FROM CHIROPACTIC/ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE:
New Nerve Treatment: Dr. Riggs is working on a new nerve treatment technique called neurodynamics. Neurodynamics is a nerve mobilizing technique developed by Australian therapist Michael Shacklock. It helps conditions where nerves are trapped in the soft tissue and can be effective in treating such conditions as numbness and tingling in the hands and legs, carpal tunnel, sciatica, misdiagnosed cases of plantar fasciitis (tarsal tunnel syndrome) and other entrapment syndromes like thoracic outlet syndrome. It may also help disc problems. The technique is not an overnight cure but helps conditions where the nerve is stuck in the soft tissue due to inflammation, adhesions (scar tissue), or entrapment for mechanical reasons.
Soft Tissue Treatment News (tendons, muscles, ligments): Recent research has found that mechanical stimulation of soft tissues stimulates positive reactions in fibroblasts that are healing. One study showed that the use of instrument-assisted cross fiber massage resulted in ligaments that were 31 percent stronger, 34 percent stiffer and accelerated ligament healing with an acute injury of the knee with medium pressure. The method used was Graston technique. Dr. Riggs, although not currently listed on the Graston site (ridiculous fees), is the only certified Graston practitioner West of Dallas. He has been using Graston technique since 2003 to treat conditions like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, strains and sprains, ankle injuries, knee and shoulder injuries, plantar fasciitis/heel spurs, and other soft tissue injuries. Chronic injuries respond well.
Manipulation News: A recent study found chiropractic manipulation with Biofreeze usage resulted in significant reductions in pain. Another study found chiropractic was also helpful in migraines that did not respond well to medication. A Swedish study showed improvement in hip extension with athletes receiving manipulation.
FROM NUTRITION NEWS:
7 Pillars of weight Loss:
1. Restore insulin sensitivity. Nutrients such as chromium, magnesium, cocoa polyphenols, and fish oils can help.
2. Restore youthful hormone balance. Men-free testosterone (especially with excess estrogen), DHEA levels need to be looked at. Rule out prostate cancer (PSA test). Women-thyroid levels, check estrogen dominance (bio-identical hormones),
3. Control rate of carbohydrate absorption. 5 grams of soluble fiber before or with meals to blunt glucose-insulin surges and fill you up. High fiber diet. Oat and barley (beta-glucans).
4. Increase physical activity. Improves insulin sensitivity.
5. Restore brain serotonin. Obesity is connected to low tryptophan levels. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin.
6. Restore resting energy expenditure rate. Fucoxanthin and pomegranate seed oil can safely boost metabolic rates.
7. Eat to live a long and healthy life. Avoid fad diets. Avoid overcooked foods Lower calorie ingestion (contributes to degeneration).
Bone and artery health: Vitamin K2 deficiency may lead to decreased bone density and excess arterial wall calcium. Sources: organ meats, egg yolks, matto (Japanese condiment), cheeses (Swiss Emmental and Norwegian Jarlsberg). Supplements. If you use blood thinners you should check with your doctor.
Fish Oil Benefits: omega 3 fatty acids (fish oils) in the form of EPA and DHA lower blood fats and reduce tendency for obesity.
Cancer Nutrients: reservatrol was found in a study to suppress prostate cancer development; milk thistle extract (silibinin) demonstrates laboratory suppression of liver cancer;
Miscellaneous Nutrition News: long term supplement users are healthier; vitamin D deficiency may be responsible for type 1 diabetes; lean meats and low fat dairy products allow weight loss without bone loss (high carb diets contribute to),
Warding off chronic yeast and bacterial infections: maintaining normal body flora may help ward off yeast and chronic urinary tract infections. Antibiotic therapy, smoking, oscillating stress levels and other factors can result in upsetting the normal body microflora. Probiotics help maintain optimal pH, support immune function, prevent microbe growth and prevent vaginal infections. If you are immunosuppressed, you should check with your medical doctor first.
FROM THE FUTURE: Health-nanotechnology and molecular engineering have potential benefits with inherent risks and ethical issues.
FROM MEDICINE:
Shingles: All adults aged 60 and older should be vaccinated against shingles, a condition that can cause debilitating chronic pain, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended on Thursday. This new recommendation replaces the agency's provisional recommendation, made in 2006, after the ZOSTAVAX vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The down side to this recommendation is whether the insurance companies will cover it –it’s expensive at $150. It is about two-thirds effective according to the report. A key factor to me would be whether you have had chicken pox in the past. If you have then, it might be worth talking to your medical doctor about the shot. Shingles (herpes zoster) is a reactivation of the dormant chicken pox virus (varicella zoster). Shingles is very painful since the virus lays dormant in the sensory nerves. When it reactivates it is painful and sometimes skin blisters will appear along the sensory area of the nerve.
The peak incidence age group is 50-70 and may be higher due to lower immunity in older people. Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, malignancy, trauma, surgery, and local irradiation all predispose one to outbreaks. The skin lesions are infective until a dry crust appears. Pregnant women, children and immunocompromised individuals are susceptible. Before an outbreak you may experience chills, fever, malaise, gastrointestinal disturbances, tingling sensations and red bumps. If the outbreak occurs on the face, it can be serious and needs immediate attention. Chronic pain due to a condition called postherpatic neuralgia can result.
Cardiac CAT Scans: widespread use of cardiac CAT/CT scans can be risky. Radiation from it can produce cumulative side effects on our body. Exposes the body to large amounts of radiation (a known carcinogenic). The number performed has skyrocketed from 3 million in 1980 to 62 million today. Radiation exposure is cumulative of a course of a life time. One or more CT scans can lead to accruing the radiation exposure of Hiroshima or Nagasaki. Should not be used as a screening tool for healthy individuals. Regular check-ups, screening for blood lipids are better choices.
