Osteoporosis

Definition

The thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.  Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease.  There are currently an estimated 10 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis, as well as another 18 million who have low bone mass, or osteopenia.  Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, or when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both.  Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation.  Throughout youth, the body uses these minerals to produce bones.  If calcium intake is not sufficient, or if the body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer.  As people age, calcium and phospate may be reabsorbed back into the body from the bones, which makes the bone tissue weaker.  Both situations can result in brittle, fragile bones that are subject to fractures, even in the absence of trauma.  Researchers estimate that about 20% of American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis.  In addition, another 30% of them have osteopenia, which is abnormally low bone density that may eventually deteriorate into osteoporosis, if not treated.  About half of all women over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra.   

SYMPTOMS:

THERE ARE NO SYMPTOMS IN THE EARLY STAGES OF THE DISEASE.

SYMPTOMS OCCURRING LATE IN THE DISEASE INCLUDE:

¨ LOW BACK PAIN

¨ NECK PAIN

¨ BONE PAIN AND TENDERNESS

¨ LOSS OF HEIGHT OVER TIME 

¨ STOOPED POSTURE

TREATMENT

Chiropractic care works on relieving symptoms and complications associated with osteoporosis. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call us today for a complimentary consultation.

DREES CHIROPRACTIC'S ANNUAL COATS FOR KIDS DRIVE!

   October 24-28th!

 New patients will receive their first treatment for free if they bring in a new or gently used children's coat during the week of October 24-28th.

On Wednesday the 26th existing patients can donate a children's coat and receive a free treatment. Please share this with a friend and help provide warmth for children in need!

DR. LAURA'S NEW HOURS!

STARTING

OCTOBER 3, 2011

MON:  12:30PM - 4:30PM

WED:  12:30PM - 4:30PM

THUR: 12:30PM - 4:30PM

FRI:   9:30AM-11:30AM,

          1:30PM - 4:30PM 

SCIATICA

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your pelvis, through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve branches into smaller nerves as it travels down the legs providing feeling to your thighs, legs, and feet as well as controlling many of the muscles in your lower legs. The term sciatica refers to pain

 that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and down the back of one or both legs, caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerves.  It usually begins as an acute pain in the lower back and then radiates down the back of either or both legs. There are 5 pairs of nerves that exit the spine in the lower back. These nerves make up what we know as the sciatic nerves. If the vertebrae or bones in the lower back are misaligned or out of place; or the disc between the vertebrae are swollen, bulged or herniated, the result is pressure on those nearby nerves. This can cause tremendous pain and normal daily activities become almost impossible

.

WHAT CAUSES SCIATICA?

Sciatica pain is actually a sign that you have an underlying problem putting pressure on a nerve in your lower back. The most common cause of sciatic pain is a bulging or herniated lumbar disc. Piriformis syndrome is another common cause of sciatica. The piriformis is a muscle that lies directly over the sciatic nerve. If this muscle becomes tight or if you have a spasm in this muscle, it puts pressure directly on the sciatic nerve.  Every day activities for women such as carrying a purse on the shoulder or even carrying children on your hip, can cause your hips to go out of place, pinching the sciatica nerve.  Occasionally, sciatic pain in men can be caused by sitting on a wallet.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE SCIATICA?:

Your Chiropractor Can Help!

What are Migraine Headaches?

Common migraine is a disorder involving recurrent headaches, which may be accompanied by symptoms other than headache but which rarely include a preliminary warning (called an aura).  Migraine headaches affect about 6 out of 100 people.  They are a common type of chronic headache.  They most commonly occur in women and usually begin between the ages of 10 and 46.  In some cases, they appear to run in families.  Migraines occur when blood vessels of the head and neck spasm or constrict, which decreases blood flow to the brain.  Minutes to hours later, the blood vessels dilate (enlarge), resulting in a severe headache.  Inflammation around the blood vessels also occurs in some cases.  Common migraine may be accompanied by symptoms other than headache but only rarely includes any preceding symptoms (aura).  Migraines may also appear as classic migraine (a migraine preceded by other symptoms) and other rare forms.  Multiple mechanisms trigger the spasm and subsequent blood vessel dilation.

Migraine Symptoms                                      

• Throbbing, Pulsating Pain
  

• Vertigo
  

• Nausea
  

•  Fatigue
  

•  Dizziness
  

•  Loss of Appetite
  

• Vomiting
  

• Neck Pain
  

• Pain sometimes may be worse on the sides of the forehead; only on one side; severe or dull; and commonly lasts anywhere from 6 to 48 hours

The pain that headache and migraine sufferers endure can impact every aspect of their lives.  Chiropractic care works on correcting the underlying causes of headaches and relieving symptoms associated with migraines. If you or someone you know suffers from migraine headaches, call us today for a free consultation.

Acupuncture will also help with Migraines...

ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic (long-lasting) inflammatory disease of the airways.  In those susceptible to asthma, this inflammation causes the airways to spasm and swell periodically so that the airways narrow.  The individual then must wheeze or gasp for air.  Obstruction to air flow either resolves spontaneously or responds to a wide range of treatments,  but continuing inflammation makes the airways hyper-responsive to stimuli such as cold air, exercise, dust mites, pollutants in the air, and even stress and anxiety.  According to the American Lung Association, as of 2007, about 34.1 million Americans, including 9 million children, had been diagnosed with asthma during their lifetime. 

ASTHMA SYMPTOMS

* SHORTNESS OF BREATH

* DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING

*WEEZING

* TIGHTNESS IN CHEST

* DRY COUGH

* ITCHING SENSATION IN FRONT OF NECK OR CHEST IN CHILDREN

CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT OF ASTHMA

While some asthma sufferers report immediate results from chiropractic treatment, others may experience a more gradual recovery.  An improvement in asthma symptoms may take several months, and the patient may need to be evaluated and continue with prescribed medications.  Light spinal thrusts and cervical adjustments mya help some people improve asthma symptoms and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.  Improving nervous system functioning can help to increase overall well-being and promote healthy breathing.  If you or someone you know suffers from asthma, call our office today and schedule an appointment with Drs. Cory or Laura Drees.

DID YOU KNOW?

Acupuncture

can improve pulmonary function and lessen the severity of asthma attacks?
Call and schedule an Acupuncture treatment with Dr Laura Drees today!

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.  Some other problems commonly linked with fibromyalgia include fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.  Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus.  Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of at least three months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in a least 11 of 18 tender-point sites.  These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the Neck, Shoulders, Chest, Rib Cage, Lower Back, Thighs, Knees, Arms (elbows) and Buttocks.  The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points.  Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes.  (Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.)  Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain experienced by people with various types of arthritis.  The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe.  Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to waken with body aches and stiffness.

SYMPTOMS of Fibromyalgia:

¨ MULTIPLE TENDER AREAS

¨ SLEEP DISTURBANCES

¨ REDUCED EXERCISE TOLERANCE

¨ FATIGUE

¨ BODY ACHES  

¨ CHRONIC MUSCLE PAIN OR ACHING

Chiropractic care works on relieving pain and symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia.  Having your spign aligned alows the muscles to relax which helps with the symptoms.  Chiropractic care may be able to help you or someone you know.  Call us today for a complimentary consultation!

Try Acupuncture!!!

Acupuncture is good for bringing down the inflamation, helping with the pain, and helping the body deal with the affects of Fibromyalgia

                     Oh My Bloomin' Back!

As springtime approaches, weather warms up and leaves turn green, many people will spend more time outside planting bulbs, mowing the lawn and pulling weeds. Gardening can provide a great workout, but with all the bending, twisting, reaching and pulling, your body may not be ready for exercise of the garden variety.  Gardening can be enjoyable, but it is important to stretch your muscles before reaching for your gardening tools. The back, upper legs, shoulders, and wrists are all major muscle groups affected when using your green thumb.  A warm-up and cool-down period is as important in gardening as it is for any other physical activity. Performing simple stretches during these periods will help alleviate injuries, pain and stiffness. To make gardening as fun and enjoyable as possible, it is important to prepare your body for this type of physical activity. The following stretches will help to alleviate muscle pain after a day spent in your garden.

When the Bulbs are Planted...If you already feel muscle aches and pains and did not complete the warm-up and cool-down stretches, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort. Apply a cold pack on the area of pain for the first 48 hours or apply a heat pack after 48 hours, and consider chiropractic care.

Garden Fitness Stretches      

· Before stretching for any activity, breathe in and out, slowly and rhythmically; do not bounce or jerk your body, and stretch as far and as comfortably as you can. Do not follow the no pain, no gain rule. Stretching should not be painful.

· While sitting, prop your heel on a stool or step, keeping the knees straight. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the thigh, or the hamstring muscle. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Do this once more and repeat with the other leg.

· Stand up, balance yourself, and grab the front of your ankle from behind. Pull your heel towards your buttocks and hold the position for 15 seconds. Do this again and repeat with the other leg.

· While standing, weave your fingers together above your head with the palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds, then to the other. Repeat this stretch three times.

· Do the "Hug your best friend." Wrap your arms around yourself and rotate to one side, stretching as far as you can comfortably go. Hold for 10 seconds and reverse. Repeat two or three times. Finally, be aware of your body technique, form and posture while gardening. Kneel, don't bend, and alternate your stance and movements frequently.

Its Not to Late!

If you already feel muscle aches and pains, and did not complete the warm-up and cool-down and stretches, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort.  Apply a cold pack on the area of pain for the first 48 hours or apply a heat pack after 48 hours, and consider chiropractic care!!