Thanksgiving Comic Relief. Stress reduction with Dr. Lou in Portland, Maine
In the wake of a politically charged year, every laugh counts. It’s time to regroup and we’ve got just the thing for the holidays. In addition to Dr. Lou’s Guitar Raffle For Rescues to benefit the dogs of Pittie Posse Rescue & Sanctuary, we have a Thanksgiving Comic Relief Kit for you and your family. This kit will distract you all from the conflicts, challenges, and discussions that make us most likely to begin the Thanksgiving War of 2024. HOW DO YOU ENTER? Film yourself saying “When I think chiropractor, I think Dr. Lou!” That’s it. Send that 3 second video to us with the understanding that it will be used online as part of one of our marketing campaigns. The rest of the details are listed below. You need not be a patient at our office and you can live anywhere within the continental U.S. If you do not live locally, we will mail the gifts to you if you win. The gag box contains 4 sources of fun and distraction: 1. The Annual Inflatable Turkey – Blow it up and serve! 2. One bag of plastic cock roaches – for garnishing! 3. Drunk, Stoned or Stupid...
read moreBell’s palsy and The Vagus Nerve. Are they related?
Bell’s palsy Multiple sources report an annual incidence of about 23 cases per 100,000 persons in the United States, with recurrence happening at a rate of 8-12%. A theory about the vagus nerve being involved in Bell’s Palsy was recently floated to me, and I thought it would be wise to dig around a little bit to help you understand the relationship a bit better. Bell’s palsy primarily affects the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), but in some cases it can involve other cranial nerves, including the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X). Here are the key points about the relationship between Bell’s palsy and the vagus nerve: 1. Typical Bell’s palsy: Bell’s palsy typically affects only the facial nerve, causing weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side[5][6]. This is the most common presentation. 2. Atypical presentations: In some cases, Bell’s palsy can involve other cranial nerves in addition to the facial nerve. This is considered an atypical presentation[3]. 3. Vagus nerve involvement: When the vagus nerve is affected along with the facial nerve in Bell’s palsy, it is a rare occurrence. The vagus nerve controls functions such as swallowing, speech, and some aspects of taste[1][5]. 4....
read moreInfantile Colic – Digestive issues or Migraine Pain – Important Research!
As we learn more about infantile colic, protocols for treatment may change dramatically. Several studies have suggested that infant colic may be related to migraine headaches rather than digestive issues. While the talking points below suggest a relationship between colic and migraine later in life, it’s not yet clear whether infants with colic are experiencing a migraine as a cause of their colic. They can’t explain what they feel because they don’t speak yet, which is an obstacle for researchers. As a board certified pediatric chiropractor I see a lot of infants whose parents bring them to me for help with colic. Historically, if vertebral subluxation (spinal dysfunction that creates neurological confusion and misfiring) is found, adjusting the spine with pediatric adjusting techniques has helped most of these children. The most common subluxation in these children in my experience has been in the upper cervical spine. Whether from birth trauma, restricted movement in the womb, or infantile torticollis, babies often have neck tension, restriction or preferences related to how they hold their head, this is the part of the spine most often associated with headaches and migraines in people of all ages. below you will find a list of...
read moreReflux and Asthma – The Relationship And Natural Solutions.
The connection between asthma and heartburn (also known as acid reflux or gastr-oesophageal reflux disease – GERD) is complex and bidirectional. Here’s an overview of how these two conditions are linked: What is the Prevalence and Correlation? Yes, asthma and GERD frequently occur together. Studies show that between 30% to 80% of asthma patients also have GERD[3]. People with asthma are more likely to develop GERD compared to those without asthma[2]. How GERD Affects Asthma There are two main ways that acid reflux can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms: 1. Nerve Reflex: Acid in the esophagus stimulates nerves connected to the lungs, making them more sensitive to asthma triggers[1][3]. This can cause the airways to narrow, leading to asthma symptoms. Chiropractic care has a positive effect on nerve function as well as chest expansion. It is very common for asthma sufferers to get some relief while under active chiropractic care. 2. Direct Aspiration: Small amounts of stomach acid can enter the airways directly, irritating them and causing inflammation, coughing, and wheezing[1][2]. GERD can often trigger asthma symptoms or make them worse, especially if: – Asthma symptoms began in adulthood – Symptoms worsen after meals, exercise, or when lying down...
read moreTired of waiting two months for an appointment you need now?
If you expect more, you can have more. Research shows that wait times to see your doctor go up every year. Our office spends time looking at research on healthcare trends so that we can buck these trends in our office to make you life easier, and to make our work more efficient and fulfilling. We aren’t happy if we aren’t making other peoples lives better. The average delay time between calling and seeing a medical specialist varies depending on the specialty and location, but overall it has been increasing in recent years. Here are some key points: 1. The average wait time across medical specialties is about 26-38 days: – A 2022 survey by AMN Healthcare found the average wait time for new patient appointments across five specialties was 26 days, up 8% from 2017 and 24% from 2004[1][3]. Wait times were already too long. – A more recent study by ECG Management Consultants found the average wait for the third next available appointment across 11 specialties in 23 metro areas was 38 days[2][4]. 2. Wait times vary significantly by specialty: – Rheumatology had the longest average wait time at 68 days[2]. – Neurology had the second longest...
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