Newsletter Page
Fall '09
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Office News:

We want to thank our patients who have complimented our services in the best way possible - by recommending our services to others. Because of your online reviews we were recently awarded the Talk of the Town (yellow pages) Best of Arlington 2009 Award. We were also awarded the same honor by the US Commerce Association.    It's been a busy season for our community events! Click on gallery of events page for details. Upcoming community events: WOW(workout world) Monday 11/09/09 5-7 p.m. chair massages by Karen

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Clinical topic of the month:

An Adjustment for my cold? Chiropractic manipulation boosts immune response

skip to immunity section Chiropractic is frequently associated with treatment of the neck and back only. However, Chiropractors have always emphasized health benefits beyond just spinal problems.  The formal inception of the profession almost a century ago, is traced to a manipulation of the middle (Thoracic) spine curing a life-long hearing problem.  Treating the body by moving joints and bones was not new at the time.  However this was the first documented episode of a healer associating manipulation of the spine with effects on the nervous system and the body's innate healing force.  Although there is no direct nerve that connects hearing directly to the mid back, a network of reflexes can be logically interconnected.   Among some of the various health benefits of chiropractic care are relief of symptoms from: menstrual cramps, migraines, ulcers, acid reflux, asthma, irritable bowel, diabetes, infertility, high blood pressure, upper respiratory infections, inner ear infections, dizziness, and many more.   Scientific research has not been able to definitively prove chiropractic benefits for some of these conditions. There is definite evidence for some, and that at least a correlation exists that will reveal itself in the future. In regards to immunity several animal experiments have shown that immunity is somehow dependent on the nervous system independent of blood circulation (blood supply is cut off in a body part, it is immunized, then somehow antibodies -the immunity reaction - are found in the rest of the blood stream).  The connection between the spinal manipulation and affects beyond a muscle response is made by several studies that demonstrate a link between the immune and inflammatory response in humans.  The following are just 2 recent ones. One study demonstrated an increase in a chemical signal to start the immune response (interleukin-2) released by white blood cells for a time period after manipulation.  Chiropractic & Osteopathy. 2008 May 28;16:5.  Enhancement of in vitro interleukin-2 production in normal subjects following a single spinal manipulative treatment.  Teodorczyk-Injeyan JA, Injeyan HS, McGregor M, Harris GM, Ruegg R. Another study demonstrates that spinal manipulation suppresses the inflammatory response regardless of a chemical signal in the circulation.  The conclusion of a central unknown mechanism is made.  J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2006 Jan;29(1):14-21.  Spinal manipulative therapy reduces inflammatory cytokines but not substance P production in normal subjects. Teodorczyk-Injeyan JA, Injeyan HS, Ruegg R. Since 1991 chiropractic has demonstrated that an adjustment can stimulate the activity or responsiveness of white blood cells. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991 Sep;14(7):399-408. Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory burst induced by spinal manipulation: potential role of substance P. Brennan PC, Kokjohn K, Kaltinger CJ, Lohr GE, Glendening C, Hondras MA, McGregor M, Triano JJ. Research Department, National College of Chiropractic, Lombard, Illinois 60148-4583. Spinal alignment and nerve function are one aspect of our health.  As with any condition we have to involve all others (mental/ emotional, chemical / nutritional) to have the best protection against a cold / infection.  The next section in the newsletter offers many effective suggestions how to do that.

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Natural Cold Remedies:
Prevention:  Cleaning of the hands.  It needs to be done frequently and especially before touching your eyes nose mouth or food.  Hot water and soap will do.  Do not turn off the faucet or touch the door handle after washing your hands. Use the paper towel used to dry your hands to do both, and then dispose of it. Otherwise you are picking up your germs again and everyone else's that used the bathroom. You may use an alcohol based hand sanitizer – keep in mind that over time is affects the ph – acidity and dry the skin excessively.
use a humidifier when you can. In the winter time indoor heated air becomes very dry.  Our nose lining and mucous have immune cells and antibodies that need a hydrated environment to function. The dry air weakens the nasal lining and it's defenses.
Sinus saline rinses are a great way to keep the musosa (nasal lining) hydrated and to kill viruses and bacteria and flush mucous (relieve congestion / pressure0.  The most effective is the Neti-pot.  You may get a version at Walgreens or CVS or our office. The spray bottle versions are not recommended (too much pressure).  Drink plenty of plain water. When we are under-hydrated our mucous is thicker leading to more congestion and phlegm.  Most of us need to drink more water anyway.  Since I am sure all of you get up from your computer or desk chair every 45 – 60 minutes as instructed anyway to prevent back pain (had to sneak that in there :-) take the trip to the water fountain and hydrate at least ½ a cup 4-6 oz.  Gargling with concentrated salt water can also help a sore throat. You dissolve a couple of tablespoons of salt in warm water, drink some but hold it in the back of your throat and don't swallow it. Tilt your head back and gargle for several seconds. Repeat a few times. The salt kills the viruses and the bacteria. Take extra vitamin D to compensate for less sun exposure (2-3 the RDA or 800 to 1000 IU/day). Since daylight is shorter, we wear more and stay indoors more we are less exposed to the sun.  This leads to less Vitamin D production in our body.  Recent research has found a link between low vitamin D levels and low immunity.  Vitamin D has been undervalued in this capacity and the RDA is soon to be raised.  Vitamin C gets all the publicity but Zinc, Manganese, Selenium, and vitamin E are also important immune system components and also need a preventative boost during the cold season.  It is best to have a balanced diet with daily 5 servings of fruits and vegetables.  Most of us do not do so or most common food sources are vitamin depleted. To cover the bases take a daily multivitamin and take and antioxidant supplement that covers all of the above mentioned.
When sick:   REST:  When under the stress of an infection the body needs to use as many resources as it can to fight it.  Your body will give up no matter how many vitamins you take if you are stressed out psychologically / mentally, multitasking, or not sleeping enough, not sleeping at least 7 hours / night.
Exercise when sick can also be a stressor so for a few days take a break.  Typically after a few days low intensity aerobic exercise can help flush toxins and reduce stiffness and body aches by getting your body moving and increasing circulation.  Supplements: If you have not been doing the above remedies regularly for prevention, most of these remedies have been found to be effective within 72 hours so do not wait to get started.  The preventative vitamins and minerals are now essential – it is ok if you megadose  (2-3+ times of RDA) for a week or so.
Zinc lozenges, with vitamin C also work well while you are sick. Echinacea has been found to help upper respiratory infections but only in the right form / quantity.  Some lozenges have it or to make sure you get the best form supplement from a reputable source.
Ginger tea:  Ginger is great for sore throats and bronchial congestion.  Some health food stores carry a combination of ginger tea, lemon juice, honey pre-mixed.  It is best and more effective to make your own.   The fresh hot tea will sooth the throat and open airways better.  If you reheat the pre-made one you reduce effectiveness and kill the vitamin C.  The vitamin C comes from the lemon juice or any citrus of choice added to your tea.  Honey acts as a cough suppressant and will also work best if freshly diluted.  On your next appointment stop by the office and get our detailed recipe. Avoid or minimize sugar and alcohol.  They both suppress the immune system.  Even starchy foods that spike insulin (the hormonal cause of sugar’s suppression) need to be reduced / moderated. Avoid / minimize dairy products. They increase mucous production and lead to more phlegm.
Get adjusted: As the above newsletter section summarized chiropractic manipulation boosts the immune response.
In addition cranial and neck / upper chest soft tissue manipulation of lymphatic points can help drain sinuses, and alleviate congestion.  The more congestion, the more stagnant and concentrated the viruses and bacteria become leading to slower recovery. In closing, following the above preventative measures with regular chiropractic treatment should keep your immune system functioning at its best and help you make it through the flu season unscathed!

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Seasonal Spinal Savers

Safe leaf raking tips: The task makes it all too easy to do the worse things for the lumbar spine (low back):  twisting and bending.   They are the best way to weaken the disc fibers.  Avoid twisting:  Do not plant your feet or keep your knees locked.  Use a wider stance and allow your knees to bend.  Transfer your body weight from one leg to another or pivot on the ball of your feet as you rotate your hips.   Try to keep your hips and shoulders moving together and minimize bending at the waist. Minimize bending:  Where most people get into trouble is bagging the leaves.  Instead of bending to the bag and raking or hand feeding the leaves in. Try the following: use  a rake and a light wide flat shovel.  Once you rake 1-2 shovel fulls into the bag stand it up.  Lawn bags have enough structure to stay open upright. Use the rake and shovel like a salad fork and spoon getting leaves in the bag as you make small piles.  If you ever had piles of raked leaves blow away before you had a chance to bag them you will appreciate this way of gathering leaves that much more. Have fun!

 

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Personal Care Chiropractic & Massage, P.C.
© copyright Nicholas Stamoulos, D.C. 2008. All rights reserved.
104 Massachusetts Avenue
Arlington, MA 02474
781 641 4482 fax 781 641 4483
dr.nick@mindyourspine.com