“Little League Elbow” is a throwing injury to the elbow commonly found among pre-teen and early-teenagers that play baseball or softball competitively. Injury occurs when the repetitive throwing creates an excessively strong pull on elbow tendons and ligaments. This can tear ligament and tendon away from the bone. Sometimes small fragments of bone are pulled away as well. The elbow can also become compressed, causing bones to rub together. Young athletes are particularly prone to this type of injury because their bones are immature. A child should stop throwing at the first sign of elbow pain, restricted range of elbow motion or locking of the elbow joint. Young pitchers are also advised against trying to throw a curve ball. The additional twisting motion used to make a pitch "break" is very hard on the immature elbow.

To learn more about "Little League Elbow" and other conditions, give us a call for a complimentary consultation.

Tension Headaches are a condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas.  Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache.  They can occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents.  If a headache occurs two or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic.  Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles.  One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression or anxiety.  Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache.  Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope.  Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position can also trigger this type of headache.  Other causes include spinal misalignment, eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffeine use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds, and influenza.  Tension headaches are not associated with structural lesions in the brain.

PATIENT APPRECIATION DAYS

March 26:  $10 Adjustments     

- free food and drinks!

An injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs from a sudden jerking or “whipping” of the head.  This type of motion strains the muscles and the ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion.  Whiplash often occurs when a vehicle stops suddenly in a car crash or is struck from behind.  Either of these two actions causes things in the vehicle to be thrown forward – including passengers.  A seat belt will keep a person's body from being thrown forward, but the head may snap forward, then backward, causing a whiplash injury in the neck.  In addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries, or being punched or shaken.  (Whiplash is one of the hallmarks of shaken baby syndrome).

The annual Knights of Columbus scholarship applications are due by March 31st.  Download your application below and get it filled out ASAP.  Applicants must be entering or in college, and must be a child of an active Knight from Indianola.

2008_KC_Scholarship_Application.pdf
Indianola Knights of Columbus Scholarship Application

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine.  Scoliosis affects boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18.  It is more common with girls.  There are several causes  of scoliosis, the two most common are congenital and habitual.  Congenital scoliosis occurs when someone is born with a lateral curvature of the spine.  Habitual causes are environmental or situational depending on the habits of the individual.  Carrying backpacks improperly can contribute to a spinal distortion.  Poor sitting habits and practicing poor posture can also affect spinal development in children.  Signs of scoliosis are a high hip (uneven hips), a high shoulder, the head being off center, head tilt, back and leg pain.

Chiropractic care works on correcting scoliosis and relieving symptoms and complications associated with scoliosis.  To see if chiropractic can help you or someone you know with scoliosis, contact Dr. Drees for a complimentary consultation. 

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 that 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.

Symptoms Include: throbbing, pulsating pain, vertigo, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, vomiting, and neck pain.

Chriopractic care works on correcting the underlying causes of headaches and relieving symptoms associated with migraines.  To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call (515) 961-5202 today for a complimentary consultation.

Come out to the Warren Co. Fair from July 25th-30th.  Dr. Laura and myself will be at our booth in the Lester building.  Stop by say hi or ask the questions that you may have.  Also sign up for our drawing.

Dr. Cory Drees

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as typing.  When the wrist is poorly positioned, there isn't enough space for the median nerve to travel to the hand.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure exerted on the median nerve at the point where it passes through the wrist.  The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb-side of the ring finger.  It also supplies movement to part of the hand. The nerve enters the hand between the wrist bones (called the carpal bones) and the tough membrane that holds the bones together (the transverse carpal ligament).  This space is called the carpal tunnel.  Since the passageway is rigid, any swelling in this area can cause compression of the nerve (this is also called entrapment of the nerve).    

The Staff and doctors want to thank our patients for making us winners for best Chiropractors in Warren County.  We take great pride in taking care of our patients.  Thank you again for all who voted for us.

A condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache.  They can occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents.  If a headache occurs two or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic.  Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles.  One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression or anxiety. Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache.  Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope.  Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position can also trigger this type of headache.  Other causes include spinal misalignment, eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffine use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds, and influenza.  Tension headaches are not associated with structural lesions in the brain.

Chiropractic care works on correctiong misalignments that cause headaches and relieving symptoms associated with tension headaches. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call 515-961-5202 today for a complimentary consultation.

Fibromyalgia is a common conditon characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.  Some other problems commonly linked with fibromyalgia inculde 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 rhumatiod 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 sufferes tend to waken with body aches and stiffness.

Chiropractic care works on relieving pain and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.  To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call 515-961-5202 today for a complimentary consultation.

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.

    Drs. Cory and Laura want to thank all the patients that came out for the Patient Appreciation Event last week.  With your help we raised over $600.00 for the Boosters.  This money helps with all the athletics in Indianola.

The majority of back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cause of most back pain is the cumulative affect of improper sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of proper exercise and other lifestyle-related factors. All of these factors cause stress and imbalances on the spine and eventually pain. This is why people often injure their back by just bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already compromised and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the problem. When this occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. In the US, low back pain is one of the most common conditions and one of the leading causes of physician visits. In fact, at least four out of five adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Thirty-one million Americans have low back pain at any given time. One half of all working Americans admit to having back symptoms each year. One third of all Americans over age 18 had a back problem in the past five years severe enough for them to seek professional help. And the cost of this care is estimated to be a staggering $50 Billion yearly--and that's just for the more easily identified costs!

COATS FOR KIDS

The week of November 13-17 Drees Family & Sports Chiropractic will donate all chiropractic services in exchange for new or CLEAN, like-new children's coats.

November 13-17 - All New Patients Will Receive:

• Complete health history
• Orthopedic & Neurological exam
• Initial x-rays (if needed)
• Report of findings
• A value of $150

Wednesday, November 15 - All Existing Patients Will Receive:

•  an adjustment at NO CHARGE!

*All coats will be donated to the Indianola Helping Hand.  Please bring your new or like-new childrens coat in on the day of your appointment.

Sciatica is defined as pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and down the back of one or both legs, caused by the irritiation of the sciatic nerves, the largest nerves of the body.  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. 

Symptoms of Sciatica include:

• Sensation changes on the back of the calf or the sole of the foot 
• Numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in back of calf or the sole of the foot
• Weakness of the knee or foot
• Difficulty walking
• Inability to move the foot (in severe cases)
• Inability to bend the knee (in severe cases)

Chiropractic care works on correcting misaligned or out of place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function.

SUMMER FOOD DRIVE

Monday - Friday, August 21-25

ALL NEW PATIENTS WILL RECEIVE:

A Health History & Consultation, An Orthopedic & Neurological Exam, Initial X-rays (if needed), and A Report of Findings

A Value of $150 at absolutely no charge!

That's right! Drees Family & Sports Chiropractic will be donating all New Patient services for the first visit in exchange for a minimum of 5-10 canned goods or non-perishable food items to be donated to the Indianola Food Pantry. 

Please bring your canned goods or non-perishable food items to our office on the day of your first visit.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!

Come visit Dr. Laura and Dr. Cory and the fair this year.  Both doctors will be at their booth begining July 26th until the 31st.  There will be drawings for prizes and other fun items.  Looking forward to seeing you there.

Although neck pain can be caused by injury, such as ‘whiplash' injuries, it is often caused by the cumulative affect of improper sitting posture, reading in bed, poor work habits, stomach sleeping, lack of proper exercise and other lifestyle-related factors. All of these factors cause misalignments in the spine and eventually pain. In fact, the most important factor producing neck pain appears to be spinal misalignments. Even for people who complain that “stress” is causing their pain, the great majority of those have significant spinal misalignments that are contributing to their condition.

Uncorrected chronic spinal misalignments can eventually cause neck pain. As a spinal misalignment worsens, pressure can be put on delicate nerves, sending the surrounding neck muscles go into painful and movement-limiting spasm, headache, even numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or hands.

Dr. Laura and myself just wanted to thank everyone that helped us raise money for the booster club.  We had a great turn out and ended up raising about $550.

Thanks again,

Drs. Cory & Laura, and Staff

Joint Disease/Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the oldest, and most common types of arthritis.  It is characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage.  Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of bones.  Cartilage breakdown causes bones to rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement.  Most commonly affecting middle-aged and older people, osteoarthritis can range from very mild to very severe.  It affects hands and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, feet and the back.

Symptoms include: gradual & subtle onset of deep aching joint pain (worse after exercise or weight bearing and often relieved by rest), joint swelling, limited movement, morning stiffness, grating of the joint with motion, joint pain in rainy weather

Chiropractic care works on relieving symptoms and minimizing complications associated with osteoarthritis.  To see if chiropractic may be able to help you, call (515) 961-5202 for a complimentary consultation. 

Tuesday & Thursday, March 14 & 16, 2006

All New Patients will receive a consultation, evaluation, and x-rays (if needed) for only $10!

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

All Existing Patients will receive an adjustment for only $5!

All proceeds will go to the Indianola Athletic Booster

Call today to make an appointment!  515.961.5202

drees3rdappreciationday.pdf
Download the flier for the 3rd Annual Drees Chiropractic Customer Appreciation Day

Definition:

Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies between a tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone.  The condition may be acute or chronic.  Bursae are fluid-filled cavities near joints where tendons or muscles pass over bony projections.  They assist movement and reduce friction between moving parts.  Bursitis can be caused by chronic overuse, trauma, reumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection.  Sometimes the cause cannot be determined.  Bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder, knee, elbow, and hip.  Other areas that may be affected include he Achilles tendon and the foot.

Symptoms:

* Joint pain and tenderness

* Swelling

* Warmth over the affected joint

* Limited range of motion

OSTEOPOROSIS

DEFINITION:

The thinning of the 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 phosphate 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.

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

Come visit us at the Warren County Fair from Wednesday the 27th through Monday the 1st.