IS IT OK IF I “CRACK” MY OWN NECK? NO. And, nothing in the body ever “cracks” unless it breaks. When a joint re-aligns (adjusts) there is a release of gas (oxygen and nitrogen) and you hear a noise that sounds like something is “cracking”. By trying to move the vertebrae yourself you will cause micro tears in the muscles and ligaments supporting that area of the spine. This will lead to spinal instability and more complicated problems like early arthritic degeneration. The desire to adjust yourself is your body’s way of telling you that you have a subluxation. Subluxations should only be adjusted by a chiropractor.
Dr. Gillis
Headaches Anyone??? The Toxic Risks of Acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen, sold under the brand name Tylenol and also included in more than 200 over-the-counter cold and flu remedies and other medications, is the most widely used painkiller in the United States. Up to 100 million Americans take acetaminophen every year.
While most people assume Tylenol and other over-the-counter medications that contain acetaminophen are harmless, the drugs are actually surrounded by a growing controversy as to their safety — even when taken at the recommended dosages.
Liver Damage Possible Even at Recommended Doses
It’s well known that overdosing on Tylenol (which is commonly done accidentally, as we discuss below) can harm the liver. However, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that even at recommended doses, the drug shows signs of causing organ damage.
Out of 106 patients in the study, 41 of them (39 percent) who took acetaminophen alone (Extra Strength Tylenol) or in combination with another drug had their liver enzymes increase to more than three times the normal upper limit. It is at this threshold (when liver enzymes increase to three times the normal level) that doctors typically become concerned about potential liver damage.
Further, another 27 patients had enzyme levels increase more than five times normal, and eight patients had levels that increased eight times the normal enzyme level. Their enzyme levels continued to increase for up to four days after the acetaminophen was stopped, and their enzyme levels did not return to normal for as long as 11 days, researchers said.
“This study shows that even taking the amount on the package can be a problem for some people,” said Dr. William M. Lee of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, who was not involved in the study.
Long-Term Tylenol Use May Damage the Kidneys
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that 10 percent of women who took acetaminophen over an 11-year period had a 30 percent decline in kidney filtration function.
The more acetaminophen taken, the greater the damaging effects. Among women who took between 1,500 and 9,000 tablets during the study, risk of kidney impairment increased 64 percent. Those who took more than 9,000 tablets had an even greater risk.
Further, an article in Life Extension magazine points out that several studies have shown that regular use of acetaminophen may double your risk of kidney cancer.
Accidental and Intentional Overdosing Common
Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States. While some of these stem from intentional overdoses (England has placed restrictions on the number of acetaminophen pills that can be sold at one time due to suicide concerns), many are accidental.
In fact, each year more than 56,000 people visit an emergency room because of acetaminophen overdoses, and 100 people die from unintentionally taking too much.
When taken at the highest recommended dose, experts say acetaminophen is generally safe, but acknowledge that the margin of error is very small.
According to Lee, the maximum dose of many acetaminophen medications, including Extra Strength Tylenol, is set too high. In the case of Extra Strength Tylenol, the maximum dose is two 500-milligram pills every six hours, or 4 grams a day.
If a person inadvertently takes an extra pill, an extra dose, or a different medication that may also contain acetaminophen (it’s also in the prescription narcotics Vicodin, Percocet, and others), they can easily surpass the upper limit and put themselves at risk of liver damage, liver failure and even death.
“Just a doubling of the maximum daily dose can be enough to kill,” says Dr. Anne Larson of the University of Washington Medical Center. And ” … if two is good, 10 is better in some patients’ minds,” she says.
Adding to the problem is the sheer number of products available that contain acetaminophen.
“You can take a prescription med that has acetaminophen in it, and a cough syrup that has acetaminophen in it, and then if you take an Extra-Strength Tylenol, you can have 4 grams of acetaminophen,” says Matthew Grissinger, a pharmacist and medication-safety analyst for the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. “There’s too much choice out there. It’s out of hand.”
5 Most Common Back Pain Myths
Have you ever experienced back pain? Most of us have, and it can be excruciating. Chances are, you’ve either suffered from back pain in the past, or will in the future. Statistics show an 80 percent chance or re-injuring your back if you don’t get proper care. So listen carefully. To avoid back pain before it happens—and treat the pain once it occurs—it takes education and awareness. There are a variety of back problems and treatment options that can be effective. The first step is clearing away a few misconceptions regarding back pain. So let’s go over the Five Most Common Myths and Realities.
MYTH #1: “It Won’t Happen To Me.”
REALITY: The fact is, about eight out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the leading cause of disability in men over 40 years old. And it’s the second most common reason for a visit to a primary care doctor. Back pain is also the third-most common reason for surgery and fifth-most common reason for hospitalization. So unfortunately, most people do experience back pain, or will at some point in their lives.
MYTH #2: “I’m Physically Active, So I Shouldn’t Get Back Pain.”
REALITY: Being physically active is definitely a plus. And it’s true that well-conditioned individuals are less likely to experience back pain than sedentary people. However, back pain can affect all people regardless of their activity level. In fact, runners are notorious for having back pain as a result of the forces and compression that take place during running. Golfers, people who play volleyball and people who engage in aerobics also experience back pain. So whether you’re active or not, chances are you’re going to experience back pain at some point.
MYTH #3: “Bed Rest Is The Secret To Recovering From Back Pain.”
REALITY: Actually, this is partially true. New studies reveal that it normally takes about three days of rest to recover from back pain. But 48 – 72 hours is all you need. Any more than that, and you’re making the problem worse. Here’s why: Too much rest can stiffen and weaken the muscles and joints and in turn, increase the pain. It is imperative to be getting adjusted during this time as to not allow the formation of scar tissue. You should gradually start stretching to reduce your pain and increase your mobility. Any more than 48 – 72 hours can lead to more back pain in the long run.
MYTH #4: “Heat And Massages Feel Good So They Must Be Helping Me.”
REALITY: Sorry. While these short-term remedies might feel good, they don’t provide a long-term solution. Of course, we do try to manage pain during recovery to allow patients to heal and get back to life, but heat and massage do not address the underlying causes of back pain.
MYTH #5: “There Is A Quick Fix For Most Causes Of Back Pain.”
REALITY: Surprisingly, there is no “magic bullet” or “quick fix” when it comes to back pain.
There are numerous reasons why your back could be causing you pain. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with a Chiropractor at the first sign of back pain. In addition, it is critically important to find a Chiropractor who will evaluate you and your family thoroughly and design an individualized approach to your problem.
How Important is Good Posture?
Correct posture is a simple but very important way to keep the many intricate structures in the back and spine healthy. It is much more than cosmetic—good posture and back support are critical to reducing the incidence and levels of back pain and neck pain. Back support is especially important for patients who spend many hours sitting in an office chair or standing throughout the day.
Problems caused by poor back support and posture
Not maintaining good posture and adequate back support can add strain to muscles and put stress on the spine. Over time, the stress of poor posture can change the anatomical characteristics of the spine, leading to the possibility of constricted blood vessels and nerves, as well as problems with muscles, discs and joints. All of these can be major contributors to back and neck pain, as well as headaches, fatigue, and possibly even concerns with major organs and breathing.
Being Well Adjusted Can Fight Bad Breath!
Bad Breath: Five Causes
Wondering why your loved ones are giving you more personal space than you’ve asked for? Suspicious about the Altoids left on your desk with dental floss bows? If you’re one of 90 million Americans suffering from chronic bad breath, here are some of the possible causes, as well as remedies to restore your fresh breath-and relationships.
Top Five Causes of Bad Breath
- A dirty mouth. “Ninety percent of mouth odors come from mouth itself-either from the food you eat or bacteria that’s already there,” says Dr. Richard H. Price spokesman for American Dental Association. “Mouth odor is like any other body odor-the result of microbes living in the body giving off byproducts.” In the mouth, this means bacteria that normally live in the mouth interact with food particles, blood, tissue, etc., to create volatile (i.e., stinky) sulfur compounds. If you don’t clean properly, the bacteria build up, and next thing you know-that’s not toothpaste on your tongue.
- A mouth out of balance. Certain mouth conditions can exacerbate bacterial growth and odor, such as gum disease and dry mouth. Gum disease causes bloody gums, creating more elements for those pesky bacteria to putrefy. But it is a dry mouth that is the more common cause of bad breath. Saliva helps flush out the mouth, keeping bacteria moving so they don’t settle down and multiply, while drier mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. In spring and summer, allergy medications can dry you out; in winter, dry heat tends to be the culprit.
- Stinky foods. If it stinks going in, chances are it’s going to stink coming out. The obvious offenders are onions, garlic, alcohol and tobacco. And foods don’t only create a stench in the mouth. “Plant oils are absorbed and the byproducts enter your bloodstream so you are actually breathing the odors out via your lungs three to four hours later,” says Jeannie Moloo, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
- Not enough carbs. You look great after four weeks on Atkins, so how come you still can’t get a date? High-protein, low carb diets cause your body to burn stored fats for fuel instead of carbs and can lead to a condition called ketosis. “As fat burns, ketones build up in the body, and some are released through breath, “explains Moloo. “Unfortunately ketones don’t smell particulary good.” And bad breath trumps six-pack abs.
- Illness. Occasionally, bad breath can be a sign of a more serious illness. The most common systemic causes of bad breath are diabetes or GERD (or gastro esophageal reflux disease). Diabetes can also cause ketosis, and the resulting bad breath is sometimes one of first symptoms that lead to diagnosis. GERD is a backflow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus. Less common but possible are liver or kidney disease-when toxins from these organs are excreted through the lungs, causing bad breath.
Harbor Family Chiropractic
2200 Harbor Blvd., Ste B-160 Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (949) 515-5170 Fax 9949) 515-5173
Harbor Family Chiropractic.
Dr. Stacey Gillis graduated from Life Chiropractic College West in 2001, after completing her undergraduate studies in biology at University of California, Santa Barbara. Her practice is focused on helping patients, from infants to seniors, achieve optimal health and wellness through natural and painless chiropractic care. Dr. Gillis is frequently featured as a guest speaker for numerous corporations and civic groups lecturing on various health and chiropractic topics. Visit Dr. Gillis in our Costa Mesa Clinic.