A pre-holiday quickie....
Research the University of Chicago showed that dieters who slept 8.5 hours lost 55 percent more body fat than dieters who slept only 5.5 hours.
The authors stated: "Lack of sufficient sleep may compromise the efficacy of typical dietary interventions for weight loss and related metabolic risk reduction."
This may be due to a an affect on the levels of a hormone called ghrelin. Increased levels of ghrelin have been shown to increase appetite and increase fat retention.
Also, in this study, the subjects in this study who slept less claimed to be hungrier than those who slept more. The author's of the study concluded: "...the loss of sleep at times of limited food intake amplifies the pattern of ghrelin-associated changes in human hunger, glucose, fat utilization, and energy metabolism."
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Chiropractic for headaches
Headaches affect just about everyone at some point and they can present themselves in many different ways. Some people only experience pain in one part of their head or behind their eyes, some people experience a pounding sensation inside their whole head, and some people even experience nausea, while others do not. The pain itself may be dull or sharp and may last for anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. Fortunately, very few headaches have serious underlying causes, but those that do require urgent medical attention.
Although headaches can be due to a wide variety of causes, such as drug reactions, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), tightness in the neck muscles, low blood sugar, high blood pressure, stress and fatigue, the majority of recurrent headaches are of two types: tension headaches (also called cervicogenic headaches) and migraine headaches. There is a third, less common, type of headaches called a cluster headache that is a cousin to the migraine. Let’s start out by taking a look at each of these three types of headaches.
Tension headaches, or stress headaches, can last from 30 minutes to several days. In some cases, chronic tension headaches may persist for many months. Although the pain can at times be severe, tension headaches are usually not associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, throbbing or vomiting.
The most common cause of tension headaches is subluxations in the upper back and neck, especially the upper neck, usually in combination with active trigger points. When the top cervical vertebrae lose their normal motion or position, a small muscle called the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPM) muscle goes into spasm. The problem is that this small muscle has a tendon which slips between the upper neck and the base of the skull and attaches to a thin pain-sensitive tissue called the dura mater that covers the brain. Although the brain itself has no feeling, the dura mater is very pain-sensitive. Consequently, when the RCPM muscle goes into spasm and its tendon tugs at the dura mater, a headache occurs. People who hold desk jobs will tend to suffer from headaches for this reason.
Another cause of tension type headaches comes from referred pain from trigger points in the Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) or levator muscle on the side of the neck. These are much more common in people who suffer a whiplash injury due to the muscle damage in the neck region.
Migraine sufferers usually have their first attack before age 30 and they tend to run in families, supporting the notion that there is a genetic component to them. Some people have attacks several times a month; others have less than one a year. Most people find that migraine attacks occur less frequently and become less severe as they get older.
Migraine headaches are caused by a constriction of the blood vessels in the brain, followed by a dilation of blood vessels. During the constriction of the blood vessels there is a decrease in blood flow, which is what leads to the visual symptoms that many people experience. Even in people who don’t experience the classic migraine aura, most of them can tell that an attack is immanent. Once the blood vessels dilate, there is a rapid increase in blood pressure inside the head. It is this increased pressure that leads to the pounding headache. Each time the heart beats it sends another shock wave through the carotid arteries in the neck up into the brain.
There are many theories about why the blood vessels constrict in the first place, but no one knows for sure. What we do know is that there are a number of things that can trigger migraines, such as lack of sleep, stress, flickering lights, strong odors, changing weather patterns and several foods; especially foods that are high in an amino acid called ‘tyramine.’You can reduce the likelihood of migraine headaches by making some lifestyle changes.
A report released in 2001 by researchers at the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, NC, found that "spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck, and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than commonly prescribed medications." These findings support an earlier study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics that found spinal manipulative therapy to be very effective for treating tension headaches. This study also found that those who stopped chiropractic treatment after four weeks continued to experience a sustained benefit in contrast to those patients who received pain medication.
Each individual’s case is different and requires a thorough evaluation before a proper course of chiropractic care can be determined. However, in most cases of tension headaches, significant improvement is accomplished through manipulation of the upper two cervical vertebrae, coupled with adjustments to the junction between the cervical and thoracic spine. This is also helpful in most cases of migraine headaches, as long as food and lifestyle triggers are avoided as well.
The Suboccipitals are actually a group of four small muscles that are responsible for maintaining the proper movement and positioning between the first cervical vertebra and the base of the skull. Trigger points in these muscles will cause pain that feels like it’s inside the head, extending from the back of the head to the eye and forehead. Often times it will feel like the whole side of the head hurts, a pain pattern similar to that experienced with a migraine.
The Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle runs from the base of the skull, just behind the ear, down the side of the neck to attach to the top of the sternum (breastbone). Although most people are not aware of the SCM trigger points, their effects are widespread, including referred pain, balance problems and visual disturbances. Referred pain patterns tend to be deep eye pain, headaches over the eye and can even cause earaches. Another unusual characteristic of SCM trigger points is that they can cause dizziness, nausea and unbalance.
The trapezius muscle is the very large, flat muscle in the upper and mid back. A common trigger point located in the very top of the Trapezius muscle refers pain to the temple and back of the head and is sometimes responsible for headache pain. This trigger point is capable of producing satellite trigger points in the muscles in the temple or jaw, which can lead to jaw or tooth pain.
Reference: http://www.boggschiro.com/, Chiromatrix
Dr.Daniel Boggs
Although headaches can be due to a wide variety of causes, such as drug reactions, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), tightness in the neck muscles, low blood sugar, high blood pressure, stress and fatigue, the majority of recurrent headaches are of two types: tension headaches (also called cervicogenic headaches) and migraine headaches. There is a third, less common, type of headaches called a cluster headache that is a cousin to the migraine. Let’s start out by taking a look at each of these three types of headaches.
Tension Headaches
Tension type headaches are the most common, affecting upwards of 75% of all headache sufferers. Most people describe a tension headache as a constant dull, achy feeling either on one side or both sides of the head, often described as a feeling of a tight band or dull ache around the head or behind the eyes. These headaches usually begin slowly and gradually and can last for minutes or days, and tend to begin in the middle or toward the end of the day. Tension headaches are often the result of stress or bad posture, which stresses the spine and muscles in the upper back and neck.Tension headaches, or stress headaches, can last from 30 minutes to several days. In some cases, chronic tension headaches may persist for many months. Although the pain can at times be severe, tension headaches are usually not associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, throbbing or vomiting.
The most common cause of tension headaches is subluxations in the upper back and neck, especially the upper neck, usually in combination with active trigger points. When the top cervical vertebrae lose their normal motion or position, a small muscle called the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPM) muscle goes into spasm. The problem is that this small muscle has a tendon which slips between the upper neck and the base of the skull and attaches to a thin pain-sensitive tissue called the dura mater that covers the brain. Although the brain itself has no feeling, the dura mater is very pain-sensitive. Consequently, when the RCPM muscle goes into spasm and its tendon tugs at the dura mater, a headache occurs. People who hold desk jobs will tend to suffer from headaches for this reason.
Another cause of tension type headaches comes from referred pain from trigger points in the Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) or levator muscle on the side of the neck. These are much more common in people who suffer a whiplash injury due to the muscle damage in the neck region.
Migraine Headaches
Each year, about 25 million people in the U.S. experience migraine headaches, and about 75% are women. Migraines are intense and throbbing headaches that are often associated with nausea and sensitivity to light or noise. They can last from as little as a few hours to as long as a few days. Many of those who suffer from migraines experience visual symptoms called an "aura" just prior to an attack that is often described as seeing flashing lights or that everything takes on a dream-like appearance.Migraine sufferers usually have their first attack before age 30 and they tend to run in families, supporting the notion that there is a genetic component to them. Some people have attacks several times a month; others have less than one a year. Most people find that migraine attacks occur less frequently and become less severe as they get older.
Migraine headaches are caused by a constriction of the blood vessels in the brain, followed by a dilation of blood vessels. During the constriction of the blood vessels there is a decrease in blood flow, which is what leads to the visual symptoms that many people experience. Even in people who don’t experience the classic migraine aura, most of them can tell that an attack is immanent. Once the blood vessels dilate, there is a rapid increase in blood pressure inside the head. It is this increased pressure that leads to the pounding headache. Each time the heart beats it sends another shock wave through the carotid arteries in the neck up into the brain.
There are many theories about why the blood vessels constrict in the first place, but no one knows for sure. What we do know is that there are a number of things that can trigger migraines, such as lack of sleep, stress, flickering lights, strong odors, changing weather patterns and several foods; especially foods that are high in an amino acid called ‘tyramine.’You can reduce the likelihood of migraine headaches by making some lifestyle changes.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are typically very short in duration, excruciating headaches, usually felt on one side of the head behind the eyes. Cluster headaches affect about 1 million people in the United States and, unlike migraines, are much more common in men. This is the only type of headache that tends to occur at night. The reason that they are called ‘cluster’ headaches is that they tend to occur one to four times per day over a period of several days. After one cluster of headaches is over, it may be months or even years, before they occur again. Like migraines, cluster headaches are likely to be related to a dilation of the blood vessels in the brain, causing a localized increase in pressure.Chiropractic Care for Headaches
Numerous research studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments are very effective for treating tension headaches, especially headaches that originate in the neck.A report released in 2001 by researchers at the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, NC, found that "spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck, and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than commonly prescribed medications." These findings support an earlier study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics that found spinal manipulative therapy to be very effective for treating tension headaches. This study also found that those who stopped chiropractic treatment after four weeks continued to experience a sustained benefit in contrast to those patients who received pain medication.
Each individual’s case is different and requires a thorough evaluation before a proper course of chiropractic care can be determined. However, in most cases of tension headaches, significant improvement is accomplished through manipulation of the upper two cervical vertebrae, coupled with adjustments to the junction between the cervical and thoracic spine. This is also helpful in most cases of migraine headaches, as long as food and lifestyle triggers are avoided as well.
Headache Trigger Points
Trigger point therapy for headaches tends to involve four muscles: the Splenius muscles, the Suboccipitals, the Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and the Trapezius. The Splenius muscles are comprised of two individual muscles – the Splenius Capitis and the Splenius Cervicis. Both of these muscles run from the upper back to either the base of the skull (splenius capitis) or the upper cervical vertebrae (splenius cervicis). Trigger points in the Splenius muscles are a common cause of headache pain that travels through the head to the back of the eye, as well as to the top of the head.The Suboccipitals are actually a group of four small muscles that are responsible for maintaining the proper movement and positioning between the first cervical vertebra and the base of the skull. Trigger points in these muscles will cause pain that feels like it’s inside the head, extending from the back of the head to the eye and forehead. Often times it will feel like the whole side of the head hurts, a pain pattern similar to that experienced with a migraine.
The Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle runs from the base of the skull, just behind the ear, down the side of the neck to attach to the top of the sternum (breastbone). Although most people are not aware of the SCM trigger points, their effects are widespread, including referred pain, balance problems and visual disturbances. Referred pain patterns tend to be deep eye pain, headaches over the eye and can even cause earaches. Another unusual characteristic of SCM trigger points is that they can cause dizziness, nausea and unbalance.
The trapezius muscle is the very large, flat muscle in the upper and mid back. A common trigger point located in the very top of the Trapezius muscle refers pain to the temple and back of the head and is sometimes responsible for headache pain. This trigger point is capable of producing satellite trigger points in the muscles in the temple or jaw, which can lead to jaw or tooth pain.
Avoid Headache Triggers
- Stress may be a trigger, but certain foods, odors, menstrual periods, and changes in weather are among many factors that may also trigger headache.
- Emotional factors such as depression, anxiety, frustration, letdown, and even pleasant excitement may be associated with developing a headache.
- Keeping a headache diary will help you determine whether factors such as food, change in weather, and/or mood have any relationship to your headache pattern.
- Repeated exposure to nitrite compounds can result in a dull, pounding headache that may be accompanied by a flushed face. Nitrite, which dilates blood vessels, is found in such products as heart medicine and dynamite, but is also used as a chemical to preserve meat. Hot dogs and other processed meats containing sodium nitrite can cause headaches.
- Eating foods prepared with monosodium glutamate (MSG) can result in headache. Soy sauce, meat tenderizer, and a variety of packaged foods contain this chemical which is touted as a flavor enhancer.
- Headache can also result from exposure to poisons, even common household varieties like insecticides, carbon tetrachloride, and lead. Children who ingest flakes of lead paint may develop headaches. So may anyone who has contact with lead batteries or lead-glazed pottery.
- Foods that are high in the amino acid tyramine should also be avoided, such as ripened cheeses (cheddar, brie), chocolate, as well as any food pickled or fermented foods.
Reference: http://www.boggschiro.com/, Chiromatrix
Dr.Daniel Boggs
Friday, December 10, 2010
The Dangers of Drinking Cow's Milk
For some time, I have been instructing my patients NOT to drink cow’s mild. Let me start off by saying that in it’s purest form, cow’s milk is not generally bad. Although, personally, I stick to “nut milk” like almond mild or even rice milk. It doesn’t quite taste the same, but it’s an acquired taste and after a few weeks you won’t miss cow’s milk at all….but I digress….
Again, in it’s pure form, cow’s milk is probably not dangerous. However, cow’s milk as purchases in grocery stores is loaded with antibiotics, hormones a genetically modified substances that are not good for the human body. Some of these constituents are known to be bad. For instance, bovine growth hormone is linked to breast, prostate and colon cancer. This hormone is injected into cows to make them produce more milk
On a more, well, disgusting level….milk contains pus. The national averages show at least 322 million cell-counts of pus per glass of milk.] This is well-above the human limit for pus-intake, and has been directly linked to paratuberculosis bacteria, and Chron’s disease. The pus comes from infected udders on the cows.
There is also concern about cows’ milk triggering diabetes. Research implicates a connection with cow’s insulin and/or a bovine milk protein called glycodelin and type 1 diabetes. Currently, a pilot study is underway sponsored by the National Institute of Health and Welfare in Finland to assess insulin-free cow milk formula in the prevention of type 1 diabetes associated with autoimmune disease. A recent article in the “Journal of Proteome Research” stated that studies show a relationship between cow protein and the risk of onset of type 1 diabetes
Small children are also at risk. Several studies of infant feeding show a causal relationship between time of formula containing cow protein and an increased risk of onset of type 1 diabetes.
So, in closing, my suggestion to you is to stop drinking cow’s milk and stick to nut milk, rice milk or hemp milk. If you insist on drinking milk, stick to the non-genetically modified, range fed, organic raw versions. The same goes with cheese. Choose organic versions. Sure, the organic milks and cheeses are more expensive, but considering the lifetime costs of diseases linked to milk like diabetes, Chron’s, etc., you will be making out in the end.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Insider's Guide To Injuries Caused By Car Wrecks
Every day, thousands of Americans are involved in auto accidents receive what I believe to be inappropriate managment for their injuries. As a result, they either receive inappropriate care for their injuries or never get their injury diagnosed properly, which can lead to chronic and painful health problems.
Even if you were involved in a minor fender bender, studies have proven you could suffer from a severe injury that isn't easily noticeable. Research has shown that you can be severely injured and only feel a little or no pain after the accident. Your doctor can easily miss this and mistake your pain for something completely different. That doesn't mean you should skip the ER.
Even if you were involved in a minor fender bender, studies have proven you could suffer from a severe injury that isn't easily noticeable. Research has shown that you can be severely injured and only feel a little or no pain after the accident. Your doctor can easily miss this and mistake your pain for something completely different. That doesn't mean you should skip the ER.
Injuries from motor vehicle accidents are often missed by "first line" practitioners, such as those at the emergency room. There are several reasons for this. First of all, the emergency room doctors and nurses are there to make sure you don't have a serious, life threatening injury. Related to a car wreck, their main concern is that you don't have something like a bone fracture, internal bleeded, laceration, and injuries of that sort. However, most injuries related to a car wreck are "soft tissue" injuries. Things like sprains, strains, vertebral misalignments and pinched nerves. These injuries are often not taken seriously by ER practitioners b/c they are not always immediately evident after the accident. There is a phenomenon called "delay onset muscle sorenss" which means that you will have more pain during the days AFTER the accident. In addition, many accident sufferers have pain that is masked by the adrenaline rush that occurs immediately after the accident. This is why car accident injuries are often called "hidden injuries".
"Hidden injuries" are sneaky, potentially debilitating, and will strike millions of Americans this year.
See, after any accident, it's advisable to visit the emergency room to make sure you don't suffer from any life-threatening injuries like broken bones, a punctured lung, or internal bleeding. This is what emergency room doctors specialize in.
But the problem is that as long as there's no immediate threat to your life, the emergency room physician is likely to send you along on your way with pain medication to mask the pain. And here's the problem with only taking pain medication after your accident: When you only take pain relief and/or anti-inflammatory medication, scar tissue and adhesions can form, limiting the proper motion needed for healthy nerve and blood flow. Scar tissue is also a sub-standard tissue that can turn into its own source of pain - causing a number of chronic pains, symptoms and syndromes. Some examples of the chronic problems your injury can turn into are migraine headaches, chronic pain and fibroymyalgia.
One of the reasons these injuries are missed is that most doctors don't have the training to detect soft tissue injuries...they over-rely on vital signs, x-rays, and the pain described by the patient. Soft tissue injuries are NOT visible on x-ray. Since many doctors can't detect your injury, they make the wrong diagnosis about what's wrong with you. So any treatments you get based on this diagnosis will do practically nothing for you!
The treatment of choice for medical doctors, like your family doctor, is to use drugs to cover up your symptoms (in your case, the biggest symptom is pain) so you don't feel injured anymore. This form of treatment only gives you the illusion that you're okay, when in fact you can be seriously injured.
If you were in a car wreck and have any of the following symptoms, you should be evaluated by your chiropractor:
• Muscle Stiffness
• Spasms
• Neck Pain
• Headaches
• Numbness And Tingling
• Mid-Back Pain
• Low Back Pain
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Irritability
• Memory Loss
• Fatigue
The worst thing you can do is ignore your pain with the hope that it will go away on its own. Scar tissue begins to form soon after an accident, and the more scar tissue that forms, the harder it will be to treat your condition.
Dr. Daniel Boggs
(304)255-4325
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