Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has become one of the most widespread occupational health problems we face today. It affects millions of people a year, and with our growing reliance on computers there seems to be no end in sight. The syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve just above the wrist. Pressure on this nerve can be caused by an injury or sustained use from common activities like typing, chopping, hammering, or pushing. Symptoms of CTS range from wrist pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness or loss of grip strength, and loss of sleep due to discomfort.


There are a number of different ways to treat this condition. In most cases, a chiropractic adjustment to the affected area is an extremely effective solution. In some cases, a misalignment in either the back or neck can cause this condition, and chiropractic manipulation of the neck and/or spine can also serve as an effective treatment option. These treatments, along with therapuetic modalities such as ultrasound and electric muscle stimulation, stretching, and strengthening exercises, can in most cases effectively alleviate and eventually eliminate the symptoms associated with CTS. Contact us today!

Auto Accidents

If you have been involved in a car accident, whiplash injuries need to be taken very seriously. Because symptoms of a whiplash injury can take weeks or months to manifest, it is easy to be fooled into thinking that you are not as injured as you really are.
Too often people don't seek treatment following a car accident because they don't feel hurt. By far, the most common injury to the neck is a whiplash injury.Whiplash is caused by a sudden movement of the head, either backward, forward, or sideways, that results in the damage to the supporting muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues in the neck and upper back.
Unfortunately, by the time more serious complications develop, some of the damage from the injury may have become permanent. Numerous studies have shown that years after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims, roughly half of them state that they still suffer with symptoms from their injuries. If you have been in a motor vehicle or any other kind of accident, don't assume that you escaped injury if you are not currently in pain. Contact us today!

Asthma

Allergies are often treated with chiropractic care. Many allergic and asthmatic reactions are caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system and/or respiratory system. Researchers have found that the immune and respiratory systems depend on normal communication from the brain and spinal cord to control and coordinate their functions properly.

Therefore, if your neck is misaligned, it could cause an imbalance in your nervous system function. This upper cervical spinal joint irritation could possibly produce or exaggerate asthmatic and allergic symptoms. For example; many asthma and allergy sufferers experienced traumas such as head injuries, auto accidents, or falls which could have injured their upper cervical spines. The good news is that we can perform an upper cervical examination to determine if chiropractic care can reduce your allergic and asthmatic reactions. Schedule an appointment today!

Allergies

Allergies are often treated with chiropractic care. Many allergic and asthmatic reactions are caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system and/or respiratory system. Researchers have found that the immune and respiratory systems depend on normal communication from the brain and spinal cord to control and coordinate their functions properly.

Therefore, if your neck is misaligned, it could cause an imbalance in your nervous system function. This upper cervical spinal joint irritation could possibly produce or exaggerate asthmatic and allergic symptoms. For example; many asthma and allergy sufferers experienced traumas such as head injuries, auto accidents, or falls which could have injured their upper cervical spines. The good news is that we can perform an upper cervical examination to determine if chiropractic care can reduce your allergic and asthmatic reactions. And, we have a nutritional approach to help fight against your allergies. Schedule an appointment today!

All Star Chiropractic And Rehabilitation - Chiropractor In Elsmere, KY USA :: ADHD

All Star Chiropractic And Rehabilitation - Chiropractor In Elsmere, KY USA :: ADHD: "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" (ADHD) is a relatively common condition that tends to emerge in children during their early school years. The most common signs of ADHD are:

-Inattention
-Hyperactivity
-Impulsive Behavior
-Difficulty Concentrating

It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD - approximately 2 million children in the United States - and is much more common in boys than girls. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD. However, because many normal children may show some of these same behaviors as well, it is important that a child receive a thorough examination and appropriate diagnosis before any treatment is considered.
It is not entirely certain what causes ADHD, but the current thought is that it is a combination of an overactive nervous system, coupled with a decrease in the brain's ability to filter out extraneous sights, sounds, thoughts and emotions. Although chiropractors don't directly treat ADHD, there are a number of things that your chiropractor can do to help eliminate things that stress a child's nervous system, such as:

-Remove spinal subluxations that irritate the nervous system
-Suggest dietary changes to avoid common problem foods
-Test for allergies that may be stressing the nervous system
-Suggest changes to the home to help reduce exposure to toxic chemicals

The most common medical treatment is the use of the drug methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin. Ritalin is actually a stimulant drug that normally speeds up the activity of the nervous system. But for reasons that are not entirely clear, it tends to have a calming effect on those who suffer from ADHD; possibly by increasing the activity in the area of the brain responsible for filtering out extraneous sensation.The problem with taking Ritalin is that it does not do anything to resolve the cause of the ADHD, it only masks the symptoms. Continued use of Ritalin over long periods of time has also been shown to have detrimental effects on the brain itself. It is important as a parent to look at all treatment options before placing your child on Ritalin and chiropractic care is a great place to start. Contact us today!

Posture

The ancient Japanese art form of growing Bonsai trees is fascinating. Bonsai trees are essentially normal shrubs that have been consistently stressed in a particular way for a long time to create a posture which would never be found in nature. Depending on how the tree is stressed while it grows, it may end up looking like a miniature version of a full-sized tree, or it may end up looking like a wild tangle of branches with twists and loops. To most people, "good posture" simply means sitting and standing up straight. Few of us realize the importance of posture to our health and performance.
The human body craves alignment. When we are properly aligned, our bones, not our muscles, support our weight, reducing effort and strain. The big payoff with proper posture is that we feel healthier, have more energy, and move gracefully. So while the word "posture" may conjure up images of book-balancing charm-school girls, it is not just about standing up straight. It’s about being aware of and connected to every part of your self.
Posture ranks right up at the top of the list when you are talking about good health. It is as important as eating right, exercising, getting proper rest and avoiding potentially harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Good posture is a way of doing things with more energy, less stress and fatigue. Without good posture, you cannot really be physically fit. Without good posture, you can actually damage your spine every time you exercise.
Ideally, our bones stack up one upon the other: the head rests directly on top of the spine, which sits directly over the pelvis, which sits directly over the knees and ankles. But if you spend hours every day sitting in a chair, if you hunch forward or balance your weight primarily on one leg, the muscles of your neck and back have to carry the weight of the body rather than it being supported by the spine. The resulting tension and joint pressure can affect you not only physically, but emotionally, too, -- from the predictable shoulder and back pain to headaches, short attention span, and depression.
Poor posture distorts the alignment of bones, chronically tenses muscles, and contributes to stressful conditions such as loss of vital lung capacity, increased fatigue, reduced blood and oxygen to the brain, limited range of motion, stiffness of joints, pain syndromes, reduced mental alertness, and decreased productivity at work. According to the Nobel Laureate Dr. Roger Sperry, "the more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy is available for thinking, metabolism, and healing."
The most immediate problem with poor posture is that it creates a lot of chronic muscle tension as the weight of the head and upper body must be supported by the muscles instead of the bones. This effect becomes more pronounced the further your posture deviates from your body’s center of balance.
To illustrate this idea further, think about carrying a briefcase. If you had to carry a briefcase with your arms outstretched in front of you, it would not take long before the muscles of your shoulders would be completely exhausted. This is because carrying the briefcase far away from your center of balance places undue stress on your shoulder muscles. If you held the same briefcase down at your side, your muscles would not fatigue as quickly, because the briefcase is closer to your center of balance and therefore the weight is supported by the bones of the skeleton, rather than the muscles.
In some parts of the world, women can carry big pots full of water from distant water sources back to their homes. They are able to carry these heavy pots a long distance without significant effort because they balance them on the top of their heads, thereby carrying them at their center of balance and allowing the strength of their skeleton to bear the weight, rather than their muscles.
Correcting bad posture and the physical problems that result can be accomplished in two ways. The first is by eliminating as much "bad" stress from your body as possible. Bad stress includes all the factors, habits, or stressors that cause your body to deviate from your structural center. Bad stress can result from a poorly adjusted workstation at work, from not having your seat adjusted correctly in your car, or even from carrying too much weight around in a heavy purse or backpack.
The second is by applying "good" stress on the body in an effort to move your posture back toward your center of balance. This is accomplished through a series of exercises, stretches, adjustments, and changes to your physical environment, all designed to help correct your posture. Getting your body back to its center of balance by improving your posture is critically important to improving how you feel.

All Star Chiropractic And Rehabilitation - Chiropractor In Elsmere, KY USA :: A Good Mattress

All Star Chiropractic And Rehabilitation - Chiropractor In Elsmere, KY USA :: A Good Mattress: "Most people spend approximately one-third of their entire life lying in bed. The quality of your mattress can make a huge difference between waking up feeling refreshed and waking up in pain. In fact, old worn-out mattresses are an extremely common contributor to chronic back and neck pain. Good health and sleep are closely linked. Just as we improve our eating habits for better health, we should also improve our sleep habits. Good sleep not only reduces back problems, it also helps to prepare us for a more productive day. If you think that your mattress may be past its prime, here are some tips to help you select the right mattress for you:

• There is no single mattress that works well for all people. Look for a mattress that is adjustable in firmness and support for you.

• Find a mattress that has proper support for good sleep posture. Good sleep posture is nearly the same as good standing posture, with the ear, shoulder, hip and ankle all in alignment. This will require different levels of support for different parts of the body.

• Mattress firmness and support are not the same. Mattress firmness describes comfort and conformability. Look for a mattress that is comfortable.

• Look for a mattress that manages temperature and moisture."

If you are currently looking for a mattress as a result of sleep disturbances from back or neck pain, CONTACT All Star Chiropractic and schedule an evaluation.

Back Pain-Upper/Neck

Most people do not realize how much they move their neck during the day until they are unable to do so. The degree of flexibility of the neck, coupled with the fact that it has the least amount of muscular stabilization and it has to support and move your 14 - 16 pound head, means that the neck is very susceptible to injury. You can picture your neck and head much like a bowling ball being held on top of a stick by small, thin, elastic bands. It doesn’t take much force to disrupt that delicate balance.
The spinal cord runs through a space in the vertebrae to send nerve impulses to every part of the body. Between each pair of cervical vertebrae, the spinal cord sends off large bundles of nerves that run down the arms and to some degree, the upper back. This means that if your arm is hurting, it may actually be a problem in the neck! Symptoms in the arms can include numbness, tingling, cold, aching, and “pins and needles”.
These symptoms can be confused with carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful condition in the hands that is often found in people who work at computer keyboards or perform other repetitive motion tasks for extended periods. Problems in the neck can also contribute to headaches, muscle spasms in the shoulders and upper back, ringing in the ears, otitis media (inflammation in the middle ear, often mistaken for an ear infection in children), temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), restricted range of motion and chronic tightness in the neck and upper back.
We associate the neck and upper back together, because most of the muscles that are associated with the neck either attach to, or are located in, the upper back. These muscles include the trapezius, the levator scapulae, the cervical paraspinal muscles and the scalenes, as well as others.

The Causes of Neck and Upper Back Pain
Most neck and upper back pain is caused by a combination of factors, including injury, poor posture, chiropractic subluxations, stress, and in some instances, disc problems.

Injuries
By far, the most common injury to the neck is a whiplash injury. Whiplash is caused by a sudden movement of the head, either backward, forward, or sideways, that results in the damage to the supporting muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues in the neck and upper back. Whether from a car accident, sports, or an accident at work, whiplash injuries need to be taken very seriously. Because symptoms of a whiplash injury can take weeks or months to manifest, it is easy to be fooled into thinking that you are not as injured as you really are. Too often people don’t seek treatment following a car accident or sports injury because they don’t feel hurt. Unfortunately, by the time more serious complications develop, some of the damage from the injury may have become permanent. Numerous studies have shown that years after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims, roughly half of them state that they still suffer with symptoms from their injuries. If you have been in a motor vehicle or any other kind of accident, don’t assume that you escaped injury if you are not currently in pain. Get checked out by a good chiropractor.

Forward head posture is very common for people who are stooped over their computers all day long. If not taken care of with chiropractic care, subluxations like this can worsen over time.

Poor Posture
One of the most common causes of neck pain, and sometimes headaches, is poor posture. It’s easy to get into bad posture habits without even realizing it - even an activity as “innocent” as reading in bed can ultimately lead to pain, headaches, and more serious problems. The basic rule is simple: keep your neck in a “neutral” position whenever possible. Don’t bend or hunch your neck forward for long periods. Also, try not to sit in one position for a long time. If you must sit for an extended period, make sure your posture is good: Keep your head in a neutral position, make sure your back is supported, keep your knees slightly lower than your hips, and rest your arms if possible.

Subluxations
Subluxations in the neck and upper back area are extremely common due to the high degree of stress associated with holding up your head, coupled with the high degree of instability in the cervical spine. Most subluxations tend to be centered around four areas: the top of the cervical spine where it meets the skull; in the middle of the cervical spine where the mechanical stress from the head is the greatest; in the transition where the cervical and thoracic areas of the spine meet; and in the middle of the thoracic spine where the mechanical stress from the weight of the upper body is greatest. Signs of subluxation include looking in the mirror and seeing your head tilted or one shoulder higher than the other. Often women will notice that their sleeve length is different or that a necklace is hanging off center. If someone looks at you from the side they may notice that your head sits forward from your shoulders. This is known as FHP - forward head posture - and is very common for people who are stooped over their computers all day long. Subluxations are a debt to the body. If they are not taken care of soon after they occur, then they can get much worse over time due to the accumulation of compounding interest.

Stress
When most people become stressed, they unconsciously contract their muscles. In particular, the muscles in their back. This ‘muscle guarding’ is a survival response designed to guard against injury. In today’s world where we are not exposed to physical danger most of the time, muscle guarding still occurs whenever we become emotionally stressed. The areas most affected are the muscles of the neck, upper back and low back. For most of us, the particular muscle affected by stress is the trapezius muscle, where daily stress usually leads to chronic tightness and the development of trigger points.
The two most effective ways you can reduce the physical effects of stress on your own are to increase your activity level – exercise – and by deep breathing exercises. When you decrease the physical effects of stress, you can substantially reduce the amount of tightness and pain in your upper back and neck.

Disc Herniations
The discs in your cervical spine can herniate or bulge and put pressure on the nerves that exit from the spine through that area. Although cervical discs do not herniate nearly as often as lumbar discs do, they occasionally can herniate, especially when the discs sustain damage from a whiplash injury. Contact us today!

TMJ and Chiropractic

TMJ is the acronym for temporomandibular joint, a very long name for one of the most important joints in your body. It’s what allows for movement of the jaw. Your TMJ is comprised of a movable part, namely the lower jaw bone (the mandible) and an immovable part, the socket formed by the temporal bone in the cranium. It also has a little disc that helps to separate the two joint surfaces, providing a cushion. This disc also helps to guide the movement of one bony surface over the other.

Click HERE to learn more about TMJ and how chiropractic can help!

All Star Chiropractic And Rehabilitation - Sciatica

All Star Chiropractic And Rehabilitation - Chiropractor In Elsmere, KY USA :: 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 along the path of this nerve."
What causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is actually a sign that you have an underlying problem putting pressure on a nerve in your lower back. The most common cause of this nerve compression 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. Occasionally, sciatic pain in men is caused by sitting on a wallet.
How do I know if I have sciatica?
Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. Sciatica may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg. This pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts gradually and intensifies over time. It's likely to be worse when you sit, cough or sneeze.
How is Sciatica Treated?
The vast majority of the time, sciatic pain can be relieved through a combination of stretches, deep tissue massage of the piriformis muscle and chiropractic care. Occasionally, in cases where chronic spasm of the low back or piriformis muscles is causing the sciatic pain, it may be necessary to do a procedure called a trigger point injection, where a medical pain specialist injects a small amount of anesthetic directly into a spasmed muscle to break the spasm cycle. However, this is typically not necessary.

All Star Chiropractic And Rehabilitation - Chiropractor In Elsmere, KY USA :: Newsletter

All Star Chiropractic And Rehabilitation - Chiropractor In Elsmere, KY USA :: Newsletter: "Improve Your Golf Game & Save your Back
Many avid golfers contort their bodies into oddly twisted postures, generating a great deal of torque. Couple this motion with a bent-over stance, repeat 120 times over three or four hours, add the fatigue that comes with several miles of walking, and you've got a good workout-and a recipe for potential lower-back trouble.
As America's love affair with the game continues to grow, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has advice on how to take a proactive approach that will prepare your body for many years of pain-free play.
'Most golfers go until they get hurt, then look for help,' says Dr. David Stude, member of the ACA Sports Council and founding fellow of the National Golf Fitness Society. 'Back pain is a warning sign that there is an underlying problem responsible for a symptom that will likely get worse. Doctors of chiropractic look for the cause of the symptom and help reduce the likelihood of future injury.'
If you take the chiropractic approach, you're in good company. According to Dr. Stude, Tiger Woods says that lifting weights and visiting his chiropractor regularly have made him a better golfer. Dr. Stude and the ACA suggest these simple measures to help you avoid back pain or injury and improve your game:"

-Purchase equipment that fits. Don't try to adapt your swing to the wrong clubs: A six-footer playing with irons designed for someone five inches shorter is begging for back trouble.
-For the women in golf: If you have "inherited" your husband's or significant other's golf clubs, they might be difficult for you to use. Not only are the clubs often too long, but the shaft is often not flexible enough for a woman's grip. Women typically play better with clubs that are composed of lighter, more flexible material, such as graphite.
-For the men in golf: It is a good idea to spend some extra time performing quality stretches-before and after your game-to increase your trunk flexibility. While men are traditionally stronger than women, they usually aren't as flexible. Men need to improve their flexibility to maintain a more even and consistent swing plane and thus improve the likelihood of more consistent performance.
-For senior golfers: If you show some signs of arthritis in the hands, consider a larger, more specialized grip for added safety and performance.
-For all golfers: For some, scores may not be as important as enjoying the social benefits of the game. Having clubs that are comfortable will increase the chances of playing for a long time without significant physical limitations.
-Take lessons. Learning proper swing technique is critical. At the end of the swing, you want to be standing up straight; the back should not be twisted.
-Wear orthotics. These custom-made shoe inserts support the arch, absorb shock, and increase coordination. "Studies show custom-made, flexible orthotics can improve the entire body's balance, stability and coordination, which translates into a smoother swing and reduced fatigue," Dr. Stude says. While the upper part of a shoe may score style points, what the foot rests on affects your game.
-Avoid metal spikes. They tear up greens and can increase stress on the back. Soft shoes or soft spikes allow for greater motion.
-Warm up before each round. "Stretching before and after 18 holes is the best way to reduce post-game stiffness and soreness," says Dr. Stude. Take a brisk walk to get blood flowing to the muscles; then do a set of stretches. To set up a stretching and/or exercise routine, see a doctor of chiropractic or golf pro who can evaluate your areas of tension and flexibility.
-Pull, don't carry, your golf bag. Carrying a heavy bag for 18 holes can cause the spine to shrink, leading to disk problems and nerve irritation. If you prefer to ride in a cart, alternate riding and walking every other hole— bouncing around in a cart can also be hard on the spine.
-Keep your entire body involved. Every third hole, take a few practice swings with the opposite hand to keep your muscles balanced and even out stress on the back.
-Drink lots of water. Dehydration causes early fatigue, leading you to compensate by adjusting your swing, thus increasing the risk of injury. Don't smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while golfing, as both cause loss of fluid
-Take the "drop." One bad swing-striking a root or a rock with your club-can damage a wrist. If unsure whether you can get a clean swing, take the drop.

All Star Chiropractic And Rehabilitation - Chiropractor In Elsmere, KY USA :: History

All Star Chiropractic And Rehabilitation - Chiropractor In Elsmere, KY USA :: History: "Manual manipulation of the spine and other joints in the body have been around for a long time. Ancient writings from China and Greece dating between 2700 B.C. and 1500 B.C. mention spinal manipulation and the maneuvering of the lower extremities to ease low back pain. In fact, Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician who lived from 460 to 357 B.C., published a text detailing the importance of manual manipulation. In one of his writings he declares, 'Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases'. Evidence of manual manipulation of the body has been found among the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Babylon, Syria, Japan, the Incas, Mayans and Native Americans.
The official beginning of the chiropractic profession dates back to 1895 when Daniel David Palmer restored the hearing of Harvey Lillard by manually adjusting his neck and something told him that he was into something good. Two years later, in 1897, Dr. Palmer went on to begin the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which continues to train doctors of chiropractic to this day.

Throughout the twentieth century, the profession of chiropractic has gained considerable recognition and scientific support. Research studies that have clearly demonstrated the value of chiropractic care in reducing health care costs, improving recovery rates and increasing patient satisfaction. In fact, one very large study conducted in Canada, the 1993 Manga Study, concluded that chiropractic care would save hundreds of millions of dollars annually in work disability payments and direct health care costs. Several major studies conducted by the U.S. Government, the Rand Corporation and others, have all demonstrated the incredible value of chiropractic care."

Whiplash

If you have been involved in a car accident, whiplash injuries need to be taken very seriously. Because symptoms of a whiplash injury can take weeks or months to manifest, it is easy to be fooled into thinking that you are not as injured as you really are.

Too often people don't seek treatment following a car accident because they don't feel hurt. By far, the most common injury to the neck is a whiplash injury.Whiplash is caused by a sudden movement of the head, either backward, forward, or sideways, that results in the damage to the supporting muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues in the neck and upper back.

Unfortunately, by the time more serious complications develop, some of the damage from the injury may have become permanent. Numerous studies have shown that years after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims, roughly half of them state that they still suffer with symptoms from their injuries. If you have been in a motor vehicle or any other kind of accident, don't assume that you escaped injury if you are not currently in pain. Contact us today!

CORRECTIVE EXERCISES

We teach our patients special "blueprint" exercises to help strengthen and correct their own unique problem. These exercises can be performed in the comfort of your own home and can improve the effectiveness of your spinal correction. In addition to skeletal misalignment, muscles and connective tissues can be out of place or strained by improper alignment and use. Specific exercises and stretches can help your body stay in balance and in health. Check out our website for more information.

Got Back Pain?

Do you wake up every morning with a stiff and sore low back? If so, you may need a new mattress, but you may also need checked out by a chiropractor. Chiropractors locate and treat spinal misalignments or subluxations often associated with low back pain. Spinal adjustments to correct these subluxations are what make doctors of chiropractic unique in comparison with any other type of health care professional. The term “adjustment” refers to the specific force chiropractors apply to vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. The objective of the chiropractic adjustment is to reduce the subluxation, which results in an increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability, reduced muscle spasm, reduced pain and improved function.The chiropractic adjustment is a quick thrust applied to a vertebra for the purpose of correcting its position, movement or both. Adjustments are often accompanied by an audible release of gas in the spinal joints that sounds like a “crack.” The sound sometimes surprises people the first time they get adjusted, but the sensation is usually relieving. Occasionally, minor discomfort is experienced, especially if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or the person tenses up during the chiropractic procedure. If you or someone you know is currently suffering from low back pain, have them check out All Star Chiropractic. "We got your back!"
Learn more about your spine by clicking here!

Where is Dr. Bob?

As a part of All Star Chiropractic's community outreach progam, Dr. Bob will be speaking at Fidelity Investments. He will be talking about a conservative approach to treating allergies. Dr. Bob has been asked to speak at amny different local businesses on a variety of topics. Contact All Star Chiropractic is you would like to have Dr. Bob speak at your business. Help keep your employees educated about the ever-changing healthcare world.

GOT ALLERGIES???

If you are like the 40 million Americans who shy away from the outdoors during the height of the allergy season, I am sure you have tried every over-the-counter product on the market. Unfortunately, most products force your body to function in a way that is not natural, hence the many side effects associated with these products.

TRY A NATURAL APPROACH!
Why is Natural D-Hist different? Because the approach of Natural D-Hist is to address the issue before it can become a concern. Most products mask the situation--Natural D-Hist helps support sinus and nasal passage tissue when you need it most.

THE "NATURAL" IN NATURAL D-HIST
Ortho Molecular Products' Natural D-Hist is formulated for maximum effectiveness, with carefully selected dosages of critical natural components to provide optimal support for nasal and sinus passageways.

WHY THESE INGREDIENTS?


-QuercetinNaturally found in onions, quercetin is a mast cell stabilizer and a powerful natural flavonoid. Quercetin has been shown to inhibit certain compounds that typically affect sinus and respiratory health.
-Stinging Nettles LeafStudies have shown stinging nettles have demonstrated both promising mechanisms and clinical results for supporting nasal passageway health. While further study is needed, trials have shown stinging nettles demonstrated measurable differences vs. placebo after only one week.
-BromelainA strong pineapple enzyme, bromelain has proven mucolytic properties. As such, bromelain supports normal mucousal tissue function and enhances the absorption of quercetin.
-N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)An amino acid that is a natural mucolytic, NAC reduces the viscosity of mucus. Studies have shown individuals have been treated effectively without side effects when given NAC.

Contact All Star Chiropractic at 859-727-6888 for more information on Natural D-Hist or on other Ortho Molecular Products.

Do You Take a Multivitamin?

If you are not currently taking a multivitamin, or if your multivitamin is not providing with adequate amounts of vitamins or minerals, consider Alpha Base Multivitamin Capsules by OrthoMolecular. Alpha Base uses the best vitamin and mineral ingredients available, and formulated using the highest standards into an efficacious super supplement. Ortho Molecular’s Alpha Base Multivitamin surpasses all others in providing a safe, effective program for life-long nutritional support. The following represents some of the benefits of Alpha Base Multivitamins.


• Excellent mineral sources, and a 2:1 Magnesium to Calcium ratio.
• USP/NF ingredients wherever available.
• Fully reacted minerals have a higher assimilation rate than others.
• High levels of antioxidants, reducing free radical damage.
• Formulated as the base regimen for all other Ortho Molecular products, ensuring that when taken properly, patients will be assured of non-conflicting dosages.

Contact All Star Chiropractic for more information on Alpha Base Multivitamin Capsules or for information on OrthoMolecular products. Also, go to allstar-chiropractic.com for a list of products currently available at All Star Chiropractic.

Why Belly Fat is the Most Dangerous Fat

Pot belly. Spare tire. The middle age
spread. These are just a few of the
endearing names bestowed to the extra
layer of fat that accumulates around the
abdomen. But aside from the amusing
nicknames, this type of fat is a serious
danger. Unlike fat that appears on other
parts of your body, belly fat increases
your risk for cardiovascular disease,
diabetes, metabolic syndrome, sleep
apnea and some types of cancer.
Subcutaneous fat is the jiggly fat that
rests between your skin and abdominal
wall. Visceral fat is the next layer and
surrounds your internal organs. Visceral
fat is biologically active. It produces an
excess of hormones, which increase the
risk of insulin resistance - a key factor
in type 2 diabetes. This hormonal
imbalance puts women at higher risk of
breast cancer. And visceral fat boosts
inflammation throughout your body.
Your chiropractor can tell you how
inflammation is closely tied to numerous
diseases and health conditions.

Cause and Effects
Why does belly fat affect so many
people? Genetics play a role, so you
may see the problem from one
generation of a family to the next.
Hormone fluctuations in the body can
increase fat. After menopause,
hormonal changes in women cause
fat to gather more in the belly than
hips or legs. As you age you lose
muscle mass and your metabolism
slows, which makes it easier to
acquire fat in the abdominal area.
Poor dietary habits and lack of
physical activity are also big
contributors to this problem. Our
increasingly sedentary ways have
unleashed an explosion of obesity
across North America and other
industrialized areas of the world. Our
love of unhealthy fatty foods and
refined carbohydrates has made it all
too easy to surge the waistline well
past the appropriate size.

How Much is Too Much?
Do you know if you have too much
belly fat? To determine your waist size,
take a tape measure and encircle it
around your bare abdomen, just above
your hip. (The tape measure should be
snug but not press into your skin.
Breathe normally; don’t cheat by
sucking in your stomach.) For men, a
waist size of 40 inches (102 cm) or
more indicates too much fat. For
women, it’s a waist size of 35 inches
(88 cm) or more.

Burning Belly Fat
It’s extremely important to exercise,
as it keeps your metabolism operating
at peak efficiency. Unfortunately, you
can’t control where your body drops
fat. But if you engage in regular
cardiovascular exercise, eventually
your “spare tire” will shrink. In fact,
many people on a consistent fitness
regime see a fat reduction in their belly
before anywhere else.
A study published last year in Brain,
Behavior and Immunity revealed that
even moderate exercise can help reduce
belly fat. In the 10 month study, a
group of sedentary older adults participated
in 45-minute to 60-minute
cardiovascular exercise sessions three
times a week. Another group of participants
did non-cardiovascular flexibility
sessions for 75 minutes twice a week.
At the end of the research, the exercise
group had overall better fitness levels
and less belly fat compared to the
flexibility group. The study authors
also noted that a reduction of visceral
fat was also partially responsible for
slashing inflammation in the exercise
participants.

You should also incorporate resistance
training, such as weight lifting,
into your exercise program. By increasing
your muscle mass, you speed up
your metabolism. And muscles burn
calories 24/7!

The Whole Grains
Connection
When it comes to diet, incorporate
plenty of whole grains, fruits and
vegetables into your daily meals.
A study published in 2008 looked at
the effects of whole grains on cardiovascular
disease risk for people with
metabolic syndrome. Two groups were
created. One group consumed a diet of
whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The
other group consumed refined grains,
fruits and vegetables. The group eating
whole grains lost significantly more
belly fat compared to the group eating
refined grains. As well, the whole
grains group saw their c-reactive
protein levels - a marker for inflammation
- drop by 38%, independent of the
weight loss.

If belly fat is a problem for you, talk
to your chiropractor about designing a
custom diet and fitness program that
can help you dump this dangerous fat
from your body.

Can Allergies Be Treated with Chiropractic?

Spring is in the air. Flowers are
budding. Leaves are growing. And the
days are getting longer. That’s terrific,
right?
Unfortunately for many of us, when
we hear “Spring is in the air,” our
minds focus on months of runny noses,
itchy eyes and sneezing. We’re more
likely to grab a handful of tissues than
stop and smell the flowers.
Hay fever erupts this time of year.
Millions of us suffer from this condition,
which causes the body to become
hypersensitive to pollen and other
environmental substances. This condition
causes a number of irritating
symptoms that can make life miserable.
Hay fever is one of many allergies.
An allergy is a hypersensitivity
reaction: when you react to a substance
that is considered to be harmless to
most other people. Skin reactions,
breathing difficulty and irritations to
the sinuses are some of the most
frequent allergy symptoms. If you have
a food allergy, then problems like
bloating, indigestion and diarrhea may
result.
What Causes Allergic
Reactions?
Your immune system recognizes and
removes harmful substances from your
body. Inflammation, sneezing, coughing
and vomiting are methods the
immune system uses to expel any
dangerous substance ingested by you.
However, an allergic response is
when your immune system activates
against a substance that is usually
considered harmless. Essentially, the
allergic reaction is caused not by the
substance itself but by your body’s
interpretation the substance is potentially
harmful.
What Happens Inside the
Body?
When an allergic reaction starts, the
body activates special immune cells
called mast cells. On the surface of
their membranes, these mast cells
possess receptors that recognize
substances considered either harmful or
helpful to the body. When harmful
substances are detected, the cells
release histamines. These chemicals
sensitize the body to react, which then
attempts to remove harmful substances
by sneezing, coughing, etc.
Why Do People Get
Allergies?
No one knows for sure why people
become allergic to relatively harmless
substances.
One theory about allergies suggests
that your body is hypersensitive if
you’re a hypersensitive person. For
example, if you have a high sensitivity
to stress, your body also reflects this
sensitivity. Since the body and the
mind are connected entities, this theory
makes sense. Stress reduction
techniques designed to improve
mind-body interactions are often
successful in reducing this problem.
The end result is a lessening of allergic
symptoms in some patients.
Another theory is that an allergic
reaction is an interpretation of your
environment. In order to interpret,
your body must first get information.
The nervous system is part of this
information-gathering function of the
body. If your nervous system is
dysfunctional, then the information
interpreted will be altered, and this
makes you vulnerable to abnormal
reactions like allergies.
Can Chiropractic Help
with Allergies?
Since the beneficial effects of chiropractic
adjustments on the nervous
system are well documented, it’s not
surprising many chiropractic patients
report a reduction of allergy symptoms
when treated regularly for vertebral
subluxations. Misalignment or
dysfunctional movements of vertebra
can cause a focal irritation in the spine,
which then creates an abnormal signal
received by the central nervous system.
When this aberrant signal occurs along
the same pathway required for the input
of normal environmental messages, the
body may not interpret the information
correctly. When this occurs, an allergic
reaction can result.
Although scientific research shows
chiropractic adjustments do not cause
an improvement in all allergy cases,
they’re definitely beneficial for some.
The reason for the inconsistency may
be because there are a number of
different causes for a patient’s hypersensitivity.
Vertebral subluxation is
only one of many potential causes.
If you suffer allergies, consider
chiropractic as one of your potential
options. Even if it does not result in a
reduction of your allergic symptoms,
removing subluxations from your spine
has several positive effects on your
nervous system. And that makes
chiropractic adjustments worthwhile.

All Star Chiropractic

Whiplash - Getting Well Naturally

You're driving to work and stop for a red light. You're minding your own business and - bam! - your car rocks forward and backward, slammed in the rear by another car driven by some guy yakking on his cell phone. Or you're a passenger in a New York City taxi. The driver's cruising down Fifth Avenue when a teenager suddenly dashes into the intersection, running across the street against the light. The cabbie slams on the brakes and your head rocks forcefully backward and forward. Or for reasons known only to yourself you decide it's a good idea to go bungee jumping. You dive into space, the cord extends, and finally the cord is fully played out. Significant physical forces blast through your body as you helplessly bounce back and forth, dangling in the air like a gaffed flying fish.The result of each of these demonstrations of Isaac Newton's First Law of Motion? Later that day, or possibly within several days, you begin to experience neck pain. You might also have shoulder pain, headache, nausea, dizziness, and pain or numbness traveling down one or both arms. You have whiplash - a traumatic injury to the muscles, ligaments, and spinal joints of your neck and upper back. If you're lucky you'll get better in a few days. If the injuries are moderate or severe the various complaints will linger and may even get worse. As with any injury or illness, if you're not getting better right away you need to see your doctor. As you've suffered an injury to your head and neck, it may be a good idea to see your doctor as soon as you can, in any case, even if you think the injury is mild. Your chiropractor is an excellent choice for examination and evaluation of injuries due to whiplash. They will be able to determine the nature and extent of the damage to muscle, ligament, and bone. Taking an x-ray series is a very important part of the evaluation of whiplash, as even seemingly modest forces can result in fracture of one or more vertebras in your neck. Evaluation of nerve function, including both spinal nerves and cranial nerves, is critically important. Pain and/or numbness radiating into one or both arms suggests injury to a cervical nerve root and needs to be thoroughly assessed. If no fractures have been identified, chiropractic treatment can begin immediately. Over time, chiropractic treatment helps reduce inflammation of injured muscles and ligaments. Chiropractic treatment helps restore normal ranges of motion to your neck and upper back. With this natural form of healing you begin to make incremental, steady progress, recovering the ability to participate in all your daily activities with reduced levels of pain and discomfort. Chiropractic treatment provides optimal therapy for whiplash injuries, allowing your body to recover and return to normal by utilizing its own restorative powers.

1Kasch H, et al: Clinical assessment of prognostic factors for long-term pain and handicap after whiplash injury: a 1-year prospective study. Eur J Neurol 15(11):1222-1230, 20082Chen HB, et al: Biomechanics of whiplash injury. Chin J Traumatol 12(5):305-314, 20093Michaleff ZA, et al: A randomised clinical trial of a comprehensive exercise program for chronic whiplash: trial protocol. BMC Musculoskeletal Disord 10:149, 2009 (12/2/09)