Dr Davis' Back & Wrist Pain Blog

Chronic Back Pain and Obesity

San Francisco Chronic Pain Center Comments:

Is there a connection between chronic back pain and obesity ? Well, according to the American Obesity Association (AOA) 64.5 percent of adult Americans (about 127 million) are categorized as being overweight or obese. The unfortunate truth is that obesity is becoming a global epidemic affecting adults and children. What about back pain, how prevalent is it in our society ? Well, here are some eye opening statistics from the American Chiropractic Association (full story):

Back Pain Facts & Statistics

Although chiropractors care for more than just back pain, many patients visit chiropractors looking for relief from this pervasive condition.  In fact, 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time.

A few interesting facts about back pain:

• One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.
• Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work.  In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
• Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
• Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain—and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.
• Experts estimate that as many as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.

So, 65% of our population is obese, and 50% of our population have back pain each year, that is amazing. So, I dove into this further and found an article about a March 2005 back pain-obesity study done by the North American Spine Society (NASS), here is a paragraph from the article: 

In March 2005, NASS conducted a national survey of spine care professionals* to measure the impact of obesity on back pain. The survey unveiled an increasing trend in the number of obese patients being treated for spine-related disorders – up nearly 67 percent from just five years ago. According to the NASS survey, 44 percent of the patients they see are considered obese.

Hmmm...I guess there is a connection. In reality, the connection is obvious to most people. The extra weight puts extra stress on the joints, spinal discs, ligaments, and muscles, causing abnormal wear and tear. This can result in conditions such as disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, and disc herniations. Not to mention all the other health problems that are associated with obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid conditions, cancer, and stroke. From my end, it sure would be easier to stay away from making dietary recommendations, and just focus on relieving back pain with our therapies. But to me, this would not be right. I honestly believe that if someone were to make only one change in their lifestyle (and their diet was poor), it would have to be diet. Molecule for molecule this is our greatest interaction with our environment. The diet that we recommend is a plant based diet. This Blog has more than enough information to get you started in the right direction. Simply find the "nutrition" link on the right side of the home page and start reading the postings. The hyper link in the previous sentence is the posting I would read first. I am always available to discuss your specific concerns about nutrition and I recommend you visit Dr. John McDougall's website and sign up for his newsletter.   

Inflammation and Back Pain

SF Bay Area Chronic Back and Hand Pain Center Comments:

Many Chronic Back Pain sufferers are unaware of the connection between what they eat and their chronic back pain. It's not exactly the first thing you would think of. And, it's not very common for your doctor to consider the relationship between your diet and your back pain either. But, that does not change the fact that there IS a connection. We have been educating our San Francisco and Marin County chronic back pain patients on the diet-inflammation-back pain connection for over 15 years now. In the past, I have actually had back pain patients that had so much inflammation that I could not even apply my treatment methods to them. These days (last couple of years) I have non-surgical spinal decompression which enables me to initiate treatment on many of these patients because it is very gentle. Anyway, getting back to diet and back pain, what is good and what is bad as far as diet goes ? Well, I found a very good article that explains this stuff pretty good that I am going to direct you to. It makes many recommendations that are easy to implement. If you are my patient and would like to meet with me to discuss your diet or to order the appropriate lab test (for inflammation), simply call: 415-392-2225 and ask for Mari. She will schedule a time for us to meet. Write down your concerns and bring them to the appointment. This could be the biggest step you ever take toward regaining your health.

Fish Oil May Help Ease Back Pain

San Francisco Bay Area Chronic Back Pain Center Comments:

I receive a lot of inquiries about Fish Oil and what it can do as far as chronic back back pain is concerned. And, I have responded in some of my previous postings. We treat many forms of chronic back pain at our San Francisco and Marin County Back Pain Centers. Conditions such as Disc Herniations, Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), and Spinal Stenosis. It is widely accepted in the medical community that inflammation is a primary cause of spine related pain. This is why doctors prescribe what are called Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID's). Most of the time the NSAID that is prescribed is a Cox-2 Inhibitor, which have been known to cause stomach ulcers and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The drugs Vioxx and Bextra have been taken off the market because of their link to heart risks. Anyway, there has been quite a bit of research over the last several years on the anti-inflammatory effects of Fish Oil with regards to chronic back pain. And since Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is one of the greatest causes of spine pain and disability in the US, I thought I should keep you abreast of the situation. We have been including Fish Oil in our Home Care recommendations for about a year now. Not just any Fish Oil, it must be pharmaceutical grade according to experts. You can find it on-line, or at local places like Whole Food Market, or Elephant Pharmacy. Or, we can get it for you.  Here is another article about a recent study on the benefits of Fish Oil.   

Study Suggests Disc Degeneration Can Start When We Are Very Young. What Can Be Done ?

San Francisco Disc Herniation Treatment Center Comments:

I was doing some reasearch online to see if I could come up with any studies of children with disc degeneration. I found a very interesting abstract on The Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics website from a 2003 British study. Here it is:

Radiologists recommend correct posture and backpack safety following study revealing kids suffer from disc degeneration

A new British study has found that almost one child in 10 show signs of back problems before puberty. These findings were presented by Dr. Francis Smith at the Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America held December 3, 2003 in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Smith is a consultant radiologist and sports medicine physician at Woodland Hospital, Aberdeen, Scotland.

For this study, Smith and his colleagues looked at MRI scans of 154 10-years-olds. None of the children had ever had any problems with their back or reported any back pain. Yet, 14 had signs of intervertebral disc degeneration on their MRI scans.

Dr. Williams Sanders, a neuroradiologist with William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich., said that without a significant history of trauma, or repeated history of trauma, one wouldn’t expect to see disc degeneration in that high a percentage of children. He did point out that disc degeneration isn’t always easy to determine from MRI scans and, though there may be another explanation, he felt that it was likely disc degeneration.

What is interesting is that both Smith and Sanders recommend preventative measures for a healthy back, including correct posture and avoidance of heavy backpacks. Doctors of chiropractic have been teaching about the importance of good posture for nearly a century and backpack safety for many years. (To get materials on Perfect Posture and backpack safety see Publications and Products.)

I highly recommend this website if you have children and are interested in helping prevent disc degeneration and spinal problems starting at an early age.

 

Veganism and Vegetarianism are Going Mainstream. And The Reasons Why Go Beyond Healthcare

There are more reasons to adopt a plant based diet than better health. Most people are completely unaware of the cascade of events that occur on a global scale in order to satisfy the American meat eating habit. You would think that the health benefits would be enough. According to  Cornell University's Dr. T. Colin Campbell, director of the renowned "China Project" (a long-term study of the relationship between diet and health), "The vast majority, perhaps 80 percent to 90 percent, of all cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and other forms of degenerative illness can be prevented, at least until very old age, simply by adopting a plant-based diet."² In study after study, the consumption of animal foods has been linked with heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and other illnesses. One reason may be because animals are routinely given growth hormones, antibiotics, and even pesticides, which remain in their flesh and are passed on to meat-eaters.

Even so, there are many other reasons to adopt a plant based diet that involve issues such as animal welfare and  ecological waste . For the full story click here.

If you would like the most up to date information on plant based nutrition, please visit: http://www.drmcdougall.com/.

San Francisco and Marin County Disk Pain Treatment Centers Offer Free Community Workshops

SF Bay Area Herniated Disk Pain Centers Announce New Seminar Series:

The Offices of Dr. Eben Davis now have weekly 30 minute lunch seminars on the causes, preventions, and cures of conditions such as disk herniations, carpal tunnel syndrome, and headaches. There will also be classes on the benefits of a plant based diet, as well as Yoga and stretching. Classes are held from 12:00-12:45pm, and include a lunch to go. These lunch time classes are also available at your work place, club, or group. We need about 30 days notice and can accommodate most requests. We also conduct health fairs and health screenings for small or large groups.  If you are interested in finding out more, please call 415-392-2225 and ask for Dr. Davis. The following is our seminar calendar for the rest of January and February 2007:

San Francisco Back and Wrist Pain Center:

Herniated Disk Pain Solutions- 1/19/2007, 2/8/2007, 2/22/2007

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- 1/25/2007

San Rafael Disk Pain Center:

Herniated Disk Pain Solutions- 2/1/2007, 2/15/2007

To register call 415-392-2225. You must R.S.V.P. 

Kids Get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Stress Injuries From Video Games. What Can Be Done ?

San Francisco- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI), and Tendonitis,  are some of the most common forms of neuro-muscular disorders we commonly associate with overuse syndromes. Now we have conditions like Nintendo Thumb,  Nintendonitis, and Play Station 2 Syndrome (full story) . Yes, even children can develop RSI and CTS. I have personally treated thousands of cases of RSI at my San Francisco Back and Wrist Pain Center. Up until recently, just about everyone was over 20 years old, which is still a rather young age to have developed RSI. But, there is a maximum amount of stress any of us can handle as far as repetitive movements are concerned. Even young, healthy children have their limits. If your child is playing video games for 3-4 hours per day, sitting in a class room for 6-7 hours (using computers), and  also engaging in regular sports related activities that require repetition, such as baseball, racquetball, or tennis, they are at risk for CTS or RSI.  So, what can you do ? Well, one of the best ways to prevent problems from happening is to only allow your children to play video games for 45 minutes or so at a time before taking a 5-10 minute rest (micro breaks). Also, proper ergonomics is very important. Ideally, your children will learn the correct way to sit at an early age. In addition, there are specific stretches/exercises that your kids can do in between games when they take their micro-breaks. Here is a link to a cool little device that can be used for this purpose.  It's a good idea to start before any problems actually present themselves. It is much more difficult to treat a problem than it is to prevent one. In fact, most of the neuro-muscular problems that adults have are rooted to childhood habits. As we parents know, all of this is easier said than done when it comes to actual implementation and compliance. But, at least we have a good starting point, some things to be on the lookout for,  and some prevention measures to consider.  It's worth the effort.

New Hope For Preventing Low Back Pain In Senior Citizens

San Francisco Chronic Back Pain Center Comments:

I found an abstract of a very interesting study on the spinejournal.com website, current issuue, that I thought would interest you. Here it is:

Active Lifestyle Protects Against Incident Low Back Pain in Seniors: A Population-Based 2-Year Prospective Study of 1387 Danish Twins Aged 70-100 Years.

Clinical Case Series

Spine. 32(1):76-81, January 1, 2007.
Hartvigsen, Jan DC, PhD *+; Christensen, Kaare MD, PhD ++

Abstract:
Study Design. Prospective cohort study of twins.

Objectives. To investigate associations between physical activity, physical function, and incident low back pain (LBP) in an elderly population.

Summary of Background Data. The relationship between an active lifestyle and LBP in seniors is unknown.

Methods. Participants in the population-based Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins free from LBP at baseline (no LBP during the past month) were included, and interview data on physical activity, overall physical function, and LBP at baseline and follow-up were obtained. Associations between levels of physical activity and LBP were estimated using logistic regression for the entire cohort, and using a matched case-control design for twin pairs discordant for physical activity. Absolute risk and relative risks for incident LBP in relation to physical activity were calculated for participants with higher or lower than average physical function at baseline. Absolute risk for LBP was also calculated for participants based on whether they remained active or inactive between baseline and follow-up or changed activity level.

Results. A total of 1387 persons aged 70-100 at baseline were included in the analyses, including 86 twin pairs discordant for physical activity at baseline. In the total sample, 83% were engaged in light physical activity, and 42% of men and 35% of women were engaged in strenuous physical activity at least weekly. Being engaged in strenuous physical activity at baseline was strongly protective in relation to both having had any LBP (odds ratio 0.21, 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.37 for intra-pair analysis) and having had LBP lasting more than 30 days altogether during the past year at follow-up (odds ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval 0.03-0.18 for intra-pair analysis). Statistically significant dose-response associations between increasing frequency of strenuous physical activity and magnitude of this protective effect were found. Participants with poor initial physical function experienced the strongest protective effect of strenuous physical activity. Finally, LBP does not appear to be an important factor affecting whether participants remained engaged in strenuous physical activity at baseline and follow-up or vice versa.

Conclusions. Strenuous physical activity at least once a week is protective for incident LBP in seniors.

(C) 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

How Do Spinal Disks Stay Healthy?

Disk Bulges. Disk Herniations. Disk Degeneration. Ruptured Disks. Slipped Disk. Can They Be Avoided ? What Can Be Done Once We Injure A Disk ? How Does The Disk Heal ?

San Francisco Disk Pain Center-We have been treating chronic, degenerative spinal conditions for over 15 years now at our financial district location. We have recently opened an office in San Rafeal (Marin County). Having helped thousands of patients over the years, I have come to the realization that when it comes to spinal hygiene and maintenance, most people are lost. The problem is, we do not come with an owners manual when we are born that teaches our parents about the growth and development of the spine and how important it is to overall health and function. In fact, it may be the most important part of the body. Because, inside the bones of the skull and spine is the brain and spinal cord which control, coordinate, and regulate all physiological activities. The brain and spinal cord are the only organ to be completely encased by bone (your spine and skull bones). In between the bones are the spinal disks. By the way, you will see disk spelled two ways: disc or disk. Both are correct. The primary purpose of the disk is a shock absorber. Secondly, the disk acts as ligament (ligaments hold bones together). Thirdly, the disk along with other soft tissue structures act as a joint to give the spine slight mobility at each spinal level (here is an article about spinal disks from the excellent spine-health.com website I suggest you read for a detailed explanation of what the disk are made of and how they function).

Here's the thing, disk are avascular, this means they have no blood vessels that connect directly to them. Nature designed the disk to receive they nutrients they need from the blood stream through a process called diffusion. It's kind of like a built in pumping action. But, this natural process only works if the bones are able to move they way they are supposed to. Otherwise toxins build up inside the disk, setting the stage for inflammation and spinal degeneration, which can lead to disk herniations, bulges, and stenosis. We were designed to be running around the jungle hunting for food. In this environment we get plenty of exercise. In no way were we designed to be sitting at a desk for 10-12 hours a day under artificial light tring to meet deadlines with a Big Mac in front of us. Yes, this is an extreme example, but you get the point. So, what do we do to to counteract these man made stresses and keep the disk healthy ? Well, how about regular exercise, a plant based diet, meditation, yoga, Pilate's, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, rest, and relaxation, to name a few. Health is like a snow flake. It occurs spontaneously when the conditions are right. We refer to this concept as Contextual Healing. The conditions vary from person to person. The thing is, we have a knob that is adjustable by US for most of the conditions. Even if you have lost your health. Even if you have serious health issues such as cancer or heart disease, you can increase they odds of a favorable recovery by adjusting the knobs in the right direction. For those of you who suffer from disk herniations, disk degeneration, stenosis, and other chronic back conditions, the same principles apply to you. In fact, there is technology that has been specifically designed to help heal herniated spinal disks. It is called spinal decompression. We incorporate spinal decompression into our chronic back pain regimen when indicated. The main point here is that there are ways to deal with chronic health problems that do not involve drugs or surgery. Sure, sometimes drugs and surgery are indicated. But, studies show there are lots and lots of unnecessary surgeries and drugs prescribed every single day, often times resulting in catastrophic outcomes. If you would like a consultation to discuss your specific health concerns, or would like a referral to a doctor in your area, simply call my office at 415-392-2225. On this BLOG you will find all the resources you need to start adjusting your knobs in the right direction. Remember, "We can't change the direction the wind blows. But we can change the set of our sails".   

Spinal Curves, Posture, and Disk Herniations

According To The Laws Of Physics,  Disk Herniations Can Be Caused By Poor Posture and Poor Lifting Techniques

They say your posture is a window to your spine. When your spine is aligned properly you have three 60 degree arcs that form your cervical, thoracic, and lumbar curves. When we are born we have one big "C Shaped" curve. Then at about 6-8 weeks of age when we begin to lift our little heads up to observe our environments, we form (because of the forces of gravity  acting on the skull and spine) our neck curve (cervical curve). This is also how we develop our neck muscles as they now have to perform work to balance the skull. A little while later when we begin to crawl, we form our low back (lumbar) curve. Then, when we attempt to stand and start waddling around, we develop our lumbar spinal muscles. At this point, unless something went wrong, we should have three curves that will actually make the spine very strong and better able to protect and house the nervous system. According to science, curves actually make the spine 10x stronger. This is why it is so important to maintain them. When we lose our spinal curves we become much more susceptible to injuries which can result in things like disk herniations and vertebral subluxations. Even poor lifting techniques such as bending over and picking something up (which straightens the spine) instead of squatting (which maintains the curves and mechanical advantage) can put great forces on the disk and ligaments causing herniations. I found a great article on this topic with some good illustrations of disk herniations and a chart of how different positions can place different stresses on the spine. The chart outlines how posture can effect the low back.

This is why I choose to practice techniques at my clinics that incorporate spinal curve restoration and regeneration. It only makes sense that if we can make the spine stronger by restoring the curves, we will reduce stresses on the spinal disks, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. We accomplish this by increasing the resistance of the spine to the forces of gravity and motion using special corrective measures which include traction, exercise, and spinal adjustments. Often times, we incorporate spinal decompression therapy if there are disk bulges or herniations. Spinal correction does not happen overnight. It can take months to make changes. But, so does anything that is worthwhile. For more information you are welcome to attend our FREE Lunchtime Seminars which are held every Thursday at our clinics from 12:00-12:30pm. Call 415-392-2225 for more info