When is an ergonomic writing desk not like an ergonomic writing desk? When it's not set up right.

Rather than try and answer the Mad Hatter's famous unanswered riddle (Why is a Raven like a writing desk?), Dr. Laestadius and other researchers in ergonomics worked with an office at the World Bank to measure the importance of ergonomics to see if they could prevent work related pain and eyestrain. 1500 workers were moving to a new office, and they decided to use the move as an opportunity to do an experiment. One group was given personalized advice in setting up there work stations. The other group was given a list of instructions only. The group that had the benefit of expertise had less musculoskeletal pain and eye strain as long as 18 months afterwards, while the group given only written instructions saw no such benefit.
In my practice, I often address ergonomics, as computer work, using the phone, and paperwork are important potential causes of pain. It's common for neck pain, back pain, shoulder or hand pain (including carpal tunnel) to be caused or aggravated by bad ergonomics. Getting the right set-up is an important, so I often have patients bring in pictures of themselves at their desks, so we can figure out how to prevent their desk from causing problems. If you have questions on this, feel free to contact me at my Wheaton /Silver Spring MD office.

Dr. Charlie Ginsburg

Chiropractor with physical therapy privileges

Too Much Salt, Not Enough Exercise

New research has revealed that an alarming number of British people are not following official advice to reduce their salt consumption and take regular exercise in order to reduce their risk of suffering from serious health conditions such as stroke.




The new survey*, conducted for Siemens in conjunction with The Stroke Association to launch the annual Stroke for Stroke campaign, found that less than half of those questioned (43%) believe they adhere to the GDA (Guideline daily amount) for salt of 6g per day. Also the vast majority (85%) of those questioned failed to take the government recommended 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. This lack of regular exercise, combined with a high salt intake, could lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke.



The research revealed a general lack of awareness about overall salt consumption and the level of salt found in foods. While 92% of those surveyed believe that too much salt is bad for their health, 40% were unable to correctly identify six grams or one teaspoon as the maximum recommended daily salt allowance for an adult and, worryingly, 64% of those questioned are not concerned about their salt intake.



Perhaps surprisingly, those aged under 18 are most conscientious about always looking at the salt content of foods before buying (21% compared to the national average of less than 10%), but this doesn't appear to lead to a reduction in the amount of ready-made and takeaway meals consumed by this age group. On average under-18s consume more than three of these types of meal per week, the highest of any age group, with 16% consuming seven or more every week.



The under 18s are also the least aware (53%, compared with 76% for all other age groups) that salt present in the food they buy is likely to constitute their main source of salt intake. In common with all other age groups, over three-quarters (78%) of under 18s regularly add more salt to their food during cooking or consumption, leading to a potentially very high weekly salt intake. This, coupled with the fact that 84% of young people exercise fewer than five times per week, means that this group could be increasingly at risk of serious health problems in later life.



Siemens carried out the research as part of the launch of their third annual Stroke for Stroke campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of stroke and highlight the benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise as an effective means of stroke prevention.



Andreas J. Goss, chief executive, Siemens in the UK, said: "Stroke is the UK's third biggest killer and contrary to popular belief it can affect people of any age. It is imperative that people take regular exercise and modify their lifestyle habits and diet if they are to reduce the risk of suffering from serious health conditions such as stroke."



Wendy Martinson, Registered Dietician and Sports Nutritionist to the Great Britain Rowing Team, said: "A combination of poor dietary choices and habits, along with lack of regular exercise, could result in serious future health problems. A campaign such as Stroke for Stroke can raise awareness of the importance of taking positive action in your diet and lifestyle to improve your health. The risk of stroke is patently real and these warnings need to be acknowledged."



Joe Korner, Director of Communications for The Stroke Association comments: "Each year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK will suffer a stroke. High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke, eating too much salt on a regular basis as well as not exercising can contribute to this. Stroke for Stroke is now in its third year and a campaign like this is integral to raising awareness of how regular exercise and lifestyle choices can help prevent a stroke, which is clearly a message the UK still needs to hear."



The Stroke for Stroke campaign will run between 25 - 31 January 2010 and will challenge members of the public to row 10km (or more), helping to raise vital funds for the charity. Not having access to a rowing machine is no excuse, as Stroke for Stroke has teamed up with Nuffield Health to offer a free five day pass to their nationwide network of Fitness & Wellbeing Centres for everyone taking part in Stroke for Stroke. The campaign is open to everyone across the UK. The campaign website contains useful information on stroke prevention, including limiting salt intake and taking regular exercise.



Notes



*The research was carried out by One Poll in September 2009 and questioned 3,000 participants. Siemens Stroke for Stroke Week is supported by The Stroke Association. Full details and a link to the justgiving website can be found at http://www.strokeforstroke.co.uk



Source

Nuffield Health

Siemens in the UK

The Stroke Association




Temple Hills, MD

Cold Laser Therapy, Fairfax VA

What is Cold Laser Therapy?
FDA approved Cold Laser Therapy, also known as Low Level Laser Therapy or Phototherapy, has been widely used by health care professionals for over thirty five years. In addition, this therapy has been the subject of numerous studies with over 3,500 scientific papers published worldwide.

Cold Laser Therapy is treatment that produces a beam of light in which high energies can be concentrated to a specific area. This laser light has unique physical properties, which no other ordinary light has. The unique properties of coherence and monochromaticity are the key to why laser light is so effective compared to other kinds of light in pain reduction and healing.

How it Works:
Cold Laser Therapy can strengthen and heal damaged cells. Using photochemical processes, laser light inserts bio-photons into damaged cells. The cells begin to produce energy (ATP), which improves their function, assists their division, strengthens the body's immune system, and causes the secretion of various hormones. The tissues are healed, and pain disappears. If damaged cells have died, the bio-photons help the division of neighboring cells, generating new tissues, and thus bring about healing.

Cold Laser Therapy:
• Promotes healing in many conditions by penetrating the skin, increasing the ATP and activating enzymes in targeted cells.
• Activates a growth factor response within the cells and tissues as a result of increased ATP and protein synthesis.
• Improves cell proliferation.
• Provides pain relief as a result of increased endorphin release.
• Strengthens the immune system response via increasing levels of lymphocyte activity.

Cold Laser Therapy is an Effective Treatment for:
Arthritis Pain Control
Inflammation Tendonitis
Sprains & Strains Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow) Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Disc Herniations Minor Nerve Damage
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) Among Other Musculoskeletal Injuries...

For more information, please visit www.coldlasertherapies.com or consult with one of our health care professionals!

Texting is a potential pain in the neck and shoulders.

A preliminary study suggests that the number of texts you send may lead to more shoulder pain. For men, the study suggest it's also connected to neck pain.

Dr. Judith Gold, ScD, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Temple University’s College of Health Professions and Social Work, presented a study at this year’s meeting of the American Public Health Association suggesting that the more college students texted, the more pain they reported in their shoulders. In the men tested, more neck pain was reported too. The researcher is not sure why the study did not find an association with neck pain in women.

Texting, like computer work and video gaming, is one of the technical innovations that I believe commonly lead to neck, shoulder, wrist and hand symptoms. Underlying conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or herniated discs may also be aggravated. A simple step you can take is more frequent breaks, ideally with some stretching involved. If pain does happen, non-invasive therapies and basic ergonomics are usually very helpful in alleviating it. Call or email (carefully!) if you have questions, or would like to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Charlie Ginsburg, Wheaton Chiropractic
Silver Spring, Md

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a safe, effective, revolutional non-surgical treatment for a variety of low back and neck conditions. This therapy's primary benefit works by restoring proper function to an injured disc. It is done by producing a controlled, mechanical traction on the spine using our Triton DTS Decompression Table. During the pull phase, injured discs are gently stretched apart, producing a suction force inside the disc. This draws disc bulges and herniations back into the center of the disc along with oxygen, water, nutrients, and other healing substances. The end result is a strong, healthy, properly functioning disc in a high percentage of patients.
Comfort is Our Top Priority
We want patient visits to be enjoyable and successful! Treatments are short in duration and administered while the patient is fully clothed. Most patients undergoing this treatment report improvements and a reduction in their pain after only a few sessions. DTS Therapy gently stretches the spine, relieving pressure from the discs, joints and muscular tissues.
Patient comfort and safety are of primary importance during DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy. There are several positioning options, so you will be able to rehabilitate the discs and spine while remaining comfortable. During DTS Therapy, you'll experience several cycles of stretch and relaxation, which gently graduate to a peak over a period of several minutes.
Therapy sessions typically last less than 20 minutes and most patients feel pain relief with as few as 6-10 treatments. It is important to remember, however, that pain reduction does not necessarily mean that your discs and spine are healed, so it is critical that patients stick with the treatment protocol prescribed by their practitioners in order to achieve the full value of DTS Therapy.
DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy is a pain-free alternative that has shown a very high rate of success at reducing or even eliminating back and neck pain.. Our office is dedicated to offering the latest, state-of-the-art therapies for lower back pain, sciatica pain relief, pinched nerve, neck pain relief, and bulging or degenerative disc diseases. We believe DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy is one of the most advanced, non-surgical and pain-free alternative.
Spinal Decompression Therapy is an Effective Treatment for:
Herniated Disc
Degenerative Disc
Facet Syndrome
Sciatica
Post-Surgical Patients
Spinal Stenosis
For more information, please visit www.dtstherapy.com or consult with one of our health care professionals!


Dr. Aekta Erry

Chiropractor in Temple Hill, MD

Spinal Stenosis Treatment, Fairfax VA

A great article from ACA Today...

Spinal Stenosis

What is stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is created by the narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing may be caused by mechanical problems or by abnormalities in the aging spine. It may or may not result in low-back pain, limping, and a lack of feeling in the legs.

Stenosis is often a degenerative condition. It may exist for years without causing pain or discomfort, but a fall or an accident can trigger characteristic stenotic pain. Numerous factors can cause stenosis, such as thickened ligaments, expanding infection, abscess, a congenital or developmental anomaly, degenerative changes, vertebral fractures or dislocations, or a spinal cord tumor.

How is stenosis diagnosed?
Spinal stenosis can be diagnosed based on the history of symptoms, a physical examination, and imaging tests. An MRI is a very poor predictor of future disability in stenosis. An electrodiagnostic study is more dependable for information on a stenotic spine. To diagnose stenosis caused by an abscess or an infection, blood work analyzed by a laboratory may be required, while vertebral tumors and spinal tumors require finely tuned imaging.

How is stenosis treated?
There are three basic treatment approaches to spinal stenosis: the conservative medical approach, which frequently involves bed rest, analgesics, local heat, and muscle relaxants; the conservative chiropractic approach, which includes manipulation, exercise and self-care techniques; and surgery. The source of the stenosis often dictates the treatment.

Ultimately, stenosis is a chronic condition that cannot be “cured,” but it often can be improved, and improvement can be maintained over the long term. Patients can work with a health care provider, such as a doctor of chiropractic, to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Stenosis
• Pseudoclaudication—pain triggered by walking or prolonged standing, which is usually improved by sitting in a forward leaning flexed position
• Numbness, tingling, and hot or cold feelings in the legs
• Muscle weakness and spasms



Chiropractor Fairfax, VA

What is the best sports drink to use with exercise?

This was so much easier to determine ten years ago, but now that more and more sports drinks are on the market, with different combinations of carbohydrates, protein and caffeine, it has gotten to be a little tougher to figure out. There has even been recent research suggesting that chocolate milk is as good of a recovery drink as any sports drink! So what should you do? Do you need to choose a different drink for before your workout, while exercising, and for recovery?

Gatorade® was the first sports drink to enter the market back in the 1960s. A sports drink is defined as a beverage with carbohydrates in a concentration of 2- 8.75% with an osmolality of less than 400 mOsm. Gatorade® and other sports drinks typically contain carbohydrates and electrolytes that fall within that concentration. Before the advent of sports drinks, if anything was consumed at all during exercise, the beverage of choice was typically water. However, during strenuous exercise, water does not hold up well. Research has shown that people are more likely to stop drinking prematurely when water is consumed, leading to dehydration. So the sodium that makes a sports drink taste less than wonderful serves a purpose in that it keeps you drinking. The sodium in sports drinks serves a second purpose as well – it can prevent the concentration of sodium in the blood from decreasing too much, which is a possibility of a significant amount of water is consumed. So sports drinks encourage a person to drink more and maintain an appropriate level of sodium in the blood.

Now let’s add another reason into the mix for choosing a sports drink over water. The carbohydrates in the drink serve as a much needed energy source during exercise. So why limit sports drinks to 8.75% carbohydrate level? What is wrong with concentrated sugar packets? Due to the way the nervous systems works, digestion automatically decreases during exercise. When you consume carbohydrate drinks that are above 8-9%, it causes the stomach to slow down even more, leading to cramps and stomach pains. So sports drinks provide a source of energy, but only to a point. In addition, absorption increases by combining multiple types of carbohydrates. Gatorade®, for example, contains both sucrose and glucose.

What about sports drinks that contain protein? The addition of protein to a sports beverage is intended to increase the rapid storing of protein and glycogen in muscles after a workout. In addition, the soreness that may come with the breakdown of muscle during exercise can be decreased with consumption of protein. This can be seen with lower levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in the blood, indicating less muscle injury. Thus, recovery has shown to be quicker with the addition of protein after a workout.

Let’s not forget about caffeine. Red Bull® and other energy drinks (not to be confused with sports drinks) contain high levels of both carbohydrates and caffeine. Carbohydrate levels are typically higher than the 8-9% that is the recommended limit in carbohydrate concentration during a workout. A ratio of 4:1 carbohydrate to protein is commonly found in recovery drinks. Drinks with caffeine, protein, vitamins and a high carbohydrate concentration are best left for after a workout is completed. One recent researcher has suggested that chocolate milk, which happens to have a 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio, could be a possible option for a recovery drink.

To review, sports drinks with a 4-8% carbohydrate concentration with electrolytes are the best choice just before and during a workout. Save the drinks with a higher carbohydrate concentration, caffeine, protein, and vitamins for after the workout for the goal of recovering faster. Using the right drink can help you to perform better and recover faster. Don’t forget that this is one part of the picture, including proper diet, sleep and chiropractic care to keep your body performing as best as it can.

Dr. Brian Lancaster

Maryland: What is Kinesio Tape?

What is Kinesio Tape?

For over 10 years I have been working with patients and using Kinesio Tape,  Kinesio Tape offers patients a more gentle approach to rehabilitation than those provided by conventional athletic tape. On the heels of our unprecedented publicity and positive feedback from the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, we here at Kinesio would like to invite you to experience what athletes and medical practitioners around the world are calling the rehabilitative and enhancement tool.
Kinesio Tape is a Latex free, non-medicated, thin, porous cotton fabric with a medical grade acrylic adhesive. The tape is comprised of elastic qualities which are designed for a 30-40% longitudinal only stretch when applied. Our bodies were designed to move and the Kinesio Taping Technique promotes movement and motion. With Kinesio Tape, we are not only limited to supporting and stabilizing musculature, but allowed to provide rehabilitation while encouraging movement!


How it Works:The technique relies heavily on insertions and origins of muscles. The built-in stretch of the tape can help stabilize injured muscles, support fatigued, weakened and/or strained muscles, and can also help facilitate a stretch for those muscles in spasm.


In addition to muscle support, Kinesio Tape can lift the skin to increase the space between the skin and muscle. This reduced localized pressure in the affected area helps promote circulation, lymphatic drainage, and lessen the irritation on the subcutaneous neural pain receptors. As an end result, the Kinesio Taping Technique reduces pain and inflammation.

Since the introduction of Kinesio Tape in the United States, medical practitioners such as PTs, ATCs, OTs, DCs, MTs and MDs have recognized and embraced this effective, safe and best of all, easy-to-use modality. The method and tape allow the individual to receive the therapeutic benefits 24 hours a day with both comfort and ease because it can be worn for several days per application. Currently, Kinesio Tape is being used in hospitals, clinics, high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and even at the Olympic level!

Examples of some of the conditions it can Help treat.

Cervical (Neck) Sprain/Strain Lumbar (Low Back) Sprain/Strain


Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Plantar Fasciitis

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Patellofemoral (Knee) Disorders

Achilles Tendinitis Fibromyalgia

Scar Tissue Trigger Finger

Shin Splints Hip Disorders

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) Ankle Sprain

IT Band Syndrome Among Many Other Conditions



Temple Hills, Oxon Hill, Clinton

Graston Technigue in Temple Hills, Oxon Hill, Marlyand

Graston Technique® is an interdisciplinary treatment used in my Temple Hills, MD office. Myself as well as nearly 5000 clinicians—including athletic trainers, chiropractors, hand therapists, occupational and physical therapists. This technique is utilized at some 550 out-patient facilities and industrial on-sites, by more than 90 professional and amateur sports organizations, and is part of the curriculum at 21 respected colleges and universities.

The Graston Technique utilizes six stainless steel instruments to assist in therapy. The curvilinear edge of the patented instruments combines with their concave/convex shape to mold the instruments to various contours of the body. This design allows for ease of treatment, minimal stress to the clinician's hand, and maximum tissue penetration.

These instruments, much like a tuning fork, resonate in the clinician's hands allowing them to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and treat them very precisely. Since the metal surface of the instruments does not compress, deeper restrictions can be accessed and treated. Just as a stethoscope amplifies what the human ear can hear, these instruments significantly increase what the human hands can feel.

How it works:

•Separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, and splays and stretches connective tissue and muscle fibers.

•Increases skin temperature while facilitating reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern.

•Alters spinal reflux activity (facilitated segment).

•Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to and from the area.

•Increases cellular activity in the region, including fibroblasts and mast cells.

•Increases histamine response secondary to mast cell activity.


The Graston Technique Instruments, while enhancing the clinician's ability to detect fascial adhesions and restrictions, have been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions, including:

Cervical (Neck) Sprain/Strain Lumbar (Low Back) Sprain/Strain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Plantar Fasciitis

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Patellofemoral (Knee) Disorders

Achilles Tendinitis Fibromyalgia

Scar Tissue Trigger Finger

Shin Splints Hip Disorders

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) Ankle Sprain

IT Band Syndrome Among Many Other Conditions




Temple Hills, Oxon Hill, Clinton

Elevated Plasma Homocysteine Linked to Advanced Arterial Stiffness

Elevated Plasma Homocysteine Linked to Advanced Arterial Stiffness

Keywords:ARTERIAL STIFFNESS, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, ATHEROSCLEROSIS, INFLAMMATION - Homocysteine

Reference:“Associations of plasma homocysteine level with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, LDL atherogenicity, and inflammation profile in healthy men,” Yun J, Kim JY, et al, Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis, 2009 Oct 22; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: National Research Laboratory of Clinical Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics, Dept. of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei Univ., Seoul, Republic of Korea).

Summary:In a cross-sectional study involving 612 healthy men between the ages of 31 and 79 years, higher total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration was found to be associated with increased arterial stiffness (assessed via brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity), increased inflammation (assessed via interleukin-1beta, TNF-alpha), increased oxidized LDL, decreased folate and decreased vitamin B12. In a subgroup of subjects with elevated tHcy, tHcy was also positively associated with blood pressure and negatively associated with LDL particle size. The authors conclude, “This study shows an association between high levels of plasma tHcy and more advanced arterial stiffness, smaller LDL particle size, and higher levels of oxLDL and cytokines in men with hyperhomocysteinemia. Enhanced arterial stiffness in hyperhomocysteinemia might be attributed, in part, to Hcy-related LDL atherogenicity.”
 
Dr. Rick Rosa
Temple Hills, MD