Dr Beecher’s March 2012 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter

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“The absence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously.” ~ Henry Kissinger

More research points to Chiropratic care…

Spinal Manipulation and Home Exercise Better Than Medication For Neck Pain?

Research shows Chiropractic and light exercise might be best to relieve neck pain…

Also in this issue:

• Stress – The Silent Killer!!!
• Stress May Cause Your Brain To Shrink!
• “Phantom Vibrations” Haunt Stressed Out Smart Phone Users!!!
• Do You Tebow? What You Don’t Know About Tim Tebow’s Private Life May Change Your Opinion Of The Popular And Controversial Denver Bronco’s Quarterback.

Houston – Ever wake up with a stiff neck?  Or, have you given up on trying to look out the back window in your car because your neck hurts so much when you try?

If you suffer with neck pain, you probably take over-the-counter pain relievers.  Most people with neck pain do.  But, what if there was another way that not only worked better but also didn’t have the side effects associated with those pain relievers? Would you be interested?

That’s why you may be interested in new research published in January in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Here’s what the researchers discovered, according to Chiropractic Economics:

“Two-hundred-seventy-two patients aged 18 to 65 with nonspecific neck pain for two to 12 weeks were randomly assigned to receive SMT, medication, or home exercise with advice for 12 weeks. Up to one year after treatment, patients having 12 weeks of SMT reported greater pain relief than patients in the medication group. Patients in the home exercise with advice group reported just as much pain relief as those in the SMT group over the same period. However, patients having SMT reported that they were more satisfied with care than those in either of the other groups.

“The researchers conclude that SMT and home exercise are similarly effective to each other and both are more effective than medication for neck pain.”

After reading this, you may be asking yourself…

What Is “SMT”?

SMT is “spinal manipulative therapy.”  Chiropractors often call SMT an “adjustment” and Chiropractors are well trained and the leaders in delivering SMT.

For a very long time, the medical community frowned upon SMT and Chiropractic.  Not only was there a lack of research… some actually said SMT performed by Chiropractors was dangerous.

Over the years, this has changed.  First, research was published that showed the safety and efficacy of SMT performed by Chiropractors.

Many open-minded and progressive medical doctors not only embraced SMT, they started referring to Chiropractors.  Some even incorporated SMT into their practices.

It has been wonderful to see what was once called “quackery” accepted into mainstream medicine and smart doctors working hand-in-hand with Chiropractors to give patients the best possible treatments and care.

But, here’s something a little weird.  The research on safety and efficacy mentioned a couple paragraphs back was for back pain, not neck pain. Even though the treatments (SMT) were the same and the structure (the spine) was the same, skeptics squawked that there was, “no proof.”

They said, “the neck is not the low back.”  That’s why it is so nice to see research specifically designed for the neck showing the benefits of SMT. Maybe now more research will be done and more skeptics will be silenced.  The more research, the better, and more doctors from different disciplines working together means more benefits to patients.

Do You Get “Phantom” Text Messages?

Technology can be wonderful. But, it can also cause problems.  Technology has given us life-saving medical procedures and life-ending nuclear weapons.

Clearly, it’s all about how technology is used, which brings us to the immensely popular smart phones.

Smart phones can make your life easier and more enjoyable.  Text messaging and email keep us in touch.  But, is there a downside to all this constant connection?

Techworld reports that stress levels in smart phone users can become so pronounced that some people start experiencing “phantom vibrations” of non-existent text messages.

“University of Worcester Psychologist, Richard Balding, conducted psychometric tests on 100 employed and student volunteers, finding that those who checked their smart phones often were more likely to experience emotional stress.

“This was particularly true when the phones were being used in a work context, with users feeling pressure to check for messages in order to keep abreast of workflow.

“At its worst, as stress levels rose, workers would check their phones more often, creating a negative cycle in which a few even started believing that their phones were receiving alerts when no such alerts existed.”

With smart phones, the distinction between work and private time has all but disappeared.  For many people, there is no more leaving work, work is always wherever you go…  and so is the stress.

Stress May Cause Your Brain To SHRINK!!!

Think you have a big brain?  Well, if you are stressed out, it might be shrinking.     According to a January 13, 2012 article in the Baltimore Sun, “A study by Yale University researchers found that stressful life events can reduce gray matter in regions of the brain that regulate emotion and important physiological functions in healthy people to brain structure changes associated with psychiatric disorders, such as addiction, depression and anxiety.

Past studies have only linked stress…

            “The researchers looked at MRIs of more than 100 healthy people. They found the changes soon after stressful events occurred and said the findings may serve as warning signals of future psychiatric disorders and chronic diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension.”

And don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in providing you natural pain relief.

Inspirational Story Of The Month –

(Names And Details Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)

Do You Tebow?

What you don’t know about Tim Tebow’s private life may change your opinion of the popular and controversial Denver Bronco’s Quarterback.

It was projected to be the most watched football playoff game of all time.  Who knows if it actually was? (It really doesn’t matter.)

What matters is why such a prediction was made and who was responsible.

Even if you are not a football fan, you’ve probably heard the name Tim Tebow. If you are like most people, you either love him or hate him.  Well, maybe not hate… just a large amount of dislike.  There is no doubt he has been the center of controversy and media hype all season long.

Why?  Tim Tebow was a first round draft pick in the 2010 NFL draft.  He is the winner of two NCAA National Football Championships.  He was the first-ever sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy.  He was the winner of the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top college football player.  He was the winner of the James E. Sullivan Award as the nation’s most outstanding amateur athlete in any sport.  This season, he brought the Denver Broncos to the playoffs in spectacular fashion by helping them win many last second games.

But, he is also the son of evangelical missionaries and he has openly displayed signs of his faith.  One example is called “Tebowing.”  This is when Tim drops to one knee after scoring, symbolic of thanking Jesus.

What many people may be missing has nothing to do with football.  Granted, winning football games can bring enjoyment to a lot of people’s lives.  But, what Tim Tebow does outside of football is much more important. With the money and fame from football, he will be able to do a whole heck of a lot more.

For example, it is easy to learn about Tebow’s well-documented empathy and humanitarian efforts.  On his official website (TimTebow.com), there’s a link to The Tim Tebow Foundation – Bringing faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.

There is also the story of Zack McLeod.  Zack is a 20 year old former football player who suffered a traumatic brain injury at the age of 17 and was given only a 5% chance of surviving.  But, he did survive… and his dream was to meet Tim Tebow.  So, right before the most pressure-filled and important game of Tim’s life (the previously mentioned playoff game against the New England Patriots), Tebow took time out and spent it with Zack and made Zack’s dream come true.

In a USA Today article, Tim Tebow put it all in perspective:  “We’re playing a game, and you want to win, but you know that it’s not the end of the world,” Tebow says. “Even a bad loss on the football field is better than spending a day (recovering) in a hospital.”

How about this shockingly uncommon stance in today’s world when athletes openly say they don’t want to be role models:  “Tim believes there is more to life than football,” says foundation executive director, Erik Dellenback.  Tebow does not imbibe, display rivers of tattoo ink on his sculpted physique or hang out in nightclubs. Home-schooled on a 44-acre farm outside Jacksonville, he is serious about personal responsibility.

“The biggest reason I don’t (consume alcohol) is because (if I have) a glass of wine, I don’t want to be responsible for a kid looking up to me and saying, ‘Hey, Tebow’s doin’ it — I am going to do it.’ And then he makes a bad decision.  “Because, like it or not, it is serious,” he says. 

In the end, it’s not about Tim Tebow’s religion and whether you are the same faith as him or not.  Instead, it’s about what he does. So far, who can argue with that?

We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and getting them feeling better!  We are here to help you stay feeling better and looking younger!  Don’t be a stranger.  You really can afford Chiropractic care! Don’t wait until you can no longer move!

Did You Know?

10 Good Uses For Salt…

            It’s been used throughout human history, it’s mentioned in the Bible, it’s ubiquitous and it’s also cheap. Mined from salt rocks and extracted from sea water, salt is… well, the “salt of the earth.” You can’t healthily live without it. At the same time, you can’t live healthily with too much of it. Get the balance right – in your food and in your life – and salt is worth its own weight.

Here are 10 good uses for salt:  1. Deter ants… Sprinkle salt in doorways, on windowsills and anywhere else ants use to sneak into your house. It’s a sure way to keep them out!  2. Kill grass and weeds growing in cracks in your driveway…Tired of weeding your driveway? Sprinkle salt on the grass and pour very hot water over it. Not only is this a highly effective way to kill unwanted plants, it’s also eco-friendly and cheap.  3. Say goodbye to fleas…If your dogs have fleas, simply wash their doghouse and blankets in salt water. If you’re worried your dogs may have brought fleas into your house, simply sprinkle your carpets lightly with salt and then brush it in. Leave it for 12 hours and thoroughly vacuum.  4. Pick up a dropped egg…If you drop an egg on the kitchen floor, sprinkle salt on the mess and leave it there for 20 minutes. You’ll be able to wipe it right up.  5. Clean up oven spills quickly…If a pie or casserole bubbles over in the oven, pour a handful of salt on top of the spill. It won’t smoke, smell and, most importantly, will bake into a crust that makes the mess easier to clean once it’s cooled.  6. Clean brown spots off your iron…Simply sprinkle salt on a sheet of waxed paper, slide the iron across it and rub lightly with silver polish. Your iron will look like brand-new in no time.  7. Remove stains from your coffee pot…Fill it with 1/4 cup of table salt and a dozen ice cubes. Swish the mixture around and let it sit for half an hour.  Then, fill it with cold water and rinse. Your coffee pot will look brand new.  8. Keep your windshield frost-free…Dip a sponge into salt water and rub it on windows, and they won’t frost up… even when the mercury drops below zero.  9. Soothe a bee sting…Wet the sting right away and cover it with salt.  10. Stop a grease fire…Pouring salt on top of a grease fire will smother it – completely.

Tip Of The Month

How To Beat Germs At Their Own Game!!!

Just in case you don’t know by now: STRESS IS A KILLER.  It used to be theorized that people got sick because germs invading the body were very strong… stronger than the immune system.  For example, it was believed that once you came in contact with the common cold, you would get sick.  Now, modern doctors know the strength of the invaders… or germs… is only part of the story and many believe that is not even the most important part.  On the contrary, another theory is that the body’s immune system (unless you are genetically compromised) is stronger than most – if not all – invaders.  Your body’s immune system will fight off these germs and not get sick unless… and this is a very big unless… there is something weakening your immune system that helps the invaders and germs win.  This can result from poor nutrition, lack of sleep, being over worked, etc.

One of the most common and detrimental things to weaken your immune system is STRESS!!! This is very important to understand because most people lead very stressful lives.  Stress at work, stress from lack of a job, not enough money, relationships, etc. all subtly weaken the immune system. Many researchers believe these common stresses… over years and years… can lead to major illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and more.  That’s why it is important to learn (and practice) ways to relieve stress in your everyday life.  There is no way to reduce ALL the stress in your life, so it is important to do what you can and learn to handle it in the best way possible.

Here are two great tips:  (1) Get away from the source of the stress.  This makes sense, but it is often easier said than done.  For example, if your main source of stress is your job, you probably can’t just quit.  But, it might be wise to start taking steps to make a change.  Just taking positive steps in the right direction can help relieve stress.  (2)  Take time each day to relax.  This is something anyone can do… because you only need about 10 minutes and you can be anywhere.  Some call it meditation, others just a little “me time.”  Whatever you call it, do it every day.  You can daydream, visualize good things or take a nap.  These 10 minutes a day can go a long way to relieve stress and help you live a more healthy life.

Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal

and maintain the pain free body you deserve.

This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice.  Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history. We cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without a thorough exam or appropriate referral. If you have any further concerns or questions, please let us know by calling 281-286-1300.