How's Your CoQ10 Level?

With a fairly regular patient presentation of hypertonic or even spasmodic muscles due to Statin prescription ingestion, it is paramount to consider the cardiac implications that can manifest without the complement of CoQ10. 
So often, we take a prescription, entrusting the often good intentioned internist or cardiologist with the intended benefit of reducing our elevated cholesterol levels, only to experience spastic side effects or worse. The link to the article listed below is a must read if you are candidate for cardiac risk factors, with heredity and lifestyle heading the concern. While diet and exercise can prove to be extremely beneficial behavior modifications, there are times when additional measures must be employed. 
Personally, my elevation in cholesterol (240 total) at age 35 got my attention quickly! I stopped consuming half a brick of cheese in one sitting, avoided ice cream as a go-to desert, and kicked my cardio into a higher gear. I dropped to 179 in one month. If I recall correctly, I believe that I added a tablespoon or two of lecithin granules to my regimen as well. If my numbers elevate with age, I will add a form of CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) to my routine. Red Yeast Rice is another helpful natural remedy for a number of individuals. Always keep your internist and or cardiologist in the loop and COMMUNICATE with any changes you consider! My intention is not to turn you into a maverick and have you abandon your medical team; I just believe that the best informed make the best choices!
Please pay attention to your refined carbohydrate intake! You may not burn off all the calories that you take in, resulting in the remainder being stored. You will not burn fat calories if you keep taking in all the carbs, because your body utilizes carbs before fat. So, please view the article from the below link. Please call upon us at the office if we can assist you in your health needs. 
http://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/883.cfm 
Remember to warm yourself up when beginning your spring cleaning or yard work and wear an elastic back brace while engaging in heavier work until your muscles get acclimated after sitting around this winter; our website has exercises to assist you in your flexibility!
Disclaimer This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility. All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

THE MAGNIFICENT HUMAN BODY!

Image courtesy of vectorolie at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The human body is made up of approximately 11 trillion cells, with each interconnected and intimately coordinated like a professional symphony. The central nervous system, which is comprised of the brain, brain stem and spinal cord, is connected to the peripheral nervous system, which include the spinal and peripheral nerves and control our movement and body functions.

Our skull protects our brain and most of the brain stem and our spine protects the spinal cord and spinal nerves. The spine is is made up of segments of bone called vertebrae, seven in the neck, twelve in the middle back that attach to the ribs and five in the lower back that are just above the pelvis, that include the sacroiliac joints.

The vertebrae and sacroiliac joints are separated by small cushions of cartilage called discs, which contain a jelly-like center called the nucleus and are surrounded by a fibrous structure called the annulus. The disc combines protein with approximately 80% water, giving it an elastic quality and provides for good shock absorption. Together, the bony structures and disc pads are positioned so that the spinal nerves can extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body, whether it be to he skin, muscle, digestive system or any other tissue. The muscles that become connected during embryonic development make movement, posture and body heat production possible.

Now, when the nerves become compromised or entrapped due to vertebrae misalignment, impingement from muscle spasming, adhesions/scar tissue or inflammation, the organs and tissues "downstream" will be affected. The nerves are still connected to their designed tissues, however, the quality of the nerve transmission will be either slowed down or ramped up. So, one might experience a very angry sciatic nerve or shoulder pain, or a bladder that is overactive. The analogy of a dimmer switch is applicable in that if you turn it on midway to start, turning it up or down will produce an increase or decrease in the intensity of the light. So, our muscles and other organs still receive the nerve impulses, but altered ones, that may influence the less than happy you!


Now, what are the "takeaways"?


1. Altered nerve transmission may lead to restricted spinal and other joint area motion!

2. Shortened muscle tissue (from over-stimulated nerve transmission) may lead to decreased strength and flexibility, as well as scar tissue development (due to decreased circulation from squeezing on blood vessels)

3. Numbness or tingling may develop in the areas where the nerves travel.

4. Swelling or inflammation may occur in the disc, joints or surrounding soft tissue structures.

5. Degenerative joint disease may occur or be accelerated in the affected areas as bone spur formation.

Our care is designed to assess for preventative care as well as for acute injuries and chronic recurrent pain, utilizing chiropractic adjustments to the involved spinal and extremity points for increased mobility, soft tissue mobilization via FDM and ART to break down scar tissue that can cause nerve impingement, cold laser therapy for inflammation control, electric stimulation for balancing (modulating) the nerve impulses to the involved musculature, including to specific acupuncture points and direction for home care.

As January is typically a month when gyms and health clubs are inundated with an onslaught of post-holiday enthusiasts, February starts off strong, only to see interest wane because of time and cost. Try to be consistent and treat your health as a lifestyle rather than a binge, even if you work out a routine at home. Just be sure that you have the proper guidance in exercising properly.

So, if we can be of help, please give our office a call. We are thankful for the trust that Atlanta to Lake Oconee area residents have had in us for the past 35 years!


Resource: Guyton's Basic Human Physiology; W.B. Saunders Company, 1977

Disclaimer
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.
All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Coming To a Company Near You!

So, here we are, January 2016, hopefully, "Stick a fork in me!" is not your remorseful cry! Thank goodness for the soups and salads planned for the next month!


With the new year individual plans and resolutions, there are inevitably small to medium company concerns for cost containment and increased productivity, while keeping their employees healthy. Considering that, I have sensed a need to address what is becoming more than just an eyebrow raising national interest, that is, on-site soft tissue chiropractic care. The short sessions, without travel time (consider the increasing traffic), missing no more than 15 minutes of work, lessened stress with not having to make those off-site visits, as well as a sense of being "cared for" by the company all make for a happier and more productive employee. Periodic safety meetings with promoting a better understanding of the body as well as preventing injuries augment quality, precise treatment.


Benefits to company (and employee) from on-site care:


· Reduction in health care/worker's compensation costs


· Reduction of recordable injury rates


· Reduction in short term disability


· Reduction in employee turnover


· Lower utilization of radiology services


· Lower utilization of outpatient and emergency services


· Safety education meetings


What is the nature of ailments addressed?


We see a number of conditions caused by repetitive strain, auto and work injuries as well as sports injuries. Headaches, jaw pain (TMJ), neck pain, shoulder pain (rotator cuff), elbow pain (golf and tennis), back pain, sciatic pain, knee pain, ankle and foot pain, including plantar fasciitis are all presented in any given arena. These conditions, while possibly work related through repeated strains, may in fact be initiated by digging up the garden, playing a sport, sitting at the computer over the majority of a long weekend or splitting two cords of firewood recently, but, actually triggered by an inadvertent move at work, even before lifting that bucket or bundle of whatever. The nice advantage of on-site care is that it doesn't matter what the cause was (the employee is highly unlikely to confess their off site happenings!) What will be treated is typically considered "first-aid" and care would be rendered with scheduling employees at 15 minute intervals, with only a one hour minimum commitment on a given day by the company. Companies appear to like this arrangement because it allows them the ability to give this a "trial run" without concern.


So, how is treatment rendered?


1. Each individual is asked to fill out a health questionnaire (prior or on-line).


2. The area is addressed by "OSHA considered" first aid soft tissue treatment [OSHA: 1904.7 (b) (5) (ii) (M)] via Active Release Technique (ART) or Graston Technique (GT) to reduce or resolve soft tissue distortions, increase range of motion, break up adhesions, release nerve entrapments and reduce pain.


3. These treatments are delivered one to six times on average before being dismissed to maintenance care, as needed. More involved care, if determined necessary, (cold laser, electro stimulation and spinal adjustments) may be directed to our office.


4. Activity over being sedentary is encouraged in most instances, so returning to work immediately is best ("motion is lotion" to joints, in particular).


5. Proper stretching and exercise recommendations given.


The prudent companies of the future will be proactive in preventative care, as well as treating an employee as if they are in fact, more than just a number.


The essential takeaway is that early and preventative therapy to the muscles, tendons and ligaments can keep tissues more pliable and thus, more forgiving to potential injurious activity.


If you have an interest in taking a step in this direction for your company, or if you think that your employer/ HR person might like more information, or a no-risk consultation, please contact my office. My Linked-In profile will provide a bit more on my background.


Please refer to Foundation for Chiropractic Progress report: http://www.f4cp.com/files/industry-news/f4cp-onsite-clinics.pdf