What Is Spinal Degeneration?
If you could only have one car for your entire life, would you take better care of it? You only have one spine, one brain, one set of nerves. Make them last. What Is Spinal Degeneration? If you have arthritis in your spine, you have spinal degeneration. Spinal degeneration (osteoarthritis) of the discs, joints, and bones of the spine occurs in most people due to stress. Physical stress and chemical stress are most likely to lead to degeneration. Physical stress could be a fall, a sport, a desk job, or sleeping on your stomach. Chemical stress could be a calcium deficiency, drugs, medications, bad diet, or chemical changes brought on by mental stress. What are the stages of spinal degeneration? Degeneration of the spine occurs in stages. Stage 1-3, with 3 being the worst. The reason there is a grading system is that degeneration predictably gets worse with time and no intervention. Should I fear spinal degeneration? Even with intervention like chiropractic care, or more extreme measures like surgery, it may be that the best one gets, is a slowed process of degeneration. Slow is better than fast when it comes to degeneration of the spine. Once degeneration is severe,...
read moreNURSES. The True Heroes Of Healthcare In Maine.
Maine nurses are the superglue of Maine’s healthcare system. I am forever grateful for all that you do. I want to care for you the same way you care for your patients. With love, empathy, experience, strategy, and the attention that you deserve. In 2010 and 2011, I lost my mum to Inflammatory Breast Cancer, then my father to Leukemia. When my parents were hospitalized at the end of their lives, I’ll never, ever, forget the attention, compassion, and professionalism the nurses that cared for them displayed. I value the work that nurses do at the very top of the healthcare food chain. Out of appreciation for Maine nurses, and to honor my mum’s love of cooking, our office will be doubling down on our welcome jar gift of my marinara sauce. All nurses who become new patients between now and July 31, will receive 2 jars of my spicy marinara sauce at their first visit. Twice as much sauce for 100x more stress and hard working conditions they’ve been exposed to the past few months (and always). Nurses are the hearts, minds, and muscles of the hospitals. They deserve our respect and support. They deserve to eat well...
read moreAcupuncture for knee pain.
What Should You Expect From Acupuncture For Knee Pain? Knee pain is a very common problem, with a large number of common causes. Foot and hip problems, ankle injuries, degeneration in the knees, meniscus tears, ACL issues are all very common. When getting help for knee pain, you should expect the following from acupuncture and from the practitioner: A thorough examination of the knees and other structures commonly associated with causing knee pain. A thorough discussion about your history and current activities that are stressful on not only the knees, but structures and other joints commonly implicated in knee pain. Scanning, testing and evaluation of your feet and ankles. These structures have a direct impact on knee alignment, structure, wear and tear, and integrity. Tools and techniques should be given to you to reduce inflammation and stress in and around your knees. An anti-inflammatory diet and supplement protocol should be implemented and directed by your doctor. Structural issues that impact knees, like ankle, hip, pelvis and back problems should be addressed with structural alignment (adjustment) techniques. Acupuncture for knee pain should be directed at your knees from a “western medical acupuncture” approach, as well as a traditional Chinese medicine...
read moreWorking From Home, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches And COVID-19 In Maine
Working From Home Is WORSE?! “Eight hours on a computer at a makeshift workstation, seated on your favorite couch from college (1991) with a metal baking sheet as a desk, is going to create problems.” ~Dr. Lou The Wall Street Journal, in a May 13 article written by Aaron Zitner, published the following in an article on back pain and working from home. “When the American Chiropractic Association posted a survey on its Facebook page recently, nearly 200 members, or 90% of those who answered, said their patients were experiencing more pain since stay-at-home rules went into effect. The North American Spine Society, an association of physicians, reports that Exercises To Reduce Neck Pain were the second most viewed item in April on its website for patients, up from fifth a year ago.” Read The Article Here. Changing one’s work station is only good if it becomes a more ergonomically sound setup. Many of us prefer a soft couch or comfortable chair to a desk and office chair when working on our computers from home. While it feels good at the time, that’s not always a good gauge for what’s to come. Working from home at a desk all day...
read moreEasy Immune System Boosting – Protect your family!
Protecting your family from a weak immune system may be easier than you think. Research has suggested that 70-80% of your immune system is housed in your “Gut.” A healthy microbiome is the beginning of better immunity. People have been asking me a lot lately, “Dr. Lou, what do you do to protect your immune system and make it as strong as possible?” I have a simple, valuable routine that has kept me illness free for nearly 2 years, a new record for me. 1. Sleep (get plenty of it). Proper and adequate rest helps your body rejuvenate and recuperate from the stress of the day. 2. Exercise (regularly & consistently). Weight and deconditioning are strong factors of vulnerability to illness and a weak body (system). COVID-19 deaths and illnesses have already been shown to be higher in our overweight populations. 3. Reduce mental stress. Calm down, partake in healthy stress reduction activities like exercise, music, yoga, cooking, or something you know will chill you out, without causing more stress. 4. Probiotic supplementation. Probiotics help boost your gut health and immunity. 5. Other supplementation known to help boost immunity. This is the probiotic I take for immunity: https://drlou.metagenics.com/ultraflora-ib This is...
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