Archive for the 'Wellness 101' Category

Cincinnati Cycling Injury Prevention

Published
by
Dr. Edward Gould
on September 2, 2010
in Cincinnati Chiropractors, Cycling Injuries and Wellness 101
. 0 Comments

LAThe beauty of cycling, is that it is a very low impact form of exercise that results in fewer injuries than higher impact activities such as running. However, the number of repetitions that cyclists perform (roughly 6000 revolutions per hour) is much greater than any other sport. Chronic injuries can occur from riding too long, too fast or too often. I always advise my patients to have a professional evaluate how their bike fits their body. An improper fit of the handlebars, saddle, frame or pedals can cause a predisposition to musculoskeletal problems aka pain and injuries.

Common Injuries Encountered By Cyclists

Neck & Mid Back Injuries

  • Causes – This problem is typically due to over exertion of the muscles that extend the neck and raise the shoulders. The cause of this is usually the rams-horn style of handlebars that cause the rider to hold the head and neck in a hyperextended position for prolonged periods of time. Some individuals have problems with this due to the loss of the normal forward curve (lordosis) in their neck.  This type of structural problem is best addressed with chiropractic care.
  • Symptoms – Spasm, tenderness and soreness of the muscles of the neck and upper back. Pain is usually felt with extension and rotation of the neck.
  • Treatment – Initially stretching and strengthening the muscles of the neck and upper back is advisable. If the problem persists, it maybe due to structural problems in your neck.  If the neck and upper back pain persists for more than a week you need to be evaluated.

Lower Back  & Injuries

  • Causes – Lower back strain and pain can occur when an unconditioned rider rides too long with the back flexed forward.  Other causes are obesity, weak trunk muscles or biomechanical dysfunction in the form of lumbar and sacroiliac subluxations .
  • Symptoms – Decreased mobility of the trunk and spasms of the lower back. Pain is usually felt with flexion and rotation of the trunk muscles.  In many instances, lower back pain will be felt more on one side due to asymmetrical loading of the sacroiliac joints. If not corrected the individual may begin experiencing Sciatica.
  • Treatment – Strengthening and stretching of the torso, lower back and hip musculature will help remedy many of the lower back symptoms many riders experience due to muscular weakness. If the injury has caused pain due to misalignments in the lower back or sacroiliac area strength training will only irritate the condition. If this is the case, chiropractic evaluation is indicated.

Trochanteric Bursitis

  • Causes – Trochanteric bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa on the side of the hip, typically caused by the gluteus medius or iliotibial band rubbing over the bursa and causing irritation.  The injury is most common in cyclists with a saddle adjusted too high, unequal leg lengths (possible sacroiliac subluxation) or weak hip muscles.
  • Symtoms – There is a gradual onset of pain. Typically, the pain is on the side of the hip and will gradually migrate down the side of the leg.  If not properly treated, sleeping on the affected side and climbing stairs will begin to cause pain.
  • Treatment – Resting and icing the area is always beneficial.  Trochanteric busitis is usuallly a symptom of riding with a saddle that is too high.  Consider lowering the saddle to limit hip extension with each stroke.  Once the pain begins to subside begin stretching the gluteus medius and the IT band.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this post it is very important to have a professional help you to set up your bike.  Ergonomics are not just for the office.  A properly set up bike will not only increase your bike riding enjoyment but it will also minimize your chances of overuse injuries. Below is a video of a professional setting up a riders bicycle.

I hope this post has been helpful.  If you live in the Cincinnati area and are still experiencing pain while riding, even though your bike has been professionally fitted to your body give me a call and schedule an exam.

Happy Riding,

Dr. Gould

Stress

Published
by
Dr. Edward Gould
on July 27, 2010
in Cincinnati Chiropractors and Wellness 101
. 0 Comments

StressA funny thing happens as we grow older; time seems to go by faster and faster. Our lives tend to become cluttered with to-do lists. Not only do we make demands on ourselves, but other people seem to enjoy putting demands on us also.

Many of us have gone to seminars to learn time management, but somehow, there are still not enough hours in the day.  Because of this, we spend most of our day in reaction. We feel like we are constantly putting out fires which leaves us feeling out of control and stressed.

Stress is interesting! Events that cause you stress, might not cause someone else any stress at all.  In fact, the other person may totally enjoy the event that stresses you.  This means that stress is an individual thing. Stress is simply how we interpret events.  William Shakespeare once said, ” Nothing has any meaning, accept that which we give it.” Think about that, we give things and events meaning.

The Consequences of Living a Stressful Life.

When stressed, your heart beats faster, your blood pressure becomes elevated and you take shallower breaths.  Our body was actually designed to do this, so we could respond to danger and live to tell about it. However, the intent was to use this only on occasion. Unfortunately, for a lot of people, this is an occurrence that happens several times a day.  This leads to a breakdown of the body.

One of the most significant effects stress has on the human body is on the immune system. The immune system is a wonderful thing. As you are reading this article, there are cells in your body killing off invading organisms. You don’t even have to think about it. When you are stressed, however, these little attack cells are reproduced at a much slower rate. This of course allows the invading organisms to over-power-us and make us sick.  Getting sick is a sign that our immunity has been compromised. By the way, becoming ill is Feedback!  It’s our body’s way of telling us we need to make changes.

Tips on Dealing with Stress

  1. Develop Empowering Beliefs. Reflect back on the problems you have had in the past. Problems that at the time, you thought could not be dealt with but you dealt with them and eventually they were handled.  Current problems are no different, regardless of their size.  Always remember, “all” problems have a beginning and an end.
  2. Exercise. Exercise does marvelous things to counteract the effects of stress. Exercise strengthens the immune system, strengthens the heart, makes blood vessels more pliable and helps you to think more clearly. At the end of the day you will ba able to unwind faster and get a better night’s sleep.
  3. Diet. Most people are digging their grave with their teeth. Begin to eliminate  processed foods out of your diet.  Try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables organically grown if you can find them.  Reduce stimulating substances like sugar, chocolate and coffee. Drink more water!

Let me know how this helps you.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Gould

Blood Pressure Study

Published
by
Dr. Edward Gould
on July 1, 2010
in Aging, Blood Pressure Study, Conditions & Treatments and Wellness 101
. 0 Comments

In a Pilot Study Conducted at the University of Chicago

c1.bmpA one-time specialized chiropractic adjustment, delivered to patients suffering from high blood pressure and misaligned C1 vertebrae (this is the first vertebrae located directly under your skull), resulted in significant reductions in diastolic and systolic BP compared to controls.

According to a press release from the University of Chicago Medical Center, Office of Public Affairs, the decrease in BP was equivalent to that seen with concurrent administration of two blood pressure drugs. None of the patients took any antihypertensive medications during the study period.

Half of the 50 patients received a specific C1 adjustment, while the remaining half received a sham procedure, carefully designed to mimic the actual adjustment in order to ensure blinding. This was possible due to the delicate nature of the C1 adjustment. The primary outcome measure, assessed after eight weeks, was change in systolic and diastolic BP compared to baseline readings. Average age of the study participants was 52.7 years; 70 percent were male.

Chiropractic has always been and will always be about normalizing the body’s function.

Yours in Health!

Dr. Gould

Cincinnati Chiropractor Choices

Published
by
Dr. Edward Gould
on June 30, 2010
in Cincinnati Chiropractors, Low Back Pain and Wellness 101
. 0 Comments

Making a Better Choice

If you live in the Cincinnati area, you have likely heard,  seen or received advertising from various Chiropractors.   The question is, if you need one, how do you choose one that is right for you? In this article, I’d like to share with you answers to some of the most common questions about Chiropractic Care, which will allow you to make a better choice.

I would like to begin by saying there is absolutely nothing mystical about chiropractic care, once you have a basic understanding of it.  In reality, Chiropractic makes more sense than many other forms of health care.

Chiropractic’s Philosophy is one that works “with” the body, not “against” it. Within you, there is a Life-Force, an intelligent energy, that runs and monitors “all” the processes of your body. Chiropractors have a name for this force, we call it the body’s “Innate-Intelligence.” This inborn intelligence has the ability to heal you and keep you healthy all the years of your life.

Like the front end of your car, the spine is also susceptible to misalignment problems.  When spinal misalignments occur, there is a disruption in the flow of this energy, allowing you to become susceptible to illness, injury and disease. Correcting spinal misalignments restores this intelligent flow of energy in your body, allowing you to regain your health.

A Chiropractor’s “primary function” is to correct  spinal misalingments.

People are always amazed how simple Chiropractic is once they understand it.  Yes, Chiropractic is simple, however, it is also extremely effective for a wide variety of health problems.

Ask Around!

Selecting a chiropractor should be no different than selecting a dentist, surgeon or accountant.  Do you have a friend that is currently going to a Chiropractor?  That is the best way to find a good one.  I never recommend yellow pages or other forms of advertising.  Remember, advertising (television, radio or printed ads) is used to “entice” you to become a client.  If you are looking to find the best deal on groceries or garden supplies, by all means check out local advertisers.  However, choosing a doctor should be a bit more contemplative.  Ask around, eventually you will hear one doctor’s name stand out above “all” the others.  Let that be your choice.

If your search for a chiropractor has brought you to my website, I would like to briefly tell you about my philosophy as a physician. First and foremost, my commitment has always been focused on one thing, Quality Patient Care. It is my belief, that the doctor patient relationship is critical when it comes to dealing with health problems. I’m dedicated to building a relationship with each of my patients, so that I can fine-tune my treatment to their individual needs.

Today’s health care arena offers many choices, if you choose my office; you will be educated, informed and respected.

Yours in Health, Naturally!

Dr. Gould

Vacations: “Necessity” or “Luxury”

Published
by
Dr. Edward Gould
on June 23, 2010
in Cincinnati Chiropractors and Wellness 101
. 0 Comments

amazing structuresWhy take a vacation?

Taking time away from the stresses of life will give you a well deserved break.  By doing so, you will return to your life feeling refreshed and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.  Sadly, many people have forgotten what it is like to have a few uncluttered days to relax and regroup.  Below are some reasons why regular vacations are a good idea.

  • Vacations Stave Off Burnout: Workers who take regular time to relax are less likely to experience burnout, making them more creative and productive than their overworked, under-rested counterparts.
  • Vacations Can Keep Us Healthy: Taking regular time off to ‘recharge your batteries’, thereby keeping stress levels lower, can keep your immune system functioning at a higher level.
  • Vacations Can Strengthen Bonds: Spending time enjoying life with loved ones can keep relationships strong, helping you enjoy the good times more and helping you through the stress of the hard times. In fact, a study by the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services found that women who took vacations were more satisfied with their marriages.
  • Vacations Can Help With Your Job Performance: As the authors of the above study suggest, the psychological benefits that come with more frequent vacations lead to increased quality of life, and that can lead to increased quality of work on the job.

Those of you that have forgotten the joys of being on a vacation.

Please click on the below video and enjoy!

YouTube Preview Image

I hope you have enjoyed this post.

Bon Voyage!

Dr. Gould