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Ask Dr. Doug
by Dr. Douglas Meckelborg B.Ed., D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic)
I've been told it's "Just Muscular"! So often I hear new patients, seeking relief from a long term problem, say that they were told their problem was “just muscular”. They had sought conventional care, had been given tablets for inflammation and pain, and maybe even had an x-ray ordered, which was dismissed as “clear”. The pain, stiffness, and inflammation continued until they were kindly recommended by a friend to us here. I have a problem with the diagnosis of, “Oh, that's just muscular”. This diagnosis does two detrimental things. Firstly, it negates the problem as being anything serious and discourages the patient from taking any action. Secondly, this type of diagnosis doesn't search for the cause. It serves to reduce the body to just single, isolated tissues, without really coming up with an adequate reason or a proper solution. Spinal related complaints can hardly be reduced down to just one tissue as being the cause of the problem. The human body is unparalleled in its complexity. The bones of the skull and spinal column are arranged in a certain position to encase and protect millions upon millions of nerve cells. These nerve cells connect to every cell, organ, and tissue supplying them with the electrical energy they require to stay alive. The muscles, supplied by these nerves, attach to the bones of the spine in intricate ways to allow movement in every capacity. Ligaments, also entwined with millions of nerves, hold bones together and serve to help the brain understand the body's position and awareness in space (called proprioception). The joints are acted on by muscles and restricted by ligaments to maintain their position, allowing full ranges of motion. Their surfaces are covered in cartilage and bathed in special fluid to help in lubrication. They are also supplied by nerves to ensure their alignment is satisfactory and that they are not “wearing” improperly. The organization of this, even at the simplest level, is so complex that it is incomprehensible. You may have noticed a common theme amongst the tissues described here. They are all supplied by nerves that stem from the spine, including muscles. How could a problem ever be “just muscular”? If the proper bone alignment of the spine is even mildly lost, ligaments become irritated, muscles become imbalanced, nerves become choked, cartilage wears, joints become restricted, etc, etc, and then comes the pain and inflammation. X-rays are commonly ordered for these types of musculo-skeletal complaints and often dismissed as “clear” because conventional practitioners
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021 436 0008 Tramway House, Tramway Terrace, East Douglas Village (Above Nakon Thai)
read x-rays differently than Chiropractors. Spinal misalignment issues can be subtle and are often overlooked. Chiropractors are specialists in detecting and correcting these spinal misalignments and focus on treating the whole person, and not just the isolated tissues. So, when you hear the common phrase “Oh, that’s just a muscle problem” remember to investigate things further.
Ask the Pharmacist
with Garvan J. Lynch B.Sc.N.U.I. B.Sc. Chem. G.R.S.C. B.Sc. Pharm. M.P.S.I. M.R.Pharm.S. of Lynchs Pharmacy
Obesity The WHO (World Health Organisation) has stated that obesity has reached epidemic proportions. In Ireland 39% of people are overweight and 25% are obese. Weight gain occurs when you eat more calories than your body needs for energy. This excess is stored in your body as fat. Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat. Health professionals use a formula based on your height and weight — called the body mass index (B.M.I.) — to determine if you are obese. Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese. Obesity is more than just a cosmetic concern. The health consequences of obesity range from
an increased risk of premature death to serious chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and certain forms of cancer. Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer in Ireland. 10,000 people die every year from coronary heart disease, stroke and other circulatory diseases – about half of these due to heart attacks. And while there is a genetic aspect, many of them could be prevented with simple lifestyle choices. Dietary changes alone can reduce cholesterol by a massive 50%. Carrying excess weight is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. The term “diabesity” is a new description for diabetes caused by excessive weight. In Ireland approx. 400,000 adults will have the condition by 2010, resulting in a
diabetes epidemic. It is now believed that a third of the most common cancers – those of the breast, bowel, kidney, pancreas, oesophagus and womb lining are linked to obesity and could be prevented if we were physically active and maintained a healthy weight. The evidence is stronger now more than ever that the most important thing you can do to prevent chronic disease, (after not smoking), is to maintain a healthy weight. Small lifestyle changes will mean the big difference between chronic disease or good health as you age. And remember, it’s never too early or too late to make those changes. If you would like to know what your B.M.I. is, call to Intervene at Lynch’s Pharmacy where we will calculate it for you with our compliments.
Broadale, Maryborough Hill, Douglas, Cork. T: 021 436 6923
Promoting patient education and self-management of chronic disease 22 - Thur 28 May '09
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