What is CBD oil and what does it help?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the hemp plant.  It is non-psychoactive (it does not make you feel “high”) and has known pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

How Does It Work?

CBD binds to receptors located throughout the body. These receptors comprise the Endocannabinoid System (Figure 1) There are two main types: CB1 and CB2.  CB1 receptors are primarily in the brain, but are also located in the liver.  CB2 receptors are located in immune cells (such as T-cells and macrophages) and peripheral nerves (nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord).  When the active components of CBD oil bind to the receptors, they initiate reactions that result in specific physiologic effects.

What is it good for?

It is important to note that research on the medical uses of CBD is in the early stages. Most of our information is anecdotal. However, there are some studies that describe the benefits of CBD for pain and inflammation¹, degenerative neurologic disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Traumatic Brain Injury². Literature review cites some evidence for help with sleeplessness³ and anxiety⁴.

Figure 1

The Endocannabinoid System

Are there interactions or side effects?

Potential side effects include GI discomfort, mood changes, sleeping difficulty, dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue. If you are on medications, you should consult with the prescribing physician or your pharmacist to determine if CBD oil interacts with any of your medications.

Which Product Should I choose?

We have chosen NuLeaf Naturals CBD oil because:

· It’s US grown & organic

· It’s full spectrum(CB1 and CB2)

· It’s minimally processed

· It contains no solvents,   artificial colors or flavors.

Studies have show that full spectrum CBD oil is more effective at alleviating pain and inflammation compared to products that contain only an isolate. Each batch is fully tested to assure potency, so you can be confident in each and every dose. We currently carry 240mg and 725mg bottles.

Of course, we are always here to answer any questions you may have.

1. Philpott, HT, et al. Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain 158 (2017) 2442–2451.

2. Kendall DA, Yudowski GA Cannabinoid Receptors in the Central Nervous System: Their Signaling and Roles in Disease. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience January 2017.

3. Babson KA, et al. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: A Review of the Literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017 Apr;19(4):23

4. Crippa, J. A et al. (2011, January). Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of CBD in generalized social anxiety disorder: A preliminary report. [Abstract]. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25(1), 121-130.

Can Low Level Light Therapy Help You?

Musculoskeletal pain affects over 115 million Americans each year and results in over $600 billion in lost wages and productivity.  To most of us, it just hurts and we want to safely get rid of it with the lowest cost and fewest side effects.
 
Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is a relative newcomer to the spectrum of treatments available for musculoskeletal pain. The use of light, specifically laser, to cause an effect on human cells was not described until 1967 (the first working red ruby laser was made in 1960). Studies describing medical use of LEDs on the International Space Station were published in 1999. Since then, over 400 double blind, placebo controlled studies have been published, and over 4000 laboratory studies have been completed.

Studies have supported the use of LLLT for:

• sprains and strains
• post-surgical pain
• whiplash
• muscular back pain
• tendinitis and tendon surgery
• osteoarthritis
• frozen shoulder
• rheumatoid arthritis
• epicondylytis
• carpal tunnel syndrome 
• complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS, aka RSD, reflex sympathetic dystrophy)

In our office, we use the Celluma Pro low level light panel, pictured below:

This versatile device is flexible and emits the most effective wavelengths of light for musculoskeletal pain(640-880nm). The Celluma Pro has FDA clearance for:

• Arthritis
• Muscle spasm
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Muscle tissue tension
• Diminished local circulation
• Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris
• Skin rejuvenation

Our patients are already getting great results with the Celluma Pro! Some of the conditions we've seen benefits with include: chronic knee pain, pain from muscle tears, chronic pain, complex regional pain syndrome/reflex sympathetic  dystrophy(CRPS/RSD), nerve pain, and diabetic neuropathy.

Because the Celluma Pro's therapeutic spectrum also promotes the formation of new collagen (640nm), important in the musculoskeletal repair process, it accelerates the healing process and may hold promote more lasting effects!

We are very excited to add the Celluma Pro to our arsenal of pain-fighting modalities! This relaxing treatment takes about 30 minutes and only costs $25! Experience the effect yourself by calling today to schedule an appointment!

Static Strain...What is it and what can you do about it?

We all experience it, stiffness and aching in the back, neck, or extremities from being in one position too long. Perhaps we were standing chopping vegetables at the counter, or standing at the controls of a machine, or sitting at the computer screen writing blog posts.  This discomfort is referred to as static strain.

Strain is a term that refers to extreme stress on a muscle (as opposed to sprain, which affects non-contractile connective tissue, such as ligaments). A muscle is usually strained when it is used too much or is put under an extreme load. Static strain occurs when that load is constant and unrelenting throughout the activity. Constant load promotes fatigue, because the blood flow to the muscle and tendon is reduced, the muscle does not get the required oxygen and nutrients, and waste products are not carried away. This process starts after a just a few seconds. The result is aching in the muscle, pain, and fatigue.

Experiencing this once in a while is probably not going to lead to any long term issues, but if there are activities that you do day in and day out that result in static strain, you may develop inflammation and cause irritation to nerves in the area.

So, what can you do about static strain?  Well, common sense would say, "Stop doing that and move." But what if you cannot because it's part of your job or you really need to get a certain task finished?  In some instances, small, frequent changes in position may ease the effects of static strain. For instance, standing in one place may be eased by simply shifting weight side to side. If possible, alternate putting one foot on top of a stool or an open cabinet. If you have the opportunity to take a 30 second stretch break, consider stretching whatever body part is strained in the opposite direction.  For instance, if you find your head bent forward with your arms out in front of you a lot, take a 30 second break and roll your shoulders backward (never forward) and bend your head back. This will relax the overloaded muscles and allow ligaments to snap back into place.

• Make small, frequent changes in positioning.
• Take 30 second stretch breaks every 15-30 minutes, or as needed. 
• Stay well hydrated. 
• Get sufficient, quality sleep, this is when most repair occurs.

If static strain is part of your daily grind, try these tips first. If the situation persists, consider getting in for treatment to control inflammation. Focused nutritional supplementation to control inflammation and promote soft tissue repair should be pursued as an ongoing strategy. Ligaplex II(TM) and Myoplus(TM) from Standard Process are good choices for static strain and repetitive use disorders. We now carry a new product, Chiroflex(TM), which is clinical strength turmeric. Research has shown that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful for a number of conditions. Patients taking turmeric have reported decreased joint pain within days of beginning a turmeric regimen.  Enzyme based anti-inflammatory supplements, such as Zymex II (TM) from Standard Process are another option. The enzymes contained in these types of supplements break down the proteins that promote excessive inflammation.

As always, our treatment and supplementation programs are designed to help your body heal itself without harmful drugs. If you struggle with static strain, give us a call today so we can help you start feeling better tomorrow!

Neck Pain? It might be Spasmodic Torticollis

Spasmodic torticollis (“torticollis”) is a condition involving painful spasm of very specific muscles that attach to the neck. The term torticollis literally means “twisted neck.”

Typically, this condition involves spasm of the trapezius (Fig. 1)and/or sternocleidomastoid (SCM) (Fig. 2) muscles.  The most common presentation is strong spasm with pain on one side, which makes it difficult to turn the neck or actually holds it in a tilted and twisted position. 

The trapezius and SCM share a common nerve supply, the Spinal Accessory Nerve, which is also the 11th Cranial Nerve. Although cranial nerves typically begin and end within the skull, the Spinal Accessory Nerve is an exception, and has important internal connections in the cervical spine (neck). 

Frequently, torticollis occurs from having the neck in an awkward positon for a lengthy time. Because it is often noticed upon waking,

people usually tell us they “slept wrong.”  The spasm occurs because the abnormal positioning irritated a joint or nerve in the neck. Spasm is a protective mechanism designed to prevent further injury, in this case to a joint or a nerve.

Treatment involves reducing the irritation to the joint and nerve and stretching out the muscle. The most effective stretching techniques to reduce the spasm of torticollis are assisted stretches (done with a practitioner’s help) abbreviated PNF/PIR. When combined with chiropractic adjustment, electric stim for pain, and ultrasound to break up any trigger points, full recovery is usually realized with 2 weeks of regular care.  Persistent pain or stubborn trigger points may be addressed with acupuncture and massage.  If you think you might have this and it has not improved in a couple days, call today!

Pain Control Without The Pills

Pain is a very personal experience. It is often difficult for people to put their pain experience in words because the pain affects them in so many ways. Regardless, the first and foremost thing we must do is try to identify the source of the pain. Sometimes this is straightforward, such as a herniated disc clearly visible on MRI, sometimes it is not, like chronic pain that started years prior from seemingly nothing at all.

Once the source of the pain is identified, we can plan a course of action. While certainly medications have their place, we must remember that pills do not correct the cause of the pain, rather they mask it. Instead, we want to identify and address the root cause of pain.

Pain usually starts with an injury. Now, an injury may or may not be painful when it occurs. Sometimes, it takes a day or two before the pain comes, and by then you may have forgotten what happened. When an injury occurs, some of the cells that make up the injured tissue rupture and release chemicals that increase blood flow and cause swelling to occur. Take a bruise, for example. Bruises occur when a blood vessel is ruptured and blood leaks out into the surrounding tissue. Swelling distorts the tissue and increases pressure, which irritates local nerves. The nerve irritation is what causes pain.  The cycle of pain and inflammation will continue until the tissue is healed.

At our office, we attempt to address the root cause with several interventions that work best when used together. C.A.N.E. is an acronym we use for Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Nutrition, and therapeutic Exercises individually designed to hit pain at the source and put you on the path to true recovery.

As you can see, the treatments we use affect the cycle of pain and inflammation at multiple points to interrupt it and allow your body to heal the best it possibly can.  Without targeted interventions such as these, the body may lay down scar tissue with a loose collection of free nerve endings that typically result in the development of chronic, dull, achy pain. This type of pain is much harder to eliminate.

One of the most common questions we get about treatment is, "How long will it take for me to get better?" Most conditions respond very well within 2-4 weeks if we catch them right away. However, we have to remember that healing is a process, and what we do here is attempt to remove barriers to promote healthy healing. Every situation is unique, and we try very hard to reduce healing time and get you back to normal as quickly as possible.

Why live with pain when there are non-drug, non-surgical pain relief and healing options open to you? Call us today to see if C.A.N.E can help your condition!

Still not losing weight? This might be the problem...

I can tell you from personal experience, losing weight is serious business. We look for all the breaks we can get when trying to shed a few (or more than a few). One of the crutches I leaned on was diet soda. I had a particular fondness for Coke Zero and Diet Dr. Pepper. That sweet, fizzy nectar would calm the craving for sweets.

Over the past couple years, however, it's become harder to shed those unwanted pounds, even if I curbed my carbs to a level I knew would drop my insulin level enough to cause weight loss. Not sure what insulin has to do with weight loss? Click here. Once I cut out the diet soda, weight loss resumed at the expected rate.  I had a sneaking suspicion it was the culprit, so I did a little digging.

A study in Diabetes Care from 2009 examined how diet soda influenced the risk of metabolic syndrome (aka syndrome X) and Type II diabetes. The skinny is, if you'll pardon the pun, diet soda consumption was associated with a 36% greater risk of metabolic syndrome and a 67% greater risk of Type II diabetes vs. those who didn't consume diet soda.  Those are significant numbers! While this study examined diet soda specifically, I don't think it's a stretch to assume use of any artificially sweetened product will probably cause the same issues.

What it boils down to is that when the taste buds tell the brain, "Hey, we just ate something sweet," whether it's sugar or an artificial sweetener, the brain tells the pancreas, "Time to squirt some insulin into the blood stream to handle the sugar." Exposure to elevated insulin levels over a prolonged period eventually causes cells to become desensitized or resistant to insulin. The effects are pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and eventually, Type II diabetes.

Still crave the crispness of soda, but don't want to increase your risk of diabetes? There are many varieties of non-caloric flavored club sodas and sparking waters that contain no artificial sweeteners whatsoever. They're quite satisfying and may help get you off the diet soda!

Nettleton JA, Lutsey FL, et al. Diet soda intake and the risk of incident metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Diabetes Care 2009 Apr 32(4); 688-94.

Road Trip Travel Tips

Summer-ish weather and cheap(er) gas add up to ROAD TRIP!  With the warmer weather, we've already made some runs up the Red Arrow Highway into Southwestern Michigan. Soon more and more of us will be getting out of Dodge to de-stress and visit friends, families and see more of this great country. We've compiled some tips for healthier, more comfortable travel.

1. Adjust your seat, headrest, and mirrors. This recommendation is particularly important to prevent driver fatigue, but is also necessary to properly support the spine and minimize injury in a collision. First, adjust your seat so that you are comfortably able to keep both hands on the wheel and operate the pedals with your back fully against the seatback. Second, the top of the headrest should be even with the top of your head. This is vitally important to reduce the chance of serious injury during front and rear collisions. Next, while sitting with your back against the seatback and head against the headrest, adjust your mirrors so you can see outward in this fully supported position.
2. Drink water. This ubiquitous recommendation is especially important in all types of travel because traveling promotes dehydration. Downside: You’ll have to stop at the rest area more often. Upside: You’ll automatically comply with item 6!
3. Open the windows. You’ve probably heard that the air inside your home is more polluted than the air outside. What kind of air do you think is circulating in the cabin of your car with 2 or more people and perhaps a pet?!! Even if it's hot or a little chilly, open a window for a minute or two to get fresh air into your car. 
4. Put away the phone and/or tablet. There's a lot to see outside that's far more interesting than another story about another celebrity. Plus, the head down posture added to the vibration from the road will leech the water content out of the discs in your neck, leading to stiffness, pain, and spasm.
5. Consider a neck pillow. If you're going on a particularly long drive, or you're one of those people who fall asleep quickly when riding in a car, consider a wrap around neck pillow to keep your head from falling forward or to the side. The last thing you want is waking up with a "kink" in your neck.
6. Hit the breaks! Take the time to get out of the car, stretch, and walk around every 2 hours. This will prevent some of the muscle stiffness and static strain that comes from prolonged sitting and immobility. Movement also helps lubricate your joints and keep your discs hydrated.

So, hopefully these tips will make your next road trip more comfortable and enjoyable. If you find yourself wandering into Southwest Michigan, don't pass up the Swedish bakery in Harbert (cash only) or the Whistle Stop for a coffee (both on the Red Arrow Highway, Route 12)!