Happy Halloween! The 10 Reasons You Should Not Ignore a Backache

The 10 Reasons You Should Not Ignore a Backache

10. The straw will break the camel’s back

We’ve all heard the expression “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” This is so true for too many people who ignore minor spinal problems. One day they do something silly, like bend down to tie their shoe and they can’t get up. Major problems are much more painful and expensive to care for, and they can ruin your life forever.

9. The times that you need your spine the most will be the time that it will tend to give out on you
If you neglect your spine, you can be sure that when you need it the most due to stress, physical activity, business or pleasure travel, or even a big game-it can give out on you. Extra stress on a weak spine and nervous system can overload your system during your most important times. Regular adjustments as a part of your lifestyle can keep you healthy and prevent these inconvenient episodes from putting a damper on your life.

8. Nerve pressure can exist without pain
According to the research, pain is not a good indicator of how healthy or unhealthy your spine is. Spinal examinations such as posture, weight balance, palpation, muscle testing, computer scans and x-rays are much better indicators. Pain is usually the last to show up and the first to be relieved when you begin chiropractic care.

7. Nerves supply your whole body
Your spine protects your nerve system, the master control center of your body. Vital energy flows over your nerves and communications with every cell. Nerve pathways must be clear for the messages to get through. If you have an uncorrected spinal problem, it can cause a decrease in the function of vital organs and systems, and lead to severe problems.

6. Deterioration can begin within 2 weeks
Researchers found that when the spine is misaligned it can begin to deteriorate within 2 weeks.  Think about how many two weeks have passed since you were born, which is often when the first spinal injury occurs. How many two weeks are there from a childhood fall to age 50? Is it any wonder why more than 15 million people are diagnosed with osteoarthritis each year?

5. Grandma and Grandpa didn’t get crooked overnight. They grew that way over time
This goes along with number 6. Over time, the spine and nervous system deteriorates, not because of age, but because of subluxations. Just like the tires on your car wear down unevenly when they are misaligned, the same can happen in your spine. You may have some areas in your spine that look like they are 80 years old while you have other areas that are more like a 30 year old. You can keep your entire spine healthy with chiropractic Lifestyle Care.

4. Your quality of life depends on a healthy spine
If you want to be healthy and active as you age, your spine and nervous system must be healthy. Period.

3. Good posture keeps you young and attractive
When your body becomes bent over and crooked, you will look and feel old and decrepit. If you keep your posture and your spine straight and strong, you will stay healthy, young and attractive. Many people attempt to use facelifts to preserve their youthful appearance as they age. A facelift would look silly on a person whose spine was neglected.

2. You can’t afford to get sick or injured
Now more than ever, you cannot afford to get sick. Crisis care costs are astronomical and an unhealthy spine and nervous system can be the cause of so many problems.

1. Because your chiropractor cares
Our office sees too many people who wait until they have intense pain and suffering. Don’t let this happen to you. Make an appointment with Dr. Tran today.

Tips for a Happy and Healthy Halloween

As you may already know, more children now than ever are suffering from weight problems, and Halloween does no favours for our youngsters in that regard. Rather than handing out chocolates and lollies this Halloween, consider filling those trick-or-treat backs with healthier options.

Your local organic or health-food shop most likely stocks a wide range of healthy and tasty treats. They’ll still satisfy the most demanding sweet tooth, but without the worrying amounts of sugar and trans fats contained in many chocolate bars or snack foods. They’ll also be more nutritious than the more traditional Halloween fare.

Some tasty but healthy options include sunflower chips, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit strips, or even individual packs of sultanas or chopped dried apricots (avoid nuts such as peanuts since some kids may be allergic to them).

If you’d rather not hand out food-based treats this Halloween, you can opt for trick-or-treating options such as puzzles, games, small toys, or even pens and pencil. However, if you opt for this route, be sure that the treats that you’re handing out are appropriate for the children you’re giving them to – for example, avoid giving small children items that they may choke on.

Website:  http://www.southbaychiropractic.com

(Source: us2.campaign-archive2.com)

Kevin’s Cause 2nd Annual 5K Walk/Run Event (10/15/11) in Carson, California

We were at the Kevin’s Cause 5K Walk/Run event providing FREE Stress Relief Massages and Spinal Health Screenings for volunteers and participants this past Saturday – 10/15/11 at Victoria Community Park in Carson, CA. It is our privilege to support the KEVIN’S CAUSE Non-profit Organization which promotes the prevention of suicide through education and awareness. http://www.kevinscause.org /

For MORE PICTURES of the KEVIN’S CAUSE 5K WALK/RUN EVENT CLICK BELOW:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150334605483963.342836.339361553962&type=1

The Depressing Story of Antidepressants – Health Newsletter

While it is common knowledge that people suffering from depression are more likely to attempt suicide, did you know that many antidepressant drugs, which are intended to alleviate depression, have been linked to increased suicide rates? According to an article in the May 15th, 2000 issue of the Boston Globe, internal documents from Eli Lilly and Co. showed that the firm had been aware for years that their antidepressant drug, Prozac, could cause suicidal reactions in a small, but significant, number of patients. Dr. David Healy of the University of Wales estimates that, “Probably 50,000 people have committed suicide on Prozac since its launch, over and above the number who would have done so if left untreated.”

Furthermore, did you know that doctors may prescribe drugs to children even if the medications have not been shown to be beneficial or safe for children? There is an increasing trend among physicians and psychologists to do just that since nearly all pharmaceutical company research on antidepressant drugs has been limited to adults. Only Prozac has been tested on children and found to have benefits by Eli Lilly. However, the side effects may be detrimental to a child’s healthy growth and development and include suicidal feelings, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss and headaches.

Many are now questioning the practice of prescribing antidepressant drugs to children. In October 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a health advisory alerting physicians to a possible link between antidepressant drugs and suicidal feelings in the young. An article from the British Medical Journal contained a clinical review that found “significant shortcomings” in using antidepressants such as Effexor, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft in those under 18 years old.

These researchers concluded that, “Antidepressant drugs cannot confidently be recommended as a treatment option for childhood depression,” and that due to biased reporting by drug manufacturers, “many [doctors, patients and families] will undervalue nondrug treatments that are probably both safer and more effective.”

Chiropractic care is one such nondrug option. While chiropractic care does not specifically target depression, it has been shown to reduce pain throughout the entire body.

 This may in turn lead to a reduction in depression since studies in the scientific journal Spine and the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology linked spinal back pain to an increased likelihood of depression.  Chiropractors correct vertebral subluxation which creates pressure in the nerve system and can be one of the most common causes of back pain and many other health problems. Yet subluxations can be present and alter nerve function and body chemistry for years, prior to causing any physical pain or depression. This pressure can cause mixed signals in the nerve system and affects children as well as adults.

Thus many people diagnosed as depressive who do not have back pain symptoms may suffer anyway from vertebral subluxations that could be contributing to their feelings of depression.  Counseling, tutoring, changing teachers or schools, creating harmony in the home, good nutrition, regular exercise and chiropractic care are just a few of the holistic solutions patients can explore before resorting to antidepressant drugs that may actually increase their likelihood of attempting suicide.  

Consult with your medical doctor if you are currently taking antidepressants.  Please pass this information on to those you know who may have questions about chiropractic care and lifetime wellness.

 

(Source: us2.campaign-archive1.com)

Happy Moon Festival! – The Story behind The Moon (Mid-Autumn) Festival

Nhân dịp Lễ Trung Thu Năm 2011, văn phòng chúng tôi thuộc Trung Tâm Sức Khỏe, South Bay Pain & Rehab và California Pain Center chân thành gửi lời kính chúc quí vị hưởng mùa Trung Thu trọn vẹn, hạnh phúc và bình an.

The South Bay and Rehab Center and California Pain Center would like to wish all of

you a HAPPY MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL!

TẾT TRUNG THU – MOON (MID-AUTUMN) FESTIVAL

 

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a popular Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness, dating back over 3,000 years to China’s Zhou Dynasty. In Vietnam it is called Tết Trung Thu.

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Asian Lunar calendar (this year it is on September 25^th, 2007), a date that parallels the Autumn Equinox of the solar calendar. This is the ideal time, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, to celebrate the abundance of the summer’s harvest. The traditional food of this festival is the moon cake, of which there are many different varieties.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the two most important holidays in the Chinese calendar (the other being the Asian Lunar New Year), and is a legal holiday in several countries. Farmers celebrate the end of the summer harvesting season on this date. Traditionally, on this day, family members and friends will gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon while the children play with their lanterns and eat moon cakes along with a warm cup of tea together.

 

 

 

TẾT TRUNG THU – Vietnamese version 

The Vietnamese version of Tết Trung Thu recounts the legend of Chú Cuội, whose banyan trees were uprooted after his wife accidentally urinated on it and took him with it to the moon. Every year, on the mid-autumn festival, children light lanterns to show Cuội the way to Earth.

In Vietnam, Mooncakes are typically square rather than round, though round ones do exist. Besides the indigenous tale of the banyan tree, other legends are widely told including the story of the Moon Lady or Hằng Nga, and the story of the carp who wanted to become a dragon.

Though the Mid-Autumn Festival is held to honor the moon, lanterns actually commemorate the sun. Like China, Vietnam is primarily an agricultural society. As autumn gives way to winter, the nights get longer, and the light and heat from the sun decrease. As a result, farmers often say prayers and hold ceremonies, urging the sun to not forget to rise. Lanterns represent this theme of “light after darkness,” of a wish for the return of the sun’s warmth and light.
As a way of showing love for their children, parents take some time out of their schedules to help children make lanterns. Since candles represent brightness, a lantern procession symbolizes success in school. The most popular lantern is the “star lantern.” Other well-known lantern shapes include dragons, butterflies, rabbits, frogs, boats, and carps. Made from paper and reinforced by a bamboo frame, they contain a central candleholder and fold up so the candle becomes enclosed within the frame. During lantern parades, when lanterns hung from thin wooden sticks sway gently in the night breeze, it appears as if children are carrying around bobbing, softly-glowing orbs of light.

Vietnamese Tết Trung Thu is centralized around children. In an impoverished country where many work for enough money to get by, not many days are left for parents to play with their children. To make up for missed time, they celebrate Tết Trung Thu to show their love. On this day, children receive toys and paper lanterns, put on traditional “unicorn” or “flower” dances, stay up late, and participate in a lantern parade underneath the harvest moon. Parents prepare their children’s favorite dishes and tell them fairytales that encourage them to strive for success. A favorite folklore, Ca Hoa Rong, is about a carp that that worked hard to become a dragon. By telling this story, parents hope to encourage their children to become whatever they want to be, and that nothing is impossible.

Besides education, success, and affection for the young, Tết Trung Thu, with its colorful array of lanterns, re-telling of fairytales, songs, and dances also promotes the arts and crafts. Other festivities include poetry recitals, dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, multicultural performances, and costume contests.

Today, the popularity of Tết Trung Thu, once celebrated in a few Southeastern countries, has made its way to the West. The colorful lanterns, candlelight, and abundant production of Bánh Trung Thu (moon cakes) in the middle of a cool, crisp autumn have now become a norm in Vietnamese communities spread throughout the United States. Some may honor this tradition for its political or historical affiliations, others, to keep in touch with their friends and relatives and to spend some much-deserved time with their children. Still others – the romantic and imaginative types – may want to take time to appreciate the various legends that tell of a beautiful, immortal lady condemned to forever live on the moon. For whatever reason, it is cause enough to celebrate a holiday commemorating one of earth’s celestial wonders: the silvery candlelight of night, the faithfully waning and waxing moon.

Introducing the QR CODE to our South Bay/California Pain Center Website! You know you want to SCAN IT with your Smartphone ;)

Introducing the QR CODE to our South Bay/California Pain Center Website! You know you want to SCAN IT with your Smartphone 😉

Chiropractic Care may have a positive impact on some Asthma sufferers

When people think about chiropractors, they don’t generally associate them with treating asthma. However, in some cases, chiropractic care may help with asthma sufferers. This can be especially true for children or asthma sufferers that had an onset in childhood.

Below are some research studies proving evidence that Chiropractic may have a positive impact on patients with asthma.

Dr. Ray Hayek conducted a trial at 16 treatment centers in Australia, involving 420 patients with an average age of 46, in an effort to find out what effects spinal manipulation has on symptoms such as depression and anxiety, general health status, and the levels of immunity. He tested the concentrations of both an immunoglobulin (IgA) and an immunosuppressant (cortisol) to gauge his results. Dr. Hayek was trying to prove that different forms of manual therapy (including massage) improve symptoms and lower cortisol levels in asthma patients.

Dr. Hayek reported that only the patient group that underwent spinal manipulation displayed significant improvement in asthma symptoms. Conducting only interviews at the treatment centers or being monitored at home did not yield these improvements. In addition, patients actually undergoing spinal manipulation displayed dramatic increases of IgA and decreases of cortisol even after asthma treatment had ceased, suggesting that the treatments affected the patients’ health long term. These patients were expected to ward off subsequent asthmatic attacks.

These changes not only suggest that the effects of spinal manipulation are more far-reaching than commonly believed, but that they may be more long-term as well. The gain in health achieved after spinal manipulations were performed is expected to reduce the incidence and severity of pathogenic invasion of the airways. There would be less of a risk under these circumstances of experiencing the symptoms of asthma.

CASE STUDY 1

Chiropractic Care of a Pediatric Patient with Asthma:  A Case Report

 Heather Whittle-Davis D.C. Bio & Krystal Czegus D.C. Bio  

Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2011 ~ Issue 3 ~ Pages 77-81  Abstract
Objective:  To review the outcomes of a toddler suffering from asthma, gastrointestinal complaints and frequent colds undergoing subluxation based chiropractic care.

Clinical Features:  A 23-month-old female suffering from asthma, gastrointestinal complaints and frequent colds was presented for a chiropractic evaluation and possible care.  At this time, the patient was taking a series of different asthma medications and was also under constant monitoring by her pediatric pulmonologist.

Intervention and Outcomes:  The patient was cared for using a combination of both high velocity, low amplitude Diversified adjustments and low-force adjustments with the Activator adjusting instrument to address areas of vertebral subluxation in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spine.  Within approximately 11 months, the patient’s parents reported a 90% improvement of their child’s condition.  The patient was able to reduce her care plan frequency and discontinued use of all medications.  The parents also reported a decrease in their child’s asthma, sinus problems and frequency of colds.

Conclusion:  This case report provides supporting evidence that chiropractic care can have a positive impact on children suffering with asthma and help balance immune system functioning.  It is recommended that further research be conducted on this subject to support the findings of this case study.

Key Words:  Chiropractic, asthma, children, spinal manipulation

Case Study 2

Improvement in a Pediatric Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Asthma:  A Case Report
  

Brian Kachinsky, D.C. Bio  & Jill Kachinsky, D.C. Bio   

Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2011 ~ Issue 1 ~ Pages 1-4  Abstract

---

Objective: To evaluate the chiropractic care on a 3 year-old boy with asthma as an alternative option to traditional medical care.

Clinical Features: A 3 year-old male with a history of Neurofibromatosis Type I, asthma and ear infections. He was having frequent asthmatic episodes requiring emergency department visits two times per month. His mother sought chiropractic care to attempt to control his exacerbations of asthma. He had a previous RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infection

Intervention and Outcomes: The patient was adjusted utilizing the Diversified chiropractic technique at a frequency of two to three times per week. Within one month after beginning care the patient no longer had violent exacerbations of his asthma and was able to sleep through the night and decrease his rescue inhaler usage.

Conclusions:  This specific case shows a positive response to chiropractic care in the treatment of uncontrolled asthma in a three year old male with a history of Neurofibromatosis type 1, ear infections and a previous RSV infection. However, more research is needed to explore chiropractic as a viable alternative to medical care in these types of cases.

Key Words: Neurofibromatosis Type 1, asthma, chiropractic, antibiotics, vertebral subluxation

Please Note: The information provided here is merely referential and informative. It is in no way a representation of professional medical advice and you should consult with your medical doctor in conjunction with your chiropractor to determine any possible diagnosis and asthma treatment methods that you may require.

(Source: chiropracticpediatricresearch.web.officelive.com)

Headaches & Migraine: Chiropractic vs. Medication Research Study Effectiveness & Safety

Headaches & Migraine: Chiropractic vs. Medication

Effectiveness & Safety

In randomized clinical trials, chiropractic was 57% more effective in the reduction of headaches and migraines than drug therapy

By Mark Studin DC, FASBE(C), DAPM, DAAMLP

It was reported in October of 2010 by Wrong Diagnosis that approximately 1 in 6,16.54% or 45 million Americans get headaches yearly, with many people suffering daily. While the statistical numbers vary based upon your source of information, it can be agreed upon that headaches are very common and shared among Americans at an epidemic rate. Taking into account that a single pill for many Americans to treat a headache can cost as much as $43, according to Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drugs, the overall cost to our economy totals billions of dollars and we need to focus not on the treatment of the effects, but the root of the cause.

When you suffer from headaches, it affects every facet of your life and you search for immediate answers. Most often it is a medication, either over-the-counter or prescription as evidenced by the amount of money spent as previously reported. One of the first medications recognized for the potential treatment of headaches is amatriptyline, commonly known by brand names such as Elavil, Endep or Amitrol as reported by Robert on About.com in 2006. It is also used as an antidepressant. This medication has made up a large part of the billion dollar industry along with over-the counter-medications. Although in many instances, this drug is indicated, the question that arises is what are the risks of taking this widely used medication?

The potential side effects of this medication targeted for headache sufferers, according to drugs.com (n.d.), are: blurred vision, change in sexual desire or ability, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness; dry mouth, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and weakness. Severe allergic reactions can be: rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, delusions, difficulty speaking or swallowing, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations, new or worsening agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still, numbness or tingling in an arm or leg, one-sided weakness, seizures, severe or persistent dizziness or headache, severe or persistent trouble sleeping, slurred speech, suicidal thoughts or actions, tremor, trouble urinating, uncontrolled muscle movements (such as in the face, tongue, arms or legs), unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, vision problems, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Over the counter remedies of NSAID’s or aspirin have a long list of their own of side effects.

The safety of chiropractic, in spite of rhetoric from naysayers, has been documented in clinical trials by Miller and Benfield (2008), who reported on children younger under 3 years old, “the youngest and most vulnerable population…” (p. 420). There was one reaction reports for every 749 adjustments which was typically crying. None were reported to have any serious side effects.

In adults, clinically, the majority of any side effects are soreness that is transient. This is based upon this author’s 30 years of clinical experience and teaching doctors of chiropractic who are trained in creating an accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan. To say that more serious side effects cannot happen is irresponsible. However, they are rare, non-life threatening and usually transient in nature, no different than infants. To ensure the best outcomes, like with any professional, you have to verify the doctor’s credentials and experience, which is best accomplished by securing a copy of the doctor’s curriculum vitae (his/her academic and professional credentials).

Nelson et. al. (1998) reported on randomized clinical trials that took place over an 8-week course. The results showed there was minor statistical differences in outcomes for improvement during the trial period for chiropractic care, amatriptyline and over-the-counter medications for treating migraine headaches. It was also reported that there was no statistical benefit in combining therapies. However, the major factor is that in the post-treatment follow-up period, chiropractic was 57% more effective in the reduction of headaches than drug therapy.

Bryans, et. al. (2011) confirmed Nelson’s findings and reported that spinal manipulation (adjusting) is recommended for patients with episodic or chronic migraines with or without aura and patients with cervicogenic headaches. This follow-up study is not a comparison or comment on the use of drugs. It simply demonstrates that chiropractic is a viable solution for many and can save the government and private industry billions in expenditures both in health care coverage, loss of productivity and avoidance of absenteeism in industry creating a new level of cost as sequella to headaches.

Medications and other forms of invasive care are often necessary and it is critical for a trained doctor to perform an accurate history and physical and when indicated, advanced diagnostic testing (CAT scans, MRI’s, etc.) to ensure there aren’t more serious underlying complications. However, based upon the results of the research provided by Nelson et al. (1998) and Bryans et. al. (2011), it should be chiropractic first, drugs second and surgery last to render better outcomes with less potential side effects and a quicker return to productivity.

References:

1. Wrong Diagnosis. (2010, October 6). Prevalence statistics for types of headaches and migraine conditions. Health Grades Inc. Retrieved from   http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/h/headache_and_migraine_conditions/prevalence-types.htm

2. Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drugs. (n.d.). Treating migraine headaches: The triptans, Comparing effectiveness, safety, and price. Health.org. Retrieved from  http://www.consumerreports.org/health/resources/pdf/best-buy-drugs/triptanFINAL.pdf

 

3. Robert, T. (2006, May 26). Amitriptyline: Headache and migraine drug profiles. About.com. Retrieved from  http://headaches.about.com/od/medicationprofiles/a/amitriptyline.htm

 

4. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Amitriptyline side effects. Retrieved fromhttp://www.drugs.com/sfx/amitriptyline-side-effects.html

5. Miller, J. E., & Benfield, K. (2008). Adverse effects of spinal manipulative therapy in children younger than 3 years: A retrospective study in a chiropractic teaching clinic. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(6), 419-423.

6. Nelson, C. F., Bronfort, G., Evans, R., Boline, P., Goldsmith, C., & Anderson, A. V. (1998). The efficacy of spinal manipulation, amitriptyline and the combination of both therapies for the prophylaxis of migraine headache. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, 21(8), 511-519.

7. Bryans, R., Descarreaux, M., Duranleau, M., Marcoux, H., Potter, B., Ruegg, R.,… White, E. (2011). Evidenced-based guidelines for the treatment of adults with headache. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, 34(5), 274-289.

http://www.uschirodirectory.com/index.php/chiropractic-research/item/268-headaches-a-migraines-chiropractic-vs-medication-effectiveness-a-safety

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Dr. Dao Tran and Dr. Quan Tran graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles. Together, they have over 18 years of combined experience providing Chiropractic treatment for the injured and Lifestyle Chiropractic care to help their patients achieve optimum health and maintain peak performance. They have two Chiropractic offices in Southern California – Orange County-Fountain Valley and South Bay-Lawndale.
Call to make an appointment with Dr. Tran today!

California Pain Center

9475 Heil Ave., Suite D

Fountain Valley, CA 92708

(714) 775-7700

South Bay Pain and Rehab Center

14921 Prairie Ave., Ste. 2,

Lawndale, CA 90260

(310) 263-7246

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us through our website:  Contact us and you can Follow us on Twitter and also Become a FAN on Facebook.

Cathy an elementary school teacher suffered from a shoulder injury – Here’s what she has to say after seeking Chiropractic care at our office.

 

 

 

 

Cathy an elementary school teacher suffered from a shoulder injury – Here’s what she has to say after seeking Chiropractic care at our office.  Click to watch/hear her Chiropractic success story (by southbaychiropractic)

Ed suffered from neck pain & tingling/numbness due to Lumbar spine disc bulge

Meet Ed, our JUNE 2011 CHIROPRACTIC PATIENT SUCCESS STORY – CLICK to Watch/Hear Ed tell us about his experience at our office……

 Ed Laird suffered from neck pain & tingling/numbness due to Lumbar spine disc bulge (by southbaychiropractic)

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION TO RECEIVE THE LATEST HEALTH NEWS/TIPS.

CLICK HERE NOW

Dr. Dao Tran and Dr. Quan Tran graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles. Together, they have over 18 years of combined experience providing Chiropractic treatment for the injured and Lifestyle Chiropractic care to help their patients achieve optimum health and maintain peak performance. They have two Chiropractic offices in Southern California – Orange County-Fountain Valley and South Bay-Lawndale.

Call to make an appointment with Dr. Tran today!

California Pain Center

9475 Heil Ave., Suite D

Fountain Valley, CA 92708

(714) 775-7700

South Bay Pain and Rehab Center

14921 Prairie Ave., Ste. 2,

Lawndale, CA 90260

(310) 263-7246

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us through our website:  Contact us and you can Follow us on Twitter and also Become a FAN on Facebook.

Which is better for kids? Carrying a BackPack vs. Pulling Them on Trolleys (rolling backpacks)?

More and more school children are recommended to not carry a backpack and instead pulling them on trolleys in a hope to avoid long term spinal problems.

Here’s a 2010 study in Germany which included thirty-four school children between 6 and 8 years of age comparing the children’s posture while carrying backpacks vs. while pulling them on trolleys.

The results?  While both groups had asymmetric postures when carrying a backpack or when pulling a trolley, the trolley group, however, had extra stress due to spinal rotation.

The results suggest that carrying a backpack may be better than pulling a trolley when the weight is within recommended limits.

Comparison of the Posture of School Children
Carrying Backpacks Versus Pulling Them on Trolleys

FROM:   Clinical Chiropractic 2010 (Dec);   13 (4):   253–260

Johanna Schmidt, Sharon Docherty

It’s well understood that heavy backpacks are taking a heavy toll (excuse the pun!) on adolescent spines. A recent standing magnetic resonance imaging study by the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, at San Diego revealed that: “Increasing backpack loads significantly compressed lumbar disc heights measured in the midline sagittal plane” and that: “student subjects reported significant increases in back pain, associated with increasing backpack loads from 4, to 8, and finally to 12 kgs of carried weight”.

This most recent novel study (see below) was performed with German primary school children. [2] Researchers wanted to determine whether giving the children rolling luggage, to carry their school books, might reduce spinal stress. As it turns out, what might work well for Mom at the airport does not work so well for Junior, lugging his books across uneven sidewalks, all the way to school. The authors had to conclude that: “This suggests that school children should use backpacks rather than trolleys when the weight is within recommended limits”.

The Abstract:

Objective   To investigate whether there is a difference in the posture of school children walking with a backpack versus pulling a trolley.

Design   Comparative, controlled, pilot trial.

Setting   “Grundschule Fallersleben” – primary school in Germany.

Subjects   Thirty-four school children between 6 and 8 years of age.

Methods   Initially, neutral posture was measured in a standing position. All children were then asked to walk a predetermined route without intervention for approximately 7 min. This was followed by walking the same route with either a backpack (n = 19) or trolley (n = 15). Deviations from neutral of the thoracic and lumbar spine (flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation) from the final 30 s of the imaging sequences were taken and analysed.

Results   Compared to unburdened walking, walking with a backpack led to a statistically significant (p = 0.05) increase in thoracic extension (3.91°, 95% CI = 3.35–4.46) and right lumbar lateral flexion (2.29°, 95% CI = -3.41 to -1.18), and a statistically significant decrease of lumbar flexion (2.2°, 95% CI = 0.34–4.06). In contrast, walking with a trolley increased extension (1.4°, 95% CI = 0.72–2.08), right lateral flexion (1.24°, 95% CI = -1.91 to -0.57) and right rotation (3.09°, 95% CI = -3.85 to -2.32) of the thoracic spine, and led to a statistically significant increase in left rotation (3.57°, 95% CI = 2.58–4.55) of the lumbar spine. Comparing the backpack and trolley groups showed a statistically significant (p = 0.05) increase in thoracic extension and right lumbar lateral flexion in the backpack group. Posture during trolley pulling was characterized by a statistically significant (p = 0.05) increase in right thoracic and left lumbar rotation.

Conclusion   Participants adopted asymmetric postures during walking with a backpack and pulling a trolley. However, the trolley group was characterised by spinal rotation which possibly adds an extra source of stress. This suggests that school children should use backpacks rather than trolleys when the weight is within recommended limits.

 

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Dr. Dao Tran and Dr. Quan Tran graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles. Together, they have over 18 years of combined experience providing Chiropractic treatment for the injured and Lifestyle Chiropractic care to help their patients achieve optimum health and maintain peak performance. They have two Chiropractic offices in Southern California – Orange County-Fountain Valley and South Bay-Lawndale.
Call to make an appointment with Dr. Tran today!

California Pain Center

9475 Heil Ave., Suite D

Fountain Valley, CA 92708

(714) 775-7700

South Bay Pain and Rehab Center

14921 Prairie Ave., Ste. 2,

Lawndale, CA 90260

(310) 263-7246

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us through our website:  Contact us and you can Follow us on Twitter and also Become a FAN on Facebook.