Habits For A Healthy Back

This is a repost from Harvard Medical School publications.

Habits for a healthy back

If you find yourself dealing with back problems on a regular basis, it’s worth making sure that your everyday habits are “back-friendly.”

When done without proper form, routine activities — vacuuming the house, working at your desk, driving, gardening, or even sleeping — can take a toll on your back. Be kind to your back by following these tips:

• Choose good seating. Your office chair should provide good back support — ideally, with an adjustable backrest, lumbar support, armrests, and wheels). Arrange your workspace so you don’t have to do a lot of twisting to reach for frequently used items.
• Travel light. Don’t overload briefcases, purses, or backpacks.
• Drive with your back in mind. Sit back in your seat and, if necessary, use a rolled blanket or towels behind your lower back for lumbar support. Shift your weight occasionally. If you have cruise control, use it when you can. Also consider using a foam seat cushion to absorb some of the vibration. When driving long distances, take frequent breaks to stretch.
• Sleep in alignment. If you can, sleep on your side with your knees bent and pulled slightly toward your chest. Your pillow should keep your head level with your spine — you don’t want your head propped up too high. Choose a mattress that’s firm enough to support your spine.

Copyright 2002-2016 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard. Please see our Terms of Use page that apply to this this blog.

You Can't Fix Dumb. Not Recommended with YOUR office Chair

How to Pick the "Right" Office Chair

By: Dr Greg Millar DC CCEP
Millar Chiropractic Clinics - Huntsville, Madison, Jones Valley, Decatur, Alabama

We have all heard that sitting is the new smoking. Study after study keeps telling us just how bad prolonged sitting is for us. Prolonged sitting in an office chair can definitely cause low back pain or worsen existing back or neck problems. The main reason for this is that sitting, in an office chair or for that matter, sitting in general, increases stress in the back, neck, shoulders, arms and legs. That stress can add large amounts of pressure to the back muscles, ligaments tendons and spinal discs. From a medical prospective sitting dramatically increases the intrathecal pressure (pressure in the spinal cord). 

When sitting in an office chair for long periods, the natural tendency for most of us is to slump over or slough down in the chair. This posture can overstretch the spinal ligaments and muscles and strain the surrounding structures of the spine. When repeated time and time again, incorrect sitting posture can damage spinal structures and contribute to or worsen back and neck pain.

Top Six Guidelines to Setup Your  Office Chair

An office chair is a tool just like any other piece of office equipment. When used properly, it can help you maximize back support and maintain good posture while sitting. However, simply owning a good office chair or ergonomic office chair is not enough. It is also necessary to adjust the office chair to the contours, size and shape of the individual's body to improve comfort and reduce aggravation to the low back and neck.

The first step in setting up an office chair is to look over the entire work area. Establish the desired height of the individual's desk or workstation. This decision is determined primarily by the type of work to be done and by the height of the person using the office chair. The height of the desk or workstation itself can vary greatly and will require different positioning of the office chair, or a different type of ergonomic chair altogether.

Once the workstation has been situated, then the user can adjust the office chair according to his or her physical proportions. Here are the most important guidelines - distilled into a quick checklist - to help make sure that the office chair and work area are as comfortable as possible and will cause the least amount of stress to the spine:

1. Elbow measure
   First, begin by sitting comfortably as close as possible to your desk so that your upper arms are parallel to your spine. Rest your hands on your work surface (e.g. desktop, computer keyboard). If your elbows are not at a 90-degree angle, adjust your office chair height either up or down.
2. Thigh measure
   Check that you can easily slide your fingers under your thigh at the leading edge of the office chair. If it is too tight, you need to prop your feet up with an adjustable footrest. If you are unusually tall and there is more than a finger width between your thigh and the chair, you need to raise the desk or work surface so that you can raise the height of your office chair.
3. Calf measure
   With your bottom pushed against the chair back, try to pass your clenched fist between the back of your calf and the front of your office chair. If you can't do that easily, then the office chair is too deep. You will need to adjust the backrest forward, insert a low back support (such as a lumbar support cushion, a pillow or rolled up towel), or get a new office chair. 
4. Get up and move
   No matter how comfortable one is in an office chair, prolonged static sitting is not good for the back and is a common contributor to back problems and muscle strain. To avoid keeping the back in one position for a long period, remember to stand, stretch and walk for at least a minute or two every half hour. Even a quick stretch or some minimal movement - such as walking to the water cooler or bathroom - will help.Low back support
5. Against the back
   Your bottom should be pressed against the back of your chair, and there should be a cushion that causes your lower back to arch slightly so that you don't slump forward or slouch down in the chair as you tire over time. This low back support in the office chair is essential to minimize the load (strain) on your back. Never slump or slouch forward in the office chair, as that places extra stress on the structures in the low back, and in particular, on the lumbar discs.

4. Resting eye level
   Close your eyes while sitting comfortably with your head facing forward. Slowly open your eyes. Your gaze should be aimed at the center of your computer screen. If your computer screen is higher or lower than your gaze, you need to either raise or lower it to reduce neck strain.
5. Armrest
   Adjust the armrest of the office chair so that it just slightly lifts your arms at the shoulders. Use of an armrest on your office chair is important to take some of the strain off your neck and shoulders, and it should make you less likely to slouch forward in your chair.

A twenty minute walk will help even more, promoting healthy blood flow that brings important nutrients to all the spinal structures. In general, moving about and stretching on a regular basis throughout the day will help keep the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons loose, which in turn promotes an overall feeling of comfort, relaxation and ability to focus productively.

While this article is about traditional office chairs, some people prefer more active, ergonomic chairs, such as a Swedish kneeling chair or a Swiss exercise ball. While a traditional office chair is designed to provide complete support, these alternatives help promote good posture without a back support. They also require more active use of one's muscles (e.g. for balance and to sit upright). If you have an injured back or other health problems, it is advisable to first talk with your doctor prior to using one of these types of chairs.

There is no single type of office chair that is optimal for all patients, and people should determine their individual preference for comfort while following the guidelines explained in this article to promote good posture and back support while sitting in an office chair.

Dr. Greg Millar DC CCEP
Millar Chiropractic Clinics - Huntsville, Madison, Jones Valley, Decatur Alabama
1-800-462-4476
www.millarchiro.com


Copyright 2002-2016 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. You may share as long as you give credit tor a link to this article. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard. Please see our Terms of Use page that apply to this this blog.

How Chiropractors Help People Who Suffer From Headaches

If you are among the 45 million Americans who suffer headaches regularly, you are undoubtedly familiar with the traditional methods that people use to treat them, including taking some type of over the counter medication that is supposed to eliminate the pain and reduce any associated swelling. There are many other types of treatment that you may have attempted as well, including taking pharmaceutical concoctions designed to treat pain. However, none of these solutions provide permanent relief that addresses the problem at the core.

In the past few decades, there have been an increasing number of patients throughout the country that have begun to seek alternative forms of therapy for all types of conditions, including headaches. One form of treatment that is very promising for physical as well as other types of pain is chiropractic.

This form of alternative care has been used successfully for over a hundred years and has become a regular part of the American healthcare delivery system. In fact, there are an increasing number of insurance providers that are willing to pay for chiropractic because of its effectiveness.

When a person goes to school to learn about chiropractic, they begin by studying the human anatomy in great detail, just like other medical professionals. However, in addition to looking at how all of the parts work together physically, their training primarily revolves around the diagnosis and treatment of misalignments in the spine known as subluxations.

Theses subluxations compress nerve tissue that affects organ function, soft tissue like muscle, ligaments and tendons and can eventually manifest as other health problems if not treated.

Once the nerves are disrupted pain will result. While it usually manifests itself as physical pain, this is not always the case. In some instances, the person may experience difficulties with sleep or other routine habits.

On the first visit with a chiropractor, a review of previous health issues will be completed, including x-rays (if needed) to determine what types of nerve blockage may be occurring. They will listen to the patient attentively and make an assessment, including determining what types of treatment will best suit the patient.

In the case of headaches, the patient usually has misalignment (subluxations) in the cervical spine. This may be accompanied by muscles that are unduly tight in the neck, shoulders and nearby areas. Pressure on the nerves may cause sharp stabbing pains or there may be a continual dull throb in the region.

The chiropractor will assess the area and then move forward with treatment known as a chiropractic adjustment in order to relieve the pressure and pain. The relief is usually instantaneous, with an increase in positive symptoms for the following few hours.

However, chiropractors don’t just focus on relieving symptoms but rather correcting the problem; therefore, additional treatments will follow to help correct the cause. In addition, the chiropractor will take the time to educate you on the importance of chiropractic, especially if you’ve never been to one before.

If you need further help with your headaches or are ready to see how beneficial chiropractic care can be to your overall health, please give us a call so that you can schedule an appointment with our Doctor of Chiropractic.

Millar Chiropractic has 6 offices to serve you in the Huntsville Alabama area. We think of headaches as our bread and butter in fact we say we specialize in 5 areas 1) Headaches & Migraines 2) Low Back Pain 3) Neck Pain 4) Sciatica and Disc problems and 5) Joint Pain and problems. We always offer a free consultation. It's just a meeting with the Doctor for you to size him up and for us to see if we can help you. Call the Appointment Center Today. Toll Free 1-800 Go Chiro (1-800 462-4476) or local at (256) 830-0000.  



Copyright 2002-2016 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard. Please see our Terms of Use page that apply to this this blog.

BACKTALK TV Show June 05, 2012

Host: Dr Greg Millar, DC CCEP
Guest: Dr Jamie Bunis, DC  Millar Chiropractic - Huntsville AL (Jones Valley)
Subject: General Chiropractic

Call Toll Free 1-800 GoChiro (800-462-4476) for appointments or information at any Millar Chiropractic Clinic.

Click Here to Make an Online Appointment at any Millar Chiropractic Clinic

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Millar Chiropractic Clinic operates chiropractic clinics in Madison, Downtown Huntsville, Jones Valley and Decatur, Alabama. Madison Al Chiropractor, Huntsville AL Chiropractor,Jones Valley Chiropractor, Decatur AL Chiropractor.

Join us every Tuesday at 11:45am for BackTalk TV Show.

Copyright 2012 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard. NOTE: Please See  Notices and Disclaimers (link below) that apply to you, this blog and this content.  Notices and Disclaimers.   

BackTalk TV Show May 29th, 2012

Host: Dr Greg Millar, DC CCEP
Guest: Dr Jack Langston, DC  Millar Chiropractic-Decatur AL
Subject: General Chiropractic

Call Toll Free 1-800 GoChiro (800-462-4476) for appointments or information at any Millar Chiropractic Clinic.

Click Here to Make an Online Appointment at any Millar Chiropractic Clinic

---

Millar Chiropractic Clinic operates chiropractic clinics in Madison, Downtown Huntsville, Jones Valley and Decatur, Alabama. Madison Al Chiropractor, Huntsville AL Chiropractor,Jones Valley Chiropractor, Decatur AL Chiropractor.

Join us every Tuesday at 11:45am for BackTalk TV Show.

Copyright 2012 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard. Please see: Notices and Disclaimers that apply to this this blog. http://millarchiro.com/NoticesandDisclaimers.html

BACKTALK TV Show May 8th, 2012

Host: Dr Greg Millar, Chiropractor | Millar Chiropractic Clinic
Guest: None
Subject: Your Immune System

Millar Chiropractic Clinic operates chiropractic clinics in Madison, Downtown Huntsville, Jones Valley and Decatur, Alabama. Madison Al Chiropractor, Huntsville AL Chiropractor,Jones Valley Chiropractor, Decatur AL Chiropractor.

Join us every Tuesday at 11:40am for BackTalk.

Copyright 2012 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

BackTalk TV Show May 1st, 2012

Host: Dr Greg Millar, Chiropractor | Millar Chiropractic Clinic
Guest: Dr Jack Langston, Chiropractor | Millar Chiropractic - Decatur AL (256) 351-6000
Subject: General Chiropractic

Copyright 2012 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

BackTalk TV Show April 24th, 2012

BackTalk TV Show

April 24th, 2012

Host: Dr Greg Millar, Chiropractor

Guest: Dr Jamie Bunis, DC of Millar Chiropractic - Huntsville (Jones Valley) Ph. (256) 713-1830

Subject: General Chiropractic and back questions

Dr Greg Millar and Dr Jamie Bunis, chiropractors, discused back related topics and answered your questions live on the air on ABC WAAY TV Channel 31 Huntsville.

Copyright 2011 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

BackTalk TV Show April 17th, 2012

BackTalk TV Show
April 17th, 2012
Host: Dr Greg Millar, Chiropractor
Guest: James Thacker, MD  of Huntsville Pain Management (256) 539-1000
Subject: Pain Management Procedures

Copyright 2012 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

BackTalk TV Show April 10th, 2012

BackTalk TV Show
April 10th, 2012
Host: Dr Greg Millar DC CCEP, Chiropractor
Guest: Dr Dana Berthiaume, DC Chiropractor of Millar Chiropractic-Madison AL (256) 430-2700
Subject: Low Back Pain

Copyright 2012 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

Sciatica - Pain Down The Leg

Sciatica

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. Occasionally, sciatic pain in men is caused by sitting on a wallet.

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It starts in the low back, runs into the pelvis, through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve branches into smaller nerves as it travels down the legs providing feeling to your thighs, legs, and feet as well as controlling many of the muscles in your lower legs. The term sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve of pain that runs down the leg. 

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is actually a sign that you have an underlying problem putting pressure on a nerve originating in your lower back. The most common cause of this nerve compression is a bulging or herniated lumbar disc. Piriformis syndrome is another common cause of sciatica. The piriformis is a muscle that lies directly over the sciatic nerve. If this muscle becomes tight or if you have a spasm in this muscle, it puts pressure directly on the sciatic nerve. In about 10% of the population the sciatic nerve actually courses through the piriformis muscle. In those patients sciatica is more common. Occasionally, sciatic pain in men is caused by sitting on a wallet or simply sitting too much. it can also be caused by standing too long, pelvic injury or fracture or even tumors. However the last two causes are morete rare findings in most doctors offices. 

How do I know if I have sciatica?

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. Sciatica may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg. This pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts slowly or gradually and intensifies over time. It's likely to be worse when you sit, cough or sneeze. In some cases, the pain is severe enough to make a person unable to move.

The pain most often occurs on one side. Some people have sharp pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness in other parts. The pain or numbness may also be felt on the back of the calf or on the sole of the foot. The affected leg may feel weak.

Sciatica pain may get worse:

• After standing or sitting
• At night
• When sneezing, coughing, or laughing
• When bending backwards or walking more than a few yards, especially if caused by spinal stenosis

Signs and test

Your Millar Chiropractor will perform a thorough history and physical exam. This may show:

• Weakness of knee bending or foot movement
• Difficulty bending the foot inward or down
• Abnormal or weak reflexes
• Pain when lifting the leg straight up off the examining table

Tests determine on the suspected causes. They are often not needed unless pain is severe or long lasting. They may include:

• Blood tests
• X-rays
• MRIs or other imaging tests

Home Treatment

• Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Try ice for the first 48 - 72 hours, then use heat after that.
• Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if your stomach can tolerate them.

Bed rest is not recommended. Reduce your activity for the first couple of days. Then, slowly start your usual activities after that. Avoid heavy lifting or twisting of your back after the pain begins. If you get better, you should start exercising again after 2-3 weeks. This should include exercises to strengthen your abdomen and improve flexibility of your spine. 

If at-home treatment measures do not help after 3 days see your Millar Chiropractor.

How is Sciatica Treated?

The vast majority of the time, sciatic pain can be relieved through a combination of stretches, deep tissue massage of the piriformis muscle and chiropractic care. We often utilize cold lasers, ultra sound and deep e-stimulation. Occasionally, in cases where chronic spasm of the low back or piriformis muscles is causing the sciatic pain, it may be necessary to do a procedure called a dry needling or a steroid injection, where a medical pain specialist injects a small amount of anesthetic directly into a spasmed muscle to break the spasm cycle. However, this is typically not necessary.  When the cause is a bulging or herniated disc, decompression traction may be indicated. First we need to locate the point of nerve compression and then treat that compression. Your Millar Chiropractor has many tools in his treatment toolbox to properly diagnose and treat your sciatica. Call Millar Chiropractic today and set your appointment.

Dr Greg
March 15th, 2012

       

Copyright 2012 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

Sinus Headache or Migraine

Sinus Headache or Migraine

       For anyone who has ever experienced one, a sinus headache is very painful. What is a sinus headache? According to the Mayo Clinic, “Sinus headaches are headaches that may accompany sinusitis, a condition in which the membranes lining your sinuses become swollen and inflamed.” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sinus-headaches/DS00647  In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) states a sinus headache can cause a dull, deep, throbbing pain in the front of the head and face. Often one of the things that can make the pain worse is bending over or leaning over. Other things that can affect a sinus headache are cold and damp weather. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/sinus-headache-000073.htm One area the Mayo Clinic and UMM agree upon is that sinus headaches can be confused with migraine headaches. Consult a doctor to receive the correct diagnosis.

       Some people may wonder what the differences between sinus headaches and migraine headaches are because many of the symptoms are the same. Although migraine headaches may be made worse by bending over and even have some nasal congestion, they (migraines) will sometimes be made worse by light, loud noise and is accompanied by nausea. Sinus headaches on the other hand rarely respond to light or loud noise.

       Sinus headaches can start with allergies, a sinus infection or even a cyst in the sinuses. Both sinus headaches and migraines are painful and must be properly diagnosed by a doctor. Many people will try to self-diagnose their sinus headaches. Thus, they will also try to treat the sinus headache themselves. These people may do more damage to themselves than if they had gone to the doctor and been properly diagnosed and treated.


Sinus Headaches and Chiropractic

       A person may ask, “What does chiropractic have to do with sinus headaches?” The answer comes in the form of relief. Every part of our body connects with our spine through the nervous system and brain. The web site Millar Chiropractic and Nutrition Centers has a 3-D spine simulator in which each vertebra of the spine is shown along with the nerves and body parts innervated by the nerves from that vertebra. http://www.millarchiro.com/3d_spine/nerve_chart/index.htm

       Vertebra C-1 through C-4 is directly linked to the sinuses and sinus cavities. Therefore, sinus headaches may respond to chiropractic treatment. Additionally, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to try natural remedies which may also benefit your condition.

       In conclusion, sinus headaches are very painful and difficult to diagnose by the average person. This is because migraine headaches share some of the same symptoms. The best advice to follow is this; have your headache symptoms diagnosed properly by a chiropractor. Finally, empirical evidence from thousands of satisfied patients just like me is that chiropractic adjustments are an effective treatment for sinus headaches and migraine headaches.


References:

Mayo Clinic, Sinus Headaches, definition, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sinus-headaches/DS00647 retrieved July 17, 2010

University of Maryland Medical Center, Sinus Headache, http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/sinus-headache-000073.htm retrieved July 17, 2010

Millar Chiropractic and Nutrition Center, 3-D spine simulator, http://www.millarchiro.com/3d_spine/nerve_chart/index.htm retrieved August 7, 2010


Testimonial

     At Millar Chiropractic and Nutrition Centers – Danville Rd, Decatur, Alabama, Dr. Greg Millar DC treats a female patient who has had severe sinus headaches and migraine headaches for 40 years. The treatment has brought major relief to this patient. She no longer suffers the debilitating pain of sinus or migraine headaches. I know because that patient is me. Kathy R.

Copyright 2010 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

Stenosis and Degenerative Facet Disease

Problem: Today I had a 62 year old man present with severe low back and leg pain. On taking his history, he stated that his low back hurt worse first thing in the morning and again late at night. He also stated that his pain was increased with slightly bending over say the sink to wash dishes or shaving. He also stated that his low back and leg pain was decreased by sitting down. On questioning, he stated that when he shops he needs to lean over a shopping cart. And while shopping his pain can be relieved if he sits down for a few minutes. I ask him if his pain immediately goes away while sitting or does it take a few minutes to historically differentially separate vascular claudication from stenosis. He has a past history of MRI study showing 2 bulging disc and has had 2 lumbar epidural injections with little success. You know God gives you the right to have more than one thing going on at a time an I think this patient has taken him up on that idea. After taking his history, I have a theory that he had two primary problems 1) lumbar stenosis and 2) degenerative facet syndrome. I feel that his bulging disc may in fact be a red herring and not causing his problems. I did a complete and thorough examination including posture exam, orthopedic test, neurological test, palpatory exam, spinal exam, range of motion and digital muscle weakness exam. Next I completed a surface NCV and EMG of his spine and lower extremities. I ordered X-rays of his lumbar with obliques at the hospital and compared them to his recent MRI films. Discussion: On imaging he in fact does have both soft tissue and bony stenosis. The lumbar canal was narrowed to 9mm at L4 and L5. Since he did not have any pain with a straight leg raiser or well leg raiser and was able to tandom walk heel/toe with no other neurological deficits, I concluded that his bulging disc were red herrings. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, which places pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. If the stenosis is located on the lower part of the spinal cord it is called lumbar spinal stenosis. Stenosis in the upper part of the spinal cord is called cervical spinal stenosis. While spinal stenosis can be found in any part of the spine, the lumbar and cervical areas are the most commonly affected. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis may feel pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, calves or buttocks. In the lumbar spine, symptoms often increase when walking short distances and decrease when the patient sits, bends forward or lies down. Cervical spinal stenosis may cause similar symptoms in the shoulders and arms. In some patients the pain starts in the legs and moves upward to the buttocks; in other patients the pain begins higher in the body and moves downward. Treatment: I started him on phisotherapy including Interferrential current (IFC) for 15 minutes along with hot pads. I also started him on ultrasound over the lumbar paraspinal muscles and facets. I started him on DTS Decompression Traction; Cox Flexion/Distraction; and chiropractic manipulative therapy. If he does not improve in two weeks then I will send him for lumbar facet injections. I feel he will ultimately need the facet injections. However if he needs facet injections I want them to be done under floro guidance at the hospital or surgery center. I am also talking to him regarding his overall health and his future health goals and life expectancy. If he develops neurological deficits then I will immediately refer him back to the neurosurgeon for surgical decompression.
Dr Greg Millar

Copyright 2009 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

Interesting Case

Problem: This week I had a 43 year old lady present with chronic fatigue, chronic headaches and pain over all four quadrants of her body. She had yeast overgrowth but did not know it. She had been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, Endometrosis, Allergies, Type II Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sinus Problems and Thyroid disorder. Examination revealed tight and tender points across the body with moderate spasms. Numerous orthopedic tests were positive. She had both sensory and motor loss to the upper and lower extremities. She has a past surgical hx of gallbladder and hysterectomy. She has been in several past major auto accidents. She has had past severe hormone problems with past long and painful menstrual periods, severe mood swings and moderate PMS. She has current hormone problems in that she has hot flashes still and every night she goes to bed cold and wakes up about 3-4am sweating and very hot. She has been to numerous physicians. Her primary care physician tells her her problem is in her head and offers nothing to help. In taking her history, I also discovered that her body temperature is always very low in fact her body temp runs around 97.5 and I suspect Wilson's Temperature syndrome as well. I understand in the endocrinology community especially in the Eastern US that Wilson Temperature Syndrome is an unthinkable and unfounded diagnosis. But I think she has it anyway. By the way, this lady ate NO fish EVER and did not drink water. Instead she drank Mountain Due and Coffee all day long. Test: Her Sed Rate was 28/20. Her EBV IgM, IgG and nuclear antibody were all positive and very high. X-Rays demonstrated a mild to moderate scolosis with a loss of cervical curve and degenerative disc disease, spondylosis and moderate loss of disc space through out the spine. Her Complete Blood Count with Differential demonstrated a mildly elevated white count with elevated eosinophils and basophils both possibly elevated to allergic reactions and possible parasites in the case of eosinophils. Discussion: I have seen many patients in the past with this same sequella of symptoms and problems. The first things we need to do is get them sleeping, get them off Mountain Due and Sugar and ON Water and Fish oil. I have consulted infectious disease just to be on the safe side. I think she may have food allergies as well as a permeable/leaky gut and disbiosis. I think she may have bulging disc and other musculoskeletal problems as well. I also took her off ALL Sugar. NO foods that contain any sugar and started her on probiotics. I want her to start stretching daily for the FMS. This is one of those onion cases. These people have many layers of problems and we'll take them one at a time. I will update you on her progress. PS... She will get worse before she gets better. But I think with God's help we can walk her out of the woods. Dr Greg Millar



Copyright 2009 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

Leg Pain & Groin Pain with NO Back Pain

Problem: Today I had a man present with groin pain and leg pain to the foot worse on sitting and lying down and better with standing and walking. He has had similar groin pain in the past over the years but he has had no similar leg pain. He thinks he hurt himself lifting something heavy a week ago. Today, he had no back pain to speak of. In fact on examination, the low back had very little tenderness or spasms. He had a little edema over the sacrum. His groin and leg pain however he rated at a 9. During the exam his pain was so intense he could hardly carry on a conversation. My exam revealed several things. First, I could make the pain worse by having him sit on the table and raise a leg to 90 degrees. Secondly, with him lying on the table, when I lifted his uninvolved leg up to 35 degrees, pain shot down his leg and into the groin. Third when I tested his lower extremity sensory nerves (dermatomes) he had moderate hypersensitivity (too much) in one area of the involved leg followed by moderate hyposensitivity (too little) of the along the outside of the foot (S1) dermatome. Forth, his muscle strengths were somewhat diminished with some loss of strength at the involved leg quad and hamstring muscles both rated a 4/5. He had a negative heel walk and toe walk and denied any change to bowel. Finally he had a negative braggard's ruling out simple sciatica. Treatment: He had a defibrillator so e-stimulation was out. So I went with moist heat followed by laser to the sacrum and lateral/posterior leg along the nerve route and ultrasound to the upper lumbar para spinal muscles at T12 -L3 on the side of involvement. I did some manual therapy on his low back and sent him for X-rays at the local hospital as I want a radiologist to read these films. I think he has two things going on. First I think he has stenosis (narrowing of the central spinal canal) and secondly I think he has superimposed a bulging disc at L5. He also may have one at L4. I think he has neuroforaminal encroachment (disc pressing on the nerve root) causing inflammation. I will order an MRI after I get the x-rays back. I talked to him about anti inflammatory meds but he was already on Mobic. Discussion: Diagnosis is the key. If a doctor does not know what is causing the problem he can't fix it. God gives us the right to have more than one thing going on at a time. Most people have multiple pain generators. I talk everyday to patients that tell me that the doctor did not touch them in the examination. That means the doctor is guessing and that's why we have so many failures in low back pain treatment. Greg Millar DC CCEP




Copyright 2009 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.