Archive for Wellness Tips
Know Your Health Scores
Posted by: | CommentsWhiplash and Disc Injuries
Posted by: | CommentsWhiplash and Disc Injuries
As I was reviewing a few scientific articles the other day, I ran across an interesting study. Researchers from Yale University wanted to study how a disc is injured in a whiplash producing crash.
Here’s what the researchers already knew:
Whiplash can accelerate disc degeneration
Whiplash increases the rate of disc degeneration over a 10 year period
50% of whiplash patients report chronic pain 15 years after the trauma
39% of the victims show degenerative changes after 5 years
Attorneys know that pain and disc problems might not even show up for 1 to 2 years after the crash.
The disc is made up of a jelly filled center called the nucleus pulposis. The nucleus is surrounded by a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosis. The annulus is made up of layer after layer of fibers arranged diagonally. If the first layer goes up and to the right, the second layer goes up and to the left. This cross pattern makes the disc very strong for weight bearing and normal movements.
The research from Yale was conducted by a world famous spine researcher named Manohar Panjabi, PhD. He found that the stresses caused in a whiplash crash can tear the fibers going in only one direction, ie up and to the left. This can explain why some disc injuries do not show on MRI until later.
If the every other layer is damaged the protrusion will not show until normal stress tears through the uninjured layers. This might explain why minor movements “cause” a disc protrusion. The weakness was already there, the stress finally broke through the remaining fibers.
When the fibers tear, the jelly of the nucleus will leak through that layer and put pressure on the nerve. If it causes the disc to protrude, it can trap the spinal cord or a spinal nerve. Both can be very serious problems. Trapping a spinal nerve can cause pain, numbness, tingling, burning pain or even loss of muscle strength. Trapping the spinal cord causes the same problems in a larger area of the body.
If you are involved in an automobile collision, be sure to have your spine checked. There is no such thing as “Just Whiplash.”
Patrick R. Lowe D.C.
Dr. Patrick Lowe is a chiropractor in Louisville, KY. He has dedicated hundreds of hours of research and class time on auto collisions and their effect on the human body. He enjoys working with crash victims and uses a comprehensive approach to helping them regain their health and lifestyle. You can contact Dr. Lowe at Lowe Chirorpractic & Wellness 10306 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40223 or by emailing doclowe1000@aol.com www.lowechiro.com
Less Stress for a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season
Posted by: | CommentsThere is one month of the year when stress multiplies, depression rates increase and suicide rates sky rocket. The happiest season of the year is also the most stressful season for many. People just want to get through the holidays. This e-zine will help you to have a happier, healthier, more successful holiday season.
Where does all of this stress come from?
Time of Year!
First off, December is the darkest month of the year. The first day of winter occurs in December, providing the least amount of daylight time. Sunlight has many beneficial effects including fighting off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). We can’t change the rotation of the planet. We can change our light bulbs which has a big effect. Using high quality Full Spectrum Light bulbs can make a big difference, less depression, less stress. Or you can move to the southern hemisphere. Light bulbs are much less expensive.
High Expectations
During the Holidays we have a lot more expectations for ourselves and other people. We are attending this party, buying for this person, and still trying to get our daily tasks completed. This all leads to more stress on our time and our finances.
Unsuccessful Expectations Successful Expectations
Buying the Perfect Gift Providing Nice Gifts
Having a Perfect Christmas Having a good time
Making someone happy Providing an environment for happiness
Happiness occurs when reality exceeds expectations, disappointment occurs when expectations exceed our reality. The “Unsuccessful Expectations” rarely occur, setting up an environment of unhappiness and stress. Highly successful people focus on the column on the right. All of these expectations are achievable and lead to less stress.
Holiday Foods
More parties and social events mean more opportunities to eat tasty, sugary, foods. Unfortunately, increased sugar intake skyrockets our stress hormones (cortisol).
The cure, watch what you eat. Eat small amounts of the sugary treats and maintain your exercise routine. 30 minutes of aerobic exercise burns off stress hormones and so does laughter.
Make it a point to laugh every day and enjoy your holiday season. Less stress for you means a more enjoyable holiday season for you and the people you care about. Have a Successful Month!
