Spine~Mail News from Dr. Richards

Adjustments Impact Brain Function

2008-04-15T10:05:00.006-04:00

Have you ever noticed improved clarity of thought or improved bodily coordination after your chiropractic adjustment? Researchers may have discovered why.

Using EEG (a brain-wave test), researchers in New Zealand found significant changes in brain function after patients receive chiropractic adjustments.

"This is the first time that anyone has used EEG's to prove that there are definite changes to the way the brain processes information after chiropractic care." said Dr. Heidi Haavik-Taylor, director of research at New Zealand College of Chiropractic.

"The process of a spinal adjustment is like rebooting a computer. The signals that these adjustments send to the brain, via the nervous system, reset muscle behavior patterns."

"By stimulating the nervous system we can improve the function of the whole body. this is something that chiropractors and their patients have known for years; and now we have some scientific evidence to prove it."

The researchers found that the adjustment instantly caused changes in the signals that the brain sent to muscles. This may change posture and coordination and help explain the improved function and pain releif that patients experience.

The adjustments did not simply cause muscles to relax either. The adjustment may improve complex firing patterns sent from the brain to the muscles. Most body movements require the integrated action of many muscles, sometimes hundreds (as in walking) and this integration and coordination is accomplished by the brain.

"[Dr. Haavik-Taylor's] work is groundbreaking on an international level by proving that chiropractic adjustments do alter and benefit the nervous system" said Dr. James Burt, president of the New Zealand Chiropractors Association.

References:
JMPT
The Chiropractic Journal

Dr. Richards Speaks to Surgical Group in Asheville

2008-03-17T10:05:00.006-04:00

Dr. Richards was invited to speak to a group of surgeons in Asheville. Rep. Bruce Goforth was also in attendance.

Mountain Neurology and Spine Center hosted a meeting of the North Carolina Chiropractic Association last Thursday (3/14/08). Approximately 40 doctors were present to enjoy a presentation by Dr. Jon Sherman about the latest technology used in Neurosurgery today and a presentation by NCCA-western district president, Dr. David Richards, about commonly used chiropractic techniques. Rep. Bruce Goforth also addressed the group to discuss political issues of importance to the patients we see.

Meetings of this nature are always exciting. After so many decades of consternation between the chiropractic and medical profession, this kind of inter-professional engagement is historic and encouraging. There is a developing spirit of cooperation between the chiropractic and medical professions. Imagine, only a few decades ago, chiropractors were being imprisoned for practicing their art. Now, just a few years later, the most prestigious medical centers are exploring its benefits and encouraging patients to utilize chiropractic care.

Dr. Richards has been committed to creating this kind of inter-professional dialog and helping to create a better medical climate for chiropractic patients, both now and in the future. Dr. Richards has also spoken at Pardee Health Center, Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care, Mountain Area Health Education Center, Blue Ridge Community College, and more.

TV Celeb: chiropractic is "amazing!"

2008-03-17T09:13:00.006-04:00

The following article is reprinted from: http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/2008/mar/a.htm
Emmy Award‑winning talk show host Montel Williams, gave an enthusiastic endorsement of chiropractic on the Dec. 18th episode of his television show, saying, "It's the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me!"

Williams, who was diagnosed in 1999 with multiple sclerosis, told the audience that after suffering from pain 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, he experienced almost instantaneous relief from pain with his first chiropractic adjustment. "There's not a person who knows me who will not confirm this," he said. "...I am walking differently, my pain is less, I've already regained strength in my left leg. Williams added that he could stand up straight without pain for the first time in more than five years.

The broadcast included a filmed segment with Williams' chiropractor, Patrick Kerr, DC, who uses Atlas Orthogonal upper cervical techniques. Dr. Kerr, using a model of the upper spine, explained the basic workings of the spine, noting that misalignment of the spine, particularly at C1 and C2, causes mechanical compression of the nerve roots that exit the spine, causing dysfunction.

Kerr also appeared as a guest on the show, which was recently canceled after 17 years on the air. After introducing his chiropractor, Williams jokingly said, "Everyone knows my head is screwed on wrong ... basically, you screwed it on right!" Later, he expressed amazement that the cervical adjustment gave him "almost instantaneous" relief of much of his lower body pain, that he "felt weird" afterwards and that "it was almost as if for the first time I could stand straight in the last five years."

The chiropractic portion of the show was quickly circulated across the Internet, as doctors and chiropractic supporters placed a popular YouTube video of the program on their own sites. That video can be seen at www.worldchiropracticalliance.org .

How to Feel 14 Years Younger

2008-03-06T11:22:00.002-05:00

Would you like to live longer and feel 14 years younger? Recent studies have shown that 4 health habits can add from 10 to 14 years to your life!

These healthy habits include:

No smoking
At least half an hour of daily exercise
Drinking alcohol in moderation
Eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day

According to researchers, having all four of those healthy habits “was equivalent to being 14 years younger”.

One study followed 15,000 United States veterans, aged 58-60, for 7.5 years. The fittest men were the least likely to die during the study. Fitness was tested by exercising to exhaustion and measuring age, blood pressure, BMI, as well as other factors. Compared to men with a low fitness level, death rates were 50%-70% lower for fit men.

Two British studies show similar results. One followed 20,200 British men and women for 11 years. They reported health history, drinking, smoking, and exercise habits. The death rate during the study was 4 times lower for people with healthy habits. .

What we’ve been told all of our lives is still true: Eat right, exercise, quit smoking, and drink alcohol only in moderation. But now research has shown us that these healthy habits will give us an extra 14 years!

References:
WebMD Article 1
WebMD Article 2
WebMD Article 3

Is that Diet Soda Really Working?

2008-03-03T23:17:00.004-05:00

Are you trying to lose weight? Consuming artificial sweeteners may actually be making it harder to control your weight according to researchers.

According to new research by psychologists at Purdue University’s Ingestive Behavior Research Center, rats that were given yogurt with saccharin (Sweet & Low) consumed more calories, put on more body fat, and gained more weight than rats given yogurt sweetened with simple sugar.

It seems that when you eat something sweet, your body and core temperature rev up to prepare for high calorie intake. When the high calories don’t follow the sweet sensation, the body can compensate by consuming more calories to feel the same sense of satisfaction.

Other artificial sweeteners may not be worth it either. Splenda (sucralose) has been blamed for headaches, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, and panic attacks just to name a few. Nutrasweet (aspartame) has been blamed for, among other symptoms, decreased vision, hearing loss, gastrointestinal difficulties, and depression.

Depending upon low-calorie foods made with artificial sweeteners may not be the short-cut many people are looking for. But the good news is that with a little discipline and moderation, you can still consume natural sugar and prevent the weight gain.

Further study is required as these results were based on laboratory rats, but the Center believes studies in humans will find the results to be very similar.

Reference:
Eurekalert

Migraines, Sleep Habits and Melatonin

2008-01-19T06:38:00.000-05:00

Another new study has linked Migraine headaches and sleep disturbances.

When hyperactive nerve cells send impulses to blood vessels, Migraines can be the result. This is accompanied by the release of brain chemicals and inflammatory substances that cause the pulsations to be painful.

Research recently published in the journal Headache demonstrated a link between migraines and sleep disturbance. Researchers conducted a detailed sleep interview with 147 women with migraines. When asked whether they were refreshed or tired upon waking, none reported feeling refreshed, and more than 80% said they were tired when they woke.

In a second study on sleep habits and migraines, also published in Headache, researchers provided stronger evidence that good sleep habits reduce both the number and intensity of migraine headaches. In these findings, 43 women with transformed migraines received behavioral sleep instructions or placebo instructions in addition to usual medical care. The women recorded their migraine headaches in diaries. At the end of the study, the women who received behavioral sleep instructions reported a significant reduction in migraine headache frequency and intensity.

Taking melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime can help curb migraine headaches, according to a small study by Brazilian scientists.

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain's pineal gland; it helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Imbalances in the level of melatonin in the body may be related to headaches like migraines and cluster headaches.

The findings, which come from a team of researchers led by Mario F.P. Peres, MD, PhD, of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paolo, Brazil, show that melatonin may be used as a preventive therapy for frequent migraine sufferers.

During the study's last three months, participants took 3 milligrams of melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime.

Sources:
Peres, M. Neurology, August 2004; vol 63: p 757
American Headache Society: "Headache Hygiene Tips." The International Headache Society: "Epidemiology of Headache." WebMD Medical Reference: "Women and Headache: Migraine." The Women's Guide to Ending Pain by Howard S. Smith, MD, and Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD. Calhoun AH. Ford S. Finkel AG. Kahn KA. Mann JD. Neurology. 2006; vol 46: p 1039. Calhoun AH. Ford S. Headache, 2007; vol 47: pp 1178-83. Vincent Fortanasce, MD, neurologist, psychiatrist; author, Anti-Alzheimer's Prescription. Ronald Fieve, MD, professor of clinical psychiatry, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center; author, Bipolar II. The Fibromyalgia Handbook, Harris H. McIlwain, MD, and Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD. Medicinenet, "Migraine Headache."

The Secret to Long Life

2008-01-19T06:22:00.000-05:00

Former assistant surgeon general Dr. Douglas Kamerow tells us what is the most significant factor for longevity.

Hint: It's not what you eat or how much you exercise.

Click Here to Listen

Source:
All Things Considered, January 1, 2008

Exercise as Good as Surgery for Knee Pain

2008-01-19T06:03:00.000-05:00

An exercise regime is as effective as surgery for people with a chronic pain in the front part of their knee, known as chronic patellofemoral syndrome (PFPS).

PFPS is often treated with arthroscopic surgery, in which equipment is inserted through small incisions in your knee to diagnose and fix the problem. However, there is little evidence that this treatment is the best option.

The study, conducted by researchers at The ORTON Research Institute in Helsinki, Finland, compared arthroscopy with exercise in 56 patients with PFPS.

One group of participants was treated with knee arthroscopy and an eight-week home exercise program, while a second group received only the exercise program.

After nine months, patients in both groups experienced similar reductions in pain and improvements in knee mobility. A follow-up conducted two years later still found no differences in outcomes between the two groups.

The only difference discovered was in cost: those who had received the surgery had to pay over $1,300 more than the exercise-only group.

The researchers concluded that arthroscopy is not a cost-effective treatment for PFPS.

Sources:

Science Daily December 13, 2007
BMC Medicine December 13, 2007, 5:38

Faith Can Heal Say Medical Researchers

2007-12-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

This is a time of year that many of us are thinking about Faith. You should be pleased to know that your faith and your health work together! There are hundreds of studies that document a link between faith and health. Here are just a few of those findings:

Longevity
A nationwide study of 21,000 people found that those who regularly attend religious services (more than once a week) live on average 7 years longer than those who never attend.

Blood Pressure
Duke University found a significant protective effect against high blood pressure among Caucasian males who considered religion very important and who attended church regularly.

Recovery From Surgery
A Dartmouth Medical School study found that patients who are comforted by their faith were 3 times more likely to be alive 6 months after open heart surgery than those who found no comfort in religion.

Heart Health
A study in India found that those who prayed regularly were 70% less likely to have coronary heart disease.

Why the relationship between faith and health? That is obviously the subject of much debate. Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School explains that humans under psychological stress experience raised blood pressure, raised heart rates and lowered immunity. He finds that the opposite response can be elicited by combining two steps: repeating a prayer, a word, a sound, a phrase or movement, and disregarding all other thoughts. Meditation, prayer, tai chi and yoga all provoke this healthful state.

Generally the health benefits described above are not attributable to any one particular religion. These positive effects have been noted in observers of many faiths.

Source:
The above is based on the article titled "Heaven Can Wait", by Elena Serocki and published in Readers Digest, May 2001

Chiropractic Adjusments Helping Kids With ADHD

2007-12-05T13:01:00.000-05:00

When school became difficult and concentration became strained, Sofie began taking medicine. But the medication had its side effects.

Watch this inspiring story originally reported on WBZ BOSTON to see how Sofie's mother turned to a chiropractor for a solution to her daughter's ADHD.

Click here to watch the video

Source:
wbzTV.com Special Reports

Choosing a Mattress

2007-12-04T23:46:00.000-05:00

A mattress should provide uniform support from head to toe. If there are gaps between your body and your mattress (such as at the waist), you’re not getting the full support you need.

Be aware that changes in your life can signal the need for a new mattress. For example, if you’ve lost or gained a lot of weight, if a medical condition has changed the way you sleep, or even if you have changed partners.

Every few months, turn your mattress clockwise so that body indentations are kept to a minimum. Generally, your mattress should be replaced every 5 to 8 years to ensure proper support and comfort. If you’re waking up uncomfortable, it may be time for a new mattress.

A 2003 study published in The Lancet found that people who slept on mattresses of medium firmness were twice as likely to report improvement in lowback pain symptoms than those who slept on firm mattresses.

When selecting a mattress, look for one that is:

Designed to conform to the spine’s natural curves and to keep the spine in alignment when you lie down.
Designed to distribute pressure evenly across the body to help circulation, decrease body movement and enhance sleep quality.
Designed to minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other.

When mattress shopping, give each option a good trial run before you buy; lie down on a mattress for a minimum of five minutes to get a good feel of its firmness – sitting on it simply won’t do. Also, don’t hesitate to toss and turn.

Reprinted from the American Chiropractic Association

Wendy's Son Brandon - Player of The Week

2007-12-04T21:49:00.000-05:00

Many of you know my assistant Wendy. She handles our insurance billing and is a friendly smiling face around the office. But there is a side of Wendy that you may not yet know: the wrestling-mom, who cheers herself hoarse in the bleachers for her son and wrestling champ, Brandon!

Due to Brandon's phenomenal performance in last weeks Falcon Frenzy tournament Brandon was chosen this week as the Edward Jones/Times-News Prep Player of the Week!

According to West coach Jeff Smith, "Brandon's best attribute is that he is absolutely relentless for six minutes on the mat. He only has one gear: wide open. Other guys have pauses and that's where he catches people".

Brandon gets a chiropractic adjustment before his matches to make sure that his nervous system is operating at its peak and his body is in optimum balance. Like many great athletes, Brandon has found that Chiropractic care can give an athlete an edge over the competition.

He has racked up quite a record of success and we are all very proud to see him achieve!

Related Articles

Read the Times-News Online Article

Read Brandon's July article in Spine~Mail

Read what celebrities and athletes say about Chiropractic

Make a Note of These Changes To Our Practice

2007-12-02T20:47:00.001-05:00

2007 has been a great year. We have made a number of improvements to our practice.
Here are a few things that have changed or are changing:

New Hours:
We have expanded our hours a bit. We have added an additional hour for patients who wish to come during the lunch hour. We have had to cut a half hour from our early morning hours to do this.

Our new hours are
Mon -Thurs 9-1 and 3-6
Friday 9-1

New Digital Foot Scanner:
Due to the increasing popularity of custom made shoe orthotics we added some new technology to the practice earlier this year. In previous years we were making molds of patients feet and mailing the molds to our custom orthotics center (Foot Levelers). We are now able to make a digital foot scan instead. This scan is sent electronically and the creation of your custom orthotic begins within minutes. This has dramatically reduced the amount of time it takes for us to receive your custom orthotics in the mail. Additionally the scan is fascinating to see. If you haven't had your feet scanned and wish to, ask our front desk to schedule a scan at no charge!

New Website:
The new website has really taken off. It is now averaging about 685 hits per day. In the last month the site has had visitors from 17 countries!

New Email Newsletter:
Our email newsletter has been a huge success. You may be surprised to know that every time you see one of our email news updates, that same update is being read by subscribers on 4 continents! All of our newsletters are written for the benefit of our patients and the majority of our subscribers are right here in Western North Carolina. But many non-patients have subscribed through the website. We now have subscribers in places like Russia, China and Iran!

New Remodeling:
We are almost finished with our renovation of the back room. We have patched holes, painted walls, replaced blinds, tore out the old cabinets and put in a new floor. Soon we will have our new cabinets. This will give us more space for new patients as it will function as an extra exam room.

New Maintenance Plans:
This one is still in the works. We are currently developing several maintenance "packages" that will provide significant discounts to patients who wish to maintain their spinal health through periodic maintenance adjustments. These will become available in January. We will keep you posted!

Of course, amidst all these changes there are some things that we'll never change:
We will always put our patients first. We'll always give our patients all the attention and care they need and deserve! We love helping you and we hope to one day be able to do the same for all of your friends and family!

The Key to Better Aging is Mobility Says New Study

2007-12-02T17:13:00.000-05:00

In a paper published in the September issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers closely examined the factors that affected Health-Related Quality-of-Life for a group of older Americans. The study revealed that mobility is a key factor impacting quality of life for older adults.

The researchers concluded that "Taken together with past research, which has demonstrated that loss of mobility predicts loss of independence, mortality, and nursing home admission, it is clear that interventions that can preserve or improve mobility in older adults could produce increases in both quantity and quality of life."

As a chiropractor I have always taught my patients that when it comes to their physical health, they must "use it or lose it". Mild stretching along with moderate exercise are a great start for most patients. Add to this a daily 30 minute walk during which you focus your mind in meditation, re-affirm your daily decisions and pray and you have a recipe for a long, happy, healthy life! Chiropractic adjustments are designed not only to improve nerve flow and relieve pain, but to restore your range of motion and balance.

The New Year is right around the corner. Maintain your mobility with stretching, exercise, regular adjustments and a hearty daily walk! Thus you will add "Years to Your Life and Life to Your Years!"

Reference:
Science Daily
American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Chiropractic Side Effects Evaluated by New Study

2007-12-02T16:20:00.000-05:00

A new study published in October sought to evaluate the risks of serious adverse side effects following neck adjustments. The findings were surprising and may change the way physicians view chiropractic care.

The researchers collected data from over 50,000 cervical spine (neck) adjustments. Though they did find minor side effects (like light-headedness, headaches or numbness), they found no serious adverse side effects. That is right, not a single serious adverse side effect in over 50,000 neck adjustments!

Chiropractic remains one of the safest, cheapest and most effect treatments available and certainly a preferred treatment for spine related disorders like neck pain and headaches.

References:
Spine
Mercola

13 Scary Tips For Trick-Or-Treating on Halloween!

2007-10-27T11:43:00.000-04:00

We wish you you a happy, healthy Halloween! Here are some great tips to keep it fun:

1. Children should never trick-or-treat alone. They should always be accompanied by an adult.

2. Costumes should be flame retardant.

3. Wear reflective markings or tape on your costume or clothing.

4. Costumes should not drag on the ground and should not restrict eyesight.

5. Carry a flashlight.

6. Map out your trick-or-treat route and make sure the whole family knows what it is.

7. Hairspray and candles don't mix!

8. Walk, do not run.

9. Only trick-or-treat at houses with lights on.

10. NEVER go inside a strangers house while trick-or-treating.

11. Parents should let their child use their cell phone if possible and remind them to call home or 911 if an emergency arises.

12. Children should not touch any pets. Animals are not used to costumes and can be easily frightened.

13. Parents should check all candy before allowing children to eat.

Halloween Jokes

2007-10-27T11:22:00.000-04:00

Kids love these!

Where do baby ghosts go during the day?

Dayscare centers

Who did Frankenstein take to the prom?

His ghoul friend

What's a monster's favorite play?

Romeo and Ghouliet

What do witches put on their hair?

Scare spray

What do you get when you cross Bambi with a ghost?

Bamboo

What kind of mistakes do spooks make?

Boo boos

What does Tweety Bird say on Halloween?

Twick or Tweet

What happened to the guy who didn't pay his exorcist?

He was repossessed!

Where do mummies go for a swim?

To the dead sea

What's the ratio of a pumpkin's circumference to its diameter?

Pumpkin Pi

How do you mend a broken Jack-o-lantern?

With a pumpkin patch

What is a ghost's favorite party game?

Hide-and-go-shriek

When does a ghost have breakfast?

In the moaning.

Why do girl ghosts go on diets?

So they can keep their ghoulish figures.

Why was the ghost such a messy eater?

Because he was always a goblin.

Nurses Give Chiropractic High Marks

2007-10-20T13:30:00.000-04:00

A survey of 1000 nurses showed that even though they consider themselves poorly trained in non-medical care, they gave chiropractic high marks. The survey was published in the June 2001 issue of the Journal of Community Health. The survey asked a variety of questions on a number of health care procedures termed by the study as "Complementary Alternative Medicine" (CAM). Chiropractic was included in this survey and received some of the best reviews from the nurses surveyed.

The Journal article starts by stating, "In 1997, 42 percent of the American adult population made 629 million visits to alternative health care practitioners and spent $27 billion out-of-pocket for these services. It has been estimated that in the year 2000, Americans will spend $60 billion on complementary and alternative medical therapies." The Journal uses these figures as a basis for wanting to understand how the nurses view these types of procedures.

The survey to the nurses covered areas including, perceived effectiveness; perceived safety; recommendations made to friends, clients and associates; and personal use. An interesting finding of the study was that the nurses felt that they themselves were poorly trained in understanding CAM procedures as only 21% of the respondents considered themselves to have received "good" or "excellent" professional preparation in dealing with these types of care, which include chiropractic. Conversely, the vast majority (79%) of nurses perceived their professional preparation in the area of alternative and complementary medical therapies to be fair or poor.

In the area of effectiveness, the nurses ranked chiropractic first, in a tie with biofeedback. They overwhelmingly rejected the idea that chiropractic or the other CAM procedures were only effective because of the placebo effect. According to the nurses chiropractic ranked second in safety behind hypnotherapy.

The study also showed that approximately 14% of the nurses surveyed had used chiropractic themselves. Even more surprising is that the study revealed that nearly one quarter (23%) of the nurses said they "periodically" or "regularly" recommend chiropractic care to their friends, patients and associates, while another 27% said they recommend it occasionally. Apparently, as the survey results suggest, the more knowledge of CAM procedures such as chiropractic the nurses had, the more likely they were to use them themselves and refer others to them.

Reprinted from: www.chiropracticresearch.com

Walgreens Reaps Benefits of "Disabled" Workforce

2007-10-19T09:45:00.000-04:00

This video will truly make your day. A Walgreen's factory distribution center located in Anderson, South Carolina is making waves and making news. What is the secret behind the Walgreen's distribution center?

So what is so unusual about Walgreen's most efficient distribution center?

Over 40% of the Anderson factories employees are disabled, and yet the facility is 20% more efficient than any other in the country!

Walgreen's Senior Vice President Randy Lewis has discovered that tapping into the abilities of the disabled can be good business and rewarding for the disabled.

Source: MSNBC

Choosing a Handbag: Oprah Asks a Chiropractor for Advice

2007-10-19T09:10:00.000-04:00

Find out if you suffer from "Big Bag Syndrome". Neck pain, headaches and back pain may be the result!

Oprah Winfrey asked chiropractor Isis M. Medina to weigh in on hundreds of handbags and assess the potential damages for the October 2007 issue of "O - The Oprah Magazine".

Dr. Isis M. Medina's rule is that you should tote no more than 10 percent of your body weight—so a bag that's more than five pounds when empty is a bad start. If your load is excessive, your head and neck jut forward rather than staying over your shoulders, which can lead to headaches, neck tension, and back pain.

Additionally she stresses the importance of posture, strength and straps, and adds lots of valuable tips for women trying to choose the right purse.

Read the original article by clicking here.

Additional Reading: My Bag Is Killing Me

Magnets Not Helpful For Pain Researchers Say

2007-10-11T13:05:00.000-04:00

Considering magnets for pain? According to research published last month in the Canadian Medical Association Journal: They are probably not helpful.

The study addressed a common patient question, namely "Would magnets help me?" I have generally replied, "Maybe. Maybe not." Though I have never used magnets to treat patients, many of my patients have anecdotally reported improvements with magnets. The researchers point out that this improvement is matched by the placebo (fake magnets) used in the studies. The researchers concluded "magnets cannot be recommended as an effective treatment".

But perhaps we shouldn't be too quick to draw conclusions. Seven years ago I attended a medical conference. It was the 19th Annual Geriatric Research Symposium. The keynote speaker was the world famous opiate researcher, and author of the book "Molecules of Emotion", Candice Pert, Ph.D. One of the memorable speakers attending the symposium was Beverly Rubik, Ph.D., an internationally known researcher. Dr. Rubik, who served as a member of the Advisory Panel to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has focused her career on exploring the strange corners of unconventional medicine. At the conference, she discussed magnets and electrical fields in general. She pointed out that the way lizards regenerate their tails (after researchers cut them off) is by altering the magnetic polarity of the injury site. She illustrated to the group that magnetic fields are almost definitely involved in our healing process as well. The question to her was not IF magnets could work, but rather, what strength of magnet, what polarity, what shape, what placement, and for how long? These questions have never been adequately explored.

In the future, when my patients ask me, "Would magnets help me?" I will still reply, "Maybe. Maybe not." I don't believe we have heard the final word in the magnetic debate yet.

Sources : WebMD, CMAJ

Adverse Drug Reactions Have Doubled

2007-10-11T12:15:00.000-04:00

Over the last decade, reports of adverse drug reactions, including death, have doubled, according to a report published on September 10th in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

"We are losing substantial amounts of ground in protecting people against serious injury and death from prescription drugs," said Thomas J. Moore, senior scientist, drug safety and policy, for the Institute for Safe Medication Practices and the lead author of the study.

Tylenol, a commonly used over-the-counter pain killer, is the 5th deadliest drug in America. "Painkillers have always been a problem, especially the opioids, but it seems to be getting worse," Moore says. "They are being used more." Fentanyl patches, for instance, made the list of common offenders, and Moore say they are "hugely powerful and very addictive."

The “Hit List”:

On the list of drugs most commonly identified in fatal events:

Oxycodone (OxyContin and others)
Fentanyl (Duragesic and others)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Morphine
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Methadone
Infliximab (Remicade)
Interferon beta (Rebif, Betaseron, Avonex)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Etanercept (Enbrel)
Paclitaxel (Taxol)
Acetaminophen-hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab, and others)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Rofecoxib (Vioxx)
Paroxetine (Paxil)

Drugs on the list of those most commonly identified in disability or serious outcomes:

Estrogens
Insulin
Infliximab (Remicade)
Interferon beta (Rebif, Betaseron, Avonex)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Rofecoxib (Vioxx)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Etanercept (Enbrel)
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Phentermine (Pro-Fast)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Interferon alfa (Alferon N, Infergen, Intron A, Roferon-A)
Simvastatin (Zocor)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)

These data are based on serious adverse drug events voluntarily reported to the FDA though the Adverse Events Reporting System (AERS), known as the "MedWatch" reports, from 1998 to 2005. A serious adverse drug event is defined as one that results in death, a birth defect, disability, hospitalization, was life-threatening, or needed intervention to avoid harm.

Experts caution that the data may only represent the “tip of the iceberg” as patients and doctors often fail to report adverse events to the FDA and many drug related injuries and deaths may not have been recognized as such.

Source: WebMD

The Web is Changing the Doctor-Patient Relationship

2007-08-12T23:44:00.000-04:00

A new Harris Poll finds that more adults than ever before are searching the Internet for health information and using this information when they visit their doctors.

Over the last 2 years the number of people using the Internet to find health information has increased from 53% to 71%, and the majority of these people state that they have searched for health information within the last month. 160 million people have searched the Internet for health information. The majority of people who have searched for health information online feel that were able to find what they were looking for and that the information was reliable. Additionally the majority of them state that they used this information to assist them in their conversations with their doctors. 55% state that they have searched for health information based on discussions with their doctor.

The researchers concluded that the internet "had a big impact on the knowledge of patients, the questions they ask their doctors and is therefore changing the doctor-patient relationship and the practice of medicine. There is every reason to believe the impact of the Internet on medical practice will continue to grow."

Source: Harris Interactive

"Spinal Decompression", Good or Bad?

2007-08-12T23:30:00.000-04:00

You may have seen the ads in the papers or even on TV. Just what is "spinal decompression therapy" and is it worth considering? Let's take a look at the facts.
(Note: Spinal Decompression therapy is often referred to as SD therapy or IDD therapy)

SD therapy is typically described as a "safe, painless, comfortable, non-surgical, non-invasive" alternative to spine surgery. It involves traction of the lumbar vertebrae. Costs typically range from $3000 to $7000 for a full treatment regimen. Most insurance plans pay little if any of the bill. The majority of this cost is typically paid by the patient.

Recently published research stated that at this point "Only one small randomized controlled trial and several lower level efficacy studies have been performed on spinal decompression therapy. In general the quality of these studies is questionable." The researchers concluded that "Only limited evidence is available to warrant the routine use of non-surgical spinal decompression, particularly when many other well investigated, less expensive alternatives are available."

So, can "Spinal Decompression" help? I am certain that it can. Health practitioners have been using various forms of traction therapy for literally thousands of years, and with good results. However, traction therapies generally cost around $25 per treatment and are covered by insurance while SD therapy often costs as much as $250 or more per treatment and is not generally covered by insurance.

Is SD therapy just a fancy traction table with computer screen and a high price tag? The jury is still out on this one, but so far the corporations who brought it to market are still placing their bets on high dollar advertising and not on real research. At least one major manufacturer of SD therapy equipment has been in serious trouble over their unsubstantiated claims. For now, I believe the wise old saying should apply: Buyer Beware.

Source: Chiropractic & Osteopathy

Green Tea May Prevent Cancer Research Shows

2007-08-12T23:17:00.000-04:00

Green tea boosts production of detox enzymes, rendering cancerous chemicals harmless, according to new research.

Green tea has long been of interest to researchers given studies that have shown populations in which it is often consumed, such as the Chinese and Japanese, generally have lower rates of cancer.

The researchers discovered that green tea boosts the bodies natural production of crucial cancer fighting enzymes as much as 80%. "[The enzymes] actually convert known carcinogens to non-toxic chemicals, and studies have shown a correlation between deficient expression of these enzymes and increased risk of developing some cancers,” according to the study’s lead investigator, H.-H. Sherry Chow, Ph.D., a research associate professor at the University of Arizona.

“This is the first clinical study to show proof that chemicals in green tea can increase detoxification enzymes in humans,” Chow said. “There may be other mechanism in play by which green tea may protect against cancer development, but this is a good place to start.”

These findings are published in the August issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Source: Eurekalert