Are You Looking in the Right Place for Back Pain Relief?

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Ned
This Guy Needs A Chiropractor

This Guy Needs A Chiropractor

What You Can Learn From America’s Back Pain Experience

A June 2010 article by Associated Press Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard shines a bright light on the problem of back pain in America.  In the article, entitled “Back Pain May Be Widely Over-Treated in the U.S.”, she raises some great questions about how we’re spending our healthcare dollars, what we’re getting for it and why.

“By one recent estimate, Americans are spending a staggering $86 billion a year in care for aching backs—from MRIs to pain pills to nerve blocks to acupuncture.  That research found little evidence that the population got better as the bill soared over the past decade.”

 Ms. Neergaard’s writing hits close to home, and the situation she describes is probably familiar to anyone who’s tried to find relief from serious back pain in the past few years.  But what does it all mean to you if you or someone you care about is a patient looking for relief?

Here’s a quick summary of the more important takeaways from Ms. Neergard’s article as well as some practical points to keep in mind as you consider your options and work with your healthcare provider on a treatment plan:

While back pain in general is a widespread problem in the U.S., the specifics always come down to the individual.  There is no silver bullet—the treatment that was effective for your neighbor may not be right for you.  Your healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and advise you on the appropriateness of alternative therapies.

Time is usually on your side when it comes to back pain.  Up to 90% of patients will heal on their own within a matter of weeks.  Unless your healthcare provider sees “red flag” symptoms, patients should generally exhaust their noninvasive options first before considering surgery.

 

“Exercise is medicine, but it has to be the right exercise.”  Formal exercise programs that are designed and supervised by experts can be effective provided that the patient is able to manage and function with pain.

 

Your own motivation and attitude can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your treatment.  Patients who can work through pain, stay focused on the plan and get back to normal activity as quickly as possible will generally have the advantage when it comes to recovery.

 

Make sure you have access to a neutral third party (perhaps your chiropractor or family doctor) who can help you weigh the advice of various specialists and navigate through your choices.  And always get a second opinion if surgery is being considered.

 

Back pain is a complex phenomenon and it’s often very difficult to treat successfully.  At a time when health science regularly produces new miracles and we’ve come to expect instant results, it can be difficult for us to keep this basic truth in perspective.  What comes through loud and clear in Ms. Neergaard’s article is that our most advanced diagnostic technologies and sophisticated surgical procedures are not solving the back pain problem for millions of Americans.  And that it’s costing us a great deal of money to fail using our most expensive techniques.

 

This raises two big-picture questions, not just for U.S. health care policy makers and administrators, but for anyone who’s trying to make smart decisions about back pain treatment:

 

Given the pervasiveness of back pain in America, the number of people who are likely suffering without treatment and the kinds of issues Ms. Neergaard writes about, can it really be said that we’re “over-treating” back pain?  Wouldn’t it be closer to the truth to say that we’re mistreating it by using too many of the wrong tools in too many of the wrong cases?  If so, what does her reporting really suggest about the direction we should be headed?

 

There are many factors contributing to our national back pain epidemic, and many of them have to do with our lifestyle choices and the way we manage our health more broadly.   What should we be willing to spend for an ounce of prevention when it comes to back pain?

 

How Your Chiropractic Physician Can Help

If you or someone you care about is suffering with back pain, call your Doctor of Chiropractic.  Chiropractic Physicians are specially licensed and trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal system and the nerves that support it.  They can help relieve back pain by using spinal adjustments.  This spinal manipulation is the primary form of treatment performed by chiropractic physicians and is a widely recognized back pain therapy.  Research has shown that manipulative therapy and spinal manipulation are not only safe and effective, but can also produce results more quickly and less expensively than other alternatives.

 

Many chiropractors are also skilled in designing and supervising exercise and nutrition programs.  They’re committed to helping patients achieve a healthier lifestyle that prevents illness and promotes performance.

References

Back Pain May be Widely Over-Treated in the U.S..  MSNBC Pain Center.   Lauran Neergaard.  June 8, 2010.  Accessed August 2011.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37557062/ns/health-more_health_news/page/2/from/ET#.TlAMTqjEP0M

Dr. R. Ned McArthur is a Chiropractor and the founder of R. Ned McArthur Chiropractic in Orem,UT.
Orem Chiropractor-R. Ned McArthur, D.C.

560 S. State Ste C2
Orem, UT 84058

Phone: 801-225-1311
URL: http://AskDrNed.com

 

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Shaving And Ingrown Hairs

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Ned

If you’re a frequent reader you’ll know that I have done several posts about funny shaving experiences.  Well, being a guy who shaves his head, I’ve got hundreds of these shaving stories.  Today’s is a sponsored post about in-grown hair brought to by the Art of Shaving.

I shave my head and face, but unfortunately for me those aren’t the only body parts I’ve As used a razor to remove hair.

There was a time in my life when I fancied myself a highly competitive runner and tri athlete.  With a lot more emphasis on the fancy than the actualy competitiveness.  Someone who thinks themselves a better athlete than they really are, like myself, one tends to focus on gear and such of the sport, since that’s a lot easier.

One of the things that tri athletes like to do is to shave their bodies for the purpose making themselves less resistant in the swim part of the triathlon.  Does it really work?  I don’t know, but it’s what triathletes like to do.

So I shaved my legs and my chest to be more aerodynamic.  The problem comes in when those hairs start to grow back.

That’s when the in grown hair happens.

 

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Tempurpedic Products For A Good Night Sleep

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Ned

As a chiropractor I provide rehabilitative services to those who experience pain and other functional problems.  With those rehabilitative services I also provide several tempurpedic  products to aid in the rehabilitative proess.

In this sponsored post I’ll tell you about the one product I’m asked about the very most is matresses.  What is the best kind of matress?  What matress should I buy?  How can I improve my current matress?  A few things I’ve deduced from these questions.  One, many people are unsatisfied with their quality of sleep.  Many people believe the matress is the cause of their poor sleep.  Lastly, many people believe by simply changing their matress their sleep will improve.

Also, being a chiropractor I’ve had several matress suppliers contact me about selling their products and in those requests are provided samples to use and develop opinions about.

So, I’ve tried lots of different matresses and developed an intelligent opinion on what the best matresses on the market are.

Now when someone asks me “what is the best matresses?” I answer, “whatever matresses is most comfortable to you.”  Maybe you’re thinking  ”that’s a whimpy answer”, well what I’ve discovered is there is no magic bullet in a matress and there is no matress that solves chronic health problems.  So, when you’re looking for a matresses find the one that you like best because that will give the best night sleep and the benefits associated with that will far out weigh any benefits from any particular matress.

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How Orem Chiropractor Uses Search Engine Optimizaton

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Ned

Search Engine Optimization or SEO is the process of optimizing a web site to be found higher and higher on search engines like Google, Bing & Yahoo!

This is an ever changing science and asking ten different people will get you ten different answers on how to best acomplish those higher and higher positions on search engines.

While this is a sponsored post, I’ll be explaining what I’ve done to optimize the site for Orem Chiropractor - R. Ned McArthur, D.C. (that’s me).

Once my site was built I created one hundred plus videos with keyword rich titles and descriptons and links to my website.  These videos were based on a frequently asked questions format.  These videos were the uploaded to youtube and other video hosting sites.

After the videos I created podcasts on the same frequently asked questions, again using keyword rich titles and descriptions with links to my website.

After the videos were online articles using the same formula.

So I created lots of content answering the most common questions people ask regarding the ten most common conditons I provide services for.  I then put that content in a variety of media types with keywords and the ability to be found on websites.

So far it’s done pretty good for me.

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What To Know Abut Male Enhancement

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Ned

Though I am a chiropractor that focuses on ending chronic pain I am asked all kinds of health questions.  Everything from taking care of cuts and bruises to can I do anything to help cancer.

A question that I am asked frequently in hushed tones is “What can I do to improve sex performance?”

This is a health question of the technology age.  Did my grand father or even my father ask this question?  While I don’t know, I don’t think they did.  It’s a question of the designer age of drugs.  Generally speaking medications where created and designed to treat diseases and sicknesses.  By my perceptions some where in the 90′s  every human short coming became a disease – with a drug solution.  So is this a real problem or is just a made up disease?  I don’t know.  What I do know is it’s a concern for a lot of guys.

So, what can guys really do for male enhancement?

Do an internet search and you’ll get pages and pages of pills, potions and remedies for improved sexual function.  One of the most common ingredients in these products is a substance called Tribulus Terrestris.

It’s use for this purpose originated from a study conducted in the 1970s.  This study included infertile men and Tribulus was found to increase free testosterone and luteinizing hormone, thereby improving male sexual performance and helping to build muscle.

Another popular ingredient is L-Arginine.  L-Arginine is an amino acid that our body does not naturally produce, which cts as a vasodilator – which means that it causes blood vessels to dilate – thereby increasing blood flow.

There can be several serious disease processes that will produce a decrease in sexual function.  Therefore, one would be wise to rule out these possibilities before beginning a course of self care.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and will
compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own

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Orem Chiropractor Compares the Risks: Spinal Manipulation versus Back Surgery

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Ned

While most people seeking medical care for back or neck pain recognize that they may have treatment options (often including chiropractic care and surgery), many do not understand the potential benefits and risks associated with those choices.  Patients who ask family, friends or coworkers for advice all too often hear secondhand stories about healthcare “miracles” or “nightmares” experienced by a friend’s uncle, a wife’s boss or a father’s golfing buddy.  The clinical facts—on the other hand—are often less accessible to the average person and tend to leave a smaller impression.   However, for those who want a broader perspective on their treatment options, there are several high-quality research resources available.  The American Journal of Medicine and Spine (among others) have featured information on the risks involved with surgery and spinal manipulation.

Headline:  Both Surgery and Manipulation Present Risks

Patients who are suffering with neck pain and considering both surgery and chiropractic treatment should be aware of the risks and discuss them openly with their healthcare providers.

In the case of any surgery, there may be serious complications from anesthesia, excessive bleeding, blood clots that lead to pulmonary embolism and infection.  These general risks are added to the more specific risks of surgery on the spine.  These may include a dural tear (the dura surrounds the spinal cord and a tear can cause leaking of cerebrospinal fluid), spinal cord injury and persistent or increased pain from an unsuccessful procedure.

Spinal manipulation may also cause dangerous complications.  Spinal manipulation has been associated with disc herniation, cauda equina syndrome (pain, weakness or loss of bladder and bowel function) and vertebrobasilar accident (a tear in a major artery of the neck).  These complications can be just as serious as the complications associated with surgery.

If similarly severe complications may result from either course of treatment, how can a patient weigh the risk of each option?  Managing risk isn’t just about understanding “worst-case”-type scenarios, it’s also about understanding how likely these and other complications are to occur.  This is where some additional research findings can help.

How Frequently Do Serious Complications Actually Occur?

In April 2010, the journal Spine (published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins) included an article that summarized the incidence of adverse events in spinal surgery based on the authors’ review and analysis of the existing literature.  They found complication rates for spinal surgery ranging from 5% to 19%.  Similarly, the American Journal of Medicine in 2002 published the results of a study that examined the incidence of serious adverse events for spinal manipulation.  By comparison, researchers involved in that work reported complication rates ranging from one out of every 400,000 manipulations to one out of every two million.

So now we can see that the risk of a serious adverse event from spinal manipulation is extremely low relative to the risk posed by surgery.  That’s one reason that the Mayo Clinic and many other reliable healthcare organizations around the world consider spinal manipulation very safe when performed by someone trained and licensed to provide this type of chiropractic care.

Whenever we talk about risk, it’s always important to remember that almost everything we do can be ‘associated’ with some type of adverse event.  Driving a car, handling scissors, and even eating dinner can all lead to serious complications.  The best way to handle these risks, including the risks of spinal manipulation, is to understand them and keep them in perspective.  Healthcare providers are uniquely qualified to help you do that.  If you or someone you care about is interested in chiropractic care—including its potential benefits and risks—please call our office to make an appointment.

References

Dekutoski, MD, M. B., Norvell, PhD, D. C., Dettori, PhD, J. R., Fehlings, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS, M.G., & Chapman, MD, J. R. (2010). Surgeon Perceptions and Reported Complications in Spine Surgery. Spine, 35(9S).  Retrieved August 31, 2011, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/721611

Staff, M. C. (n.d.). Chiropractic adjustment: Risks – MayoClinic.com. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 31, 2011, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chiropractic-adjustment/MY01107/DSECTION=risks

Stevinson, MS, C., & Ernst, MD, PhD, E. (2002). Risks Associated With Spinal Manipulation. The American Journal of Medicine, 112(7), 566-571. Retrieved August 31, 2011, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002934302010689

 

 

Dr. R. Ned McArthur is a Chiropractor and the founder of R. Ned McArthur Chiropractic in Orem,UT.
Orem Chiropractor-R. Ned McArthur, D.C.

560 S. State Ste C2
Orem, UT 84058

Phone: 801-225-1311
URL: http://AskDrNed.com

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Shaving Soap vs Shaving Cream

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Ned

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about when I started shaving my head.
Since then I’ve received several comments from friends about the story.

Most people thought it was pretty funny.  So I’m feeling inspired to write
more about the great adventures of being a head shaver, and why you
should consider it for yourself.

I first started shaving towards the end of high school.  Being a rookie shaver
I just used the shaving equipment my dad had.  Instead of using shaving cream
my dad used shaving soap and a brush.  So, I learned to shave by
lathering shaving soap and applying it to my face with the brush.  It was very
“old school” and in hindsight romantic

That didn’t actually last very long though.  I soon dropped my shaving brush.
choosing rater to use shaving cream and my own razors.

I had always been a shave in the sink guy.  When I started shaving my
head, shaving in the sink became a mess so I began shaving in the
shower – one of my best decisions ever!  Shaving in the shower is not only more convenient, it’s also a great time saver.

When I first started shaving in the shower I continued to use shaving cream,
but I soon discovered the simplicity of just lathering up the face and
head with soap and whip, whip, whip I’m as clean shaven as Mr. Clean.

Being a head shaver means you’ve got a bald head (of course) and
having a shaved head is like an invitation to have your head rubbed.
I’ve had my head rubbed by so many people for good luck
and sometimes by complete strangers.

Shaving my head is cool – maybe you should try it…

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog about shaving cream
and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

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Orem Chiropractor Offers Alternative To ADHD Treament

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Ned


Watch CBS News Videos Online

Do you or your child suffer with ADHD symptoms? Do you find your self to be impulsive and or hyperactive?  Do you have an inability to focus, restlessness, or difficulty with interpersonal relationships?  Symptoms can vary in severity, but even mild cases can be disruptive.  Although ADHD is most often associated with childhood it does occur in adults.  Researchers say that ADHD affects about 4% of school age children and about 60% of those will continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.  If not managed, adults with ADHD can become withdrawn and anti-social

Have you thought about alternatives to ADHD medications?  If you’ve studied this topic, even a little, you will have discovered that drug treatments for ADHD are controversial. Watch the above video and listen carefully to where this good doctor offers alternatives to ADHD medications.

Have you tried an ADHD diet? In some cases ADHD has been linked to diet, including food allergies and nutritional inefficiencies.  Because the foods we eat are the fuel for our engine, bad foods will result in bad health.

Here are some suggestions if you would like to use your diet to address your ADHD.

1.  No dairy.
2.  No yellow foods.  (Bananas are actually white, just don’t eat the peel.)
3.  No packaged foods.
4.  No sugar.
5.  No chocolate.
6.  No artificial sweeteners.
7.  No fried foods.
8.  No artificial coloring.
9.  No processed meats.
10.  No MSG.

Questions?  Feel free to email me at drned@askdrned.com or you
can call my office at 801-225-1311.

 

 

 

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Orem Chiropractor Presents Interesting Facts About Back Pain

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Ned
Dr McArthur is a Back Pain Specialist

Back pain relief is just one component of chiropractic care, but it is often a patient’s first introduction. Back pain is horribly debilitating affecting all aspects of work and personal life. If you are suffering from back pain, you are not alone. Here are a few facts about back pain that may (or may not) surprise you.

  • Back pain is the number one disability for those under age 45.
  • In the United States of America alone, there is an expected 31 million people with lower back pain at any given time.
  • Back pain runs second, after only the common cold, as the top reason for visiting a healthcare provider in the United States.
  • Experts place the likelihood of any person to experience some type of back problem in their lifetime at about 80%. That’s four out of every five people!
  • Over 50 billion dollars are spent per year in the pursuit of clearing up cases of back pain.
  • Around 30 to 40 percent of all workplace absences are due to back pain.
  • Approximately one quarter of U.S. adults reported having low back pain lasting at least one whole day in the past three months, and 7.6 percent reported at least one episode of severe acute low back pain within a one-year period.
  • One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.
  • Approximately 2 percent of the U.S. work force is compensated for back injuries each year
  • Lower back pain accounts for two thirds of all back pain-related cases.
  • More than two-thirds of back strains are caused by lifting and other exertions like pulling and pushing.
  • Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.

The key to proper treatment of back pain is to understand the cause. Remember, pain is always a sign that something else is wrong and if continually ignored may lead to more serious harm. Orem Chiropractors are experts in assessing the root cause of your back pain and putting you on the right course to recovery.

Dr. R. Ned McArthur is a Chiropractor and the founder of R. Ned McArthur Chiropractic in Orem,UT.
Orem Chiropractor-R. Ned McArthur, D.C.

560 S. State Ste C2
Orem, UT 84058

Phone: 801-225-1311
URL: http://AskDrNed.com

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Orem Chiropractor Discusses Brain Lateralization, Pain, Dizziness and Insomnia

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Ned

Orem Chiropractor Explains Brain Lateralization & How It Leads to Pain, Dizziness & Insomnia

How does Brain lateralization happen?

Before you read this entry please go back and read the first in this series, What is Brain Lateralization. The information in this release won’t have any meaning without first reading it.

Understanding how brain lateralization occurs also depends on an understanding that our brain and nervous system is a receptor driven system. Receptors are the nerve endings throughout our body that sense a given stimulus. For example, our taste buds are receptors. They sense sweet, salty and bitter. We have receptors in our skin that sense temperature. We have millions of these receptors throughout our body, each sensing a particular thing. They receptors then deliver their information through nerves, then into the spinal cord and finally up to the brain. The brain then processes all of this information and responds accordingly. So our brain is stimulated by and acts based on the information that it receives from the body.

There are three things that the brain needs to be healthy and to work correctly. It needs food, oxygen, and stimulation.

Brain lateralization occurs when the brain does not receive proper amounts of these three things.

Clinical experience has taught me that a lack of stimulation combined with insufficient oxygen and or nutrition is the typical cause.

If there are millions of receptors in the body, each all of them sending stimulation into the brain, how does a lack of stimulation occur? Unfortunately, quite easily. The three scenarios that this occurs are physical, chemical and mental stresses. When one of these stresses is big enough or goes on long enough it causes it decreases the inputs into the brain. Whichever side of the brain is more
susceptible is affected the most and you’ve got brain lateralization.

When one side of the brain starts working less it causes a disconnect in the part of the brain that inhibits pain, allows you to sleep and be balanced. Thus, brain lateralization can result in pain, dizziness and insomnia. As well as other chronic health conditions.

It is also important to note that the goal is not to do away with the stresses that cause brain lateralization. Even if such a thing were possible, we need the stresses. You just need to train your body to adapt to them more appropriately.

It’s like running 10 miles. For most of us running 10 miles would be a HUGE stress and would affect our bodies accordingly. But an Olympic marathoner can run those same 10 miles with little or no affect to their body. They could do it a lot faster than you or I as well. Why? Because their body is trained to handle that kind of stress.

Brain based therapy seeks to do the same thing, not by removing the stress from your life, but by improving they way your body responds.  Orem Fibromyalgia Treatment

Next time I’ll show you some tests you can do all on your own to see if you have brain lateralization.

If you would like more information on how I have a greater than 93% success rate in eliminating back & neck pain, dizziness, fibromyalgia, headaches & migraines, insomnia, numbness, restless leg syndrome, sciatica and car accident injuries go to www.AskDrNed.com. There you will find videos, articles and audio files on how I can help you end these conditions in your life.

You can also connect with me at facebook.com/askdrned & twitter.com/askdrned.

If you would like to schedule a no cost / no obligation introductory visit call my office at 801-225-1311.
# # #

Do you experience fibromyalgia, headaches & migraines,numbness, sciatica, neck & back pain, dizziness, insomnia, restless leg syndrome or been in a car accident?

THESE ARE THE PEOPLE I HELP.

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