Spine~Mail News from Dr. Richards

40 Year Old Olympian Credits Chiropractic

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:38:00 +0000

The following is reprinted from Forbes.com

At age 40, Jeff Hartwig goes on record as the oldest member of the 2008 Olympic U.S. Track and Field team, competing in the pole vault event. A two time Olympian and four-time national champion, Hartwig holds the American indoor pole vaulting record and attributes much of his athletic success to chiropractic care.

"The first time I was treated by a chiropractor was akin to a miracle -- a much better option than simply using conventional medicine because my injuries healed faster and my whole body felt better," said Hartwig during an interview conducted a week prior to the Olympic events.

Just shy of his 41st birthday, Jeff is one of the three U.S. pole vault athletes competing in Beijing. He vaulted 18 feet, eight inches to become the oldest American to qualify for the Olympic team in his event. Hartwig finished 11th at the 1996 Games in Atlanta and went on to set the American record in 1998 at 19 feet, 9 1/4 inches.

"Without chiropractic care, I doubt that I would ever have been able to reach these levels or be able to train at such an intense level," said Hartwig.

Jeff is treated by U.S. Olympic Committee team chiropractor Ted Forcum, D.C. of Tigard, Ore., one of four doctors of chiropractic joining the 62-member U.S. Olympic healthcare team for the 2008 Olympic Games.

"Chiropractic fulfills a niche need, not only by treating injuries but also by aiding in recovery and positively impacting athletic performance," said Forcum. "Chiropractors promote active care and treatment with a commitment to healthy progression and rehabilitation."

Since the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York, chiropractors have provided healthcare services to elite performers, and this year chiropractors will assume an even greater role in the integrated healthcare team, which includes medical doctors, massage therapists, and certified athletic trainers.
Click to Read Full Story

Watch Jeff Hartwig in action in Monaco. Absolutely Amazing!
It's not in English, but it is very impressive to watch.

United Healthcare Fined $800,000 by North Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:04:00 +0000

After receiving a $2.2 million dollar fine in 2004, the highest ever issued by the North Carolina Dept. of Insurance, UHC has agree to pay nearly $800,000 to the state in order to resolve allegations that it violated North Carolina law.

The DOI began an investigation in 2003 after consumers and doctors filed complaints about the insurance company. The investigation discovered numerous problems with the companies' claims handling process.

United Healthcare, often accused of over-aggressive benefit slashing, continues to be bogged down with legal battles. The following articles chronicle some of their legal woes:

New York Attorney General threatens UHC with Injunction

ACN (UHC Affiliatee) is Among Insurers Who Recieve the Most Complaints for Routinely Denying Treatment, Reimbursement, and Putting Patients at Risk

Class Action Lawsuit Against UHC to be Filed in Pinellas County, Florida

UHC Agrees to Pay $3.5 Million to Settle Suit that Alledged The Company Systematically Defrauded Medicare

Arizona Dept of Insurance ordered UHC to pay the largest fine in the department's history for violations of state insurance laws.

Chiropractic Helps Tony Schumacher After 320 MPH Crash - Watch Amazing Video

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:00:00 +0000

World champion drag racer, Tony Schumacher was at the peak of his career when his car disintegrated at 320 mph. His wife Cara watched from the stands in horror.

Tony's 8000 horse power engine propelled him from 0 to over 300 mph in 4 seconds until he reached about 1000 feet down the track. Then tragedy struck. The rear wing, which prevents the car from becoming airborne, broke off. The car disintegrated.

When Tony's unconscious body was cut from the roll cage he was unresponsive and he was not breathing. Cara yelled out that she loved him as he was rushed to a waiting helicopter.

Watch the Discovery Health video below:
(Note: The chiropractic portion occurs about 5:30 into the video.)

Tony had suffered numerous injuries and received excellent medical care. Though his injuries were healing well, he was suffering debilitating headaches and dizziness that could end his career and no one knew why. At the recommendation of a friend, Cara took Tony to a chiropractor.

Tony described the result of his chiropractic care this way: "It was amazing, I sat up, every thing was gone, no pain, the color came back to my face and I thought to myself, that is like magic."Soon Tony was back at it and feeling better than ever.

Immune Function Helped by Chiropractic - Study Says

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:34:00 +0000

A recent study found that a chiropractic adjustment immediately improved immune function and enables a patient to better fight infection for at least 2 hours, but potentially for much longer, by increasing certain biochemicals at the cellular level.

This study was designed to see if certain blood cells would produce more of a substance called Interleukin-2 (IL-2) after chiropractic adjustments. IL-2 is produced by blood cells and is instrumental in the body's natural response to infection. If blood cells produce IL-2, the body can fight infections more readily. IL-2 also helps the body to know the difference between a foreign threat of infection, and what is naturally inside the body.

In this study, blood samples were taken from 76 individuals. The blood samples were tested to see if they produced IL-2 when exposed to a bacteria. Then the participants were separated into 3 groups. One group was used as the control and received no adjustments. The other two groups both received adjustments, but one group received an adjustment that included joint cavitation (the familiar "popping" sound) and the other group receiving adjustments that made no sound at all.

Four blood samples were taken from the group. The first was prior to the chiropractic adjustment, the second was immediately after the adjustment, the third was taken 20 minutes after the adjustment and the final sample was taken 2 hours after the adjustment. Each sample was then tested to see how much IL-2 they produced when exposed to a bacteria.

The results documented that both groups that had some form of adjustment showed an increase of IL-2 at both the 20 minute and 2 hour times. The group that was tested at those same time intervals but had not received a chiropractic adjustment did not have a rise in IL-2 levels and therefore would not have been as receptive to fighting an infection. The researchers were therefore able to conclude that one single manipulation to the thoracic (mid-back) spine of asymptomatic subjects causes a significant enhancement in IL-2 production by blood cells when tested in a culture dish. Additionally, adjustments associated with joint cavitation demonstrated slightly better immune improvement at 2 hours than the adjustments that did not elicit a "popping" sound.

The study was published on May 28, 2008 in the scientific journal, Chiropractic & Osteopathy, by the Chiropractic & Osteopathic College of Australasia.

Reference:
Chiropractic and Osteopathy

Dr. Richards Comments:
This study demonstrates another reason why chiropractic care is good for your overall health. Occasionally patients will cancel appointments because they "don't feel well", instead of canceling, they should keep the appointment so that their immune system can benefit.

10 Reasons to Quit Drinking Soda

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:42:00 +0000

Phosphorus contributes to bone loss by inhibiting the absorption of calcium.
High fructose corn syrup is linked to high blood sugar and diabetes.
The sugar and acid in soda cause tooth decay. Kids who drink soda on average have more cavities than kids who do not drink soda.
Drinking either regular or diet soda is linked to obesity.
There are so many better (and tastier) things to drink than soda!
The average soda has no nutritional value.
According to Harvard researchers, the risk of childhood obesity increases 1.6 times with each additional daily serving of soda consumed.
High fructose corn syrup is processed through the liver and is the sugar that is most easily converted to fat.
A can of soda contains up to 13 teaspoons of sugar.
Carbonated drinks are linked to acid reflux, and esophageal cancer.

And "diet" soda may be worse:

Aspartame causes nerve damage, headaches, and blurred vision.
Studies have shown that replacing regular soda with diet soda does not improve weight loss.
New studies link Aspartame in diet soda to sugar cravings.
Experts believe that tricking your palate with artificial sweetener can cause the body to want the sugar in another form.

Read: Is That Diet Soda Really Working?

Chuck Hill of WHKP Adjusted on Live Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Chuck Hill, Host of Hendersonville's "Chuck in the Afternoon Show"

Click Play Button to Listen to Chuck's Adjustment on WHKP! (3:50)

A funny thing happened one Friday morning at the office!
Dr. Richards was finishing up a treatment with a patient and exited the adjusting room to discover Chuck Hill, broadcasting live on WHKP right from the waiting room. All of a sudden Dr. Richards, his assistant Wendy, and his patient were all being interviewed on the radio - Live. What a surprise!

First Chuck asked the patient "So, how do you feel after a treatment from Dr. Richards?" The patient answered "Oh! I feel soooo much better!". Then Chuck turned to Dr. Richards for a brief interview.

Later that afternoon, Chuck returned to be adjusted on live radio by Dr. Richards. After a brief off-air consult and exam, Dr. Richards shirked the pressure of performing before an audience of thousands of listeners and gave Chuck his cervical spine adjustment with a microphone in the air, live on WHKP! It was great fun and really helped launch our open house event... and Chuck had some instant relief of his neck pain.

A special thanks goes out to Pain Solutions for inviting WHKP to come to our office in the midst of their grand opening event. Thanks also to Chuck Hill and WHKP for all the fun and cheer they brought to our clinic.

By the way, in addition to being Hendersonville's most recognizable radio personality, Chuck is also an accomplished professional photographer. Take a look at his webpage: www.ChuckHillPhotography.com

Wendy Completes CA Certification

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Very few Chiropractic Assistants go the extra mile to become officially certified by the North Carolina Chiropractic Association. Wendy has done just that.

Just as we celebrated her 4th year at Richards Family Chiropractic, she completed her course work and passed her final exams. She is now a Certified Chiropractic Assistant.

We are proud of her and grateful to have her with us!

Gov. Palin (Alaska) Sees 'Perfection' in Child with Down Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:05:00 +0000

Republican Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska was shocked to learn that she was carrying a child with Down Syndrome.

"I've never had problems with my other pregnancies, so I was shocked," said Palin, a mother of four other children.

"It took a while to open up the book that the doctor gave me about children with Down syndrome, and a while to log on to the Web site and start reading facts about the situation."

Once her husband got the news, he told her: "We shouldn't be asking, 'Why us?' We should be saying, 'Well, why not us?'"

"It's in human nature to focus on the negative, on what the person can't do. In our mind, we are focused on what he can do, what he will be able to do and do very well."

It's not unlike how Palin sees her child.

"I'm looking at him right now, and I see perfection," Palin said. "Yeah, he has an extra chromosome. I keep thinking, in our world, what is normal and what is perfect?"

Read full article at: www.breitbart.com

Dr. Richards Comments:
As a father of a son with Down Syndrome, articles like this touch my heart. We have been blessed to have Benjamin. I post articles like this on my site in the hope of easing the fear of mothers who discover themselves to be pregnant with a child with Downs, and also to educate the public that people with DS are treasured members of the community.

Links:
Benjamin's Picture in Times Square NY!
Down Syndrome on RichardsChiropractic.com

Adjustments Impact Brain Function

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:05:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:05:00 +0000

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!"

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:13:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:22:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:17:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 11:38:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 11:22:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 11:03:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:55:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:01:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:46:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 01:47:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:13:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:20:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:43:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. David Richards) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:22:00 +0000

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.