Dr Davis' Back & Wrist Pain Blog

The Healthcare Reform Bill Treats the Symptom and not the Cause

San Francisco Vegan Chiropractor Comments: I have been pounding the table for 18 years about the connection between sickness, disease, and the typical American diet. And...even though I could have made hundreds of thousands of dollars (maybe millions by now) selling vitamins, minerals and supplements...I never have...because I believe if we eat right the rest will take care of itself. Not only that...we can eat as much as we want...never going hungry...as long as we eat the right foods.So, for those that were willing to listen, I have preached over and over about health benefits of a plant based diet. My favorite resource is www.drmcdougall.com. I learned most of what I know from studying Dr. McDougall's books, videos, and education materials.

I have even lost chiropractic patients once they found out I did not think parents should be feeding their children milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

To this day, some of my family members and friends think I am crazy and that we need meat and dairy products for protein to build strong bones, muscles, and teeth. Meanwhile most of them continue to pack on pounds while I weigh less than I did in high school.

I really do think most Americans would agree that proper nutrition is very important. 

The problem is...most of those that are agreeing that eating right is good, do not know what eating right is...and who can blame them...you sure don't learn it in school. And you don't get it from your parents. Heck, most of the books that are used in grade school to educate children were donated by the meat and dairy industries.

And chances are you're not going to get anything different from your pediatrician or doctors...they get very little nutrition in school and as a whole pretty much have the same nutrition habits as the typical American.

And the people in charge of making decisions about what we serve in school don't have a clue either...it's almost as if we are doomed. 

Check out this great article entitled: Real healthcare reform starts in the lunchroom:

My Take: The Healthcare Reform debate is bringing all this stuff to the surface. I just heard a CNBC radio interview (I forget the company) with the CEO of a Fortune 500 company who was arguing that auto insurance and life insurance rates are based on our good or bad habits...why shouldn't health insurance? Why should those that take care of themselves subsidize those that don't? This particular company has implemented a points system based on blood test, physical performance test, body weight, exercise frequency, smoking, and other factors (they are self-insured) so your health insurance premium ends up being based on your lifestyle choices. 

Sure, it's a can of worms for Obama, but I am optimistic that in the end some very favorable changes will end up taking place as far as reducing the amount of sickness and disease through addressing the primary cause (lifestyle choices, mainly diet) rather than trying to figure out a way to treat more of it.

The bottom line is this: The Healhcare Reform Bill in it's present form would only treat the symptom and not the cause...this will almost certainly raise costs, not lower them.

Geez...the state of Massachusetts is already covering everyone and their healthcare costs are sky-rocketing 12% per year???

Obama needs to take some deep breaths here and the administration needs to evaluate this checklist item a little more closely. 

When you consider that one in three children will develop Diabetes, secondary to Obesity...something's got to give...and it needs to start at the dinner table.

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco. To schedule an appointment call 415-392-2225.

Executive Express Chiropractic San Francisco Announces New Email 'Health Bulletin'

 

Connect. Conserve. Contribute.

It’s often the little things in life that make the greatest impact, like a simple ‘Thank You’, the sun peeking out on a cloudy day or the ease of immediate walk-in care when pain grows unbearable. The same adage holds true when protecting the Earth and its natural resources.

At Executive Express Chiropractic, we’re doing our part to make the world a better place for future generations. In fact, our new state-of-the-art clinic was designed and built from scratch using 100 percent eco-friendly materials throughout. In our office, we promote and practice waste reduction, reuse and recycling whenever possible, further abstaining from the use of harmful toxic materials.

In the same light, we’re extremely proud to unveil our new paper-less newsletter, Health Bulletin, which will replace our print publication In Good Hands. The new electronic format offers the ability to deliver even more valuable health information in a timelier and more convenient manner while considerably reducing waste. Health Bulletin will be published monthly and delivered to all of our valued patrons. We’ll also archive past issues for your convenience on our website - www.executiveexpresschiro.com.

As we align communications with our own environmentally friendly business practices, we’ve also expanded our social networking avenues to suit your busy lifestyle. Get the latest announcements and industry news stories instantly on your cell phone or web browser – where you are and when you need them the most. Share your own experiences with others by commenting on articles. Easily connect with Executive Express Chiropractic clients and staff members.

Follow us on Twitter: Click Here Visit our Twitter Page

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Follow our blog: Click Here To Learn More About  Dr. Davis’ Blog

You can also share the information provided in each electronic newsletters more easily with friends, family and co-workers! So welcome to our first edition of Health Bulletin. We invite you to connect, conserve and contribute.

 

Check out the first issue of our email Health Bulletin and subscribe.

 

To schedule an appointment at Executive Express Chiropractic at the SF Embarcadero Center please call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.

Dr. Eben Davis Recommends The McDougall Program in Santa Rosa, California

McDougall 10-Day Program from John McDougall on Vimeo.

What is Active Release Technique (ART)?

By: San Francisco Chiropractor and Licensed ART Provider Dr. Adam Jacobs, D.C. of Executive Express Chiropractic

Active Release Technique or ART is the gold standard of soft tissue care.  ART is a highly targeted deep tissue massage performed with active participation by the patient. Injured muscles, ligaments, fascia, tendons and nerves all respond extremely well to ART treatment.   What separates ART treatment from conventional massage or muscle work, is the precisely directed tension and the very specific movement involved in the process. There are over 500 protocols for treating every muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia and nerve in the body. ART is so specific that it is the only soft tissue therapy in the world that is patented. 

 With ART we treat the heart of the problem, not just a general area.  It is the active motion of the muscle (by the patient) that allows the practitioner to break up the adhesions.  An adhesion is fibrous tissue that develops from a small tear in the muscle, tendon or ligament.  An adhesion can develop 3 ways; acute injury (trauma), overuse (repetitive motion injury), and constant pressure/ tension for  extended periods (poor posture)…like sitting at a desk all day in front of a computer (does anyone do that?).  The adhesions limit blood flow to the injured area, shortens the muscle,  and decreases the function of the structure (human frame).  This can cause pain, weakness and sometimes numbness if the adhesion is putting pressure on a nerve.  The soft tissue changes that occur following an injury are: 1. Inflammation which occurs in the first 24-72 hours, 2. Stringy muscle lesion (2 days-2 weeks).  3. Scar tissue and palpable adhesions (2 weeks-3 months). 4. Weak muscle and degenerative soft tissue changes that occur slowly and are more chronic (3 months and beyond).  The time frame and level of care is determined by the tissue damage. 

Each treatment only takes a few passes over the structure, and accomplishes greater results in a shorter amount of time than other soft tissue therapies.  Although ART is extremely effective with professional athletes and dancers, it is actually very beneficial to anyone.  Whether you work in front of a computer most the day and have tightness and pain in the upper back, neck, and wrists…or you are a runner who has shin splints, tight calf muscles or ITB problems…ART can help with just about any soft tissue condition.

Every treatment session at Executive Express Chiropractic includes a highly targeted, chief complaint oriented ART massage…it just makes sense.

Ask Dr. Adam Jacobs more about ART…it works great for children and elderly patients also.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Adam Jacobs in downtown San Francisco please call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.

Are Health and Wealth Connected?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

I remember reading an article of an interview of some of the wealthiest men in the country many years ago, and one of the questions was:

 "If you could do anything different with your life than you have done so far...what would it be?"

The #1 answer was: "I would have taken better care of myself."

I think we all get caught-up in the battle and think that at some point down the road we will flip-on the health switch before it's too late and ride off into the sunset. But for now...we just don't have the time to be concerned about health.

Well...that answer struck a chord...and so did what my grandfather said on his death bed..."Son...there's more to life than earning a buck." He started a business with $38 in a cigar box and built it into one of the largest electrical distributorships in the country. But in the process he neglected his health...and for that he paid the price.

So, sure...health and wealth are connected...because without your health you can't live life to it's fullest. Your physical body needs to be handled with care...day in and day out. Physical, chemical, and mental stresses are bombarding you every day. Your ability to adapt to these stresses is dependent on your internal resistance...or your context, which is determined by your lifestyle...the daily choices you make about what to eat, whether to exercise or not, how much mental stress you have from poor planning, bad relationships, finances and other things people stress about, your spinal alignment (the nervous system controls everything), your mattress, your pillow, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, how much sleep you get, etc.

Overachievers have a tendency to let things get out of balance when it comes to their health.

My favorite quote sums it up:

"When Health is absent, Wisdom cannot reveal itself.  Art cannot become manifest.  Strength cannot be exerted.  Wealth is useless and Reason powerless"

- Herophiles

So, sure...part of the wealth equation is hard work...in fact I don't know anyone that is wealthy that does not grind it out hard. But to me someone does not have the full package unless they put just as much time and energy into taking care of themselves as they do making money.

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco. To schedule an appointment call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.

Sciatica Exercises: Can they help?

San Francisco Chiropractor and Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

We have been treating low back pain and sciatica in the SF Financial District for about 18 years now at Executive Express Chiropractic (formerly Front Street Chiropractic)...mostly with great success. One thing for sure though...there is a lot of confusion, at least with patients, as far as what sciatica actually is and how to help relieve it. Should I exercise? Should I see a medical doctor for pain pills or muscle relaxers? Should I see a chiropractor, physical therapist, or an orthopedic doctor? What about  acupuncture? It can be very confusing...and very painful.

So, anyway...I came across an excellent article on the always informative www.Spine-health.com website (the best spine site on the web) entitled: 

Sciatica Exercises for Sciatica Pain Relief

This well written article first describes what sciatica is, and then goes into the various causes of sciatica, and potential solutions...including exercises (with illustrations).

But please be careful. Sometimes sciatica can be really bad and exercise can make the problem worse. 

And consider seeing an expert who can help you manage your condition. You can use the doctor finder on the www.Spine-health website home page.

If you live or work near downtown San Francisco you can visit us at Executive Express Chiropractic in the Embarcadero Center. Simply call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online. 

A Lesson in Basic Nutrition

San Francisco Vegan Chiropractor Comments:

I feel it's important to understand basic nutrition so that we can make informed decisions about what we eat. Because, what we eat is the most important factor in determining our health.

And...it's not like you have to be a scientist to understand the basics. In fact, Dr. John McDougall, M.D. does a great job of explaining what he calls the A, B, C's of nutrition in this outstanding article entitled:

Nutritional Foundations a Lesson in Basic Nutrition. Here is an excerpt from the article:

Because the four nutrients discussed above - carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water make up the largest portion of any foodstuff by weight, they are often referred to as macronutrients. Our foods also contain two micronutrients--vitamins and minerals--which make up only a tiny percentage of our food by weight.

I know this stuff pretty good but I always deepen my knowledge when I re-read one of Dr. McDougall's books or articles.

Dr. McDougall and his wife Mary were recently featured in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. Check out the article entitled: Practicing What He Preaches. 

Anyway, we really are what we eat...and like Dr. McDougall says..."we wear what we eat"...so hopefully this information helps give you a better understanding of why plant foods are so important. Check out some of Mary McDougall's recipes also...you will be pleasantly surprised. 

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco.

Is There Enough Research on the DRX9000?

San Francisco Chiropractor and Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

The DRX9000 Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression System is a machine that is designed and built to treat lumbar disc herniations, disc bulges, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease nonsurgically. 

The DRX9000 is able to enlarge the disc space, re-position and re-hydrate the disc, elongate the spine, stretch the spinal ligaments, and often times prevent dangerous surgeries.

Sure it all sounds good, but is there research to support these claims?

Well...Yes and No. There are preliminary research findings from a joint study done by the Mayo Clinic, Duke University, and John Hopkins University. This information has been available for a while now and is summarized in this DRX9000 Special Report. 

The thing is...even though this preliminary research is very favorable, it's not the full blown double blind studies that insurance companies and medical doctors need to fully embrace nonsurgical spinal decompression.

But you know what?...the patients that are doing spinal decompression at Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco...and around the world, just don't care. They know decompression therapy is safe,,,they know it's effective from all the positive testimony from happy DRX patients. And they don't want to wait...they want back pain relief now.

At some point there will be full blown double blind research data...but who knows how long this will take? When you consider that nothing is being removed from your body and no chemicals are being introduced...what's the worse thing that can happen?...it doesn't help...and maybe some soreness...and you have a little less money in the bank.

As far as I know...nonsurgical spinal decompression has never caused permanent paralysis or death...it is very safe and gentle...most patients fall asleep during the sessions. And the results can be simply amazing...life changing.

So is the DRX9000 for you? Maybe. Is there enough research to support doing it? That's up to you. Check out the special report, do some homework...and go check it out...maybe even get on the DRX to see what it feels like...you will be amazed.

Then go for it...why?...because life is short and it just makes sense.

To find a DRX9000 doctor near you go to www.axiomworldwide.com, or if you are in San Francisco give Executive Express Chiropractic a call at 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.

Read some San Francisco DRX9000 Testimonials.

Read the DRX9000 Special Report

Weightlifting for Back Pain

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

I have been working out with weights for over 30 years...so I know first hand about most of the benefits...including back pain prevention and relief. Yes, that's right...weightlifting can actually help relieve back pain in certain situations.

Personally, I would not recommend weight training when you have new and acute back or neck pain. But I would recommend it if you have chronic back pain...or chronic neck pain. And no,  I'm not crazy...and my opinion is backed by research. Check out this article entitled:

Relief for back pain: Study finds strength training helps  

According to research done at the University of Alberta, and presented at the  American Academy of Sports Medicine, weightlifting enhanced quality of life for back pain patients by up to 30%.

Sure, the research was done in a safe controlled environment...but still...these are significant findings...and they can be easily implemented at the local YMCA with a personal trainer. The exercises were full body. Exercises like bench presses, lat pull-downs, leg presses...not exotic stuff you have never heard of.

So...check out the article and get that gym membership...your back will be happy.

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for care at Executive Express Chiropractic at the SF Embarcadero Center...call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.    

Ask about the special discount Executive Express Chiropractic patients get at Equinox Fitness at the Old Pacific Stock Exchange Building.

Is Obama Health Reform Treating The Symptom and Not The Cause?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

I have been following the Obama Health Reform push closely, and it sure seems like we are putting our attention on the wrong thing...costs. To me, the skyrocketing costs of health-care are a symptom...not the actual problem. 

We have a 30%+ obesity rate, and 75% of Americans are overweight. Most chronic, degenerative diseases such as heart disease, cancer, strokes, and diabetes are directly connected to obesity...which is mostly the result of poor food choices and sedentary lifestyles.

How does making sure everyone has health-care insurance address these problems? If anything...it seems like it will overload the system with even more costs, as more people will seek symptomatic care for health problems brought on by poor lifestyle choices.

Unless the root cause is addressed...the problem and the costs associated with it will keep spiraling out of control...no matter who pays for the treatment of the symptoms.

I see this issue being brought up here and there...but it's not front and center like it should be.

Sure...there are abuses in our system that Obama is addressing and there really are some good things the president wants to do to reduce costs (eliminate unnecessary diagnostics tests & treatments)...but it just doesn't seem like it's going to do much if we keep on doing what we're doing as far as diet, nutrition, and lifestyle are concerned.

Honestly..I don't know how they would go about attacking what's on the typical American's dinner plate...but until we do, I'm afraid it's going to be more of the same.

I know I can do my part by educating anyone who reads this blog and the patients at our clinic on the benefits of plant based nutrition, exercise, and healthy living...but the entire nation...maybe Obama needs to watch the movie Food Inc.,or read the book The China Study. Or spend a couple of hours on the great Dr. John McDougall's website www.drmcdougall.com.

Chances are...if anyone were to do any one of the above it would make them think twice about what they are eating and feeding their children.

Hey...I know this heath care reform legislation is going to costs me more money as a small business owner...and I don't mind...I just wish the money was better spent.

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco.