Roswell GA chiropractor

What's the best treatment for neck pain?

2012-01-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

By ANAHAD O'CONNOR
Tony Cenicola/The New York Times, January 3, 2012,

What’s the best treatment for neck pain?
Seeing a chiropractor or engaging in light exercise relieves neck pain more effectively than relying on pain medication, new research shows.
The new study is one of the few head-to-head comparisons of various treatments for neck pain, a problem that affects three quarters of Americans at some point in their lives but has no proven, first-line treatment. While many people seek out spinal manipulation by chiropractors, the evidence supporting its usefulness has been limited at best.
But the new research, published in The Annals of Internal Medicine, found that chiropractic care or simple exercises done at home were better at reducing pain than taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen or narcotics.
“These changes were diminished over time, but they were still present,” said Dr. Gert Bronfort, an author of the study and research professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota. “Even a year later, there were differences between the spinal manipulation and medication groups.”
Moderate and acute neck pain is one of the most frequent reasons for trips to primary care doctors, prompting millions of visits every year. For patients, it can be a difficult problem to navigate. In some cases the pain and stiffness crop up without explanation, and treatment options are varied. Physical therapy, pain medication and spinal manipulation are popular options, but Dr. Bronfort was inspired to carry out an analysis because so little research exists.
“There was a void in the scientific literature in terms of what the most helpful treatments are,” he said.
To find out, Dr. Bronfort and his colleagues recruited a large group of adults with neck pain that had no known specific cause. The subjects, 272 in all, were mostly recruited from a large HMO and through advertisements. The researchers then split them into three groups and followed them for about three months.
One group was assigned to visit a chiropractor for roughly 20-minute sessions throughout the course of the study, making an average of 15 visits. A second group was assigned to take common pain relievers like acetaminophen and — in some cases, at the discretion of a doctor — stronger drugs like narcotics and muscle relaxants. The third group met on two occasions with physical therapists who gave them instructions on simple, gentle exercises for the neck that they could do at home. They were encouraged to do 5 to 10 repetitions of each exercise up to eight times a day. (A demonstration of the exercises can be found at www.annals.org).
After 12 weeks, the people in the non-medication groups did significantly better than those taking the drugs. About 57 percent of those who met with chiropractors and 48 percent who did the exercises reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain, compared to 33 percent of the people in the medication group.
A year later, when the researchers checked back in, 53 percent of the subjects who had received spinal manipulation still reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain, similar to the exercise group. That compared to just a 38 percent pain reduction among those who had been taking medication.
Dr. Bronfort said it was a “big surprise” to see that the home exercises were about as effective as the chiropractic sessions. “We hadn’t expected that they would be that close,” he said. “But I guess that’s good news for patients.”
In addition to their limited pain relief, the medications had at least one other downside: people kept taking them. “The people in the medication group kept on using a higher amount of medication more frequently throughout the follow-up period, up to a year later,” Dr. Bronfort said. “If you’re taking medication over a long time, then we’re running into more systemic side effects like gastrointestinal problems.”
He also expressed concern that those on medications were not as empowered or active in their own care as those in the other groups. “We think it’s important that patients are enabled to deal with as much control over their own condition as possible,” he said. “This study shows that they can play a large role in their own care.”

Homeless on Christmas

2011-12-26T13:10:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day 2011. The rain fell and the wind blew. It was bleak. Not the kind of morning that invited being outdoors. Yet men, women and children lined up outside the Georgia World Congress Center. They waited for some warmth, some food and some relief from life on the streets and shelters of downtown Atlanta. I set up my portable chiropractic table inside and waited for them, along side my colleague Winston Carhee, Jr. of Atlanta. We were part of the volunteer chiropractors for Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless.

Homelessness may seem foreign to most of us, but it lingers as a real threat to millions. All it can take is the loss of a job, a broken down vehicle, an illness or a broken family relationship. People that don't have savings or family/friends that can take them in wind up on the street. One young man stood out to me. He was 24 years old, suffered from Bi-Polar Disorder. He got out of prison 3 weeks ago, then got in a car wreck 2 weeks ago. He was hobbling around with pain and muscle spasms. After a brief examination to make sure he didn't have any spinal instability, I gave him his first chiropractic adjustment. Afterwards he smiled, gave me the thumbs-up and said he could walk all day now (which you have to do to keep warm in the wind and the rain).

I felt sad for him, but glad that I was able to make his life a little better. The number one way to help the poor is to make sure that you do not become one of them. The next best way is to be thankful, and extend yourself through your time or financial resources to help bring others up.

What are your ideas on helping the poor and homeless?

Changes, Challenges and Celebrations

2011-12-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

For many of us 2011 has been a year of Changes, Challenges and Celebrations too.

This year I Celebrated my 25th year in the Chiropractic profession. A career choice that I made after working as a Wilderness Challenge Instructor with troubled youth in the 1970’s and 1980’s. I look forward to continuing to practice here far into my next quarter century of service.

Changes that we have seen in the practice this year include the addition of Carrie as our Front Desk Chiropractic Assistant. Carrie comes to us after years of helping chiropractic patients in Middle Georgia and Michigan.

We also have a new Chiropractic Table that allows us to implement the Cox Protocols for Degenerative and Herniated Disks, Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis. This gentle distractive technique has proven effectiveness in the majority of patients who are candidates for treatment. You can see the technique in action at our upgraded website, http://www.leadingedgeatlanta.com/.

The other new piece of equipment we have put into service is the WristTrac device. It is shown to be effective in the non-surgical treatment of mild to moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other wrist-related disorders. Visit http://www.wristrac.com/ or contact us for additional information.

On a personal note, my family met a huge Challenge this year. Our twenty year old daughter, Lexi, faced a sudden psychological crisis, and took her life on Memorial Day. Thanks to all of you for your warmth, comfort and support during this difficult time.

Wishing the best for you and your family; here’s to a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Should I see a Massage Therapist or a Chiropractor?

2011-12-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

“How do I know if I need to see a Massage Therapist or a Chiropractor?” I am asked this question from time-to-time by prospective patients. It is a good question, and worth taking some time to look at a number of considerations.

Massage Therapists (MT) in Georgia are licensed professionals who graduate from a 9 month course of study. Prerequisites include a High School diploma or equivalent.
Massage is a system of structured touch, pressure, movement or holding of the soft tissues of the body, which has the primary intent to enhance or restore health and well-being.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) are licensed healthcare professionals who graduate from a 4-year course of study, and pass 4 National Board Exams. Prerequisites include an undergraduate degree or equivalent. DC’s may examine, use x-rays and other diagnostic testing, diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment or refer.
DC’s may utilize spinal and extra-spinal adjustments, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, nutritional/dietary supplements and lifestyle modification.

It is very common for health insurance plans, motor vehicle accident insurance and Medicare to cover Chiropractic exams, x-rays and treatment. It is less common for insurance to cover Massage Therapy, but when it does, their must be a diagnosis and examination by a DC, MD or other doctorate level healthcare provider.

A typical first-time Massage Therapy client will have mild stiffness and stress in the neck or back, and they are looking for temporary relief and relaxation. The client comes back to the MT when they want more temporary relief.

A typical first-time Chiropractic patient will have more intense symptoms that interfere with some aspect of their daily life (sleep, work, mood, recreation, chores). They are looking for an understanding of their condition, relief from their pain or other symptoms and how to avoid future problems without drugs or surgery.
The patient follows a recommended schedule of care to get a desired result.

Over the years I have had new patients come to my practice who were told by a Massage Therapist that they needed a Chiropractor, and I have told patients that they needed to get massage more than they needed to be adjusted. Many of our patients who are under my care see our MT as well as me because the two working together is of more benefit than each alone.

What are your thoughts on when to see a Massage Therapist or a Chiropractor?

Avoid Neck and Nerve Trouble with Smart Use of Phones

2011-10-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

Mobile technological devices, such as digital
personal assistants (PDAs) and smartphones
have made our lives more convenient. We can
now send e-mails, access the Internet, manage
our schedules, and use spreadsheets and other
office software from our phones. While this
makes it easier to accomplish tasks without
being tethered to an office, it has also increased
the amount of time we spend using these
devices, which is not without risks.
Before these advances in technology, our bodies
moved as we used the phone and the computer,
we walked to the fax machine, and we flipped
through our calendars. Now we slump over a
small screen with little change in our position.
Our bodies are made to move—not to maintain
the same posture for long periods of time. This
doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice these modern
conveniences for your health, but you
should be aware of the risks and what you can
do to minimize them.
Protect Your Neck
The bent-forward position common among
mobile device users increases disc pressure. It
also increases loads on the muscles. This is
similar to the faulty forward position often used
when working on the computer. Remember
these tips:
• Sit upright, keeping your ears over your
shoulders.
• Look down with your eyes and gently
tuck your chin in, not forward.
• Never pinch the phone between your
ear and shoulder. Using a headset
reduces muscle fatigue and frees your
hands for typing or writing.
• Support your forearms on a pillow
during extended texting to reduce the
strain on your neck and shoulder
muscles.
Prevent Elbow Injury
The ulnar, or “funny bone,” nerve wraps around
the inside of your elbow. Keeping your elbows
bent can compress the nerve. As the nerve
becomes irritated, you can experience pain,
numbness, tingling, and even weakness or muscle
atrophy. The nerve sits close to the surface
and is also damaged by external pressure. To
prevent injury:
• Minimize the time you bend the elbows
to hold the PDA screen up to see it.
• Instead of returning all your e-mails on
the phone, wait until you can use the
computer.
• Avoid leaning on the flexed elbow while
talking on the phone or in the car.
Like a Sore Thumb
Our thumbs are not made to quickly and forcefully
press the small keys on cell phones to text
and input data. Use the following tips to minimize
the risk of injury:
• Alternate among using your thumb,
index finger, and a stylus, if available.
• If your only choice is a stylus, change
how you hold it. Switch between holding
it like a pen and holding it between the
index and middle fingers.
• Several multi-tip pens are available at
office supply stores that enable you to
switch between pen and stylus tips. This
is a good option, as the barrel of the
pen is thicker than a standard stylus and
requires less force on the joints and
muscles.
• Minimize the use of scroll wheels as
they often cause inflammation of thumb
tendons.
As technology progresses, there will likely be
more tasks we can complete on our phones.
While this is convenient, remember to take
breaks and think about the effects on your
body.
Tips to Minimize PDA and Cell
Phone Use
• Return only urgent e-mails on the PDA.
Respond to other e-mails from your
computer.
• Use key shortcuts (cut, paste, etc.) and
abbreviations.
• Enter all contact info on the computer,
and synchronize the devices to transfer the
data to the PDA.
• Monitor the time spent on the phone or
PDA.
• Avoid, or at least minimize, using
word processing and spreadsheet programs
on your PDA.
• Take breaks to stretch and shake out
the hands.
• Turn the PDA off when possible! If it is
on all the time, it’s more likely to be overused.
For more information on injury prevention
and wellness, or to find a doctor of
chiropractic near you, go to the patient
information section on ACA’s Web site
at www.acatoday.org/Patients or call
800-986-4636.
This patient information page is a public service of the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association. The information
and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute
for a diagnosis by a specialist. For specific information concerning your health condition, consult your doctor
of chiropractic. This page may be reproduced noncommercially by doctors of chiropractic

Best of the Best

2011-10-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

Dr. James Cox, founder and developer of the Cox Technic system for spine pain, is one the most outstanding Doctors of Chiropractic in the world. I attended the Cox Symposium for Certified Cox Practitioners this weekend in Nashville, TN, receiving my re-certification status for another two years. I have been certified since 1994, and am one of the few DC's, out of 3,000 licensed chiropractors in Georgia, who carries the Cox certification. The Symposium keeps us up-to-date with the latest information and research documentation that we can apply to help patients who suffer from spine-related pain. The Cox Technic allows me to offer evidence-based non-surgical chiropractic protocols for the relief of spine pain due to disc herniations, stenosis and related conditions causing neck, upper back, shoulder, arm, low back and leg pain. The Cox Technic flexion-distraction protocols have been scrutinized in federally funded research projects. Flexion-distraction biomechanical effects have been documented- drop in intradiscal pressures, increase in spinal canal area and discal height-and clinical outcomes have been published- superior in pain relief for radiculopathy, better for relief of chronic low back pain, and more effective in reducing the need for healthcare visits for spinal pain in the year after treatment. I am proud to provide this specialized non-surgical solution for back pain relief in my Roswell practice. For additional information on Cox Technic, visit www.coxtechnic.com or our practice website www.leadingedgeatlanta.com.

Roswell Proclaims October National Chiropractic Health Month

2011-09-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Mayor Jere Wood of Roswell, Georgia has made an Official Proclamation declaring October 2011 National Chiropractic Health Month. Mayor Wood is joining other elected officials across the USA in recognizing the contribution that Doctors of Chiropractic make to the welfare of their patients and the public health. Through an initiative of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) National Chiropractic Health Month 2011 will focus on the importance of being "TechnoHealthy" by using technology safely and making time to rest, exercise and engage in other wellness-enhancing activities.

Roswell Chiropractor, Dr. James E. Schantz, a long standing member of the ACA, is leading the initiative in North Fulton. Dr. Schantz remarks, "Repetitive stress injuries from texting and computer use are increasing and cause about 28% of the workforce to miss time from work. Inactivity and poor posture can cause stress on the neck and back which can lead to headaches, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and numbness, pain and weakness in other parts of the body. Chiropractic Doctors focus on the whole person and have particular expertise in ergonomics and care of musculo-skeletal injuries.

If you think that you may be at risk for pain or injuries as a result of overuse or misuse of technology, then check back with our Blog during the month of October for advice.

Advice for Parents- Children Need Good Computer Ergonomics Too

2011-08-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

At least 70 percent of America's 30 million elementary school students use computers, according to a recent New York Times article. As a result of this increased usage, doctors of chiropractic are treating more young patients suffering from the effects of working at computer stations that are either designed for adults or poorly designed for children. Many children are already suffering from repetitive motion injuries (RMI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic pain in the hands, back, neck and shoulders.

A recently published study conducted by a team of researchers from Cornell University found that 40 percent of the elementary school children they studied used computer workstations that put them at postural risk. The remaining 60 percent scored in a range indicating "some concern."

"Emphasis needs to be placed on teaching children how to properly use computer workstations," stated Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Occupational Health. "Poor work habits and computer workstations that don't fit a child's body during the developing years can have harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime. Parents need to be just as concerned about their children's interaction with their computer workstations as they are with any activities that may affect their children's long-term health," added Dr. Bautch.

What can you do?
To reduce the possibility of your child suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and its Council on Occupational Health offer the following tips:
•If children and adults in your home share the same computer workstation, make certain that the workstation can be modified for each child's use.

•Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below the child's eye level. This can be accomplished by taking the computer off its base or stand, or having the child sit on firm pillows or phone books to reach the desired height.

•Make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. An ergonomic back cushion, pillow or a rolled-up towel can be placed in the small of the child's back for added back support. There should be two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knees. The chair should have arm supports so that elbows are resting within a 70- to 135-degree angle to the computer keyboard.

•Wrists should be held in a neutral position while typing - not angled up or down. The mousing surface should be close to the keyboard so your child doesn't have to reach or hold the arm away from the body.

•The child's knees should be positioned at an approximate 90- to 120-degree angle. To accomplish this angle, feet can be placed on a foot rest, box, stool or similar object.
•Reduce eyestrain by making sure there is adequate lighting and that there is no glare on the monitor screen. Use an antiglare screen if necessary.

•Limit your child's time at the computer and make sure he or she takes periodic stretch breaks during computing time. Stretches can include: clenching hands into fists and moving them in 10 circles inward and 10 circles outward; placing hands in a praying position and squeezing them together for 10 seconds and then pointing them downward and squeezing them together for 10 seconds; spreading fingers apart and then closing them one by one; standing and wrapping arms around the body and turning all the way to the left and then all the way to the right.

•Your child's muscles need adequate hydration to work properly and avoid injury. Encourage your child to drink four 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Carbonated beverages, juices and other sweet drinks are not a substitute.

•Urge your child's school or PTA officials to provide education on correct computer ergonomics and to install ergonomically correct workstations.
"If your child continues to complain of pain and strain from sitting at a computer, see a doctor of chiropractic," urges Dr. Bautch. "A chiropractor can help alleviate your child's pain and help prevent further injury."

Article courtesy of the American Chiropractic Association.

Dr. Schantz can perform a Spinal Analysis and Posture Exam to determine if your child is at risk for neck and back trouble due to improper computer use, or other issues. Visit www.LeadingEdgeAtlanta.com or call (770) 993-9287 for an appointment.

Keeping Young Athletes Fit & Healthy

2011-08-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

In today’s age of health and fitness, more and more kids are involved in sporting activities. Although being part of a football, soccer or Little League team is an important rite of passage for many children, parents and their children could be overlooking the importance of proper nutrition and body-conditioning needed for preventing injuries on and off the playing field.

“The majority, if not all, sports are good, provided that the child prepares appropriately,” says Dr. Timothy Ray, a member of the American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Sports Injuries and Physical Fitness. “Without proper preparation, playing any sport can turn into a bad experience. There are structural and physical developmental issues that need to be taken into consideration before children undertake certain sports.”

Highly competitive sports such as football, gymnastics and wrestling follow rigorous training schedules that can be potentially dangerous to an adolescent or teenager. The best advice for parents who have young athletes in the family is to help them prepare their bodies and to learn to protect themselves from sports related injuries before they happen.

“Proper warm up, stretching and strength-training exercises are essential for kids involved in sports, but many kids learn improper stretching or weight-lifting techniques, making them more susceptible to injury,” says Dr. Steve Horwitz, an ACA member from Silver Spring, Md., and former member of the U.S. Summer Olympic medical team. “Parents need to work with their kids and make sure they receive the proper sports training.”

“Young athletes should begin with a slow jog as a general warm-up, followed by a sport-specific warm-up. They should then stretch all the major muscle groups,” says Dr. Horwitz. “Kids need to be instructed in appropriate exercises for each sport to prevent injuries.”

Proper nutrition and hydration are also extremely vital. “While an ordinary person may need to drink eight to 10 8-ounce glasses of water each day, athletes need to drink even more than that for proper absorption. Breakfast should be the most important meal of the day. Also, eating a healthy meal two to four hours before a practice or a game and another within one to two hours after a game or practice allows for proper replenishment and refuels the body,” adds Dr. Horwitz.

Young athletes today often think they are invincible. The following tips can help ensure your child does not miss a step when it comes to proper fitness, stretching, training and rest that the body needs to engage in sporting activities.

Encourage your child to:
•Wear the proper equipment. Certain contact sports, such as football and hockey, can be dangerous if the equipment is not properly fitted. Make sure all equipment, including helmets, pads and shoes fit your child or adolescent. Talk to your child’s coach or trainer if the equipment is damaged.

•Eat healthy meals. Make sure your young athlete is eating a well-balanced diet and does not skip meals. Avoid high-fat foods, such as candy bars and fast food. At home, provide fruit rather than cookies, and vegetables rather than potato chips.

•Maintain a healthy weight. Certain sports, such as gymnastics, wrestling and figure skating, may require your young athlete to follow strict dietary rules. Be sure your child does not feel pressured into being too thin and that he/she understands that proper nutrition and caloric intake is needed for optimal performance and endurance.

•Drink water. Hydration is a key element to optimal fitness. Teenage athletes should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Younger athletes should drink five to eight 8-ounce glasses of water.

•Drink milk. Make sure your child has enough calcium included in his/her diet. For children over 2 years of age, ACA recommends 1 percent or skim milk rather than whole milk. Milk is essential for healthy bones and reduces the risk of joint and muscle related injuries.

•Avoid sugar-loaded, caffeinated and carbonated drinks. Sports drinks are a good source of replenishment for those kids engaged in long duration sports, such as track and field.

•Follow a warm-up routine. Be sure your child or his/her coach includes a warm-up and stretching session before every practice, game or meet. A slow jog, jumping rope and/or lifting small weights reduces the risk of torn or ripped muscles. Flexibility is key when pushing to score that extra goal or make that critical play.

•Take vitamins daily. A multi-vitamin and Vitamin C are good choices for the young athlete. Vitamin B and amino acids may help reduce the pain from contact sports. Thiamine can help promote healing. Also consider Vitamin A to strengthen scar tissue.

•Avoid trendy supplements. Kids under the age of 18 should avoid the use of performance-enhancing supplements, such as creatine. Instead, they should ask their coach or trainer to include weekly weight training and body-conditioning sessions in their workout.

•Get plenty of rest. Eight hours of sleep is ideal for the young athlete. Lack of sleep and rest can decrease performance. Sluggishness, irritability and loss of interest could indicate that your child is fatigued.
Chiropractic Care Can Help
Doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed to treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system and can provide advice on sports training, nutrition and injury prevention to young athletes.-Courtesy of the American Chiropractic Association.

Back to School doesn't have to mean a Bad Back in School

2011-08-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

Backpack Misuse Leads to Chronic Back Pain, Doctors of Chiropractic Say
Back pain is pervasive among American adults, but a new and disturbing trend is emerging. Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that backpack-related injuries sent more than 7,000 people to the emergency room in 2001 alone.

"In my own practice, I have noticed a marked increase in the number of young children who are complaining about back, neck and shoulder pain," said Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the ACA's Council on Occupational Health. "The first question I ask these patients is, 'Do you carry a backpack to school?' Almost always, the answer is 'yes.'"

This new back pain trend among youngsters isn't surprising when you consider the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks - often slung over just one shoulder. According to Dr. Bautch, a recent study conducted in Italy found that the average child carries a backpack that would be the equivalent of a 39-pound burden for a 176-pound man, or a 29-pound load for a 132-pound woman. Of those children carrying heavy backpacks to school, 60 percent had experienced back pain as a result.

According to Dr. Bautch, preliminary results of studies being conducted in France show that the longer a child wears a backpack, the longer it takes for a curvature or deformity of the spine to correct itself. "The question that needs to be addressed next is, 'Does it ever return to normal?'" Dr. Bautch added.

The results of these types of studies are especially important as more and more school districts - many of them in urban areas - remove lockers from the premises, forcing students to carry their books with them all day long.

The problem has become so widespread, in fact, that the California State Assembly passed legislation that would force school districts to develop ways of reducing the weight of students' backpacks. Similar legislation is being considered in New Jersey as well. The ACA believes that limiting the backpack's weight to no more than 10 percent of the child's body weight and urging the use of ergonomically correct backpacks are possible solutions.

What Can You Do?
The ACA offers the following tips to help prevent the needless pain that backpack misuse could cause the students in your household.
•Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.
•The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
•A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back.
•Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry-and the heavier the backpack will be.
•Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.
•Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child's shoulders.
•The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
•If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child's teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks.
•Although the use of rollerpacks - or backpacks on wheels - has become popular in recent years, the ACA is now recommending that they be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack. Some school districts have begun banning the use of rollerpacks because they clutter hallways, resulting in dangerous trips and falls.
Chiropractic Care Can Help...
If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, call your doctor of chiropractic. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children. In addition, doctors of chiropractic can also prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good nutrition, posture and sleeping habits

Are You Board?

2011-07-06T02:55:00.000-07:00

I have been board the last two weeks. No, don't bother to check my spelling, I don't mean BORED, I mean BOARD. The first board is a Stand-Up Surfboard. Popularly known as SUP, Stand-Up Paddling, Dixie and I spotted them most recently while competing in the Chattahoochee Back to River Race last month. Intrigued, we found out about a SUP race and demo event organized by the Atlanta Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. We traveled to the Clarks Bridge Olympic Rowing Center on Lake Lanier and tried out some SUP boards. Imagine trying to stand up on the deck of your kayak and propel yourself with a giant canoe paddle. A little shaky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you can cruise around without much trouble. The motorboat wakes added some excitement.

Wow, board again. This time it is at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Dixie thrilled me with a two hour surfing lesson for my birthday (October 10), which I got to redeem over the July 4th holiday. The waves were rolling in 3-4 feet and the water temperature was just shy of bathtub. With the help of Ben, my surfing instructor, I caught a good number of waves on a 9.5 foot soft top board. Whether you are surfing a longboard, boogie board or just body surfing, there is nothing like the feel of being lifted up by the force of the ocean.
What begins as a bit of fear gives way to exhilaration. It is what makes surfers return to the ocean again and again.

Both sports are great bodybuilders. Look at the physique of most professional surfers, and you will see that they have good core strength and development of their upper and lower bodies. Balance, grace and a bit of a dare devil attitude tempered by a healthy respect for Mother Nature. So slap on the sunscreen and get BOARD this summer.

Joy and Sorrow

2011-06-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

Then a woman said, "Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.

And he answered: Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.

And how else can it be?

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the greater."

But I say onto you, they are inseparable.

Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.

Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.

When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.- Kahlil Gibran from his masterpiece, THE PROPHET.

The Gal with the Broken Smile

2011-06-15T02:34:00.000-07:00

My daughter Lexi was the type of gal who once she set her mind to accomplish something, never gave up. An admirable characteristic for a young woman making her way in the world. It helped her accomplish good grades, get challenging jobs, transfer to UGA, befriend a diverse group of friends and travel the world. Her CAN DO attitude that allowed her to pursue many of her life's dreams ultimately resulted in cutting her life short. She suffered an acute manic episode in November 2010 followed by a fall into the depths of depression from which she never recovered. Despite a nurturing home environment, psychotherapy and alternative care her depression made life for her ultimately unbearable. Rather than focus on how to lift herself up from her sorrow, she focused on how to relieve her suffering as quickly and as permanently as possible.

My goal is not to dwell on her loss, but to shed light on how we can help avoid crisis. The July 2011 issue of COSMOPOLITAN Magazine includes these tips for suicide prevention.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention her are steps to take when you or a friend seem troubled.

WHEN YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT A FRIEND

Say You're Concerned- When you're alone, tell her, " I'm worried because you seem disconnected. Please tell me what's going on." Knowing you care can convince her to open up.

Offer To Get Her Help- It's often tough for a suicidal person to take that first step to seeing a professional. Gather the names of local psychologists gets the ball rolling.

Follow Up- Call her a day later to see how she is and if you can help. Should she brush you off, say "If anything happened to you, I'd be devastated." Hearing that may make all the difference.

Enter Emergency Mode- If she admits she wants to end it all or jokes that her life is worthless, call 911, take her to Emergency Room, or contact her family.

WHEN IT'S YOU WHO FEELS DOWN

Don't Remain Isolated- Approach a trusted friend or family member, and tell him or her how you've been feeling. You may try to talk yourself out of interactions like these by assuming that you're a burden to them or they don't care, but your thinking may be skewed right now.

Note How Long You've Been This Way- If you feel sad, empty, or hopeless and these emotions don't lift after two weeks, seek out a counselor. Also, steer clear of alcohol or drugs-they can darken your thoughts and make you feel more despondent.

Make The Call That Could Save Your Life- Should you feel any impulse to harm yourself, call 911 and let the operator know you need help, head to the ER, or dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Chiropractic Storm Relief

2011-05-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, quite different from the day that tornadoes stormed through Georgia and Alabama.
Massage therapist Theresia Greer and I exchanged chiropractic and massage services (along with homemade cookies and Jana water) for donations to the American Red Cross Storm Relief. We had a booth at the Roswell Cycling Festival on Canton Street where we worked on necks, backs, legs, knees and feet of cyclists, vendors and spectators. We raised over $100 and spread the good will of chiropractic across the land. If you didn't have an opportunity to participate in the Mayor's Ride, test out the mountain bike trails or watch the Criterion Races, make sure you put the first Sunday in May on your calendar for next year.

Pull Weeds, Not Your Back

2011-04-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Pull Your Weeds, Not Your Back, When Gardening
As springtime approaches, weather warms up and leaves turn green, many people will spend more time outside planting bulbs, mowing the lawn and pulling weeds. Gardening can provide a great workout, but with all the bending, twisting, reaching and pulling, your body may not be ready for exercise of the garden variety.

Gardening can be enjoyable, but it is important to stretch your muscles before reaching for your gardening tools. The back, upper legs, shoulders, and wrists are all major muscle groups affected when using your green thumb.

A warm-up and cool-down period is as important in gardening as it is for any other physical activity," said Dr. Scott Bautch of the American Chiropractic Association's (ACA) Council on Occupational Health. "Performing simple stretches during these periods will help alleviate injuries, pain and stiffness."

To make gardening as fun and enjoyable as possible, it is important to prepare your body for this type of physical activity. The following stretches will help to alleviate muscle pain after a day spent in your garden.

Garden Fitness Stretches
Before stretching for any activity, breathe in and out, slowly and rythmically; do not bounce or jerk your body, and stretch as far and as comfortably as you can. Do not follow the no pain, no gain rule. Stretching should not be painful. o While sitting, prop your heel on a stool or step, keeping the knees straight. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the thigh, or the hamstring muscle. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Do this once more and repeat with the other leg.
Stand up, balance yourself, and grab the front of your ankle from behind. Pull your heel towards your buttocks and hold the position for 15 seconds. Do this again and repeat with the other leg.
While standing, weave your fingers together above your head with the palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds, then to the other. Repeat this stretch three times.
Do the "Hug your best friend." Wrap your arms around yourself and rotate to one side, stretching as far as you can comfortably go. Hold for 10 seconds and reverse. Repeat two or three times.
Finally, be aware of your body technique, body form and correct posture while gardening. Kneel, don't bend, and alternate your stance and movements as often as possible to keep the muscles and body balanced.

When the Bulbs Are Planted...
If you already feel muscle aches and pains and did not complete the warm-up and cool-down stretches, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort. Apply a cold pack on the area of pain for the first 48 hours or apply a heat pack after 48 hours, and consider chiropractic care.

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Get Your Energy Flowing

2011-03-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

How can you get your energy flowing? One great way is to get outdoors and join other fitness-minded fellows and gals for the 1st Kiwanis Spring K Classic on Saturday, March 26th. You can be a walker, a jogger or a competitive runner in the 5K or 10K run. You can bring your little ones to participate in the free 1 mile fun run. Leading Edge Sport and Spine will be manning the Aid Station with exercise mats and stretching devices for you to warm-up, first aid, if you get hurt, and a Thumper Foot Massager to ease your feet at the end of the run. The run meets at Roswell High School. Your registration of $20 pre-race or $25 race-day supports Kiwanis charitable projects for youth, seniors and the environment. Stop by our office for a registration form or download one on the website http://www.springkclassic.com/. Be the 10th person to bring your registration form to our office on or before Saturday, March 19th at Noon (we will be open) and you will receive a Limited Edition Leading Edge Sport and Spine Sports Cap.

Protecting Patients and their Chiropractors in Georgia

2011-03-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

There is a saying, "All it takes to let Evil triumph is enough good people doing nothing." There are those in Georgia who would like to see chiropractic patients and their chiropractors lose access to care, lose reimbursement for care and further limit the scope of practice. Insurance companies, medical associations and those who disparage governmental regulation are among those forces who would like to see chiropractic wither on the vine. I am not one to sit by idly and let my patients face discrimination because they have chosen to use chiropractic instead of drugs and surgery.

Last week I spent Thursday morning, along with other Doctors of Chiropractic, lobbying our legislators to support a pro-chiropractic bill in the Georgia Senate. The bill would limit chiropractic adjustments, chiropractic manipulation and chiropractic services to only a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. This would prevent HMO's from tricking citizens into signing up for health plans that stated that "chiropractic" was included in the plan, and then having the "chiropractic" services being supplied by someone who was not a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. I meet with Senator John Albers and stopped off at the office of Senator Judson Hill to urge them to support this bill, and protect chiropractic patients and their chiropractic doctors. I believe it takes more than good intentions, it takes action on those intentions to make Good triumph over Evil.

Top Athletes Benefit from Chiropractic Care

2011-02-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

ACA Today News- Recent news stories about Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss and professional golfer Michelle Wie have mentioned chiropractic care as an important part of helping both athletes stay competitive. Moss told The Washington Post that he sees a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) twice a week to help his aging body cope with the rigors of playing professional football. NBC Sports recently ran a story on its Website stating that Wie is seeing a DC to recover from back problems in time for next season.

Here we have two athletes, two different genders, two different age groups, playing two very different sports- yet both are using chiropractic care to help them stay in their game. Are you letting pain, stiffness or lack of stamina prevent you from staying in your game? You don't have to be a professional athlete to receive the benefits of chiropractic care. You may be a softball player on the company team, an ALTA player for your subdivision team or the parent of a varsity lacrosse player. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective approach to enhancing sports performance, avoid injury and treating pain, strains and sprains.

Dr. Schantz is a Certified Golf Conditioning Specialist and a member of the American Chiropractic Association Council on Fitness and Sport Injuries.

Get Outside & Keep Yourself Happy!

2011-02-08T15:37:00.000-08:00

Do not feel guilty if you do not belong to a gym or fitness center. I do not belong to a gym, and I spend a good amount of time (I could do more) staying fit. Last weekend was a welcome break in the South Freezer temperatures. My daughter Lexi and her friend joined us on a hike along Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, TN. The trail leads to Sunset Rocks, a popular climbing area and historic site.

We have plenty of natural resources available within a 1-3 hr. drive from Atlanta that many people in Florida would love to have. Take advantage of the great outdoors. I having nothing against gyms and fitness centers. My God! If it weren't for the Roanoke Athletic Club, I would have never met my wife Dixie back in 1980. I LOVE AEROBICS!

No Miracles-Just Results!

2011-01-30T03:47:00.000-08:00

There are three proven steps to take in order to avoid an early death. #1- Don't smoke. #2- Wear your seat belt. #3- Have a healthy body weight. Sound simple? Yes, but simple isn't always easy. Gena Kay Shealy, of WorkLife Solutions, explains the principles behind achieving a healthy body weight. Gena Kay is a Certified Health Coach with Take Shape for Life.

Follow the B.E. S.L.I.M. approach.

Breakfast- You must eat within one hour after waking up. Your body needs fuel to kick start your metabolism, otherwise it will slow down, and you will not lose weight.

Exercise- If you are not in the habit of exercise, then just start off walking more each day. Build up the intensity over a 4 week time period, but remember- you cannot simply exercise your way to a healthy body weight- you must eat right too.

Support- Be accountable to someone who is knowledgeable about healthy eating habits and wants you to succeed. It could be your partner, a friend, your chiropractor or a Certified Health Coach like Gena Kay.

Low Fat- Some fat is necessary to sustain our health, but we eat too much of it. We need to feed ourselves frequently with low fat and modest calorie foods. This will keep our blood sugar level and put us into a higher metabolic state for losing weight.

Individualize- Feeding yourself six times a day takes some thinking and planning. Take a look at your life, and figure out what can work for you. Take Shape for Life uses Medifast Meals to help make choices easier.

Moniter- You have to keep track of how you are doing, if you make sure you get there. Helpful monitoring tools are a tape measure, a scale and a pair of jeans that you want to fit back into.
Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol measurements are important, if you have issues with hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Cold Weather Chiropractor

2011-01-25T12:49:00.001-08:00

Many of us in Atlanta got slammed by the cold and snowy weather. Did I let it stop me? Maybe a little bit. But soon I was back in action! Last Saturday I brought my portable chiropractic table and my friend, Mr. Bones, to the Float the Boat Bouldering Competition in West Atlanta. For those of you unfamiliar with the sport of bouldering, let me explain. It is like rockclimbing in that you try to scamper up the face of a cliff. Instead of using a rope and safety gear to catch you if you fall, you simply place a padded mat (known as a crash pad) at the base of the rock to cushion your fall. Most people only climb 10-20 feet high when they boulder.

So what, you may think, can a chiropractor do to help climbers in a bouldering competition?

A chiropractor can help stretch tight muscles and joints to make climbers more limber. You have to be able to reach far with your arms and legs when you boulder. A chiropractor can balance body mechanics, so a climber has better leverage when they make awkward moves. A chiropractor can increase muscle strength by adjusting the spine to free up the nerve supply to muscles. It takes muscles strength to hang on to tiny holds and hoist yourself up the rock.

Over 50 people competed in the cold weather, which began in the 20F's and barely creeped into the 40F's. Whether it is hot or cold, you can count on me to get the job done!

Outside Your Comfort Zone: Flying Doctors Mission to Cambodia

2011-01-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

"How will you explain to people what your are going to do? We don't speak Cambodian." Dixie asked me. "Just lie down on the table, and I will start working on you. They'll get the idea." I replied. Soon we had people crowding around, eager and curious to be next. Folks on crutches, wheelchairs, there was even a fellow without any legs in a wagon encircling the portable chiropractic table. We had set up an impromptu chiropractic clinic in the courtyard of the Siem Reap Hospital in Cambodia. Dixie and I were part of a 19 person health care mission with Flying Doctors of America in November 2010 providing free medical, dental, surgical and chiropractic care in the impoverished Southeast Asian country of Cambodia.
Chiropractic is a wonderful healing art. It also make great entertainment on mission trips. People love to see and hear the groans, moans, winces, cracks, pops and smiles that emanate from our treatment table.

For five days we travel to villages on the outskirts of Siem Reap. Siem Reap is the primary tourist destination for travellers to Cambodia. It sits just outside the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site- Angkor Wat. Highlights of my trip included adjusting blind villagers, diagnosing Parkinson's disease in a farmer, improvising a splint for a little girl who was run over by a motorbike, performing acupuncture on an ailing monk and exploring the archaeological ruins.

Traveling the world to alleviate human suffering is exciting, exotic and exhausting. Getting back to work helps me recuperate. Where will my next mission take me? Stay tuned!

2010-11-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

One Friday night when I was 15 years old, my friend Rob Feldman brought over a book of poems by Alan Ginsberg called "Howl". Illustrating the book were images of a statue of Buddah wrapped in a Banyan tree rising from the jungle floor. I was entranced by these images which were from Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world. Angkor Wat sits at the outskirts of Siem Reap, where our Flying Doctors of America Mission will land at the end of this week. 20 American doctors, nurses, dentist and support personnel will arrive, equipped to triage, examine, diagnose, and treat men, women and children in and around Siem Reap, Cambodia. All of our services and medicines will be supplied for free, courtesy of the volunteers and those who have supported us. We will also tour Angkor Wat as part of our mission, thus achieving a goal that I first conceived 40 years ago! After our mission is completed, Dixie and I will travel to Singapore and Malaysia. In Singapore we will visit with Charles Lee, a former intern at our practice who is now married, expecting a child, and practicing chiropractic in Singapore. In Malaysia we will tour the newest chiropractic college in the world located in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. We arrive back in the USA just before Thanksgiving.

Can your Health Savings Account help pay for chiropractic healthcare products & services?

2010-10-06T04:59:00.000-07:00

According to the IRS Publication 502 Medical and Dental Expenses a good number of chiropractic services and healthcare products are eligible for coverage under a Health Savings Account or to be listed as Unreimbursed Medical Expenses

for tax purposes. Please note that the items described that are available in our office must be prescribed by Dr. Schantz for a specific condition or disorder for which you are being treated.

Items and services that are for promotion of your well-being are not considered eligible medical expenses. Here is a partial list of items that you may have been prescribed or may be appropriate for your condition. Please ask Dr. Schantz or our staff if you have questions. Consult your tax advisor and/or your HSA administrator for specific allowances and limitations.

CUSTOM-FIT ORTHOTICS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE T.E.N.S. UNITS

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS & NATURAL MEDICINES EXERCISE DEVICES

CERVICAL PILLOWS LUMBAR CUSHIONS SUPPORTS/BRACES/SPLINTS

HEEL LIFTS TMJ DEVICES CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS

X-RAYS DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES MASSAGE CHAIR

How does a 5 year old know if he needs a chiropractor?

2010-09-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

Most 5 years olds don't walk into our office on their own. The most dramatic episode in my professional life was when one was carried in by his father.

I was working as an Associate in an established chiropractic office in Sandy Springs in the late 1980's.

On Saturdays I saw all the patients in the practice. I was getting ready to leave for the day when our receptionist told me that we had one more patient to see. There in the doorway was a man in his mid-30's clutching a young boy wheezing and gasping for breathe. I exclaimed to the father, "This boy belongs in the Emergency Room-not a chiropractic office!". The man replied, "We have tried that route before, but it doesn't work-please help my son!" I couldn't say no, so I had him place the boy on the chiropractic table. I palpated his spine and found several vertebra associated with the nerve supply to the lungs misaligned. I carefully placed my hands in the proper position and performed a swift thrust. The vertebra popped in to place. The boy immediately began breathing rhythmically and regularly with no sign of respiratory distress. He fell asleep in his father's arms, and together they left the clinic for their home.

The clinical experience of most chiropractic doctors will show that children tend to respond to chiropractic treatment for internal disorders. This is because their nervous system is more sensitive than adults, and subluxations of their spines will more commonly result in nerve disruption to internal organs, rather than trigger pain.

By the time a child has reached the age of 5 they have grown 500% or more since birth. They have learned to crawl, sit up, stand, climb, walk and run. Along the way they have had an opportunity to accumulate spills, falls and upsets that can result in subluxations of the spine.

The subluxations may cause nerve interference-even in the absence of pain.

44% of patients surveyed at our practice felt that it would be OK to bring a child to a chiropractor after the age of 5.

What do you think?

Chiropractic & Infants- Safe? Necessary?

2010-08-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

Our August patient survey, "When Should a Child Have Their First Chiropractic Visit?", revealed that 36% of those surveyed believed that "Anytime after birth" was an appropriate time to bring a child for a chiropractic visit. Among the comments we heard were, "The younger you get started, the better chance you have of staying healthy", and "If an infant had some kind of trauma, and wasn't getting better under medical care, then of course I would recommend chiropractic".

The International Chiropractors Assocation (ICA)recommends the earliest possible evaluation, detection and correction of chiropractic lesions (subluxations) in children, especially infants, to maximize the potential for normal growth and development. The ICA points to research indicating that vaginal deliveries, especially when forceps are used, can lead to excessive force on the cervical spine, leading to trauma and subluxation in newborns.

Some patients expressed concern about the safety of adjusting infants, since their bones had not hardened enough.

Let's look at a 2008 study from Great Britian, "Adverse Effects of Spinal Manipulative Therapy in Children Younger Than 3 Years", published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics. The objective of the study was to identify any adverse effects to chiropractic care occurring in the pediatric patient and to evaluate the risk of complications arising in the pediatric patient resulting from chiropractic care. A 3-year review of pediatric case files from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic teaching clinic were evaluated. The results showed that out of 697 children receiving 5,242 chiropractic treatments, 85% of parents reported an improvement. 7 parents reported an adverse effect. There were no serious complications resulting from chiropractic treatment (reactions lasting >24 hours or severe enough to require hospital care.

Infants don't complain about back pain.

If your use of chiropractic care is limited to reducing back pain, then you probably would never conceive of a situation where an infant could benefit from chiropractic treatment. If you take a closer look at what chiropractic treatment does- improve the function of the nervous system- then you may be able to see how chiropractic may be appropriate for infants.

Case Study from Our Practice- 11 month old baby with painful bowel movements becoming less and less frequent, from every other day to every 4 days. Increase in medication from using up a whole bottle of maltsupex once a month to every two weeks, even while increasing fruit and vegetable intake. Incredibly hard stools and rectal bleeding.

One treatment improved the baby to having soft movement every day. She needed another treatment the following week, and now she's having 2-3 movements regularly, every morning with no medication at all. No more tears and screaming.

This baby had subluxations in the lower spine and sacral region resulting in decreased nerve stimulation to the bowel. There was inadequate musculature contraction to initiate normal bowel movements resulting in chronic constipation. Infants typically respond quickly to chiropractic treatment (1-2 visits), because their nervous and musculoskeletal system is less mature.

Other Conditions of Infants that May Respond to Chiropractic Treatment

Ear Infections

Respiratory Distress

Breast Feeding Problems

Digestion and Elimination Problems

Developmental Delays- Lifting head, balancing, crawling, standing, walking

Colic

When Should a Child Have Their First Chiropractic Visit?

2010-08-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

We asked our patients last week, "When should a child have their first chiropractic visit?". We told them to give us their opinion, not what they thought we wanted them to say. We gave them four choices.

#1 Any time after birth.

#2 Any time after age 5.

#3 Any time after age 13.

#4 Any time after age 18.

Over the next few weeks we will take a look at our patients' answers, and explore the rationale for chiropractic care at different ages. We will share stories about children that we have treated here in our office, and let you decide if and when it make sense for a child to see a chiropractor.

NEXT WEEK- CHIROPRACTIC AND INFANTS: Is it safe or necessary to perform chiropractic on newborns or infants?

Medicare Fee Increase

2010-08-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Congress has approved a 2.2% fee increase for Medicare chiropractic services and other physicians services that will take effect in our office beginning September 1, 2010. This means that Medicare patients will pay between $.66-$1.31 more for chiropractic adjustments. The difference is due to the number of regions of the spine that must be treated on each visit. If just one or two regions are adjusted, then the lower fee applies. If five or more regions are adjusted, then the higher fee applies. You may think, an adjustment is an adjustment, is an adjustment.

Medicare and most other healthcare plans count each region of the spine as a distinct, reimbursable area of treatment including the cervical (neck& head), thoracic (mid back & ribs), lumbar (low back), pelvis (hips). Other segments of the body may be adjusted, but are not reimbursable by Medicare, such as the hand, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle and feet. It is not known if Congress will stick with the 2.2% increase, or enact at 20.2% decrease for chiropractic and other physician services after November 1st, 2010. Sources claim that a decrease of that proportion will cause many primary care providers to refuse to accept Medicare patients. The fallout from that could overwhelm hospital emergency rooms, as they would now become the only alternative for seniors needing primary medical care.

Fundraiser a Success!

2010-07-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

The enormous generosity of our patients showed through this week with an outpouring of donations. We far exceeded our goals for Flying Doctors Day, ending up with over 50 patient visits and over $3,000 in donations. More than 30 patients contributed $50 or more, with the top donation of $500! Lots of patients will be sporting a Flying Doctors of America T-Shirt this summer. I am due to depart on November 10th and return on Thanksgiving. It may seem like a far way off, but it will probably be here before we know it. Thanks again for every one's help and support to make it possible for me to give chiropractic care to the impoverished people in Cambodia.

We shut down 400!

2010-07-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

It was a sight to see. No cars, no trucks, no motorcycles, not even a bus. Nothing but bicycles riding down GA 400 this morning. Of course you had to get up pretty early if you wanted to see it. Barbie Campbell, Elaine Steinhauer-Slezak, Linda Majer and I rode the Hospitality Highway Bicycle Ride benefiting the Georgia Transplant Foundation. We pedaled a quarter century from Exit 7 to Exit 6, then through the back roads of Sandy Springs and Roswell. My new road bike, a Specialized Allez Sport proved to be a trusty steed.

Join us for Flying Doctors Day-Wednesday, July 14th

2010-07-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Flying Doctors Day is an opportunity for you to help yourself, help a loved one or a friend- and support a worthy cause- Flying Doctors of America's Mission to Cambodia. This Fall, I will be traveling to Southeast Asia with a group of medical doctors, nurses and allied healthcare providers to provide the impoverished children, men and woman with free medical care. My wife Dixie and I are volunteering our time, but that doesn't mean we get to go for free. With your help, we can raise the money necessary to fund our expenses for the mission. I am providing all my chiropractic services for new and existing patients on Wednesday, July 14th in exchange for a donation of any amount to Flying Doctors of America. All donations of any size are welcome in exchange for new patient exams, x-rays, and chiropractic adjustments. Donations are tax-deductible. When you donate $50 you will receive a Flying Doctors T-shirt, and when you donate $100 you will receive a t-shirt, plus a Cambodia DVD. Call us at 770-993-9287 or visit our website- http://www.leadingedgeatlanta.com/ to arrange your visit.

Looking for your seal of approval

2010-06-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

Harbour seals that is! These two are local residents of James Bay situated on the outskirts of Victoria, near the southern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. I traveled with my wife, Dixie and daughter, Lexi to the Pacific Northwest last week. Close friends from Alpharetta invited us to their vacation quarters in Victoria, where we explored the nearby parks, shops, harbors, cemeteries, beaches and mountains. The young ins and I spent a day at Nanaimo, climbing the conglomerate cliffs of Sunnyside with a Canadian climbing guide. We bicycled along the coast and caught glimpses of kite surfers and para gliders riding the surf and wind. We caught a ferry from Seattle, where we spent several days as well. We visited the Seattle Art Museum, where they had on display works inspired by the late Kurt Cobain and a collection of Andy Warhol films and photos. One of the highlights was being able to claim our "fifteen minutes of celebrity" by posting a picture taken at the museum photo booth on the wall of the Warhol exhibit. We spent three nights in an International Hostel, rather than a traditional hotel. Let's just say... it was different... not for the Holiday Inn crowd. Seattle is a great city to explore on foot with the huge City Market, parks along the waterfront and ferries to hop on and explore Puget Sound and the neighboring islands. Anyone wishing to see beautiful countryside and unique cityscapes should make to these two great places.

Gator Bait

2010-05-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

Hey Fellows and Gals,

We did it! Dixie, Louie (our dog) and I completed the Paddle the Parks Challenge. The Georgia State Parks designed a canoe/kayak challenge for adventuresome people. They laid out six different paddling routes in six different state parks around Georgia. Complete all six then you are eligible to be initiated into the Paddle the Parks Club and receive a T-shirt recognizing your accomplishment. What the GA Park Service did not tell us was that four out of the six parks were blessed with a healthy alligator population! In fact, the Okefenokee Swamp, where we paddled over Memorial Weekend has so many alligators, that they do not allow dogs on watercraft in the park. Louie had to sit that one out in the Highlander. What a bummer! Well, who needs extra Gator Bait, when you are sitting six inches off the water, and there are over thirty alligators checking you out! I need my hands for more than just paddling a kayak. Ya know? Hope you are all having a great Memorial Day Weekend, and our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are coming home soon.

Could chiropractic have helped save Tiger Woods' neck?

2010-05-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods dropped out of The Players Championship this weekend, complaining of neck pain that was interfering with his ability to play. Neck pain is second only to low back pain for spinal conditions affecting Americans. Considering the abuse we give our necks, this should not be surprising. We sleep with too many pillows. We scrunch our cellphones between our neck and shoulders. We hunch over computers all day. We fall asleep on the couch. All these positions put physical strain on our neck. From minor stiffness to a full blown herniated disk , many who suffer from neck pain could be helped with regular chiropractic care. A healthy neck should be supple, pain-free and properly aligned so that the nerve endings leading to the head and arms are free of impingement.

Chiropractors specialize in detection and correction of the most common cause of neck pain, vertebral subluxation. Vertebral refers to the spinal bones, and subluxation refers to a partial dislocation. Chiropractic doctors experts in helping the underlying cause of neck pain, and working with patients to help relieve pain, restore mobility and free-up impingement to nerves.

Tiger... see your chiropractor. An adjustment today, may keep the surgeon away!

Climbing with a rock star!

2010-05-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

Rockclimbing legend, Lynn Hill congratulates Frank Nederhand and Jamie Schantz, D.C. on their second place finish at the Craggin' Classic, hosted by the American Alpine Club this past weekend in Chattanooga, TN. Lynn Hill is best known for the first free ascent of the Nose Route on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley, California. She is now a rockclimbing ambassador for Patagonia.

Lynn is not just a talented climber, she is a warm and sensitive person. Just being in her presence was a thrill. I have read about her in magazines, seen her on posters and climbing videos. I got to help her sore hip with a chiropractic adjustment, for which she was very thankful. The next day we climbed together on Diamond Cutter (5.10b/c) at Foster Falls, then enjoyed the festivities at Urban Rocks in Chattanooga.

Roswell Bicycle Festival Chiropractic Booth

2010-04-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

Our chiropractic intern, Barney Roca and I spent the day on Sunday providing check-ups and muscle work for participants of the Roswell Bicycle Festival, along with their family members and festival goers. Sunday was a gorgeous day after the torrential downpour on Saturday.

The most common physical complaints from bicycle riding are neck pain (from drop-down handle bars), pain and numbness in the wrist (from leaning on your wrist), low back pain (from keeping your spine flexed too long) and numbness in one foot (from having a short leg).
Chiropractic care is a safe and effective method to detect and help correct these disorders, and keep bicycle enthusiasts in the saddle.

Roswell Day of Hope

2010-04-18T04:18:00.000-07:00

What an amazing day! Close to 500 needy people with backaches, neck pain, pinched nerves, bum knees and ankles getting chiropractic care... all for free! Seven local chiropractic doctors, along with our chiropractic intern, volunteered our services as part of the health care team for Roswell Day of Hope. This huge charity event provided health care services, haircuts, groceries, entertainment and Christian spiritual guidance for thousands of underprivileged men, women and children in North Fulton county, Georgia.

Spring Break, Not Spring Broken

2010-04-01T09:04:00.001-07:00

Spring Break for some is their first round of golf or a trip to the beach. For others Spring Break is a chance to start on yardwork. Travel and yardwork can both take a toll on your body. How can you get through your Spring Break without getting broken? Well if you prepare yourself and be mindful of your body mechanics, you can decrease your risk factors.

Driving Risk Factors

1. Driving puts 300 lbs. per square inch of pressure on the disks in your lower spine. Hour after hour that you are behind the wheel adds to the build up of pressure that can cause bulging disks that make you stiff and ache. Make sure you take breaks to get out and stretch every few hours, regardless of whether you need gas or require a rest room break. By alleviating the build up of disk pressure, you may avoid a backache that plagues you the rest of your Spring Break.

2. Support your lower back when you drive. Use a lumbar cushion positioned so that it fills the gap between your backside and middle spine. Otherwise your lower spine will tend to slump foward and your body weight will put more pressure on your disks. Vehicles equipped with built-in lumbar supports may be adequate, if they inflate enough to do the job, and hit you in the precise spot.

3. Adjust your seat so your knees are slightly higher than your hips. This allows the weight of your upper body to be better absorbed by the back of the seat, rather than landing directly on your lower spine. Changing the angle of your seat back may be necessary on a long trip. Wait until your vehicle is stopped before re-adjusting your driver's seat.

Yard Work Risk Factors

1. Our spine works best and feels best when it is working in a balanced and aligned position. Reality is that the nature of yardwork is such that it frequently dictates us to be unbalanced and misaligned. That being said, one of the biggest risk factors for back pain is home ownership.

2. Warm-Up first. Think of yardwork as a sport. Most of us do some type of stretching or warm-up routine prior to playing a game of tennis or softball. Do the same thing before you do your yardwork. Here are a few stretches that will help.

Arms Over Head: Stand up and reach both arms over your head with your fingertips extended. Reach higher with your right hand, then your left hand. Alternate reaches until you have stretched 10x on each side.

Bend Over Stretch: Stand with your feet further apart than your shoulder width; your knees slightly bent. Bend over at the waist with your arms and head relaxed. Let your upper body gently stretch your lower back. Hold for a count of 10, and slowly come up. Repeat 3x.

Quadriceps Stretch: Stand with your weight on your right foot, bend your left knee and grab the back of your left ankle with you left hand. Bring your left ankle behind you, so that you are pulling it close to your buttocks. Hold for a count of 10 and repeat on the other side.

3. Remember to bend at your knees, not your waist, as much as possible. Kneeling and squatting are better on your back than leaning forward and bending at the waist. Keep your nose and your toes in the same alignment as you work, as to avoid twisting motions.

Should you end up with a backache, remember our motto: When in doubt, chill it out!

Use ice, rather that heat on a new injury or painful episode. See your chiropractor, if pain persists.

Happy Spring Break!

What can chiropractic do to help spinal stenosis?

2010-03-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition that affects as many as a half million Americans over the age of fifty, and it is rapidly becoming more common as the average age of Americans increases. Stenosis refers to thickening and hardening of the ligaments of the spine, along with decay in the disks. This causes narrowing of the spinal canal and/or opennings that allow the spinal nerves to travel to the pelvis and legs. The sad thing is that there is no good way to predict who will become affected by this disorder. The symptoms are characterized by nagging pain and stiffness in the lower back. It may be accompanied by pain that radiates into either or both legs, especially when walking for any distance. The classic sign of this condition is that the leg pains subside quickly with sitting or bending forward at the waist. So what can chiropractic do to help spinal stenosis? One of the most promising treatments is the Cox Decompression and Manipulation Method which helps to stretch the ligaments of the lower spine. By stretching the ligaments, their diameter becomes thinner, and they do not crowd the spinal nerves. The Cox Method also helps to increase the intradiscal space ( the area between the vertebrae) helping to alleviate disk degeneration. To find a chiropractor who is a Certified Cox Doctor in your area visit www.coxtechnic.com and click on Cox Physicians.

Becoming a Thought Leader

2010-02-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

Thought Leadership is the intangible quality that an individual or group attains, when the public looks to them for guidance and advice on topics of importance. The Thought Leaders for illness and disease are medical doctors. The Thought Leaders for leaky pipes and clogged toilets are plumbers. The Thought Leaders for getting healthy and staying well without drugs or surgery are...CHIROPRACTORS! This may not be the natural train of thought for most people, but according to Dr. Guy Riekeman, President of Life University in Marietta, GA, this is the role that Doctors of Chiropractic need to take in the 21st century. Speaking to a group of about 40 members and guests of the Georgia Chiropractic Association District 1 in Sandy Springs Tuesday evening, Dr. Riekeman extolled the group that the chiropractic profession needs to start to engage the public and key decision makers on matters that involve getting healthy and staying well naturally. As the cultural authority of chiropractic continues to build, then the chiropractors will become the "Go-To" profession for advice and help. Pictured are Dr. James E. Schantz, President of GCA District I and Dr. Guy Riekeman, President of Life University.

What can my chiropractor do to help heel spurs?

2010-02-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

Heel spurs are small deposits of bone-like calcium on the heel bone (calcaneus), usually on or near the bottom of the foot.

What causes heel spurs?

Opinions differ. Excessive stress on the foot may lead to a spur. Some experts thnk that spurs are a normal part of the aging process since they are more common in people over 50 years old.

What are the signs of a heel spur?

A heel spur may contribute to pain on the underside of the heel, sometimes thoroughout the entire bottom of the foot. The first few steps after waking up may feel very tender. Some improvement might be noticed as the day progresses, but the pain often returns and intensifies with standing and walking. The bottom or sides of the heel may be tender to the touch; a slight swelling may be noticed, and it may hurt to wiggle your toes.

Should a x-ray be taken of my foot?

Foot x-rays are the only way to know for sure if you have a heel spur. X-rays can also help rule out other causes of foot pain, such as a stress fracture or arthritis.

What can my chiropractor do to stop the pain?

There are 4 components to helping heel spur pain. Your treatment may include one or more of these components.

1.Reducing inflammation- Ice and other anti-inflammatory agents such as Biofreeze, Traumeel or Cryoderm.

2.Restoring functional movement and position- Manipulation of misaligned bones in the ankle, foot and pelvis.

3.Stretching and strengthening the muscles and tendons of the foot and ankle- Specific exercises and if necessary a stretching boot worn at night.

4. Support and Cushioning- Custom-fit orthotics with heel spur accommodations may be prescribed by your chiropractor. These help provide proper arch support and relieve stress on the fascia that attaches to your heel.

If you suffer from heel pain, tell your chiropractor.

Stayin' Alive-Stayin' Alive

2010-01-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, we do play the Bee Gees on Saturday mornings, but "Stayin' Alive is more than just a great song. It is the rhythm by which you perform chest compression with CPR. Dr. Schantz, Karen and Jessica just renewed their certification for Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals.

Our practice is held to a high standard, because Dr. Schantz is not only licensed by the State of Georgia to practice Chiropractic, our office is credentialed by Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, and other healthcare plans to provide safe and effective chiropractic care to children, adults and seniors. Being able to handle emergency situations is part of being a credentialed facility. Our training was conducted by Vonya Turry, a certified CPR trainer, who works with hospitals, medical practices and corporations. Now you can sleep even better at night knowing your chiropractic office will help you Stay Alive!

Are You a Committed Patient?

2010-01-10T10:32:00.001-08:00

What kind of patient runs to our office when the temperature is in the teens, ice is on the roads and snow on the ground? You may say "Crazy", but I say "Committed".
Elaine is committed to maintaining a high energy and positive attitude. She is powered in part by regular chiropractic adjustments and Juice-Plus. Elaine knows that true health comes from the actions you take everyday to keep yourself well aligned and properly nourished. How else can she keep up a full-time job, run a Juice-Plus distributorship, be a mom, daughter and wife to a new husband? So if you happen to be driving down Crabapple Road, wave to Elaine as you see her running to our office.

Pinch Hitters

2009-12-28T05:23:00.000-08:00

I spent Christmas Day as a volunteer for the Pinch Hitter Program run by B'nai Brith of Atlanta.
B'nai Brith is an international Jewish organization that does charity work to help Jewish and gentiles throughout the world. The concept of being a Pinch Hitter is to relieve the gentile hospital workers, and go to bat for them, so they can have some time off on Christmas Day.
I was assigned to St. Joseph's Hospital in Sandy Springs. Due to my training in CPR, I was able to work in the Transportation Department, where I had direct patient contact. My fellow Pinch Hitters were assigned to the cafeteria. My first job was to deliver a Kangaroo Pump to a patient on the 4th floor. Poor fellow, image having to have a kangaroo pumped out of you. Sounds painful. Next I helped transport an older gentleman being discharged from the hospital, so he could spend Christmas with his family. As I wheeled him to the backseat of an awaiting car, I sent him off with a "Merry Christmas", with which his wife responded-"We celebrate Chanukah in our house". During a lull in activity my supervisor gave me the job of wheelchair disinfection.
I am sure that at least once a year these wheelchairs get a good rub down, and this year it was my turn. When I was done they sparkled with cleanliness. Well at least they were cleaner.
A few more pump deliveries (of the non-kangaroo style) proceeded my last assignment of the day. We had to transfer a gentleman from CICU (Cardiac Intensive Care Unit) on the 2nd floor to the 7th floor. Although he wasn't being discharged, the optimistic patient exclaimed, "At least I'm moving up in the world!" So on that happy note, I bid my fellow Transportation workers adieu and made my way home.

Balance Test

2009-12-24T04:08:00.000-08:00

Try this- Stand on a flat surface in comfortable shoes or your bare feet. Now bring your right knee up in the air, so that your foot is off the floor at least a few inches. Now slowly count, and see how long you can keep your balance without placing your foot back down on the floor. Take note of your time, and repeat this with your your left foot. If you cannot balance for at least twenty seconds on each leg, then your balance is sub-par. You could be compromising your ability to run, golf, play tennis or other sports, as well as dance, walk the dog or do household chores. If you cannot balance for at least five seconds on each foot, you have a more severe problem. You are running a three times greater risk of taking a fall in 2010. A fall that could result in a cracked rib, a fractured wrist or a broken hip, if you are over the age of 60. If you find that your balance is not what you want it to be, there is help. By improving the communication between your brain, where balance is sensed, and your joints, where nerve endings for balance are stored, your chiropractor can turn up your balance score. You don't need to resign yourself to be clumsy, being accident-prone or having poor balance. Talk to your chiropractor about what pro-active steps can be taken to improve your balance today.

Celebrities Who Go To A Chiropractor

2009-12-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

From headaches to backaches celebrities, like most of us, hate to feel badly, and like to feel great.
That is why the celebrities listed below are just a handful of famous people that go to their chiropractor.
Andy Griffith(maybe Oppie too)
Arnold Schwazenegger(Being Governor of California ain't easy)
Mel Gibson(What does he have, like 8 kids?)
Joe Montanta(Superbowl winner!)
Tiger Woods(no jokes please)
Jose' Canseco(baseball wonderman)
Emmitt Smith(did pretty good on DWTS too)
Evander Holyfield(Our man from Atlanta packs a good punch)
Lance Armstrong(He keeps going and going and going)
Madonna(I hope I look that good when I am 50)
Robin Williams(How else does he keep his energy?)
Sylvester Stallone(So Cliffhanger wasn't his best movie)
Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul author)
Clint Eastwood(Posterboy for AARP)
Richard Gere(one word-Cindy Crawford)
Denzel Washington(anyone see Training Day?)

Passing of a chiropractic hero

2009-12-15T05:07:00.000-08:00

Dr. Weldon Odum passed away last week after fending off cancer for several years. I first meet Dr. Odum in 1985. He came to SACA Day (Student American Chiropractic Association) at the National College of Chiropractic. I was President of SACA at National, and Dr. Odum was the President of the parent organization, the American Chiropractic Association (http://www.acatoday.org/).

Still one and a half years from completing my studies at National, Dr. Odum inspired me to try harder, reach further and strive to be my best. It wasn't until I moved to Georgia in 1987 that I realized that I was practicing in Dr. Odum's home state. We met up at a GCA (Georgia Chiropractic Association) conference and became reacquainted. It was always a great day when I would get to see him and his wife Helen at conferences, share a meal and get updates on their daughter, Joan, who pursued a degree in chiropractic and then medicine. Dr. Odum showed me that you could serve the profession, serve your community, have a great family life and be a snappy dresser too. Dr. Odum, you will be missed, yet your spirit will live on.

Holiday Stress- Busters

2009-12-10T12:28:00.001-08:00

The holidays bring stress in all kinds of ways.
Some are physical, like wrestling boxes of decorations from out of the attic. Some are mental like trying remember all the people who need presents, what they got last year, and what you want to get them this year. Emotional stress comes from dealing with relatives, memories of past holidays and unfulfilled expectations. Metabolic stress comes from holiday cookies, eggnog and too much time on the couch.
What can we do to make sure that holiday stress doesn't turn into holiday illness, injury or disease?

Stretch- Even 5 minutes in the morning can help prevent knots, strain and spasms from ruining your holiday celebration. Remember to stretch slowly and don't bounce.
Breathe- If you are feeling tense and rushed, take a moment, stop what you are doing and just take 4-5 slow, deep breaths. The pause and intake of fresh oxygen to your system is good for you.
Drink- Water. Dehydration is just as easy in the wintertime as in the heat of summer. Keeping your body hydrated helps to ward off exhaustion and aids in weight control.
Take your vitamins-Stress can deplete your body of essential nutrients like B vitamins and Vitamin C. Exposure to germs can compromise your immune system, increasing your requirement for zinc.
Get adjusted.-Chiropractic adjustments help put your nerves and muscles at ease, which reduces stress in your body. The less stress that is pent-up in your body, the better you sleep and quicker you heal.

Why does it take more than one adjustment?

2009-12-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

Patients often wonder, either to themselves, or out loud to me, why it takes more than one adjustment to move a subluxated bone back into the proper position. There are several factors that can influence how many adjustments it can take to properly align the spine.
Age-Young people generally take fewer adjustments that older people, because their spine is more flexible and they have less degenerative changes in their spine.
Gender- Woman tend to need more adjustments than men, because they tend to have less muscle mass to stabilize their spine.
Chronic vs. Acute Condition- The longer a subluxation has been present, the longer it takes to work out of the spine. Muscles, ligaments and nerve endings become accommodated to the misalignment, and must undergo changes to restore a healthy functioning spine.
Lifestyle-Patients that are deconditioned, sedentary and overweight tend to have a harder time staying in alignment, than patients who are active and fit.
Occupation-Jobs that make it difficult to maintain good posture, or tasks that demand repetitive or one-sided motion will usually have a negative effect on maintaining alignment.
Stress- Patients that are subject to high levels of mental or emotional stress will have a harder time holding their adjustments. Emotions can trigger neurochemicals that hamper tissue repair, and increase muscle spasm and tension.
Other Diseases-Spinal and non-spinal diseases can both effect alignment. Spinal arthritis, disk degeneration, facet arthrosis are examples of spinal diseases that can undermine the lasting effects of an adjustment. Diabetes, thyroid disease, connective tissue diseases are conditions that can slow down the healing process and make more adjustments necessary to achieve healthy alignment.

What can you do? Follow your chiropractor's recommendations on your schedule of care, so you get the right number of adjustments for your condition. Also make sure you do any exercises that have been prescribed for you. Get the right amount of rest, and make sure you are using proper body mechanics. These will help you maintain your alignment in between your visits.

Stretching your limits

2009-12-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

I began rockclimbing as a teenager one summer, and it has become a part of my life ever since.

In my twenties I pursued it with a fierce passion. I spent countless hours dangling from the side of cliffs in just about every major mountain range in the USA. During my thirties and forties I cooled a bit, due to professional and family obligations, but I still would get out on occasion. Lately I have been renewing my passion for rockclimbing, and over Thanksgiving spent three days climbing at Obed/Clear Creek in Tennessee. I think part of the reason I have reignited my interest is that rockclimbing can help me stretch my limits. Rockclimbing is both physically and mentally demanding. You must be able to calm your mind, focus on the task at hand, and use your body to unlock the sequences necessary to ascend the rock. If you just try to use brute force, you flail about and waste energy. If you let your mind get the best of you, you freak out, lose your focus and fail. The same can be said of life. When we are faced with life's demands, and we want to succeed, we must relax our mind, focus our attention and work out the series of steps to solve our problem.

Stuffed and stoked for Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T05:21:00.000-08:00

Want to come through the Thanksgiving Holiday unscathed? Watch out for the three dangers of Thanksgiving.

Number 1- Holiday Travel-Motoring to friends and relatives can put you at risk for wrecks and a wrenched back or neck. Avoid unneccessary distractions while you drive. Keep your cellphone, I-Pod and other electronic devices with a non-driving companion. If you are driving alone, wait until you are stopped to use them. Anticipate that other drivers will not be paying attention to the road. Give them plenty of space, and use your signals when changing lanes. If you do get in a wreck, move your vehicle to safety as soon as possible. If you suffer injury- get medical/chiropractic attention soon. Ice or heat to injuries? When in doubt-Chill it out! Ice decreases inflammation and swelling that commonly accompanies spine and joint injuries.

Driving long distances creates poor posture and too much pressure on the spine which can lead to back pain and stiffness in the spine, hips and knees. Break up your trip into segments. Take 5-10 minute stretch breaks. Use a lumbar support cushion or pillow behind the small of your low back to fill in the gap between your back and the carseat. Some vehicles have lumbar supports built in for the driver, but may not have sufficient support for all the other passengers.

Number 2-Food related Illness & Injury- You probably have heard that most accidents happen in the kitchen. Where else can you find scalding temperatures and sharp edges ready to burn and cut a hurried chef? Slow down and think as you go about the tasks of preparing your meal. Use your potholders to remove lids and take the turkey out of the oven to avoid burns. Sharpen your knife to avoid an unexpected slip. Wash your hands, your cutting board and your utensils frequently to avoid contamination and food bourne illness.

Number 3-Shopping- Protect yourself from wild and frenzied Black Friday shoppers. Spend some time in the morning performing a pre-shopping stretching routine. Start out on the floor and bring one knee toward your chest at a time stretching your hips and backside ,so you can sprint up the escalator. Next reach over your head with both arms, extend your fingertips and reach as far as you can, so you can grap that sweater off the rack. Finish up with a standing shoulder stretch- bring both hands behind your back, clasp your hands together and bring your interlaced fingers up toward your shoulderblades. You will have an easier time getting into your wallet or pocketbook- so the only strain will be on your bank account.

Have a safe Thanksgiving Holiday!

Why do chiropractic adjustments go snap, crackle, pop?

2009-11-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

Patients frequently want to know what causes the "cracking" sound when their spine is adjusted.
Well, there isn't anything being cracked, snapped or broken. The sound is the result of changes in the pressure within the joint. We have all heard the sound of a soda pop can or bottle being opened. That sound is the release of pressure on gases within the liquid in the container.
Your joints are like little containers filled with pressurized liquid, known as synovial fluid.
Adjustments reduce pressure on the joints, thus creating a popping sound.