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Spring '10
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Clinical topic of the month:

Natural Remedies for Allergies

Allergies are an extension of immune system problems. Symptoms appear as the body has a strong immune response to a substance it considers an irritant. Some allergies we are born with (genetic) and can be life threatening. Others develop as we age and can surface for a variety of reasons - very likely a combination of factors. The most common and difficult to avoid are seasonal allergies which are about to peak soon. We will primarily address managing this type of allergies. Many more types exist and it is beyond the scope of this newsletter to address all of them but since they involve similar body reactions some of the same remedies can be applied. Symptoms: Allergies can give acute symptoms such as: sneezing, itchy watery, or swollen eyes, clear nasal drip, scratchy nose and throat, rash, and or, wheezing. They also can give more subtle chronic symptoms such as: Congestion, mouth breathing / snoring, chronic gas, bloating, and behavior problems. Remedies: Herbs Stinging Nettle leaf extract: It contains active compounds that reduce allergy inflammatory factors by blocking the genetic factor that activates them. Elderberry: Antioxidants stimulate the immune system. Other compounds in elderberry, called anthocyanins, have an anti-inflammatory effect. Thyme: The essential oil of common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is made up of 20-54% thymol. Thymol, an antiseptic, is the main active ingredient in Listerine mouthwash. A tea made by infusing the herb in water can be used for cough and bronchitis. Because it is antiseptic, thyme boiled in water and cooled is very effective against inflammation of the throat when gargled 3 times a day. The inflammation will normally disappear in 2 – 5 days. The thymol and other volatile components in the leaf glands is excreted via the lungs, being highly lipid-soluble, where it reduces the viscosity of the mucus and exerts its anti microbial action. Essential Oils: They can be used in massage oil, a nebulizer, or in some sort of diffuser, or incense. Tea tree, lavender, frankincense (contains boswelia a powerful anti-inflamammatory), have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to soothe irritated airways. Homeopathic remedies: QC nasal spray: The Q stands for Quercetin - a proven anti-inflammatory that slows down release of histamine (chemical that triggers the allergic immune response). Other anti-oxidants soothe and hydrate the air-passage ways. Sinus saline rinses: The Neti pot is a great way to keep the musosa (nasal lining) hydrated and flush mucous (relieve congestion / pressure).  You may get a version at Walgreens or CVS or our office. The spray bottle versions are not recommended (too much pressure).  Prevention:  Scientific evidence suggests that some allergies develop in youth with exposure to artificial substances in food (pesticides, artificial flavors and coloring). The last decade has seen a drastic increase in genetically modified food creating additional concerns about unintentional creation of new allergens. Dyes, and other artificial chemicals in everyday items can also irritate over time. They can be present in detergents, body care products (soaps, lotions, perfumes, etc.), clothing, fabrics, sheets, pillows, mattresses, etc.. One is always better off opting for 100% natural products, organic foods, and whole - minimally processed - foods. Detergents, clothing, and body care products should have as little additives, dyes, and artificial or synthetic components as possible. Dust contains several potential allergens. It is made up of dust mites their waste products as well as human dead skin cells. They tend to accumulate over time on rugs and carpets. That is why hard wood floors are preferable. Needless to say frequent dusting and vacuuming is a must. Do not forget to sweep / vacuum under the rugs / runners on occasion since dust also accumulates there. Dust mites and bed bugs can accumulate in mattresses and pillow cases over time. Occasional airing out, washing of covers, exposure to sunlight and specific spray products (Bed & Bath or similar stores carry the product) that kill dust mites and bed bugs can be used to eliminate them or reduce them. Minimize exposure: Although it sounds obvious, sometimes symptoms get worse at a particular time of day or in specific locations. Being aware of patterns can help determine what type of flower or pollen is the irritant. Some plants blossom at a particular time of day or may be plentiful in a particular field or street in your neighborhood. It is important to know what times of day or what streets to avoid that might flare-up symptoms. Air purifiers, Filters, etc.: The best way to minimize exposure is to be in an air-controlled environment. Circulate the air in the vehicle instead of leaving vents open (located by air conditioning controls). Make sure you clean the vents on the outside since pollen tends to accumulate there too, and change the air-filter regularly. Indoors closing windows and using air purifiers with a filter can help. Mold: If mold is a problem UV light / air purifiers help to kill spores, and other air born pathogens (viruses, bacteria, etc.) and can improve the quality of indoor air in addition to filtering particles. It is crucial to remove any moisture - especially in concealed areas (like padding under carpeting) - since poorly ventilated areas allow spores to multiply. Chlorine bleach sprays (diluted if needed) can be used to kill spores on room surfaces that were once wet or exposed to long term moisture (spot stain test them first). Nutrition 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 or citrus, carbonated drinks. They increase mucous production and lead to more phlegm. Take your fish oil: Omega 3 fatty acids in wild caught cold water fish lower inflammatory processes in our body and will help to temper the allergic over-reaction. Drink plenty of water: It helps to keep mucous less thick and easier to drain / get rid of.

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Chiropractic Treatment and Allergies:
Last newsletter we discussed how Chiropractic treatment can affect more than just neck and back problems. Specifically we discussed benefits to the immune system.
Since Allergies involve an over-reaction of the immune system there are parallels to benefits mentioned for a cold in our last newsletter. We will expand on some of these in detail.
Cranial Manipulation: If you have ever looked at a skeleton skull you should have noticed that is is made up of several bones separated by zipper like lines. They are designed so there is some movement allowing for slight expansion and contraction as we breathe. If you have ever had congested sinuses or a head cold you should appreciate why this is important. Sinuses are air pockets deep in the skull. The walls are comprised of the very same bones that make the skull. They also have draining holes. When there is congestion the drain holes are plugged. Cranial manipulation accentuates the natural movement of each skull bone during breathing, creating more room in the sinuses and freeing up the drain holes relieving congestion. Neurolymphatic points: The immune system communicates through a system of vessels and nodes comprising the lymphatic system. Lymphatics help to drain away extra fluids and waste from inflammation and house immune system cells. When there is a lot of inflammation and waste products along with the spasm and constriction from pain and irritation, flow slows down. This creates congestion and accumulation of mucous. Stimulating neurolympatic points and lymphatic drainage massage (along vessel pathways and drainage points) unclog lymphatic back-ups and restore proper elimination of waste products. Mucous also drains away better providing relief. Chiropractic Manipulation: Nerves from the upper neck supply part of the head and throat. Nerve centers that have control over opening and closing of blood vessels and bronchioles are also located at the neck and upper back. Chiropractic manipulation of the neck normalizes spinal reflexes and in turn reduces constriction of blood and lymph vessels. Chiropractic manipulation of the neck and upper back has the same effects to the bronchioles. Reflex opening up of constricted air passage ways reduces congestion and wheezing, and allows mucous to drain properly. Not all of the above suggestions may be applicable to you. Yet everyone can benefit from breathing cleaner air, less inflammatory factors in their diet, and optimally functioning respiratory, immune systems, and nervous systems. Chiropractic care is an important part of accomplishing that goal without depending on drugs with dangerous side-effects. Medicinal drugs are important especially in extremely acute or slow to respond situations. However over dependence and overuse leave our bodies and immune systems disrupted, out of balance, and ultimately weaker.

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Seasonal Spinal Savers

Dealing with boxes / spring cleaning You might be getting ready to move, or merely packing away winter clothes and blankets. Most of us will have to deal with packing and unpacking of boxes. Here is how to do it safely: Do not over-reach: The safe range for "working" at any station is approximately eye level to approximately knee level within arms reach. Anything out of that range requires good "core muscle" strength and control to avoid injury. Since most people do not have either in adequate levels you are better off working in the safe range. Lift safely from the ground: The best way is to kneel on 1 knee (avoids rounded low back) next to the box. Tilt it on one edge / corner away so you can get at least one hand under it. Knee it: Lift it up to rest on one of your knees close to your body. Stand up keeping it close to your body / belly. Move things to you: Slide boxes to a safe range before attempting to lift them. Bring them to an edge of a shelf or clear them out completely from under low storage spaces. Put boxes at a safe range to pack or unpack them: The best position allows you to reach into the box bottom without bending your back. Use a stool, bench, steps, chair, or other filled boxes. Do not lean over boxes on the floor. Even if you only do it for a second at a time the repetition will hurt your back. If you absolutely have no space to move the box kneel next to it on one knee and then reach into it. Transport of boxes: Always keep box close to your body or tummy. If you need to put it down to the side step out & turn at the hips (turn whole body). Do not twist at the waist. Never reach out to place the box down behind something - take the extra minute or two to re-arrange things so you can slide boxes back. Let us hope that we have good reason soon to use the lighter clothes and put away those blankets, jackets, .....and rain coats! Enjoy the spring!

Electronic Medical Records

Keeping up with Health Care Changes If you have been to the office since January you have noticed a few changes. We will explain the process to those of you who have not. Both groups should know why we made those changes and the benefits to you: Organization: We are able to maintain better order more efficiently reducing paperwork. Faster response to record requests: For legal, insurance, medical reasons, reimbursement or absence authorization reasons some of you might need copies of your records. We are able to create necessary documents much faster. Legible notes: You, your insurance or legal representative can read and better understand the entire record and not have to shift through hand written shorthand notes. More privacy: The electronic records are password and network protected and organized in such a manner that a random lay person can not just open a file and see your information. Faster access to you information: When you have not come in for a while or we need to see previous information it is just a click away instead of searching for and through your folder. Faster service: The doctor is aware of your status before you even enter the treatment room. How it works: When you come in you report to the front-desk where we have added a touch screen monitor. You should already have a password. You may ask Irene or Karen to remind you or create one for you. If the screen is black (sleep mode) touch it. Touch the green user tab labeled patients. When the white screen props you touch it again. Touch to enter either your phone number, social security, or password            (password is easier). Sign in using the stylus. You will now be able to check off each complaint at a time (rate pain,             frequency, intensity, and progress). The information automatically feeds to the doctors screen before he even sees you. For those with computer aversions: Irene or Karen are there to help you and enter the information with you. If needed, the forms are available in paper version that can then be entered by our staff in the system. So if we have not seen you for a while stop on by and say hello and give us your feedback on the new system. Remember you do not have to wait to be in pain to come and visit!

 

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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