affects the entire body for weeks or months at a stretch. Although these patients initially seek care for the pain they’re experiencing, they soon realize that chiropractic also helps restore overall health and aids the body in self-healing. By adjusting the spine to improve alignment, as well as incorporating some form of soft tissue work, Dr Bonnie can assist fibromyalgia patients in minimizing their painful pressure points. Many who suffer with this condition look for relief with chiropractic treatment options, and experience a decrease in the tender spots. Increases range of motion Dr Bonnie is also able to adjust the body's joints and help loosen them. For fibromyalgia patients, this can sometimes increase their range of motion and allow them to move more easily. Sometimes it will take several treatments to see significant results, so it's important to note that chiropractic treatment of fibromyalgia takes a commitment from the patient. The effects, however, are well worth the time invested. Boosts sleep quality A common by-product of the pain associated from fibromyalgia is lack of sleep. As anyone knows, being unable to snag several hours of sleep can leave you feeling tired, foggy, and irritable. By working with Dr Bonnie to loosen their joints and manage their tender points, patients suffering from this condition can enjoy a deeper sleep, and stay asleep longer. Complements other treatments Sometimes medicines counteract with each other, or mix together and cause side effects. A big advantage of chiropractic care is it can be utilized in tandem with medications or other remedies, whether traditional or natural. An individual who is diagnosed with this condition should speak to his or her chiropractor about the various ways to treat it, and remember that there is not a one-stop solution. A treatment regimen should be built on a case-by-case basis tailored to the specific needs of that patient. Empowers the patient Individuals who must cope with painful, chronic illnesses can become exasperated with treatment options, and feel as if they have no control over their situations. Unfortunately, these feelings can bring on stress and depression, which only works against getting better. By working with a chiropractor, patients can feel more in charge of their pain management and more optimistic in their recovery. People who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia need to understand that there are options available to them for pain management, and they may decide to try more than one at a time. Chiropractic care is a valuable tool to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and patients who will commit will see the benefits of less pain, greater mobility, and better sleep. And, perhaps the best benefit of all, they can take control of their circumstances and be a vital part of managing their personal well-being. If you or a loved one are suffering from fibromyalgia, don’t do it alone. Dr Bonnie has a passion for helping sick people get well. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. #Fibromyalgiaandpainlevels #Firbomyalgiaandchiropracticcare

While back pain is a known and widely-studied issue in adults, its prevalence in school-aged children has received comparatively little scientific attention. Elementary, middle, and high school students must often carry backpacks that weigh enough to cause chronic back pain, poor posture, and even decreased lung volume. Recently, several studies reveal the truths behind childhood back pain and ways to mitigate it. Are Backpacks Too Heavy for Kids? Recent research supports that children carrying backpack loads of more than ten percent of their body-weight have a greater risk of developing back pain and related issues. An international study found that an alarmingly large proportion of school-aged children in Australia, France, Italy, and the United States regularly carried backpacks weighing more than the 10% threshold. In another study involving a sample of 1540 metropolitan school-aged children, over a third of the children surveyed reported back pain. In addition to carrying heavy backpacks, female students and those diagnosed with scoliosis had a greater association with back pain. Children with access to lockers reported less pain. The number of straps on the backpack had little impact on the respondents' answers. Children also reported limited physical activity due to back pain, and some took medication to relieve the pain. Girls who carried purses in addition to wearing a backpack reported significantly greater back pain. Adolescents with back pain spent more time watching television than their peers. Over 80% of those surveyed believed that carrying a heavy backpack caused their back pain. Proper Backpack Carrying Techniques The studies revealed several factors that may help reduce back pain in school-aged children. The best way to prevent back pain is to avoid carrying heavy loads. Children should take advantage of locker breaks and only carry items necessary for a couple of classes at a time. When lifting a backpack, children should crouch down and bend their knees rather than curve the spine. While not conclusive, research also supports that carrying the weight differently, e.g., by hand rather than by backpack, may help prevent or reduce back pain. The American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Chiropractic Association offer these additional safe backpack etiquette tips *Children should avoid carrying over 10% of their body-weight in their backpack. For example, an 8th-grader weighing 120 lbs. should carry no more than 12 lbs. *Place the heaviest objects at the back of the pack. *Make sure the items fit as snugly as possible to minimize back pain due to shifting weight. *Adjust the shoulder straps so they fit snugly over your child's shoulders and the backpack doesn't drag your child backward. The bottom of the pack should be less than four inches below your child's waist. *Children should avoid carrying backpacks slung over one shoulder, as it can cause spinal pain and general discomfort. *Encourage your child to carry only necessary items in their backpack. Additional items can be carried in hand. *Look for backpacks with helpful features such as multiple compartments for even weight distribution, padded straps to protect the shoulders and neck, and waist belt. *If your child's school allows, consider a roller pack, which rolls across the floor like a suitcase. *If problems continue, talk to your child's teacher or principal about implementing paperback textbooks, lighter materials, or digital versions. Chiropractic Care Can Help If your child continues to experience back pain, you can contact Dr. Bonnie. Chiropractic care benefits many adults with spinal discomfort, and she will provide tailored treatments for children. Dr Bonnie can also recommend safe exercises to improve back strength, and additional advice on proper nutrition to build strong bones and joints, healthy posture, and more. If your child is experiencing back pain from carrying a backpack, gives us a call. We’re here to help! To learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care and more about our office, click here. #Backpacksandbackpaininkids #Howtocarrybackpackscorrectly #Chiropracticcareandbackpacks