Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Is Back Pain in Your Genes?"

This research done by, Prof. Gregory Livshits of Tel Aviv University's Department of Anatomy and Anthropology at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, sheds some interesting light on another overlooked cause of back pain; your genes! This study appeared in the journal; Annals of Rheumatic Diseases and looked to determine a genetic link to back pain. What it found suggests that back pain can indeed run in families.

The study in question looked at over 2500 participants from the UK made up of identical and non-identical female twins! Professor Livshits and his team looked at several risk factors including; smoking, weight, physical work, vertebral disc degeneration and genetic predisposition. It is commonly thought that as mostly upright beings, humans are very susceptible to degeneration of the spinal discs, especially in the lower back region. This degeneration and injury over time can often lead to increased bouts of pain. 

Researchers relied on MRIs of the spine; radiographic assessment of the body lean, fat and bone mass; and blood samples for DNA extraction, genotyping and testing blood for potential biomarkers associated with joint disease.What the team found was very interesting indeed. They concluded that in non-identical twins, those who only share half of their genetic material, patients were 3 times more likely to suffer from back pain if their twin did as well. However, with identical twins, those who share all of their genes, the likelihood of suffering from back pain if your twin did as well jumped to 6 times!

Another interesting finding from the study is that intervertebral disc degeneration is often thought to be directly associated with low back pain. However, this study suggests that's not always the case.

These researchers found that these two factors could be independent of each other and each could have a unique genetic component. This study could have a significant impact on the future treatment, diagnosis and even screening of low back pain patients. But even Prof. Livshits admits more research of a broader nature is required. 

The take home message is that the causes of low back pain can be very obvious and clear in many cases. Unfortunately, in other situations, the cause can be baffling and very obscure for a patient. Risk factors such as smoking, weight, poor mattresses and now genetics are not often obvious causes of back pain but it just goes to show that with so many potential factors, pinpointing an exact cause can be extremely difficult. 

From a clinicians standpoint I would recommend that you look around at your family members to gauge your risk of developing back pain. Look at your brothers, sisters and even your parents. If you notice that a lot of them suffer or have suffered from severe bouts of back pain or arthritis, you probably should be taking better care of your back. But remember, if you ever find yourself suffering from back pain, your Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor is just a click or a phone call away!

Visit the website here; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC


Reference:
 Lumbar disc degeneration and genetic factors are the main risk factors for low back pain in women: the UK Twin Spine Study
 Gregory Livshits et al.

  Ann Rheum Dis doi:10.1136/ard.2010.137836

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Causes of Back Pain; SAGGY MATTRESS"

This is an all too common contributor of back pain that almost everyone overlooks. However if you wake up first thing in the morning and you're already suffering from bodily aches and pains, it might just be time to have a look at what you're sleeping on! (As a related issue, an improper pillow can also contribute to neck, shoulder and back pain as well)

The problem is an old mattress or a mattress that is too soft will have a tendency to sag in the middle while you're lying down. This in turn causes your spine to take an unhealthy 'bent' or curved position. This position actually puts strain and pressure on the discs in your spine while you're asleep. In addition, the unsupportive mattress prevents the muscles around your back from relaxing completely. With these factors in mind, it's easy to see how this could easily cause muscles aches and back pain. 

The 7-9 hours of sleep a night is your body's opportunity to rest and restore itself from the stresses of the day before. Sleep allows your muscles to relax and also allows the discs in your spine to re-hydrate overnight. (Ever had the feeling that first thing in the morning that you're a bit taller? Well that's the reason why) Not allowing your body the chance to rest and restore itself is seen as stress on the body. Unfortunately, like other forms of stress, the effects can be cumulative. Meaning that losing an hour here and there every night adds up over weeks and months!

It was once thought that the firmer the mattress, the better for your body. However, now it's believed that a mattress should have firm coils for support but also a 'topper' or layer of cushioning on top to add comfort for your body. This combination is now thought to be the best combination for people looking for a good mattress that will help eliminate back pain.

As an aside, the pillow also makes a difference for shoulder and neck pain sufferers. For people that sleep on their backs, a lower pillow is recommended. For side sleepers, a pillow that is higher is better. From my experience, I wouldn't recommend sleeping on your stomach. I've seen too many patients that have complained of severe neck and shoulder pain after spending a night on their stomachs. This posture forces you to turn your head all night just so you can breathe, thus putting your joints in a compromising position.

The next time you're in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, stop by the office or visit my website here; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC HERE!!!!! 

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Study Finds Even a Little Too Much Tylenol Can Lead to Overdose"

I came across this article and it immediately made me think of a few patients I have come across in the last few weeks. In that time I have seen a couple of patients who have reported taking 6-8 extra strength Tylenols everyday for a few days straight prior to seeing me. Understandably, these patients were in so much pain that they felt they needed all this Tylenol to ease their pain. To clarify, the recommended dosage for extra strength Tylenol is no more than 8 tablets every 24 hours for an adult. Now with the amount of pain these patients were in, I can easily imagine a scenario where they may have taken 'just a little more' than recommended.  

A new study suggests that all that extra Acetominophen can add up over several days and lead to a dangerous overdose. Researchers from University of Edinburgh in Scotland found that these smaller, "staggered overdoses" can even be more harmful than a single large overdose.
This study only reinforces the idea that, "...maximum recommended daily doses should be strictly adhered to." said  Dr. Joshua Lenchus, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

The researchers also found that these people who suffered "staggered overdoses" were also the ones most likely to have brain or liver problems, need kidney dialysis and die from complications. This problem surprisingly, is not a new one. The potential harm that can be a result of acetominophen, especially in large doses, has been known for quite a while now. In fact, even the manufacturers know about the risk! This is such a problem that the Food and Drug administration asked acetominophen manufacturers to lower the dosage of the drug in pills to a maximum of 325mg. Later, the makers of Extra-strength Tylenol announced that they were LOWERING the maximum daily dose of their product to help curb the incidences of accidental overdoses. 


Now if you think that just because you don't take Tylenol, that you're safe....well you'd be wrong. Acetominophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol,  is a very common pain killer. Along with drug-store brands, Acetominophen is also found in a myriad of other products. Here's a list of just some of the other products; Triaminic Fever & Pain, Alka-Seltzer Cold and Sinus, Bayer Select, Benadryl Sinus Headache, Dayquil, Excedrin, Robitussin Cold Cough and Flu, and Theraflu Cold & Sore Throat. Remember, this is only a short list too!

If you are suffering from pain that is musculoskeletal related and requires you to take 4-8 painkillers a day, please consider a safer alternative! Chiropractic is more effective than any of these drugs because it addresses the root CAUSE  of the pain and not just the symptom of pain itself. Like I've told patients before, if your bedroom door is squeeking, the solution is not to go to the living room and pretend there's no problem. Fix that darn door and be happier that you did!

If you're in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, come visit my clinic of visit my website; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!!  

Reference:   
Staggered overdose pattern and delay to hospital presentation are associated with adverse outcomes following paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity

1. Darren G N Craig¹,
2. Caroline M Bates¹,
3. Janice S Davidson¹,
4. Kirsty G Martin¹,
5. Peter C Hayes²,
6. Kenneth J Simpson^2,*

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.04067.x

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "SIDNEY CROSBY UPDATE; Chiropractic Case Studies"

Well everyone, today is Tuesday, November 22, 2011 and what we all just witnessed last night was the electrifying return of Sidney Crosby. After what I witnessed last night I had to write this as a follow up to a post I originally wrote on October 4 of this year.  In that post I wrote about Sidney's recovery from a concussion and how he had decided to seek treatment from a Chiropractor after it appeared his progress with conventional medicine had stalled.

What Sidney Crosby did last night will be remembered for a very long time. Arguably the best player in all of hockey right now had been sidelined from the game for about 11 months after suffering a devastating concussion. Now up until last night, literally everyone, hockey and non-hockey fans alike has been wondering, ".....how is he? will he ever be the same?". Well, for anyone watching last night, it only took minutes before Sidney Crosby answered those questions with a resounding, YES!.  Now because it was his first game back, Crosby was played sparingly, only logging about 16 minutes of ice time. But boy oh boy, did he ever make those minutes count! Crosby ended the game with an astonishing 2 goals and 2 assists. A total of 4 points in the first game back after taking the last 11 months off to recover from a concussion!

Now for those that are still unsure about the benefits and effectiveness of Chiropractic treatment, let's just briefly review some of the facts. Since early 2011 when Crosby first suffered his concussion, his team of medical doctors and specialists have been adhering to the 'gold standard' of concussion treatment promoted in conventional medicine.(A lot of 'wait and see' and rest involved in this approach). Let's just say that his progress in the better part of a year following was less than stellar. Then in mid-August, Sidney Crosby starts to also see a Chiropractor and his progress is quickly put on the fast track. Several weeks later, Crosby is cleared for contact drills and eventually allowed to play in his first 'real' game last night. 

I came across an interesting article in Maclean's about 'rebuilding Sidney Crosby's brain' and here are some interesting excerpts;

 "By the time they met in Georgia, the reality of what Crosby could lose if he didn’t get better soon was abundantly and uncomfortably clear: his career, his endorsements, the adoration of an entire nation. Yet in many ways, the NHL’s golden boy was just like many people stuck in a concussion vacuum where conventional medicine can’t readily cure the injury, leagues can’t easily curb it from happening and patients and their families can’t know how long symptoms will last and what life will be like once they’re gone, if they ever do go"

"However strange and sickening that first day of treatment was for Crosby, it proved encouraging enough that he continued seeing Carrick for the whole next week. They’d meet as early as seven in the morning, and they’d go as late as six at night, says Carrick, running through a circuit of high-tech equipment and low-tech exercises in the lab and at the local hockey rink. By the time Crosby travelled back to Pittsburgh, Carrick says, “he was better than, you know, super-normal.” The Penguins’ medical team, who have been overseeing Crosby’s recovery, also saw an improvement: they ran computerized tests called IMPACT to compare his current neurocognitive abilities with what they were before the concussion. The results: not quite “super-normal,” but “the best we’ve seen” since Crosby got hurt, as Collins said at the press conference."

“Carrick had a very prominent role in Sidney’s current recovery status,” Brisson, Crosby’s agent, told Maclean’s. “He progressed extremely well under Carrick.” Just 10 days after the press conference, Crosby joined his teammates on the ice for the first day of training camp. Three-and-a-half weeks after that, Crosby was cleared for contact—the final step before returning to play. Now, after nearly a year of nagging symptoms that have included fogginess, light-headedness and nausea so paralyzing Crosby couldn’t drive or watch TV, and after a slew of setbacks each time he pushed too hard while exercising or skating, the greatest hockey player of this generation is verging on a comeback "


The article in it's entirety is a pretty interesting read. If you'd like to read it for yourself, CLICK HERE!

If you've been wondering about how Chiropractic can help you, whether it be for back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, foot pain etc. why not get in touch with the clinic? If you are the type of person that needs reassurance, then just look at Sidney Crosby! I'm not sure if there ever was a better example of a Chiropractic success story!


If you're in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, come visit the clinic, or visit my website here; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Chiropractic's Popularity Growing Along with Natural Medicine"

Today's post is written to elaborate on a recent article I came across. The article titled;"How Mainstream Medicine Is Opening Up To Integrative Health" discusses the growing interest in natural and complementary medicine. (Click here to read the full article!) The article also goes into detail about how more and more medical schools are also teaching CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine). CAM used to be on the 'fringe' of western medicine. Relegated to those who were seen as the 'tree-hugger' types. However, due to CAM's persistence, results and society's desire to find more natural alternatives, it's popularity is only increasing over time. 


The desire of everyday people to explore these therapies and an underlying sense that using drugs and surgery to treat health problems may not always be the best way is making the medical community take notice. I believe that especially with the availability of information via the internet, people are becoming better informed about their healthcare options. I know from speaking to my medical colleagues that they are seeing more patients who are asking them about; Chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, yoga etc. 


Let's take a step back for a moment and explore what CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) really entails. CAM is really a group of health options and therapies that may not fit into the traditional definition of western medicine. In this group such things as; Natural products (vitamins/supplements), deep breathing, meditation, massage, yoga, tai chi, homeopathy, naturopathy and Chiropractic are included. In fact according to the National Institutes of Health, Chiropractic is among the most recognized and common types of CAM. Chiropractic actually trails only; natural products, deep breathing, and meditation as the most popular forms of complementary therapies.  (For a full list of the top 10 most common CAM therapies, click here!)

This is actually great news for people because not only does it mean they have growing access to natural and alternative forms of healthcare but it signals the changing tide of traditional medicine. Western medicine was once seen as the only option for healthcare and health advice. However, I believe with western medicine's reliance on pharmaceutical drugs, surgery and the well documented side effects of both, people are exploring their options. But not only are they exploring, they are finding solutions! People are realizing that natural healthcare like Chiropractic can offer a very effective and safe alternative to drugs. 


As the article states; "According to the most recent data from the National Institute of Health's National Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, some 38 percent of Americans used some form of alternative medicine in 2007 -- up from 36 percent in 2002. Experts say such figures explain why a growing number of medical schools have embraced what critics deride as "woo-medicine," but proponents of the techniques say integrative medicine represents the future of health care."

If you're in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, stop by my office or visit my website here; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!! 

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Causes of Back Pain; WEEKEND WARRIORS"

This is a cause of back pain that I see on almost a weekly basis. Typically, this patient will be male, slightly overweight, may or may not participate in regular exercise and is over the age of 30.....but thinks he's still in his twenties! Ok, well all joking aside, this generalization isn't too far off from reality. Sure from time to time this patient is female, but just about everything else stays the same. 

The problem is that these sufferers of back pain are sedentary for far too long and then feel as though they can engage in strenuous activity without problems. This actually can be a harmful way to think. 
"If you take on something tough after being relatively sedentary, you can seriously hurt yourself," explains Arya Nick Shamie, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and an associate professor of spine surgery at the University of California - Los Angeles.

In order to participate in strenuous activities like sports and races on the weekends, your body needs to be prepared. The muscles, especially around your core, need to be strong to withstand the pressures and strain that you will put on it. 
"If you are doing high-impact sports without cross-training first to strengthen your core, your spine won't have strong enough muscles to support the impact," says Robert S. Bray, M.D.
The consequences can be very painful. Muscular strains and ligaments sprains are very common injuries seen in my clinic. The common factor is that both of these injuries can cause your joints to become dysfunctional. This will likely manifest with the patient feeling pain with movement, stiffness, inflammation and unable to perform even the simplest of everyday activities, like tying your shoes. 

So the moral of this story is; if you are planning on strenuous activity this weekend, do yourself and back a favour and prepare yourself! Start with some regular exercise and stretching to prepare and strengthen your core muscles. In fact, just 15 minutes of core stretches and exercises three times a week, may be enough to prevent severe back pain!

If you want to know more, visit my clinic in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver or visit my website;COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!! 

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Causes of Back Pain; NOT ENOUGH SLEEP"

I'm sure this cause of back pain may be familiar to some people and to others, not so much. But here I'd like to explore the rationale behind the "why" this could be a source of back pain. Let me tell you right now, it has all to do with your body's physiology!

As many people know, your body is made up of mainly water. Some famously say approximately 70%. But did  you know that some of that water goes to your spine? Yes indeed. The intervertebral discs or the soft tissue structures that act as 'spacers' and shock absorbers for your spine need water to be healthy. I've included an image of an actual spine. In the image you can clearly see the vertebrae (bone) in red. They're red because they are infused with blood  and blood vessels. What you see in white is a disc. Now pay close attention to the disc because what you'll notice is that in the middle, there is section that looks more like liquid and watery. Well your eyes don't deceive you. That is what's called the; Nucleus Pulposus and it is in fact, more fluid than the surrounding disc material.

Now on to the physiology portion of our discussion. The disc appears very white in the picture above because unlike the bone above and below it, it doesn't have blood vessels coursing through it. Therefore the discs throughout your spine don't get nutrients from blood to remain healthy. 

What the discs actually need is time and rest. Rest away from weight bearing and upright posture that apply force to it from above and below. In addition, time to allow for some slight re-hydration of the disc material to remain in a more healthy and functional state. Wonder how you're going to manage that? That's right; SLEEP!!!.

When you rest for 7-8 hours in bed, you actually allow your body and your spine to in effect, regenerate and restore itself from the stresses you put on it from the day before. Make no mistake, your body actually needs this time to do this work. To be continuously sleep deprived puts your body in a state of stress, always playing 'catch-up' from the day before. Not allowing your body the time it needs to restore itself is a sure fire way to make pain a more likely problem for yourself. So I hope this discussion helps explain why not getting enough sleep can actually contribute to back pain. 

If you have any questions or comments, leave them here or you can always visit my office in the Commercial Drive area of East Vancouver. Don't forget, you can also visit my website here; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!! 

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Causes of Back Pain; SMOKING"

I get this question a lot from my frustrated patients coming to my office in need of very serious relief. Sometimes the answer is obvious and very clear to an invidual; "...doc, I lifted a sofa and BAM!....stabbing pain..." However, often times the answer is as clear as mud; ".....doc, all I was doing was vacuuming?!?!... what gives?...". So, with this in mind, I thought I would talk about some common causes of back pain. Some obvious and some, not so much. I hope with these discussions it becomes clear that isolating the cause of back pain to one factor is extremely difficult indeed. But maybe with my help, you can start to eliminate some of these risk factors so you can be better armed!

Let's start with; SMOKING. Yes, that's right. Smoking is a risk factor and can often be an overlooked cause for back pain. Smoking can be very detrimental to your organs and the soft tissue in your body by the act of dehydration. If you need proof, take a really good look at smokers who have been at it for years. Ever noticed the wrinkles on their face, necks, hands, etc. making them look years older than they actually are? Well, smoking damages the skins inherent elasticity and as a result, it becomes very stiff and prone to showing wrinkles. 

Ok great doc, but what does that have to do with back pain you might be wondering. Well, I used the example of skin because, you can visibly see the effects. But make no mistake that smoking is having some dire effects internally as well. Namely on your spine and the intervertebral discs. These discs are the soft tissue structures literally wedged in between the individual bones or 'vertebrae' of your spine. Healthy discs act like shock absorbers for your spine, provide spacing in between your vertebrae allowing the nerves emanating from your spinal cord to leave the spine and travel to different areas of your body. Ever heard of a "Bulging Disc" or a "Herniated Disc". Well these terms describe something that may not be at first, obvious to most. These discs are not completely solid! Healthy discs, have a viscous, jelly-like material on the inside. This material is essential to the proper health and function of your spine. 

Smoking as you may have guessed it, acts to dry out the material prematurely. Losing this important component of the discs acts to weaken and deteriorate the spine as a whole. This opens the door for a myriad of problems like back pain, spinal stenosis, spinal instability and hypomobility. In fact, smoking can damage the spine and discs so much that often the last resort for back pain sufferers; Surgery, can not be performed on heavy smokers. 

I hope this article has helped. If smoking is a part of your routine, I would strongly suggest that you try to stop. Smoking already has a library of health problems associated with it, but if you didn't know it before, you can now add back pain to that list!

If  you're in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, why not stop by my office or you can also visit my website here; YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Wy Medicine's Approach to Chronic Pain is Wrong; A Doctor's Perspective"

I  came across this article written by an MD about his view of how chronic pain patients are being treated, or "mis-treated" today. It is a very sobering report on how traditional medicine views and accordingly treats people who suffer from long standing pain. The standpoint of this doctor is something that does not surprise me at all. In fact, I tend to agree with just about everything he is saying in the piece. 

Dr. Abaci correctly states that pain is indeed extremely profitable for the drug companies. If you ever had any doubts, just take a walk down the drug aisle in your local pharmacy and you will see the assortment of pain killers available. They can range from the very common aspirin, to Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, Motrin, no name versions of these drugs and even 'specialty' versions like Robaxacet or Tylenol Back Pain. This is also just the tip of the iceberg, we haven't even touched on the variety of pain killers you could get with a doctor's prescription.

Here's an excerpt from his article; "Shouldn't the fact that chronic pain sufferers are now getting more access to the strongest pain killers on the planet and at higher dosages mean that we are now doing a better job helping them manage their pain? Guess again. In my 15 years of practice, I have yet to see a scientifically sound study that can show significant benefit from the long-term use of opioid medications for chronic pain in a large patient population."

However, Dr. Abaci, doesn't stop there. He correctly notes that more invasive options for sufferers of chronic back pain, ie. surgery also have a poor track record. He even questions the rationale behind surgery and wonders why more conservative options are not encouraged more.

 "In no way are the problems with pain management strictly limited to the misguided use of pills. For example, over the last two decades there has been an exponential rise in the use of spine surgery and interventional procedures for the treatment of lower back pain. Rapid growth has taken place in the use of more complex and costly spinal fusion surgeries, and there is cut-throat competition among the manufacturers of the hardware used in these procedures. Medtronic alone makes $3 billion annually off of its spinal device unit. Again, research has consistently shown that such treatments are no more effective for low back pain than much lower cost alternatives such as aggressive rehabilitation."

The underlying message is that patients who suffer from chronic pain should be taking a more interdisciplinary approach including a comprehensive rehab program. Including professionals like; Chiropractors, massage therapists, physiotherapists, family doctors and specialists, has been shown to result in the best recovery for chronic pain sufferers. If you're interested in reading all of Dr. Abaci's article, follow the link here!

All of my patients, regardless of severity are encouraged to move and be active from day one. The three main goals of Chiropractic treatment in my office are; 1) Relieve the patient's discomfort and pain. 2) Increase the patients mobility, flexibility and function and 3) Help the patient become stronger and more independent by teaching them about proper exercises, home care and lifestyle tips.

From my experience, this approach results in the best results in the long term and less dependence on doctors and medications. Surely, your overall health will not be found in a bottle of pain killers. If you are in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, stop by and see what Chiropractic can do for you. Or visit my website hereCOMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!, 

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Chiropractic Case Studies; SIDNEY CROSBY"

With the hockey pre-season now completed, and being a Chiropractor in hockey crazed Vancouver, (Go Canucks Go!). I came across this article in the bible of all things sports related; Sports Illustrated. This article focused on one of the games undisputed super stars, who has for the better part of a year now, battled the effects of a concussion. The struggles that Sidney Crosby has endured has been well documented and argued tirelessly. But the prevailing question and concern lately has been the apparent progress, or maybe more correctly, the lack of progress Sidney has shown in recent months.

That's why Sidney Crosby has started looking at other methods of treatment and care that could help his recovery. Interestingly enough, Sidney Crosby has started working with a Chiropractor recently. The symptoms of a concussion are numerous and all are significant for a world class athlete like #87.  Headaches, nausea, visual disturbances, auditory deficits, balance and even changes in mood are hallmark symptoms people who have suffered a concussion will experience. However, along with these symptoms, Crosby was dealing with a nagging sense of being in a constant 'fog'.  One realizes how detrimental this symptom alone could be to a superstar playing hockey, where split second decisions determines winning and losing. This apparently was one of the most stubborn and concerning symptoms reported by Crosby and specialists alike.

Then in early September, Crosby enlisted the help of Dr. Ted Carrick a Chiropractor, to see if he could help. Lo and behold, Crosby has been showing significant signs of improvement since working with Dr. Carrick in the few short weeks since. In fact the improvements have been so substantial that Dr. Carrick accompanied Sidney Crosby and other specialists during a media news conference to officially update the world on Sidney's progress. 

Here's an excerpt from the official news conference in September of 2011. Dr. Carrick makes a statement at 7:42 into the clip. Sidney Crosby Concussion News Conference

I think this story alone is a wonderful endorsement for Chiropractic and it's effectiveness. Here in this situation, you have a very high profile athlete who has at their disposal, the best medical specialists on the planet. Now with the available resources even he was frustrated with his apparent lack of progress with the recovery process. So he does what you and I would do in a similar situation; he found a second opinion. The result, I believe speaks for itself. Crosby had this to say about his treatment so far and his decision to seek Chiropractic care,  
"When someone came along and invented the airplane, people must have thought they were out of their mind. Who thinks he can fly? I'm sure people thought that person might have been stretching it a bit... . At the end of the day, as long as the person getting the care is comfortable, I think that's what's important."

The facts of the story are that Crosby has been struggling with the after affects of a serious concussion since at least early 2011, some would argue even longer.  Under medical supervision and with the help of the world class specialists, his progress was modest at best. Some would even argue that his progress up until September was disappointing. Since working with Dr. Carrick, a Chiropractor, Crosby's progress has made some significant improvements. So stunning in fact that Crosby has started participating in non-contact drills again. 


This goes to show what millions already know. Chiropractic can be very effective with patients suffering from head and neck injuries. Even a serious concussion like the one suffered by Sidney Crosby! If you have any questions visit my clinic by Commercial Drive in East Vancouver or visit the website;COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Chiropractic a Great Option for Expecting Mothers"

This news article expands on well known precautions of very selective medication during pregnancy under doctors supervision. However, I have encountered cases where expectant moms mistakenly thought that over the counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen (Advil) were "safe". Well this piece describes how even common medications like ibuprofen can have serious consequences during pregnancy.

New research is suggesting that women who take Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs,
like ibuprofen are substantially increasing their chances of suffering a miscarriage. The research that looked at early stages of pregnancy, found a 2.4 fold increase in spontaneous abortions. The study looked at prescribed NSAIDs in particular but doctors believe the risk would be present in over the counter varieties of the drug as well.

"We went through a lot of pain and misery to make sure what we're seeing is due to the drug and not a consequence of symptoms [of an underlying illness] or risk attributed to rheumatoid arthritis, for example," said Berard, who is director of the Research Unit on Medication and Pregnancy at St. Justine Hospital in Montreal. 
Doctors already shy away from using NSAIDs in later stages of pregnancy because they can interfere with healthy development of fetal circulation, said Dr. Joseph I. Fernandez, division director of obstetrics and gynecology at Scott & White Healthcare in Round Rock, Texas.

Individual drugs had different risks associated with them, the highest being diclofenac, which tripled the risk, naproxen (Aleve), which involved a 2.64-times increased risk and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), which carried about double the risk. The study looked at the time period just before pregnancy, all the way to about 20 weeks in. This can understandably be a very sensitive time for expectant moms because they may not even know they are pregnant!


Chiropractic is a great healthcare option for expectant moms because it is all natural and works with the body's physiology instead of altering it. Because of the limited relief options pregnant women have at their disposal, Chiropractic can be that 'perfect' fit that allows a woman to decrease the pains of pregnancy, but at the same time improve the health of both mother and baby. I have treated several expectant moms in various stages of their pregnancy and all of them have benefited from care. Most of them understandably have reservations and questions in the beginning, especially about harm to the baby. However, after answering their questions and going trough careful Chiropractic adjustments for them, the relief is undeniable. 


I am currently treating several patients who are in various stages of their pregnancies. In fact one of my patients is at 38 weeks! I have only seen her for 3 treatments but she reported experiencing significant relief in back pain and numbness that was traveling down one leg after the first visit. I also gave her recommendations on easy stretches and exercises she could do to improve her health and back pain that also helped. 


Moral of the story is, if you are pregnant, expecting or just considering becoming pregnant, explore your healthcare options. The less medication you use the better, but of course not using any is the ideal. Visit my office or leave comments here!


In the Commercial Drive area of East Vancouver, stop on by or visit my website; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!


SOURCES: Anick Berard, Ph.D., professor, pharmacy, University of Montreal, and director, Research Unit on Medication and Pregnancy, St. Justine Hospital, Montreal; Joseph I. Fernandez, M.D., division director, obstetrics and gynecology, Scott & White Healthcare, Round Rock, Texas; Sept. 6, 2011, Canadian Medical Association Journal

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Chiropractic Use by Healthcare Professionals On the Rise"

This news article looked at the usage of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by members of the traditional healthcare system. Now when I say, "traditional" it means; medical doctors, specialists, nurses and their assistants, health technicians and healthcare administrators. These are the highly educated and knowledgeable group that the general public regularly turns to for health advice and treatment. But have you ever wondered, "...who do these people turn to for their health care and treatment?". Well, this study shed a very interesting light on the answer. 

It turns out, this group is actually turning more and more to alternative medicine! Complementary and Alternative medicine's acceptance is growing rapidly among the general public but according to this study, it's more popular among mainstream healthcare professionals! Complementary medicine/therapy is described in this article as including; massage, yoga, acupuncture, herbal/nutritional supplements and yes, Chiropractic!

"No one has really done this sort of analysis before, so when I saw our results I was authentically surprised," acknowledged study co-author Lori Knutson, executive director of the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing with the Allina Health System in Minneapolis. "But pleasantly so. Because clearly this means that even our health-care workers are recognizing the need for alternative options in the search for ways to improve our health and lives." Doctors and nurses were more than twice as likely than non-clinical healthcare workers to have tried complementary therapies, like Chiropractic in the past year.


Another interesting finding was that healthcare professionals were found to be the biggest users of complementary and alternative medicine compared to the general public. 76% of this group had used CAM therapies in the last year compared to 63% who worked in non healthcare related fields. But looking deeper into the findings, the reasons behind the usage of CAM therapies by healthcare professionals was the same as the general public. The three most common complaints reported were back, neck and joint pain. 


"In general, Western culture has believed that complementary services and techniques aren't as well-researched and evidence-based as conventional medicine," noted Knutson. "But that is certainly no longer the case. And so what I hope comes from this insight into practitioner use of complementary options is an opening up of the conversation between providers and patients about the use and potential of alternative medicine."

This study just goes to show the growing acceptance of Complementary medicine in the mainstream healthcare system. I have experienced more and more referrals coming from family doctors and walk-in clinics since I started practice and the trend is only increasing. I hope this article helps people who are 'on the fence' or undecided about therapies like, Chiropractic. Chiropractic is a proven, researched and well respected healthcare option for ailments like back, neck and joint pain. Just think of it this way, if the people you trust to keep you healthy are turning more and more to complementary treatments such as Chiropractic, then what are you waiting for?


In the Commercial Drive area of East Vancouver? Have questions? Drop by or visit the website;COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!


SOURCES: Lori Knutson, executive director, Penny George Institute for Health And Healing, Allina Health System, Minneapolis; Judy Blatman, spokesperson and senior vice president, communications, Council for Responsible Nutrition, Washington, D.C.; Aug. 19, 2011, Health Services Research, online

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Chiropractic a Safer Alternative to Pain Killers"

Many of the patients I see in practice understandably see me for relief of pain. Also, not surprisingly,  I uncover through the course of a history that many of the patients have also tried over the counter or prescription pain killers. For example, Acetaminophen, or more commonly known by it's brand name, Tylenol. Now I always warn my patients that all pain killers have possible serious side effects, even the ones you don't need a prescription for. In addition, it is always advised to closely follow the recommended daily dose and never go beyond it. 

Now, working as a Chiropractor, I know that there are too many people out there who are taking too much Tylenol for their pain and it is a major concern. Now within the last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US, is also recognizing and addressing this growing problem. The FDA has actually taken a bold move and introduced a public information campaign warning the public of the dangers of acetaminophen! According to the FDA, taking Tylenol more than directed, even by just a little bit, can cause serious liver damage!

Did you know that every year, over 30,000 hospital visits can be attributed to the misuse of acetaminophen (Tylenol)? Of those, a significant number are due to unintentional overdoses.
Now the alarming piece of the story is many people do not even realize that liver damage is a possible side effect of Tylenol. Many people just assume that since you can go into any store and buy Tylenol yourself, that it must somehow be 'safe'. Well as directed, Tylenol often is safe. 


But are there other options out there? The good news is YES there is! and Chiropractic happens to be one of the best options out there. Tylenol and similar drugs will at best, only 'mask' the pain temporarily. As the effects wear off, the need to ingest more every few hours will often become necessary. So why don't we get to the source of the pain instead? It would be like going to another room of your house because the bedroom door squeeks. Instead of avoiding the problem, wouldn't it be better to just fix the bedroom door???


This is where Chiropractic excels. We can find the source of your pain and dysfunction and help devise a plan to actually address the cause and not just the symptom.  If you are in pain and are tired of popping pills, contact me and let me help!


If you're interested in seeing the FDA warnings regarding acetaminophen abuse, follow the link  here.

 If you're in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, come by the office or visit my website here; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "How DoYou Know if Chiropractic Can Help You? - Hint #1 - Your Shoes Wear Out Unevenly"

Have you ever been in a situation where you are ready to buy new shoes and you look down at your old ones, only to notice one is more worn than the other? What gives? If this has ever happened to you chances are you are suffering from either; foot pain, knee pain, hip pain or low back pain, maybe even all of them!!

Often times, the culprit is an un-leveling or imbalance in your pelvis. In more descriptive terms, your pelvis is the "ring" or circle that is created by your left hip bone, right hip bone and the large bone at the base of your spine called the sacrum. These three large bones together form a ring called your pelvis. Ideally, the alignment between all three bones is even and everything functions as it should. Unfortunately, sometimes things are misaligned or a little bit 'off'. This can be due to stress, trauma, muscle imbalances, poor posture or repetitive movements. How it relates to your shoes is that your hip bones (Ilium) are connected to your leg bones (femurs). So if your pelvis is slightly rotated, flexed or extended it can create a very slight displacement on your femur that translate all the way down to your feet. 

Ever heard of anyone or even a Chiropractor say, "...oh, one of my/your legs is shorter than the other?" Or even the bizarre situation of needing to hem your pant legs differently from left to right? If so, don't ignore it. Chances are very good it's your body telling you that something is wrong. Now can you choose to ignore it? Of course you can. But when this problem starts to become painful or causes occasional bouts of intense agony, you'll wish you didn't.

This issue can be easily and safely remedied by a Chiropractor. Why not have it checked out and find out for sure what the problem is. You wouldn't ignore a misaligned wheel on  your car would you? Everybody knows that situation can't be good for your car in the long run. Well, do something good for your body and keep it working like it should. Believe me, you will be happier that you did. 

In the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver? Stop by the office or visit my website here; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!! 

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - " Diabetes On Your Mind?.....Lose Weight Now!"

Gastric bypass surgery has been in the news for years now. Most commonly associated as a drastic way to lose weight, especially for those who have failed with conventional methods like diet and exercise. Gastric bypass is seen as pretty much a 'last resort' for those looking to shed unwanted and unhealthy pounds. However, newer research coming out is showing that losing all that abdominal fat can have significant implications for other health issues as well such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

In a new study, 15 participants who had gastric bypass surgery were followed and later observed. 6 months after the surgery, the participants showed a decrease in inflammation associated with type II diabetes and heart disease. In addition, helpful proteins that can help to reduce inflammation were noted to have increased in the group. The results will be released in an upcoming issue of Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases.
"We're amassing evidence that weight loss is a very important part of changing the way the body's systems work in people with high-risk diseases like diabetes and heart disease," chief investigator Gary D. Miller, an associate professor at Wake Forest University, said in a university news release.

Now I know the vast majority of people will not be candidates for gastric bypass surgery, however, this study does show a correlation with weight loss and beneficial effects concerning other health issues like cardiovascular health and diabetes. Most people out there realize that they are carrying a 'few extra pounds' but feel almost helpless to do anything about it. Maybe time gets in the way? family or work responsibilities take a priority? Well, I'm encouraging you; "Don't put it off!"


In my practice I offer all my patients lifestyle advice that not only helps their backs, but their entire bodies, including exercise and nutrition advice. Making small changes that can help you keep your weight under control can have lasting benefits in the future. We all know that Diabetes is at epidemic proportions in society today, so why not make healthy choices now to prevent the chance of you getting this disease later?


Leave a comment or if you're in the Commercial Drive area of East Vancouver, come visit the office. You can also visit my website here; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - " Is Chiropractic the Fountain of Youth?...."

The answer could very well be yes! A study conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Lund found that long term Chiropractic care had a positive effect on the physiological processes around oxidative stress and aging. As a brief background, oxidative stress is the damaging effects of molecules known as 'free radicals' on our body's cells and DNA. (Everyone's heard of 'anti-oxidants' in everything from food, vitamins and even beauty products. Well 'anti-oxidants' help to combat the damaging effects of free radicals.) This type of stress and damage, particularly on  DNA, is believed to play a major role in human aging.

This study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, reveals some insight on how and why Chiropractic treatments can have a beneficial impact, on a cellular level. The researchers in the study measured levels of serum thiol in the participants. Serum thiols are primary anti-oxidants in the body and are used as a measure of human health status. The test provides a surrogate estimate of DNA repair enzyme activity, which has been shown to correlate with lifespan and aging. 


Participants were divided into two separate groups. One group of 21 patients were under short term Chiropractic care and 25 patients were under long term care. These two groups were compared to 30 people who underwent no Chiropractic care. Long-term chiropractic care of two or more years was shown to re-establish a normal physiological state independent of age, sex, or nutritional supplements. Symptom-free or primary wellness subjects under chiropractic care demonstrated higher mean serum thiol levels than patients with active disease, and produced some values that were higher than normal wellness values. 

"Oxidative stress, metabolically generating free radicals, is now a broadly accepted theory of how we age and develop disease," Dr. Christopher Kent explained. "Oxidative stress results in DNA damage, and inhibits DNA repair. DNA repair is the mechanism which fixes the damage caused by environmental impact." 

Now although this study was conducted on a relatively small sample size, the findings are very intriguing indeed. It should spark interest into repeating the study on more people to see if the results could be re-created.  


As many of my patients have come to realize, Chiropractic isn't just an option to address pain and discomfort but it really is one of the most beneficial natural therapies available for overall health. That's why many patients come in to see me on a regular basis, whether it be once a month or a few times a year. They realize it's always easier to stay healthy than to fix something once it's 'broken'.


Like this article? leave a comment. In the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver? Visit my office or my website; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - " What You Didn't Know About Vitamin D"

Many people have heard of Vitamin D. Many also know that the sun is a good source of Vitamin D naturally. However, for the vast majority of people, their knowledge of vitamin D ends right about there. Today I'd like to shed some light on Vitamin D and also explain why doctors and scientists are realizing Vitamin D may be more important than once thought. 

Vitamin D is actually not a true vitamin. What it actually is is a precursor of a steroid hormone. This vitamin has long been known to be associated with proper bone growth, mineral metabolism and calcium absorption. However, in recent years, the deficiency of Vitamin D has been linked to a growing number of other health issues. Some new evidence is now linking Vitamin D to other problems such as; diabetes, muscle pain and even cancer!

Diabetes:  Some evidence suggests that Vitamin D can help lower the chance of developing Type I diabetes. A study out of Finland followed 12,000 babies and their Vitamin D levels. The study found that the babies who received the recommended dosage of Vitamin D by supplementation were 80% less likely to develop Type I diabetes than those who didn't. Also of note is that Finland receives relatively little sunlight compared to southern latitudes. In the north of Finland, sunshine can be as little as 2 hours/day during the month of December.

Muscle Pain: A study out of the University of Minnesota medical school looked at 150 participants who complained of mysterious bone and muscle pains. When the participants were further examined, it was found that a staggering 94% were deficient in Vitamin D. Of these people, 55% were determined to be severely deficient. The findings lead to researchers suggesting that patients who complain of mysterious bone and muscle pain, should be screened first for Vitamin D deficiency.

Cancer:   A study conducted by the US Department of Veterans Affairs medical center showed a relationship between the consumption of Vitamin D containing foods and a reduced risk of developing colon polyps. In fact the study found that the risk was 40% lower for those who ate foods high in Vitamin D compared to those who ate a small amount of Vitamin D rich foods or none at all. Polyps in the colon can potentially become cancerous over time so the indication that Vitamin D can act as protection is very important to overall health.

Now, how do you get Vitamin D? As mentioned above, your body can produce Vitamin D with exposure to sunlight, but you can also get some Vitamin D from your diet. Some foods that have Vitamin D include; Seafood (fish such as salmon, trout, halibut etc.), Soy, Nuts, Dairy and some vegetables.

Like this article? Leave a comment. In the Commercial Drive area of East Vancouver? visit the office or check out the website here,COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR: DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - " Are Neck Adjustments Safe? A Discussion"

Today's post is a discussion of an article written by E. Ernst and published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice. In the article, Ernst performed a systematic review of cases where Chiropractic manipulations preceded death of a patient. Ernst searched multiple databases for any mention of a patient fatality following treatment by a Chiropractor, with no time limit on how far back the reports originated.

For a brief background, some deaths have been attributed to Chiropractic treatment, especially when the neck has been treated. The underlying mechanism is damage or 'dissection' of the vertebral artery in the upper neck due to a combination of twisting and extension. This motion, induced beyond the physiological limits in some patients, can lead to problems such as a stroke or even worse, death.

What Ernst found in his research was, twenty-six fatalities were published since 1934 in 23 articles. Now considering the time frame, approximately 77 years of published journal articles, to come up with 23 mentions of death attributable to Chiropractic treatment is extremely good and helps to confirm the overall safety of Chiropractic adjustments, especially for the neck. Now when I say, 'good' I say that in a relative term when you consider that thousands of deaths occur every year from the use/misuse of even over the counter medications like, Tylenol.


Now here is where I think readers will benefit from my honest point of view as a Chiropractor. Do I think there is a problem with Ernst's article. Yes. I will be the first to admit that in all probability, the number of strokes and/or deaths attributable to Chiropractic treatment is likely under-reported. By how much? Well I'm not sure. Especially when you are dealing with something as serious as death, y ou should be absolutely sure that a Chiropractic adjustment was the cause of a fatality. Here is where even Ernst commented on this in his article. He mentioned that, "the time between treatment and death ranged from 1 h to 58 days; in 10 cases, it was 1 day or less". What I'd like to point out is that 58 days is a long time to pass. After more than 8 weeks pass, can you say for certain that a Chiropractic treatment was indeed the cause of a death?


Overall, I'd like to discuss some tips for patients before they seek Chiropractic care, especially for the neck;


- Ask for a referral from family or friends. Knowing that someone you love and trust has received good care and success is important. That goes for just about anything. 
- Ask the Chiropractor some poignant questions. If you're not sure, ask! Especially the Chiropractor's style of treatment. What can you expect? How much experience does he/she have? Will it be a manual adjustment or will an instrument be used?
- Will the Chiropractor do a thorough exam/history first? This is an absolute must!!! Some patients, under no circumstance should receive a Chiropractic adjustment to their neck. Any good doctor should be able to identify these patients based on a history and exam alone.
- How long will it take? Results can vary but the important thing is, the patient should see results. Have the Chiropractor explain a treatment plan to you. Look for regular follow-up or re-examinations so both you and your Chiropractor can monitor your progress.


Have any questions? In the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver? Come by the office or visit the website,COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC


Note: 

Deaths after Chiropractic: A Review of Published Cases E. Ernst Posted: 08/30/2010; Int J Clin Pract. 2010;64(10):1162-1165.

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - " Another Success Story - 'Dancer's Dilemma'"

I thought I'd write today's post about a patient I saw just last week. To offer a background, Roy was a dancer/performing artist who was auditioning for a major production opening shortly in Vancouver. As he stated, it was a 'very big deal' and he desperately wanted a spot. 

The dilemma? Well, he had injured his back the day before during  dance practice while attempting to lift his partner. To make matters worse, his audition was later that day. When I say later, I mean just 2.5 hours away.

Roy was in obvious pain and couldn't even walk without a noticeable limp. He explained he was desperate and came across my website www.drchanchiro.com.  He decided to come in even though he had never seen a Chiropractor before. I examined him, explained what happened, offered him treatment and left him with advice on how to recover at home. This is a message I received from Roy last night, literally 5 days after his one and only visit.

• Thank You‏

7:17 PM

Reply  ▼

Add to contacts

To

Dominic,
 
Roy here. Tall black guy who injured his lower back and came in to see you 

on Friday 'cuz I had a dance audition that evening. Well, I just wanted to

thank you because my audition was successful and I've been following your

advice with stretches and everything else and today my back is almost back

to normal. I am dancing again which is a plus. I will indeed start focusing

on strengthening my back...
 
Again, thank you much for your help! 
 
Keep up the good work!

If you ever find  yourself in a situation similar to Roy, there is relief out there! In the Commercial

Drive area of East Vancouver? Drop by or visit my website here 
COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!!  

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "The Science Behind a Chiropractic Adjustment"

I saw a new patient yesterday and we had an interesting conversation about her complaints and how Chiropractic could help her. The reason for her visiting my office was for long standing, significant hip pain that had lasted for about 3-4 weeks and did not respond to conventional treatment. She had tried heat/ice, visits to her doctor who in turn recommended pain killers, a few visits with her Physiotherapist and eventually a visit to a massage therapist. All these things gave her little to no relief and understandably her frustration grew. Finally, her massage therapist realized something was seriously wrong with her hip and suggested she consult my office.

To make a long story short, our initial conversation included a statement from this patient along the lines of,”……so you’re just going to “CRACK” my back right? How is that going to help?”. Well I used a very simple scenario that most everyone can relate to. I explained that her hip works in unison with her other hip, pelvis, low back, legs etc. Now just imagine you are riding a bicycle. If I came along and put a significant ‘kink’ or bend in one of your wheels, what do you think would happen? Well, you might still be able to ride the bike, but I bet it would be much harder. I explained that this scenario was similar to what was happening with her hip. She’s got two hips but they weren’t working like they’re supposed to. I reasoned with her, no amount of pain killers is going to solve that problem. She agreed.

So here’s a more scientific explanation of what a Chiropractic adjustment does and why patients feel better.

– Releasing entrapped intraarticular menisci and synovial folds.

– Acutely reducing intradiscal pressure, thus promoting replacement of decentralized disc material.

– Stretching of deep periarticular muscles to break the cycle of chronic autonomous muscle contraction by lengthening the muscles and thereby releasing excessive actin-myosin binding.

– Promoting restoration of proper kinesthesia and proprioception.

– Promoting relaxation of paraspinal muscles by stretching facet joint capsules.

– Promoting relaxation of paraspinal muscles via “postactivation depression,” which is the temporary depletion of contractile neurotransmitters.

– Temporarily elevating plasma beta-endorphins.

– Temporarily enhancing phagocytic ability of neutrophils and monocytes.

– Activation of the diffuse descending pain inhibitory system located in the periaqueductal gray matter (an important aspect of nociceptive inhibition by intense sensory/mechanoreceptor stimulation)

What this means is that a Chiropractic adjustment is more than just ‘Cracking’ of bones. It’s actually much more than that. A properly administered adjustment is a non-invasive, therapy to allow a person’s injury to heal naturally!

Going back to my analogy before, a Chiropractic adjustment is like fixing your bike and making sure the ‘wheels’ are straight and aligned. This in turns ensures all the other parts work like they are meant to. The chain works better, steering the bike is improved and you can simply enjoy your bike again.

So don’t be fooled into thinking Chiropractors just ‘Crack’ your back! Please leave a comment and tell me what you think of this article. As always, if you’re in the Commercial Drive area of East Vancouver, come visit my office or visit my website here COMMERCIAL DRIVE – EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!!

Notes:

48. Rogers RG. The effects of spinal manipulation on cervical kinesthesia in patients with chronic neck pain: a pilot study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1997;20(2):80-5.
49. Bergman, Peterson, Lawrence. Chiropractic Technique. New York: Churchill Livingstone 1993. (An updated edition is now available published by Mosby.)
50. Herzog WH. Mechanical and physiological responses to spinal manipulative treatments. JNMS: J Neuromusculoskeltal System 1995; 3: 1-9.
51. Leach RA. (ed). The Chiropractic Theories: A Textbook of Scientific Research, Fourth Edition. Baltimore: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2004.
52. Dabbs V, Lauretti WJ. A risk assessment of cervical manipulation vs. NSAIDs for the treatment of neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1995;18:530-6.
53. Rosner AL. Evidence-based clinical guidelines for the management of acute low-back pain: response to the guidelines prepared for the Australian Medical Health and Research Council. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2001 Mar-Apr;24(3):214-20.
54. Oliphant D. Safety of spinal manipulation in the treatment of lumbar disk herniations: a systematic review and risk assessment. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2004;27:197-210.
55. Meade TW, Dyer S, Browne W, Townsend J, Frank AO. Low-back pain of mechanical origin: randomised comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment. BMJ. 1990;300(6737):1431-7.
56. Meade TW, Dyer S, Browne W, Frank AO. Randomised comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient management for low-back pain: results from extended follow up. BMJ. 1995;311(7001):349-5.
57. Manga P, Angus D, Papadopoulos C, et al. The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Management of Low-Back Pain. Richmond Hill, Ontario: Kenilworth Publishing; 1993.
58. Legorreta AP, Metz RD, Nelson CF, Ray S, Chernicoff HO, Dinubile NA. Comparative analysis of individuals with and without chiropractic coverage: patient characteristics, utilization, and costs. Arch Intern Med. 2004;164:1985-92.
59. Lewit K, Simons DG. Myofascial pain: relief by post-isometric relaxation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1984;65(8):452-6.
60. Ingber RS. Iliopsoas myofascial dysfunction: a treatable cause of “failed” low-back syndrome. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1989 May;70(5):382-6

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC: "The Changing Attitudes Towards Alternative Medicine"

I came across this study and it reinforced something that I personally believe has been occurring for some time now. I'm not sure whether it's because I live and practice on the west coast and people here are generally more accepting of alternative health care or whether it was just a matter of time. But it appears that attitudes towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is slowly changing. (For clarification, CAM therapies would include things such as Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage etc.) Not only is it changing among consumers but it is changing in the institutions of higher learning as well. This study entitled; "Attitudes toward CAM among medical, nursing, and pharmacy faculty and students: a comparative analysis" is showing that now more than ever, the interest in CAM is growing.

In brief, the study revealed that more than 90% of faculty and students believe that clinical care should integrate the best of conventional and CAM practices and that health professionals should be prepared to advise patients about commonly used CAM methods. But more interestingly enough, of the faculty surveyed, the support for teaching more about CAM therapies in the curriculum was overwhelming at 88%. This tells me that the doctors and teachers of the next wave of doctors, nurses and pharmacists realize it is important to expose their students to these health care options. From my own experience, I believe it is a direct consequence of better informed patients. Patients now-a-days are more savvy. They have often done some research on the internet before they see their family doctor or other specialists. These people want to have a discussion and need advice. They come armed with questions for their doctors and are very interested in trying things like Chiropractic and Acupuncture.


This study reinforces the interest out there for more information about complementary and alternative therapies. In fact, the study shows that the interest to learn more about CAM therapies in the medical schools is so strong that the integration of CAM into the curriculum is crucial. 


The study has suggested that the major factor preventing more inclusion of CAM into our medical schools is lack of clinical evidence. Although, this may be true to a certain extent, this too is also changing. The literature reporting the benefits of Chiropractic, not just in relation to efficacy but also to cost savings, is growing steadily. 


So if you've always wondered about Chiropractic, why not stop by my office just off Commercial Drive in East Vancouver, or visit my website here;COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC HERE!!!!

Notes: 

Attitudes toward CAM among medical, nursing, and pharmacy faculty and students: a comparative analysis.

 Altern Ther Health Med. 2002 Nov-Dec;8(6):44-7, 50-3.