What is sciatica?

 40% of people will suffer with sciatica in their lifetime, but how can you avoid being one of them?

Sciatica is a term many people are familiar with as up to 40% of people will experience it in their lifetime. According to the National Institute for Health and Excellence.

What exactly is sciatica, what causes it and how can you prevent becoming one of them?

Sciatica is a name given to pain associated with irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is a large bundle of nerves that travels from your lower back and sacrum down the back of your leg.

Sciatica has a collection of symptoms that differ depending on your individual presentation.

Sciatica symptoms

Typically, the pain associated with Sciatica is a sharp shooting or burning pain that travels down one leg anywhere from your buttock to your foot, it is commonly combined with other symptoms such as:

 Lower back pain

 Pins and needles and numbness

 Muscle weakness

Is Piriformis syndrome the same as Sciatica?

Piriformis syndrome is a condition that may cause sciatica. Sciatica is due to compression by a herniated disc causing lumbar radiculopathy. Piriformis syndrome is a condition that causes sciatica nerve symptoms due to compression of the sciatic nerve around the buttock and the hip.

When Sciatica is an emergency?

In rare cases Sciatica can be a sign of something worse, if you experience any of the following symptoms it is important to go to the nearest hospital or call 911:

 You have sciatica in both legs

 You have a weakness or numbness in both legs that is severe and getting worse

 You have any numbness in or around your genitals and anus

 Your bowel or bladder habits are difficult to control, have increased in urgency or feel (and this is not normal for you)

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica is caused by a compression to the sciatic nerve somewhere along its pathway from the lumbar spine to the leg.

A chiropractor or medical professional can help you identify the cause of your sciatica.

According to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) about 90% of cases come from a herniated disc (“slipped disk”) in your lower lumbar spine.

However, soft tissue, and other joint injuries can also create inflammation around the nerve along its pathway, irritating the nerve.

Who’s at risk?

Sciatica can affect anyone of any age group, but peak presentation is in the 5th decade; other risk factors are strenuous high activity lifestyle, for example:

 Frequent bending, heavy lifting or twisting

 Jogging/running and impact activities

 Whole body vibrations. Like operating machinery or long periods of driving.

Sedentary lifestyles can also contribute to developing back problems and associated symptoms as well as general health, obesity and smoking.

What can you do to relieve sciatic pain?

Sciatica can be self-resolving in 4-6 weeks but this is often aided by lots of painkillers to moderate the pain. Patients usually don’t want to rely on painkillers and want to find an alternative, or more natural ways to get better.

Symptoms vary from patient to patient, so Chiropractic treatment is designed for the individual's unique history and current symptoms. However, the overall goals of treatment are to lessen nerve irritation symptoms by correcting spinal misalignments, improve the health with home care exercises/stretches, and advise any lifestyle changes to enhance the healing process.

Tips to try:

 Regular Chiropractic care to keeps our bodies in motion.

 Our body’s like to move, try to stay active and avoid long periods of rest as this has been shown to increase pain.

 Carry on with your normal activities as much as possible.

 Gentle exercises and stretches of your legs and back advised accordingly by your Chiropractor, start gradually and stop if you feel increased pain.

 Massaging out tight muscles can also help take pressure off and reduce pain.

We can help

If you are concerned about your back or sciatic pain, and would like an expert opinion, please contact Family First Chiropractic (403) 347-3261, www.family1stchiro.ca

Dr .Elton Clemence

Family First Chiropractic

Is it Time for A New Mattress

The value of a good night sleep goes far beyond the price of a new mattress. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a mattress. Your back will thanks you!

How well did you sleep through the week?

Quality of sleep has definite impact on quality of life, interactions socially or with family, and most importantly your general mood. Sleep deprivation is not only lack of sleep. It is also the quality of sleep throughout the night. Waking up every couple of hours effects the quality of sleep. At the work place Sleep deprivation can lead to decreased productivity, increased sick days, and increased risk of injury due to poor response time and accuracy.

Back pain can also be attributed to a poor night’s sleep. British Chiropractic Association (BCA) study in 2011 reported that 41% woman and 36% men claimed that back pain contributed to their back lack of sleep. If you’re consistently woken up with neck and/or back pain? You want to examine the quality of your mattress. The average night’s sleep is eight hours (one third of a day), one sleeps for one third of one’s life. If you life, say, 75 years, that’s 25 years asleep, or 9,125 days. This clearly is a reason why your mattress plays such an important role in maintaining your musculoskeletal (MSK) health. Here are some Tid Bits when purchasing a new mattress.

          1 – Beds tend to deteriorate after ten years. So, if you are waking up with a sore neck or back on repeated occasions, and mattress is over ten years old, consider buying a new mattress.

          2 – Chronic low back pain. Medium – firm mattress are better when compared to soft mattresses. Studies show that the quality of sleep can improve by 55% and back pain decrease by 48%.

          3 – Adjustable beds, according to an individual preference, can be associated with quality of sleep.

          4 – Mattresses that promote skin warming may improve the quality of sleep by reducing early morning awakening and enhancing a deeper sleep.

          5 – Soft mattresses decrease excessive compression forces on your joints. However, mattresses that are firm help maintain proper posture.

Keep in mind that each individual has a different body type. Saying this, take the time to try out the bed before buying and see if it’s right for you. Make sure you explore all the options and do the research to meet your specific needs. A good night’s sleep will ensure you can continue your daily activities and quality of life. Consider these tips before your purchase of your next mattress. Your back depends on it.

Dr. Elton Clemence D.C.

Dr. Elton Clemence practices at Family First Chiropractic, located at 142 Erickson Dr in  Red Deer, Ab. Cal us today to book an appointment 403-347-3261 or visit us at www.family1stchiro.ca

What can you do to help with Sciatic pain?

                Massage will certainly help decrease nerve pain by stimulating the muscles by having the glutes worked on and the posterior leg. With increased circulation it will temporarily help your first visit  but going regularly it has long term beneficial effects especially for those who plan to do lots of driving or has a stressful work situation that is mentally and physically draining. Following after massage a hot bath with epsom salts is great. Having two cups added to your water will have the magnesium absorbed into your skin to help soaking for 10 to 20 min is ideal.

                Compression with hot and cold is another way to help ease sciatic pain. The heat relaxes the muscles and the cold will help decrease the inflammation down, and numb the pain. Making sure not to have the cold on for more than 20 min several times a day.

                With gentle exercises and stretching techniques It will help lower the chances of requiring injury and inflammation following. Keeping the core strong and stretching of the posterior leg muscles such as hamstring will also help. Yoga is another option to help with strengthening the muscles and helping corresponding areas that will ease sciatic pain.

                Simply laying on back keeping one leg to the ground, having one knee come towards your chest grasping below the knee as you hold to chest and lifting that leg as you take your hands and hold leg to upright position towards the ceiling and hold for 30 seconds, releasing leg and doing the opposite leg will help. Chair yoga is another best option especially for the elderly or to be in seated position on chair and extend leg to stretch the hamstring muscles and alternating sides is a excellent way to ease sciatic and a good tool to prevent from happening.

                These are tools to use in the comfort of your home and then applying to your regime at home will keep you feeling balanced and restored, following with massage and the use of a little bit of peppermint oil with moist hot towel to infuse will be such an award after coming in and being cared for to melt off any emotional stress that you may be holding.


Massage available at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta. 403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca

Top 10 reasons to see a Chiropractor!

1. Back Pain- for relief and prevention.

Consumer Reports rated Chiropractic the #1 solution to lower back pain over medical care, medications, acupuncture and physical therapy. Numerous studies show how patients seeking chiropractic care for low back pain get relief faster and better results that last longer over time.

2. Neck Pain- relief and prevention.
Chiropractic’s history with neck pain is just as impressive as our results with lower back pain. Studies have found chiropractic patients recovered twice as fast as those receiving traditional medical care.

3. Pain, Tingling and/or Numbness in an Extremity.
Patients who are suffering with sciatica (in legs or feet), or a cervical radiculopathy (in arm or hand) usually seek medical intervention first due to the pain and discomfort. Chiropractic can remove the irritation/ pressure on the nerves affected, thereby addressing the cause instead of covering up the symptoms. In most cases, Chiropractic can delay or even eliminate the need for drugs or surgery.

4. Headaches/ Migraines- relief and prevention.
Headaches are a very common condition, but they are never “normal”. They are a sign that you have excessive stress on your central nervous system. Chiropractic has been shown to help with all sorts of headaches. From the classic migraines to tension type headaches. If headaches are plaguing you, Chiropractic is a logical place to start.

5. Discomfort 

6. Improved Range of Motion and Peak Performance.
Many athletes see chiropractors on a regular basis. Professional athletes in every sport have endorsed chiropractic. Chiropractic helps the musculoskeletal system to perform better and reduce injuries and recover time. Athletes such as Tiger Woods, Jerry Rice, Evander Holyfield, Lance Armstrong and many others include Chiropractic as part of their lifestyle.

7. Healthier Children.
More and more parents have been bringing their children to see the chiropractor for multiple reasons. Word of mouth of many success stories is travelling fast. Infants/Children have spines just like adults and they need checked. Much easier to fix small problems in children before they become big adult problems. Most treatment with infants and small children is with a gentle adjusting technique called the Activator.

8. INJURIES DUE TO CAR ACCIDENTS.

We have many patients who have been helped after being injured in car accidents. Chiropractic helps restore proper spinal/ extremity range of motion and function. This usually takes care of the pain. We direct bill all MVA claims and this can include massage therapy treatments.

9. Help with Sleep.

 Many people suffer from poor sleep quality due to pain/ stress issues within the body. On top of causing sleep disruptions, it can also lead to some of the other symptoms we’ve discussed so far. We all know that a good night’s rest is one of the most important things we can give our body, to allow it to recharge while we sleep. Treating body pain with chiropractic therapy can help improve your quality of sleep, and thereby lead to a reduction in other symptoms.

10. STRESS.

Let’s face it, in today’s fast paced world, life is hectic and most of us probably feel that we have too much going on. Stress is one of the most detrimental conditions to suffer from, because while it originates in the mind, it very often manifests physically in the body. Even if you don’t have pain, chiropractic treatments can help reduce stress on your body and soul. Think of it as a spa treatment – one that not only makes you feel good physically, but also makes you feel better emotionally.

This next list is an oldie but one of my favourites!

We promise to not have these 10 on a visit with us J

David Letterman's Top 10 Signs You've Gone to a Bad Chiropractor

10. When you walk, you make a wacky accordion sound.

9. Keeps saying, "A spine is like a box of chocolates."

8. Repeatedly asks, "You a cop? You sure you aint' no cop?"

7. Over and over, you hear crunching sounds followed by, "Uh-oh."

6. There's a two-drink minimum.

5. At end of session, lies down on the table and says, "My turn!"

4. He was nowhere near Woodstock and yet he's covered with mud.

3. Rushes in late to your appointment still wearing his Burger King uniform.

2. Hints that for an extra $50, he'll "straighten" something else.

1. You're fully clothed and he's naked.

Dr. Stephen Kelly D.C.

Dr. Kelly practices at Family First Chiropractic located at 142 Erickson drive in Red Deer. Call us today to book an appointment (403)347-3261 or visit us at www.family1stchiro.ca

Prenatal Massage

While prenatal massage does share many of the goals of regular massage, such as relaxing tense muscles, easing sore spots and improving circulation and mobility, studies continue to show that being massaged during pregnancy can also reduce stress and anxiety and decrease symptoms of depression. It can also have a positive effect on labour and your baby’s health. Recent studies also reveal that hormone levels improve significantly when massage is used as part of prenatal care, especially those hormones associated with relaxation and stress.

Other benefits of Prenatal Massage are:

·         Reduce any swelling in your hands, feet and ankles

·         Lessen sacroiliac joint pain, the most common lower back/hip pain that usually flares up in the second trimester

·         Ease muscular discomfort in areas such as your lower back, legs and feet

·         Relax tense muscles in your shoulders and neck

·         Relieve cramping in your legs

·         Increase flexibility

·         Ease headaches

·         Relax and de-stress

·         Decrease insomnia

·         Increase oxygen in the blood

Guy Lacoursiere, RMT practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment or visit us online.

Massage Therapy & Pain Management

The purpose of massage therapy is to target the source of the body’s pain via eliminating tense muscles, increasing flexibility, and providing relaxation to the affected muscles as well as the body as a whole. Massage also promotes circulation to the affected or injured muscles, which increases nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues. In turn, this increased activity to the affected sites reduces stiffness and edema (swelling) in the muscles and joints, as well as increases flexibility to help reduce pain. 

Moreover, this form of therapy also releases endorphins (pain-killing hormones), which boost the dopamine and serotonin levels in the body. These hormones assist the body in many ways–physically as well as emotionally. Case in point, they promote healing, pain management, and feelings of euphoria, as well as help to calm the nerves.

Guy Lacoursiere, RMT practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment or visit us online.

Supportive/ Maintenance Treatment Works!

A paper presented at the European Chiropractors' Union (ECU) convention earlier this year underscores the advantages of regular chiropractic care. The authors, looked at how chiropractic maintenance care (MC) could prevent new episodes of nonspecific low back pain or minimize its impact. The purpose of their study was to "investigate the effect of MC as compared to symptomatic treatment on reducing recurrent and persistent LBP."

The multi-center, randomized clinical trial was conducted in Sweden, with patients provided with either treatment at regular intervals, regardless of symptoms (MC), or symptomatic treatment whereby patients were treated only when consulting for pain. The MC group was provided with chiropractic care at one- to three-month intervals.

This is an altogether familiar scenario, in that most patients only go for chiropractic care when they are in pain or when something is bothering them. Unfortunately, by the time a patient recognizes their pain, the problem may have been there for some time and damage has been done.  If only they would visit their chiropractor periodically, regardless of symptoms, a point study results make glaringly clear:

"The MC group consisted of 163 subjects who reported 19.3 fewer days with bothersome LBP over the 12 month follow-up compared to the 154 subjects in the control group. The MC group had an average of 7 visits during the study, compared to 5 visits in the control group."

Let's Do the Math

So, here's the math for the average patient. Two extra visits to your chiropractor each year will result in almost 20 extra days without back pain. For me, that works out to about $4 per pain-free day ... I'll take it!

While monthly chiropractic care can be very beneficial, it is clear that most people should be seeing their doctor of chiropractic at least every two months or so. We all need to understand a little regular scheduling could significantly improve our quality of life. Imagine how many days of pain could be eliminated if everyone enjoyed chiropractic at least every two months.

For my whole career I have emphasized regular treatments and not chase pain. Don’t wait for small problems to become big ones. The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is supported by these types of studies.

To schedule your first appointment or a maintenance treatment, please contact Family First Chiropractic and Wellness.

Dr. Stephen Kelly is a Chiropractor at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness with over 15 years of experience, located In Red Deer, AB 142 Erickson Dr., www.family1stchiro.ca

403-347-3261 to book an appointment. 

Who does CranioSacral benefit?

Who is CranioSacral Therapy for?

People may come for CranioSacral Therapy because they have acute physical problems like headaches or bad backs, or long-standing problems both physical and emotional. Others come for ongoing support in their busy lives and for help to meet life’s challenges.

Because it is so gentle and non-invasive, CranioSacral Therapy is suitable for everyone from newborns to the elderly. Mothers and babies often come for problems associated with difficult or traumatic births. Letting go of tension and fear held in the body enables both to settle into calmness.

CranioSacral Therapy supports your body’s innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself, as well as helping to reduce stress and build your underlying energy. The practitioner senses tensions in the body and helps them to release in a supported and comfortable way. During or after a session you may feel calm and energized, with increased clarity of mind and a feeling of well being.

CranioSacral Therapy and Children

I often hear from parents that they would like for their child to receive CranioSacral therapy but are not sure how that is possible.  Adaptability by the therapist is probably the most important thing when treating children.  There are many ways in which I adapt my techniques to effectively treat children. 

Most importantly the child needs to be comfortable.  Often that is in their parents arms or with them close by.  They can be lying down, in a chair or I have even spent half an hour following toddlers around the room.  Toys, books, etc, are also great distractions that can aid the practitioner in getting effective work done.  When working on children I often shorten the treatment to half an hour.  For most children that provides enough time to get an effective treatment and not to over stimulate the system.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

Pregnancy Pain? We can help!

Pregnant? In pain? Baby in the wrong position?We can help you!

Have you been told that you have told that pain is part of being pregnant?

Chiropractic spinal and pelvic adjustments will reduce or resolve pregnancy discomforts such as symphysis pubis pain (SPD), groin pain, back pain, hip pain, bursitis due to pregnancy, sciatica, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), mid back pain, carpal tunnel pain of pregnancy and heartburn.

Why be told that pain is part of pregnancy?

Chiropractic care can alleviate common pregnancy pain and decrease your labour time significantly.

Experienced prenatal chiropractic care aids with optimal fetal positioning by helping the pelvis and uterus to be symmetrical and balanced. Adjustments will help the baby to fit the pelvis to engage properly to help stimulate cervical ripening. Adjustments also make the pelvis more flexible so that pelvic joints move more easily in labor, the sacrum can become fixated and this can cause slowing or stalling in labor.

‘Dr. Jeanne Ohm sends this description of Chiropractic techniques for optimal fetal positioning and easier birthing: A chiropractic adjustment called the Webster technique is a specific sacral adjustment to help facilitate the mother’s pelvic alignment and nerve system function. This in turn balances pelvic muscles and ligaments, reduces torsion to the uterus. This may offer a greater potential for optimal fetal positioning. Originally used for breech presentations and then posterior presentations, current research is revealing the benefits of receiving the Webster technique throughout pregnancy for the prevention of dystocia. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association offers chiropractors advanced classes on care in pregnancy, including the Webster technique. Providers certified in this technique are listed on the ICPA website here: www.icpa4kids.org.

Dr. Carol Phillips, DC, recommends addressing the skeletal system through adjustments, but equally addressing the fascia (with myofascial release) and the cranial rhythm (with gentle craniosacral therapy). ‘ Taken from spinningbabies website www.spinningbabies.com

‘The Gardner Bagnell Technique for Breech Presentation was designed with the breech baby in mind, but has also been used very effectively for transverse, oblique and posterior presentations as well. It is a chiropractic technique that focuses on the alignment of the spine and pelvis of the mother to be.Most recently,  a very specific order of adjusting has been uncovered that has catapulted the success rate even higher.  When this precise order or adjusting is followed, the results are unbelievable.  This technique focuses on subluxation removal, alignment of the pelvis and releasing ligamentous spasms. However, it is unlike the other techniques that are currently being taught. This technique has a different primary focus and protocol than the other techniques. ‘ Taken from Pregnancy chiropractic  www.pregnancychiropractic.com

Dr. Joelle Johnson has been certified in the Webster techniques since 1999 and is a longtime member of the ICPA. She was certified in the Gardner Technique in 2009. Dr. Johnson  has a focused practice on prenatal, postnatal and pediatric care at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer. T4R 2C3

www.family1stchiro.ca

403-347-3261

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CranioSacral Therapy and Pregnancy

Pregnancy complications are part and parcel of your pregnancy. Most women get through their pregnancies very healthily - they manage their nutrition, exercise and overall healthcare both by themselves and with the help of healthcare professionals. CranioSacral Therapy offers women a very gentle and effective way of complementing the natural work that their body is doing as well as complementing the work of Obstetricians, local Doctors and Midwives.

When we look at pregnancy week by week, there are many natural conditions that come and go as you progress through your pregnancy. Conditions such as early nausea through to lower-back pain can all occur during a healthy pregnancy.

An area that is found especially later in the pregnancy is discomfort in the legs or sciatica. I have found that the majority of clients experience relief from these symptoms for weeks at a time following a CranioSacral Therapy treatment. Probably one of the areas of most discomfort in Pregnancy is back pain - both of the middle and upper back - during the early stages of pregnancy, and lower back during the later stages. The discomfort of back pain during pregnancy can be effectively relieved by CranioSacral Therapy sessions.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

Do you have Sciatica? How we can help.

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve.

Chiropractors are well educated to effectively treat sciatica. Patients describe the pain as dull, achy, sharp, toothache-like, pins and needles, shooting pains or electric shocks. Other symptoms associated with sciatica include burning, numbness and tingling sensations sometimes at night while sleeping.

Sciatica is caused by sciatic nerve compression or impingement. Health changes that can cause sciatic nerve pain include pregnancy and childbirth with the center of gravity biomechanical changes, lumbar spine subluxations, herniated or irritated discs, tumors, constipation and common cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is named after the piriformis muscle, this can refer pain into the low back are and mimic disc injury pain. The piriformis muscle is located in the lower part of the spine and sacrum and assists in hip rotation. The sciatic nerve runs most often beneath the piriformis muscle, it can however run over it or through the piriformis in some individuals. Injuries such as slips and falls can cause cramping and spasm to develop in the piriformis muscle, thereby pinching the sciatic nerve and causing inflammation and sciatic pain.

Chiropractors can fully assess and diagnose sciatica a piriformis syndrome, Since there are many disorders that cause sciatica, the chiropractor's first step is to do diagnostic testing which may include an x-ray, MRI, CT scan and other testing may be done.  

 A chiropractic sciatica treatment plan may include several different treatments including chiropractic adjustments, stretches, strengthening, ART, heat or ice therapy, supplementation of omega 3’s, B complex and magnesium. Some chiropractors may recommend a TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to reduce the pain with out medications.

For more information call our office at 403-347-3261 and speak with Dr. Joelle Johnson at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness. 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, T4R2C3 www.family1stchiro.ca

Osteoporosis- the silent thief

What is Osteoporosis
Our bones are living tissue that are continuously being broken done and replaced. Osteoblasts builds bone and Osteoclasts break down bone. Osteoporosis happens when the building of new bone can’t keep up with the removal of old bone tissue. The causes extreme bone loss. Bones become severely weak and brittle. Simple bending or twisting motion with patients with osteoporosis could cause bones to completely fracture. Even coughing could cause stress fractures amongst these patients. Highest risk areas are hip, wrist and spine. Also weight bearing bones such as the pelvis, femur and lumbar vertebrae are mainly affected by Osteoporosis.
Facts and Statistics
Fractures from osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Over 80% of fractures over the age of 50 are caused by osteoporosis and amongst these patients they were never offered proper screening or treatment post fracture. Each year osteoporosis causes 70-90% of 30,000 hip fractures in Canada. Each hip fracture costs the $21,285 in the first year of hospitalization and $44,156 if the patient is institutionalized. According to Osteoporosis Canada the overall cost in 2010 to our health care system while treating osteoporosis and fractures in Canada is a staggering $2.3 billion. This includes acute care costs, prescription drugs and out care costs. The cost is expected to rise to $3.9 billion as of 2012. Due to the proportion of Canadians were assumed to be living in long term facilities because of osteoporosis.
High risk Areas
Highest risk for fractures due to osteoporosis are hips, wrists and spine. Just as importantly weight bearing bones such as the pelvis, femur and lumbar vertebrae are also at risk with osteoporosis.
Men versus Woman
Women and men alike begin to lose bone in their mid 30’s. However, woman as they approach menopause lose bone at a greater rate, from 2 to 3 percent per year, this is due to the lack of estrogen during perimenopause and menopause as woman approach the age of 40.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is often called the “silent thief” because over time become porous without any symptoms. Patients will not know that they have osteoporosis until bones become so weak and brittle. That simple stress on the body such as bending over or even simply coughing can cause a complete fracture. In addition, fractured vertebral body could cause the vertebrae to collapse. Collapsed vertebrae may initially cause low back pain, loss of height or spinal deformities such as stooped posture. Loss of 2cm (3/4”) as measured by healthcare provider or 6 cm (2 ½”) overall from when patient was younger may also indicate spinal fracture.
Testing
Since they are few symptoms alerting patients that they are developing osteoporosis, Bone Mineral Density (BMD) are used as safe, painless and accurate way to measure density of bones. BMD tests can tell a patient if they have osteoporosis or not and how likely they will develop this disease in the future. This important information can help a patient make decisions to prevent falls or further bone loss.
Prevention
Osteoporosis is the most commonly developed because of lack of exercise. Weight bearing exercises like walking with wrist and/or ankle weights is a safe way to avoid and treat the disease. Performing balance exercises to improve balance and coordination and walking with walking poles, can help prevent falls and fractures. Nutrition is another, adequate amount of calcium, and vitamin D is needed to maintain bone health. For those over 50, Canada food guide recommends 3 servings of milk and alternatives (2 servings for adults)-yogurt, cheese, puddings and calcium fortified beverages. If your lactose intolerant or prefer avoiding dairy, try soy, almond and rice beverages. When adding supplements, the recommended dose for patients between the age of 19 to 50 is 1000mg, 50+ 1200mg this includes for pregnant or lactating woman is 1000mg. An important nutrient that protects patients against falls and fractures is vitamin D. It helps build stronger bones by increasing the absorption of calcium and improves muscle function. This will help balance and coordination to prevent falls. Osteoporosis Canada recommends routine vitamin D supplementation for Canadian adults year round. Adults between the 19-50 years of age,
including pregnant or breast feeding women, require 400-1000 IU daily. Those over 50 or younger adults that are at a high risk whether with osteoporosis, multiple fractures or a condition that affect vitamin D absorption. Should intake 800-2000 IU daily. If taking over 2000 IU of vitamin D daily should be done under medical supervision. Combination of weight bearing exercises and proper nutrition will benefit your body and keep your bones healthy.
At Family First Chiropractic and Wellness Dr. Elton Clemence, D.C can help patients with Osteoporosis. We use non-surgical and hands, nutrition advice and exercise plans when treating Osteoporosis and it related injuries. For more information on Osteoporosis, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Family First Chiropractic and Wellness.
Dr. Elton Clemence is a Chiropractor at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located In Red Deer, AB 142 Erickson Dr ,www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261 to book an appointment.

The Benefits of Massage

Massage is ideal for all people and body types. The benefits of massage are experienced universally, although the benefits are different for each individual. Massage can help with stress relief, varying pain relief, muscle tension, myofascial pain, as well as many other complaints. There are many varieties of massage, including Swedish, sports-directed, myofascial, trigger point, and deep tissue. Massage can also help alleviate symptoms from headaches, fibromyalgia and soft tissue strains. Massage is known to be beneficial both before and after sports competitions. Your skeletal system is also positively affected-although indirectly- by massage.  Massage helps to bring blood and nutrients to the bones and alleviate joint stiffness. Another system that is positively affected by massage is the respiratory system. Massage can help relieve congestion in the lungs and chest, and as a result of this reduced congestion, will reduce the energy expending when breathing. 

New Treatment Guidelines Stress Non-Drug Interventions for Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints across the globe, and the No. 1 cause of job disability. It's also one of the most common reasons triggering opioid dependence, the side effects of which can be lethal.

In 2013 alone 16,000 Americans died from overdosing on prescription painkillers. If you have back pain and suffer depression or anxiety you're at particularly high risk for opioid abuse and addiction.

Mechanical low-back pain (LBP), is the second most common symptom-related reason for doctor's visits. LBP is typically preceded by some form of injury or strain, such as lifting, twisting while holding something heavy, a car collision or a fall.  

Prolonged sitting is also on this list, which may explain why simply standing up more is part of the solution in many cases. Some of the things that can help low back pain are controlling inflammation, restoring range of motion, improving muscle strength and endurance, coordination training and cardiovascular reconditioning and an exercise program.

Activity Is the First Line of Treatment

Research shows us emphasis is on functional movement and exercise. This holds true for most forms of back pain, not just LBP. This makes sense since your body needs regular activity to remain pain-free. When you sit for long periods of time, you typically end up shortening your iliacus, psoas and quadratus lumborum muscles that connect from your lumbar region to the top of your femur and pelvis. When these muscles are shortened it can cause severe pain upon standing, as they will effectively pull your lower back forward. When there's insufficient movement in your hip- and thoracic spine, you also end up with excessive movement in your lower back.

Most people tend to "baby" the pain and avoid moving about as much as possible, but in most cases, this is actually contraindicated.

Lesley Colvin, a pain medicine specialist in Edinburgh, says the best evidence is for exercise. 'If I had back pain, I'd do exercise that strengthens the core and stretching.' Just when you least feel like it, and it hurts the most, is when experts say you have to get moving. 'Avoid bed rest'."

Exercise is also the most effective way to prevent back pain in the first place, or a relapse, according to a recent scientific review of 21 studies. 

Among people who had a history of back pain, those who exercised had a 25% to 40%  lower risk of having another episode within a year than those who did no exercise. Medical doctors are increasingly starting to prescribe activity in combination with a wait-and-watch approach for back pain patients.

On February 14/17, the American College of Physicians issued updated treatment guidelines for acute, subacute and chronic low back pain, now sidestepping medication as a first-line treatment and recommending non-drug therapies instead. This is a significant change, and one that could potentially save thousands of lives by avoiding opioid addiction.

The new guidelines include three primary recommendations, all of which focus on alternative treatments and physical activity, leaving painkillers as a very last resort. Even in the rare case when an opioid is given, it should only be prescribed in the lowest dose and for the shortest duration possible.

Steroid injections and acetaminophen are also discouraged, as studies suggest neither is helpful or beneficial. Acetaminophen does not lower inflammation, and a review of the research shows steroids are on par with placebo when it comes to treating back pain in the long term.

1. “Given that most patients with acute or subacute low back pain improve over time regardless of treatment, clinicians and patients should select non-pharmacologic treatment with superficial heat … massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation … If pharmacologic treatment is desired, clinicians and patients should select nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or skeletal muscle relaxants.

2. For patients with chronic low back pain, clinicians and patients should initially select non-pharmacologic treatment with exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation.

3. In patients with chronic low back pain who have had an inadequate response to non-pharmacologic therapy, clinicians and patients should consider pharmacologic treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as first-line therapy.

Clinicians should only consider opioids as an option in patients who have failed the aforementioned treatments and only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks for individual patients and after a discussion of known risks and realistic benefits with patients.”

Scans and Surgery Are Useless for Most Cases of Back Pain

According to the American College of Physicians, scans like MRIs are also to be avoided, as they're "worse than useless" for diagnosing back pain. Exceptions include cases of known trauma to the spine and where there are warning signs of underlying disease causing the pain (such as cancer). Contrary to popular belief, disc degeneration does not cause back pain, so getting a scan and receiving a structural diagnosis of a bulging disc for example, is not going to be very helpful, at least not in terms of dictating a course of treatment for your pain. In many cases, such a diagnosis may simply lead to unnecessary surgery, which in many cases sends patients in a downward spiral of increasing pain and reduced mobility. According to the medical literature, spinal fusions for back pain have a success rate of about 20 to 25 percent. For 75 to 80 percent of these patients, the surgery simply results in lifelong pain and suffering.

Live Life and Avoid Medicalizing Your Pain 

Dr. James Weinstein, a back pain specialist stated "What we need to do is to stop medicalizing symptoms. Pills are not going to make people better … why not just go back to your normal activities? I know your back hurts, but go run, be active, instead of taking a pill."

While this may sound harsh to some of you, it's actually really good advice. As noted by Dr. Steven Atlas, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School who wrote an accompanying editorial about the guidelines, "We are moving away from simple fixes like a pill to a more complex view that involves a lot of lifestyle changes," and that is certainly a much-needed turnaround.

Non-Exercise Activity May Be Part of Long-Term Solution for Back Pain

Keep in mind that part of "staying active" includes avoiding sitting as much as possible. Avoid the hazards of sitting and began standing more. Be aware that your pain may worsen initially, but will improve with time. If you have a desk job, consider investing in a stand-up desk.

Non-Drug Solutions for Pain Relief

It's extremely important to be fully aware of the addictive potential of opioid drugs, and to seriously weigh your need for them. There are many other ways to address pain.  Clearly, there are times when pain is so severe that a narcotic pain reliever may be warranted. But even in those instances, the options that follow may allow you to at least reduce the amount you take, or the frequency at which you need to take them. 

If you need a pain reliever, consider an over-the-counter (OTC) option. Research shows prescription-strength naproxen (sold OTC in lower dosages as Aleve) provides the same pain relief as more dangerous narcotic painkillers.

Many studies have confirmed that chiropractic management is much safer and less expensive than allopathic medical treatments, especially when used for pain such as low back pain.

Chiropractic and naturopathic physicians are reliable, as they have received extensive training in the management of musculoskeletal disorders during their course of graduate healthcare training. We have comprehensive training in musculoskeletal management.

Medical doctors are often slow to change from pharmaceutical treatments.

As Chiropractors, this research backs up what we have been saying for over 100 years. Get the spine that is in abnormal position moving again with Chiropractic adjustments. Then stretch and exercise to strengthen the spine and its supporting structures. M.D.’s and researchers are finally coming around to what has been a Chiropractic tenant since its inception. So if you have back pain, do what the research says, get adjusted and avoid drugs.

Dr. Stephen Kelly practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta. 403-347-3261.www.family1stchiro.ca.