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American Association of Neurological Surgeons: High-Dose
Omega-3 Oils Used to Treat Non-Surgical Neck and Back Pain Cervical Whiplash: Considerations in the
Rehabilitation of Cervical Myofascial Injury Whiplash, Hearing Loss, and Upper Cervical Manipulation
["Little known effects and results of sprains of the cervical spine"]
Why Is the Cervical Curve So Important Anyway?
The Diet Check Sheet
The Big Brain Shake Kennett Square Now Open - Welcome Letter
American Association of Neurological Surgeons: High-Dose
Omega-3 Oils Used to Treat Non-Surgical Neck and Back Pain
(Doctors Guide • April 20, 2005 • By Cameron Johnston) "Investigators at the University of Pittsburgh have treated chronic pain patients with high doses of omega-3 fatty acids - the ingredient found in many cold-water fish species such as salmon." "The researchers say their findings suggest that this could be the answer to the adverse effects seen with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors, which have been associated with potentially catastrophic adverse effects." Dr. Joseph Maroon, neurosurgeon and specialist in degenerative spine disease at the University of Pittsburgh reported the findings April 19th at the 73rd meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Patients who took high doses of omega-3 oils were impressed enough with the outcomes that they chose to continue using the oils and forego the use of NSAIDs. The 250 study patients suffered from chronic neck or back pain but were not surgical candidates, and they had been using daily doses of NSAIDs. After 75 days of taking high doses of omega-3s, 59% had stopped taking prescription drugs for their pain. "88% said they were pleased enough with the outcomes that they planned to continue using the fish oils." "No significant adverse effects were reported." The recommended dose: 3000 mg of DHA & EPA (Some report taking as much as 10,000 mg).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spine Injury from Motor Vehicle Accidents:
Long-term Effects and Disabilities Cervical Whiplash: Considerations in the
Rehabilitation of Cervical Myofascial Injury
(Canadian Family Physician • Volume 32, September 1986 •Arthur Ameis, MD, Dr. Ameis Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.) SELECTED REVIEW:
In whiplash mechanism, the protective and adaptive biologic mechanisms [muscular reflexes] against movement injury seem to often fail. "The ultimate acceleration of the head is greater than
the peak acceleration of the car." During a rear-end collision, head extension can reach 122°, while the maximum physiologic extension is 75°; "this differential explains, in part, the relatively greater severity of extension injury." (That means your neck bends almost 50 degrees more than it should backwards!!!) Additional accidents increase the risk of degenerative change and degenerative disease. (Every accident you have increases the arthritis in your spine!) "15% of patients fail to achieve a full functional recovery, and some 40% - 70% find some mild symptom persistence." (That means 40-70% continue to have pain related to their accident.) "About 10% - 15% of motor vehicle cervical injuries fail to achieve a functional recovery even after the passage of two to three years." KEY POINTS
1) Because of lap belts, the "low back or the thoraco-lumbar junction may be hurt by being suddenly arched or flexed as the torso moves in an arc while the pelvis is fixed from below."
2) Seat belts do not offer much protection in side collisions.
3) In the elderly, neck injury is very serious because their degenerative spine is biomechanically 'stiffer'. Accidents will cause greater damage to your spine the older you are.
4) The elderly in collisions often develop vertigo.
5) Whiplash trauma increases the risk of degenerative joint disease. Your neck will decay-degenerate because of whiplash.
6) Auto speed and damage are not reliable parameters of a patient's injuries. (Most people are injured in slow speed accidents!!!) Minimal damage to the car can still mean big damage to your spine!
7) The symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome may appear months after initial injury. Shoulder-arm pain and numbness can present after the accident.
8) Moderate soft tissue injuries take about 12 - 36 months to recover. [Important]
9) Resting injured soft tissues injuries is "pathologic:" Active rehab & spine adjustments are immediately necessary.
10) For most patients, the treatment goals are the reduction of spinal tightness and improvement of postural imbalances. [Important]
Most of the spines we see every day have signs of old whiplash injuries (sprains and strains) of the neck form some type of trauma. It could be as simple as a fall or push from behind or an obvious as a slow moving car accident.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Whiplash, Hearing Loss, and Upper Cervical Manipulation
["Little known effects and results of sprains of the cervical spine"]
(Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax. • December 2, 1999 • 88(49):2021-4.
Kaeser HE, Ettlin T.) "After cervical (neck) sprain not only pain and neuropsychological disturbances may occur, but also the following sequelae (effects): cervical (neck) dystonia, and torticollis (wry neck-neck stuck in a certain position), dizziness, hearing loss for low frequencies, dysphonia (difficulty with words) and globus." [Globus is a sensation of something stuck or of a lump or tightness in the throat.] Remember, cervical sprains occur not only with car accidents, but with falls, sports injuries or even with a push from behind. "Except for dystonia the symptoms often respond to manipulation (adjustment) of a blocked articulation between occiput and atlas or axis and the third cervical vertebra." Adjustments initiate the healing process and can prevent severe complications that would result from waiting for it to go away.
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Why Is the Cervical Curve So Important Anyway?
When we look at the neck as an individual area, chiropractic is focused on restoring the neck curve to its natural position, but why is this so important? To first discover this we need to look at the anatomy of the neck and what structures are contained there. Nervous System- The nervous system in the neck area is very important, and controls many functions, including: -Breathing | -Balance | -Heart and vascular control | -Digestion | -Reflex control (coughing,
swallowing, gagging) | -State of arousal
(sleep vs. awake) | -Muscle coordination
(entire body) | -Muscle control, sensation
& blood supply to the head, neck,
shoulders, arms, and hands |
The only way to naturally restore the curve of your neck is to see your chiropractor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Diet Check Sheet
If you have allergies, immune, digestive, or intestinal problems download the following check list to omit or limit certain foods based on you blood type. Included are some general guidelines for healthy eating and the foods we should all avoid.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Big Brain Shake This shake recipie is from our Foods that Cause Pain workshop. If you are interested in improving the way your brain functions and responds to pain, download and follow the the easy to use instructions.
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Kennett Square Office Now Open!
You have been extremely understanding during these last few months while we have been working diligently to prepare the Kennett Square (K.S.) clinic to see patients. The remodeling and renovations are still being completed but we are ready to take care of patients and very excited to do so. Download the Full Article
Kennett Square Office Directions: Download Printable PDF
Kennett Square Office Hours: Download Printable PDF
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