Hi everyone,
We were recently recognized as a 2021 Neighborhood Favorite from nextdoor.com. Thank you to all who took the time to recommend us. We do not advertise or market so referrals and recommendations are extremely important to us. We couldn't help people in need without you. You continue to humble us.
Patients often ask why they aren't feeling better as quickly as they would like. A couple months ago I discussed what patients bring to their appointments. We focused on lifestyle choices and how they impact health, either positively or negatively. This month, let's get into the nuts and bolts of the spine and tissues a little deeper.
Each patient brings a potential complex consisting of spinal kinesiopathology (abnormal position and/or motion of the vertebrae akin to the front end of your vehicle being out of alignment); neuropathophysiology (abnormal nervous system function like a damaged phone charging cord); myopathology (abnormal muscle function similar to a piece of gristle in your meat); histopathology (abnormal function of the tendons, ligaments, intervertebral discs with associated inflammation such as hitting your thumb with the hammer); and pathophysiology (abnormal function of the bones/joints...think of stalactites and stalagmites in a cave). In summary, each patient presents to us with a very complex picture consisting of potential abnormal joint, muscle, ligament, tendon, and intervertebral disc function, arthritis, degeneration, and narrowing of the spinal canal and/or the openings that the nerves exit from the spine. Not everyone has all five components but it is extremely common for one to have 3-4 of them. Age, past trauma, repetitive work, lifestyle, and lack of regular chiropractic care are some of the factors that will add the 5th component- pathophysiology.
It is almost miraculous that patients feel relief as quickly as they do when you consider all we have to address. It seems that we push on a few spots, dig our fingers into muscles, and patients get relief. That couldn't be further from the truth.
Chiropractic is the only health care discipline that addresses all 5 components of what we call Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Physical therapy addresses myopathology by helping to strengthen muscles. Massage therapy focuses on myopathology and histopathology. Medical doctors prescribe medication to address myopathology (muscle relaxants) and histopathology (anti-inflammatories). Surgeons primarily focus on histopathology and pathophysiology (tissue damage of muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, and arthritis, degeneration, and stenosis). No one addresses spinal kinesiopathology- the primary cause of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC)- except the doctor of chiropractic. Treating spinal kinesiopathology at an earlier age can slow all the other pathologies from developing. By influencing and restoring the abnormal position/motion of the vertebrae, the doctor of chiropractic reduces/eliminates the VSC, resulting in less pain, better function, healthy and normal organ function, and a strong immune system.
Have you fallen back? It's hard to adapt to darkness in the mornings and evenings since we changed our clocks. We feel sluggish, lethargic, and maybe even a little depressed. A study conducted by Allina in the winter of 2010 found that 60% of its employees had low vitamin D levels, 30% were very low, and 6% were profoundly low. Why does this matter? There is mounting evidence that vitamin D plays a crucial role in disease prevention and maintaining optimal health. Adequate vitamin D levels help to fight cancer, reduce the risk of type II diabetes, and aid in reducing chronic inflammation, age-related macular degeneration, and Alzheimer's disease. It exhibits infection-fighting abilities in the treatment of pneumonia, colds, and influenza.
The best form of vitamin D is D3. It should be combined with vitamin K2 unless you are taking anti-clotting medications. The most beneficial levels of vitamin D range from 50-70ng/ml. This may be determined with a blood test. There are also test kits available that you can purchase. It is best to determine your current levels of vitamin D before you begin supplementing but you are more than likely to be low unless you already take at least 5,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
It is virtually impossible to manufacture vitamin D3 in your body for 10 months each year in Minnesota. Late June through mid-August is the only time our bodies are capable of manufacturing adequate amounts of vitamin D3 each day but if you use sunscreen or cover your arms, face, and legs, you are not exposing yourself to enough UVB rays to produce your own vitamin D. This is why you must supplement each day with adequate amounts of vitamin D. There is too much information regarding vitamin D supplementation to cover in this forum so please contact us with any questions you may have.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I like to think about gratitude. It seems there is so much more to be grateful for each year. I read an article that describes gratitude as a muscle. The more you practice it, the stronger it becomes. There are many tools available online to help you. Suffice it to say, I have so much to be grateful for- my family and friends, the peace of nature, my health and wonderful God-given immune system, my freedom, and for all of you-my patients who humble me with your trust and presence in my life.
Are you interested in addressing your spinal kinesiopathology to prevent vertebral subluxation complex? We offer affordable maintenance/wellness chiropractic care packages. Call us at 763-427-0820 for details.
As always, please pass this newsletter on to your friends, family, and co-workers who may find the information beneficial.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!
Dr. Tracy
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