How does wearing a boot or cast after a surgery or injury affect your body?
“Chiropractors are often like garbage men…” ~Dr. Lou Whether you broke your leg, broke a foot, sprained an ankle, had lapiplasty for a bunion, or had some other reason to wear a “boot”, it can really affect your body’s ability to function normally, which often leads to feeling off or feeling pain. We often deal with the consequences of people having to wear a boot or a cast. Many surgeons don’t address the consequences of the immobilization that the boot or cast causes. We are here to help you understand what may happen, sometimes without you even feeling the damage being done. Remember, most of what happens in our body, we don’t feel, including problems as they are slowly manifesting. These are 15 of the most common changes in your body after wearing a boot or cast following foot surgery: 1. Muscle atrophy: Muscles in the immobilized leg, particularly the calf muscles, often weaken and shrink due to disuse. It can take months to regain strength and stability, size and performance. With the right help though, you can return to normal faster and safer than without professional guidance. Chiropractors are often like garbage men, cleaning up the messes that are leftover...
read moreSomatosensory Tinnitus in Maine – Your Diagnosis
If you’ve been diagnosed with somatosensory tinnitus, you may not need to take medications with potential side effects. Somatosensory tinnitus, also known as somatic tinnitus, is a type of tinnitus that is influenced by the somatosensory system, particularly involving the head, neck, and jaw regions[1][4]. The somatosensory system is the body’s system of collecting information through sensations and sending it to the brain for processing, interpretation and action. Here are the key points about somatosensory tinnitus and how chiropractic care may help: Characteristics of Somatosensory Tinnitus – This is a form of tinnitus that can be modulated by voluntary movements or pressure on certain areas of the head, neck, or jaw[1]. Meaning, when you move your head and neck, you may feel changes in the severity of your tinnitus. – Patients may be able to change the pitch, loudness, or location of their tinnitus through these movements or manipulations[1]. – It is often associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMJD), neck pain, or muscle tension in the suboccipital or cervical spine muscles[1][4]. If you have tension headaches, you understand pain and tension in the base of the back of your head (suboccipital region). When the neck, head and jaw don’t move...
read moreMike Tyson vs. Jake Paul – What are the most likely brain injuries to be incurred tonight?
Based on research, retrospective studies and anecdotal clinical evidence, the 10 most common brain injuries that boxers suffer from are as follows: Both Mike Tyson & Jake Paul have already suffered neurological injury as fighters. Jake Paul reportedly has had significant trauma to his Prefrontal Cortex region of the brain, and the extent of Mike Tyson’s injuries may be incalculable. Tonight, both men will be paid tens of millions of dollars to risk their lives in the ring. As a chiropractor, I have worked with at least a dozen boxers over the past 22 years and far greater numbers of martial artists and MMA fighters. The dangers are real and imminent. 1. Concussions Concussions are the most frequently reported brain injury in boxing. They occur when a blow to the head causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, leading to temporary loss of normal brain function[2][6]. The more concussions one has, the more likely they are to have another one. They often have cumulative effects, leading to greater and greater brain damage. 2. Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (CTBI) Approximately 20% of professional boxers develop CTBI from repeated blows to the head over time. This can lead to...
read moreWhat does research tell us about the use of Xanthium for allergies, sinus issues and other conditions?
Xanthium, commonly known as cocklebur, is a genus of plants that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the research on Xanthium as a Chinese medicinal herb: Traditional Uses Xanthium, particularly the species Xanthium sibiricum (also known as Xanthium strumarium), has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for various purposes: – Treating rhinitis, nasal congestion, and sinusitis[1][2] – Alleviating headaches[2][4] – Managing allergic conditions[1][3] – Addressing bacterial and fungal infections[2] – Treating arthritis and rheumatism[2] The fruit of the plant, known as Cang-Er-Zi in Chinese medicine, is the most commonly used part for medicinal purposes[1][2]. Phytochemistry Extensive research has been conducted on the chemical composition of Xanthium species. Some of the key compounds identified include: – Sesquiterpenoids (e.g., xanthatin, xanthanolides)[1][2][4] – Phenylpropenoids[1] – Lignans[1] – Coumarins[1] – Steroids[1] – Glycosides[1] – Flavonoids[1] Over 170 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Xanthium strumarium[2]. Pharmacological Activities Modern research has revealed a wide range of pharmacological effects of Xanthium extracts and compounds: **Anti-allergic effects:** Studies have shown that Xanthium can effectively treat allergic rhinitis by modulating cytokine production and inflammatory responses[1][3]. **Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects:** Various compounds from Xanthium have demonstrated the...
read moreBell’s palsy and Acupuncture – what the research tells us.
What does the research tell us about Acupuncture and its effect on Bell’s palsy? Based on the research, acupuncture appears to be a potentially effective therapy for Bell’s palsy, with several proposed mechanisms of action. Acupuncture is not considered a treatment for Bell’s palsy, but it does seem to help improve symptoms. Below you will find some of the ways that it may work: 1. Reducing inflammation and edema: Acupuncture may help reduce facial nerve swelling and inflammation, which are common in Bell’s palsy cases [1][3]. 2. Improving nerve conduction: Studies suggest acupuncture can enhance nerve conduction, potentially improving the speed of electrical signals through the affected facial nerve [2]. 3. Promoting nerve regeneration: Acupuncture may stimulate regeneration of nerve fibers and formation of collateral branches [4]. 4. Enhancing blood circulation: Improved local blood flow to the affected area may aid recovery [2][4]. 5. Modulating immune response: Acupuncture may help regulate inflammatory and immune responses related to Bell’s palsy [3]. 6. Accelerating recovery: Several studies indicate that acupuncture, especially when started early, can shorten recovery time and improve outcomes [1][5]. 7. Improving muscle activity: Acupuncture may enhance muscle contraction in the affected facial muscles [4]. 8. Reducing complications: Some...
read more