[originally published in KCN, March 2007]
Did you know that whiplash injuries were relatively unheard of before the automobile was invented? Likewise, carpal tunnel syndrome wasn’t even a blip on the health care radar before computers hit the scene. And whoever thought that a “mouse” could cause so much trouble? The truth is, as we become more and more innovative and advanced in our technology, there seems to be an injury, or set of injuries, lurking in the shadows to complement it.
[originally published in KCN, Febuary 2003]
“I really did something to my back — but I think it’s just a muscle.”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard patients tell me this. Yes, the muscle might be spasmed and painful, but the truth is the problem is rarely just a muscle — no more than is it just a bone or just a nerve. It’s a bit more complicated. More often there are multiple factors at play.
[originally published in KCN, November 2002]
They say that the popular television drama “ER” is based on actual Emergency Room experiences. That’s probably why it seems so realistic and has allowed the show to remain at the top of the ratings. So don’t be surprised if they write in a part for a chiropractor to stand alongside of Noah Wyle. Well, actually, I would be very surprised. But it’s not as far fetched as it sounds. It’s happening everyday at Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.
[originally published in KCN, September 2002 / cartoon provided by TomLamarCartoon.com]
The crowd is tense. Excitement is in the air. The gate springs open, and out pops a wild bucking bronco with a cowboy clutched atop. As the bronco tries with all of its might to rid itself of this odd, restrictive force it senses on its back, the brave cowboy tries with equal might to hang on like glue — body being bumped, jerked, and whipped in every direction imaginable — all while trying to look “good” during this brawl between man and beast. As the second clock speeds along, the music from the PA system blares, the crowd cheers, and the announcer keeps it all going full throttle. In what seems like a blink of an eye to the fans — but more like days to the brave cowboy — the eight second buzzer sounds, signaling that his ride is over, and his score awaits. Hopefully the rescue cowboys will be along soon for an easy dismount. Of course, the other option is being bucked off, slammed to the ground, and possibly stepped on. Ahh yes, the rodeo is in town! And while it only comes once a year to Kitsap County, to the cowboys (and girls) this is just another day at the office. For while the fans that night will only see these cowboys perform once, chances are, their calendars are booked for two, three, maybe four, different rodeos that week. How do they do it — again, and again, and again? For many, the answer is chiropractic.
[originally published in KCN, August 2002 / cartoon provided by TomLamarCartoon.com]
If I was the CEO of a major drug company of pain and anti-inflammatory medications looking to boost my already incredible sales, I would open up a restaurant. Why? Because, food — if eaten in the improper proportions, from a biochemical standpoint — has the ability to create excessive and uncontrollable inflammation, making a chronic, painful, inflammatory condition all the worse. Hence, the need for more of my medications. It’s a great idea!
(more…)
[originally published in KCN, May 2011]
In the 1950’s the islanders of Borneo, specifically the Dayak people, were stricken with a major malaria problem. Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is mostly part of Indonesia. In their efforts to help, the World Health Organization came up with a solution that was simple, straightforward, and, in hindsight, stupid: (more…)
Just as the dip stick tells us when it's time to add oil, so too the spinal check tells us when its time to adjust. Of course, in both cases we always have the option of forgoing these proactive checks and waiting for breakdown!
[originally published in KCN, February 2011]
If you are waiting for pain to dictate how often you should see your chiropractor —or whether or not to see one in the first place — you’re waiting too long. Because without a spinal check from a chiropractor, you simply don’t know if your spine needs to be adjusted — as there is no reliable way to truly know. Spinal misalignments often crop up and cause little to no pain. And while this might not seem like a big deal, it is when you realize that these off-kilter vertebrae are slowly sapping the health of the body by robbing its effectiveness to function correctly. (more…)
SpinalColumnBlog 