Monday, January 28, 2013
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Friday, January 18, 2013
Do you suffer from regular headaches?
Join Dr. Marc for his upcoming free Lunch 'N' Learn,
Secrets to Living Headache Free
Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 12pm
Davis Family Chiropractic, PLLC
2415 SE 165th Avenue, Suite 103, Vancouver, WA 98683
To register you and your guests, please call our office today at 360-823-2225
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Prevent Knee Injuries With Chiropractic
Many researchers believe the knee is the most complex joint in the human body. It is also the most imperfect and easily injured. The good news is that chiropractic adjustments can help solve these injuries.
The 3 Most Common Knee Injuries
ACL, MCL and Meniscus
According to researchers, the three most common knee injuries occur at the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus. "The ACL is located inside the knee joint and stabalizes the joint by preventing the shin-bone (tibia) from sliding forward beneath the thighbone (femur). A hard twist or excessive pressure on the ACL can tear it, so that the knee gives out and can no longer support the body."
The MCL, located inside the knee, is another crucial knee stabilizer. MCL injuries often occur along side injuries to the ACL.
The meniscus, "is a wedge-like rubbery cushion where the major bones of your leg connect," and "helps the knee joint to carry weight, glide and turn in many directions. It also keeps your femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) from grinding against each other" (Sports Med 2006; 36:635-41).
ACL, MCL and meniscus injuries are common among athletes as they engage in a lot of twisting, pivoting and cutting motions that stress the knee joints. Older people may suffer from similar injuries due to degenerative wear and tear over the years.
Other Knee Injury Sources
Misaligned bones (vertebrae) is another source that can effect the knee joints. When Sacroiliac (SI) and lumbar (low-back) subluxations occur, they may affect the hip and, in turn, leg alignment and leg length. Leg length differences can cause disproportionate strain on the entire lower body, including the knees.
Clinical evaluations have shown that anterior knee pain (AKP)--at the front of the knee, is typically associated with SI joint dysfunction. This dysfunction can lead to muscle inhibition and ultimately knee pain. Chiropractic adjustments correct SI dysfunction through low back and pelvis adjustments.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is another common source of knee pain. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in knee joints erodes, causing restrictive movement and the bones to rub against each other.
Knock knees and bow legs in children are also a precursor for knee issues in an individual. However, most children outgrow these conditions. Understanding the importance of good posture and a healthy diet and weight will help with such issues.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease "is a generally benign, self-limited knee condition most commonly found in rapidly growing athletically active adolescents." (Am Fam Physician 1990;41:173-6.) Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease may be tenderness, pain and swelling in the knee. Such symptoms can be brought on by sporting events that involve jumping, such as volleyball, basketball or running, or by the knee having direct contact with the ground. Most times, patients find that non-operative treatments such as rest, icing, activity modifications and physical therapy can help correct this painful knee condition.
Other Natural Solutions to Prevent Knee Injuries
Best in health, naturally,
Dr. Marc
This information on this web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice
or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any
health problems or illnesses without consulting Dr. Marc, your
pediatrician or family doctor.
Read more...
The 3 Most Common Knee Injuries
ACL, MCL and Meniscus
According to researchers, the three most common knee injuries occur at the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus. "The ACL is located inside the knee joint and stabalizes the joint by preventing the shin-bone (tibia) from sliding forward beneath the thighbone (femur). A hard twist or excessive pressure on the ACL can tear it, so that the knee gives out and can no longer support the body."
The MCL, located inside the knee, is another crucial knee stabilizer. MCL injuries often occur along side injuries to the ACL.
The meniscus, "is a wedge-like rubbery cushion where the major bones of your leg connect," and "helps the knee joint to carry weight, glide and turn in many directions. It also keeps your femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) from grinding against each other" (Sports Med 2006; 36:635-41).
ACL, MCL and meniscus injuries are common among athletes as they engage in a lot of twisting, pivoting and cutting motions that stress the knee joints. Older people may suffer from similar injuries due to degenerative wear and tear over the years.
Other Knee Injury Sources
Misaligned bones (vertebrae) is another source that can effect the knee joints. When Sacroiliac (SI) and lumbar (low-back) subluxations occur, they may affect the hip and, in turn, leg alignment and leg length. Leg length differences can cause disproportionate strain on the entire lower body, including the knees.
Clinical evaluations have shown that anterior knee pain (AKP)--at the front of the knee, is typically associated with SI joint dysfunction. This dysfunction can lead to muscle inhibition and ultimately knee pain. Chiropractic adjustments correct SI dysfunction through low back and pelvis adjustments.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is another common source of knee pain. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in knee joints erodes, causing restrictive movement and the bones to rub against each other.
Knock knees and bow legs in children are also a precursor for knee issues in an individual. However, most children outgrow these conditions. Understanding the importance of good posture and a healthy diet and weight will help with such issues.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease "is a generally benign, self-limited knee condition most commonly found in rapidly growing athletically active adolescents." (Am Fam Physician 1990;41:173-6.) Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease may be tenderness, pain and swelling in the knee. Such symptoms can be brought on by sporting events that involve jumping, such as volleyball, basketball or running, or by the knee having direct contact with the ground. Most times, patients find that non-operative treatments such as rest, icing, activity modifications and physical therapy can help correct this painful knee condition.
Other Natural Solutions to Prevent Knee Injuries
- Chiropractic adjustments are an excellent way to avoid vertebral subluxation, associated pains such as knee pain and many other ailments
- Add antioxidants to your diet to destroy disease-causing free radical chemicals
- Use supplements such as Glucosamine and chondroitin for pain relief and prevention
- Exercise your body to maintain healthy bones and knees
Best in health, naturally,
Dr. Marc
Image
Health Disclaimer
This information on this web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice
or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any
health problems or illnesses without consulting Dr. Marc, your
pediatrician or family doctor.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Natural Solutions for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Do the winter months get you down? If so, there may be a good reason for your change in mood. Many individuals are faced with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the fall and winter months, while the days are shorter and turn dark earlier.
Dr. Davis wants patients to know that SAD is a common condition that can often be managed by a combination of natural therapies and lifestyle modifications. Read Dr. Davis' suggestions on how to maintain emotional well-being all winter long.
Symptoms of SAD
Like other forms of depression, SAD leads to trouble sleeping, anxiety, social withdrawal, feelings of helplessness, lack of energy, appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating.
Finding Balance in Mind, Body and Spirit
One of the guiding principals of chiropractic is that the mind, body and spirit are connected and influence each other. Although Dr. Davis doesn't treat psychological problems, patients who receive chiropractor care often report that chiropractic care helps alleviate not only physical ailments but mental and emotional problems as well.
5 Natural Solutions for SAD
Light Therapy: Because SAD is triggered by shorter hours of daylight during the fall and winter, many individuals find relief from light therapy. Light therapy is easy to use, lacks side affects and has proven to be efficient for many people who deal with SAD.
Regular Exercise: Regular exercise is an excellent way to ward off stress and anxiety, as well as to maintain optimal physical health. In fact, research indicates that seasonal depression responds to exercise as well as it does light therapy.
Increase Vitamin D: Research has shown that vitamin D, a nutrient necessary for absorption of calcium and phosphorous, may counteract SAD. The body synthesizes vitamin D through sunlight exposure, though during the winter months, the lack of sunlight can cause a vitamin D deficiency. The best natural sources for vitamin D is through foods such as: fatty fish such as herring, salmon, catfish, sardines, tuna and eel. Cod liver oil is a great, potent source, while smaller amounts of vitamin D are found in eggs and liver. Supplements are available in your health food store as well.
Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone produces in the brain in response to the light and darkness cycles of the day and night. It also helps regulate sleep cycles, which are often negatively affected for those dealing with SAD. Melatonin supplements may be an effective treatment for SAD, especially when used with light therapy. Check with your doctor to see if this is a good option for you.
Spice Things Up With Turmeric: Turmeric, a spice used in many curry dishes, has been widely used in both traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat a vast array of conditions. Turmeric is derived from curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Research has shown that curcumin may be used as a natural anti-depressant when used in conjunction with piperine, a component of black pepper. Turmeric and curcumin are also available in supplement form.
Listen to your mind and body this winter to see if any of these solutions may be beneficial to you. The winter months don't have to be long and dark.
Best in health, naturally,
Dr. Marc
A helpful link to see if you're affected by SAD:
Image: 7 Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Friday, January 4, 2013
3 Tips to stay true to your resolutions in 2013
By Cassie McCully
There are various approaches that people take when it comes to resolutions and New Year. Some make a resolution, while some don't. Some make three. Some resolutions are about quitting bad habits, others are to implement better ones. Some people choose a single word like "Simplify," or "fearlessness" to focus on for the next twelve months. Some people create a list of all the things that they hope to accomplish throughout the year.
Regardless of how you approach the New Year, there is one trait that is the driving force for success.
Determination.
Simple, right?
Not always. Here's three steps to stay determined and focused to accomplish what is that you have in mind for 2013.
1. Be passionate. Let's be honest. You have to be convicted and passionate about the things you are resolving to do. If you know you shouldn't be five or ten minutes late to everything you attend, but don't really care about your perpetually lateness, scratch it off the list. There must be a driving force behind your resolution. If you recognize that your perpetual lateness is tacky, and you're tired of it, that may be enough. But a reason such as, "I don't want to be late because it is inconsiderate to those who are waiting for me," gives more meaning for the change, making it easier to change the bad habit.
2. Be specific. Write down your resolutions or your list to accomplish, and be specific. Vagueness--"I want to be more generous," isn't specific enough. Instead, think of ten ways you can be generous and do them (i.e. help a friend clean their house, take your girlfriend dinner for a week after she has her baby, pay a bill that you know a family member or a friend is struggling to make). Being specific will help you accomplish your goals, and crossing off the specifics will be a motivator in itself.
3. Prioritize. What must be accomplished to see your goal through? Are you wanting to save money on groceries and be a consistent meal planner this year? Research the strategies that will make it easier for you to reach your goal, then list them. Print off helpful worksheets, schedule an afternoon to meal plan, make time to look for deals and coupons, and schedule a grocery shopping day. Prioritizing will help you meet your goal, and minimize stress in the meantime.
So, have you began to take the steps to accomplish your resolutions or goals this year? You've got this! Keep determined and 2013 will be a great and empowering year!
Read more...
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