Dr Bill Schumacher on Aug 24, 2010 02:18PM

What Are the Benefits of Chondroitin, Glucosamine and MSM?

I have had more questions regaurding glucosamine and knee pain lately and thought a blog about the benifits of Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM was in order. I did some research and found a great article from the University of Phoenix published on 8-15-2010 that addresses this issue. I hope you find this information interesting. We carry a great supplement that contains 1,500mg of Glucosamine 1,200mg of Chondroitin and 500mg of MSM for $24.00 per month. We are in the process of offering this and other products online, we hope to have this service up and running on our website, www.schumacherchiropractic.com with in the next couple of weeks. If you any guestions about this topic or would like to order some product give us a call at 952-931-9867. We are never to busy to talk to you.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 46 million adults in the U.S. were told by a doctor in 2006 that they had osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia. Further, in 2004, there were 454,652 knee replacements performed in the U.S., 232,857 hip replacements and 41,934 shoulder replacements, all primarily due to advanced arthritis, adds the CDC. Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are supplements that are used, sometimes all together in the same product, to slow down the progression of arthritis and help manage arthritic pain.

Glucosamine Sulfate Benefits

Glucosamine sulfate is themost common supplemental form of glucosamine, which is a natural compound found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is mainly used to help form the ingredients of joint fluids and surrounding tissues. Specifically, it stimulates the production of proteoglycans and collagen in cartilage, bones and tendons. Glucosamine also thickens synovial fluid within joint capsules, which increases its ability to cushion and lubricate joints, especially large weight-bearing ones, such as the knee.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is good evidence based on human research that glucosamine sulfate is most effective at treating mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, which is the "wear and tear" type. Further, several human and animal studies report benefits of glucosamine treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in various other joints of the body. Benefits include pain relief, improved joint function and decreased inflammation. It was noted that it may take eight to 16 weeks before significant clinical changes are experienced. Almost all studies showing benefits have been conducted on the sulfate variety of glucosamine, not other formulations.

Recommended dosage of glucosamine sulfate that exhibits the most benefits is 1,500mg daily, divided into three equal doses, which has not caused any serious side effects, contraindications or toxicities, according to a 2005 study published in the "Bulletin of the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases." Mild side effects might include heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea and headache. Because most glucosamine sulfate is derived from shellfish exoskeletons, it is not appropriate for people who are allergic to shellfish.

Chondroitin Sulfate Benefits

Chondroitin is a natural component of cartilage, which is the "shock absorber" between synovial joints. Chondroitin helps to maintain cartilage's spongy nature by absorbing water. Chondroitin may also retard enzymes that can damage cartilage, and it provides the basic "ingredients" for the body to make new cartilage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, results from several well-designed scientific studies suggest that chondroitin sulfate may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, especially of the knee and hip. The studies' findings suggest that benefits lasted up to three months post treatment and included reduced arthritic pain, improved joint function and reduced joint swelling and stiffness.

Chondroitin sulfate can be, and often is, combined with glucosamine sulfate. Each has shown to be effective by itself, but taken together, they may provide synergistic benefits. According to UMMC, the recommended therapeutic dose of chondroitin sulfate is 1,200mg daily, divided into two or three equal doses.

MSM Benefits

Dr Bill Schumacher on Aug 16, 2010 01:02PM

STRESS BUSTERS

I was reading a chiropractic publication today and came across an article on stress that I found to be very informative. It is written by Perry Nickelston D.C. and was in this months To Your Health publication. Enjoy!

10 Ways to Reduce Stress

Does it seems as if your life is spiraling out of control? We all feel overwhelmed at times, but the way we deal with it determines whether we continue our productive lives or board a one-way express train to Stressville, USA.

Let's face it, the bills aren't going to stop coming, there will never be enough hours in the day for all your errands, and your career or family responsibilities will always be demanding. But you have a lot more control than you might think. In fact, the simple realization that you're in control of your life is the first big step to stress management.

Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. The ultimate goal is a balanced life with time for work, relationships, relaxation and fun - plus the fortitude to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.

There are several different types of stress, and learning how to control them can make all the difference. You have physical stress (lack of exercise, illness, sleep habits, etc.), mental stress (how you deal emotionally with life) and chemical stress (nutritional and environmental). Here are 10 straightforward ways to help you reduce all three stress factors.

1. Proper Breathing

Let's start with breathing because it's so fundamental. Proper breathing has a dramatic impact on muscle relaxation, tension reduction, normalizing heart rate, and increasing mental clarity. Breathing is of primary focus in meditation, yoga, and Pilates because of its intricate connection to inner core strength. What you want to strive for is learning to breathe mostly with your diaphragm instead of your lungs. The diaphragm is the most efficient muscle for breathing. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs. Learning how to breathe with your diaphragm takes some practice, but in time it will become second nature.



Practice the following technique on a daily basis for 5-10 minutes. Lie on your back, putting a pillow or similar support under your knees to relax your lower back. Place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest. Slowly inhale through your nose and make sure the only hand that moves is the one on your abdomen. Try to keep the hand on your chest as still as possible. Exhale through pursed lips and repeat. You may become temporarily lightheaded after your first few breaths, but this is a normal response to the increase in oxygen uptake by the body.

2. Organization

Are you feeling overwhelmed with so much to do and so little time? Unclutter your life and get organized to take back control. Where do you start? You've got to have a plan. That plan starts with learning to master the art of creating a "Top 5 List." Create a list of the five most important tasks you need to complete for the day. Put the one you want to do the least at the top of the list to help prevent procrastination. It is human nature to delay things which make you feel uncomfortable. By accomplishing the difficult task first you set the tone for positive action and motivation the rest of the day. You can always add more numbers to the list when you get better at the system.

3. Adequate Water

Dehydration stresses your body and nervous system. Adequate water intake is essential for cellular processes, tissue regeneration and detoxification. You may even notice a decrease in mental clarity, tiredness, fatigue, lethargy and a propensity for more illness due to increased stress on the immune system. So, how much should you drink? The advice to drink eight unce glasses of water a day is antiquated. Instead, multiply your weight in pounds by 0.5 and 0.7. The numbers generated are the range, in ounces, of water you should drink each day. There is no need to start slamming down water today. Instead, gradually increase your intake over a four-week period. Keep in mind that caffeinated beverages are natural dehydrators, so for every cup of caffeine beverage you drink, replace it with 2 cups of water.

4. Healthy Snacking

Eat healthy and eat often to control blood sugar levels. When you go long periods between meals, a hormone known as insulin spikes. This hormone controls how fast sugar enters your bloodstream after eating. Big surges in insulin occur when you wait too long between meals, which may increase stress on your body chemistry. You can get cravings and mood swings. Eating only three meals a day is insufficient for keeping this delicate balance of hormones in check. It is recommended that in addition to eating three regular meals a day, you mix in 2-3 healthy snacks. You will notice a renewed sense of energy and vitality as you provide your body and mind with the nutrition it needs.

5. Exercising

Get in shape and get out of stress; now there's a win-win proposition. Find an exercise you truly enjoy doing, not one you dread. Once you make it a part of your daily routine, it will become an integral part of your healthy lifestyle. Strive to get 20 minutes a day of some type of exercise. Walking is a great way to start. Get outside and enjoy the open air while at the same time clearing your mind. It can be an escape from all the chaos in your life. There is nothing like the calming effect of being around Mother Nature. Excess weight is also a stress on your body; regular exercise will help eliminate the pounds, improving your looks, your health and your state of mind.

6. Finding "Me Time"

Take some solo time every morning before you start the day. Use this time to reflect on yesterday and plan out today's events. This is a good time to compile your "Top 5" list of things you want to accomplish for the day. With the craziness of non-stop information overload in today's society, it's more important than ever to take quiet moments. Set your alarm 15 minutes early and wake up to silence. Do not turn on the television or open the newspaper. You may find that problems which have plagued you suddenly become more manageable and put into perspective. When was the last time you sat in a room without white noise all around? Try it and see what happens. I have a feeling you will find it to be one of the most enjoyable moments of your day.

7. Listening to Music

Music calms the soul. It can trigger so many emotions and senses, transporting you to another time and place. Are there certain songs you hear that automatically make you smile or remember a special moment in your life? Make a special collection of your favorite songs and play them when you need to escape. Close your eyes and take yourself back to a place that left a cherished impression on your heart. It will help give you a renewed perspective on your current situation.

8. Reading

Reading can truly change your life. It can be one of the most powerful and simple ways to transform your personal and professional life, and a wealth of knowledge and learning is available at your fingertips for free at the local library. This ties in nicely to the aforementioned "me time." You can read and learn about anything your mind can conceive; fiction, non-fiction, a fantasy book, or biographies of successful people who have overcome their own struggles. Try to find 20 minutes a day to read something positive and reassuring. Stay away from newspapers and magazines that are filled with doom and gloom.

9. Focusing on Good News

Turn on the TV these days and all you see is bad news. What happened to the good news? The negative aspects of everyday life are always highlighted to sell headlines and increase viewership. All that negativity adds to your stress and a feeling of hopelessness. Sure, you need to stay informed of current events, and all you have to do is check out a summary page on any Web browser to catch yourself up to speed. What you focus on becomes your reality. So stop focusing on the bad things in life and zero in on the positive.

10. Better Sleeping

Sleep is necessary for the regeneration of body and mind. Lack of sleep leads to stress on the immune system and makes you more prone to illness. Get poor sleep consistently and say hello to irritability and fatigue, too. Remember how great you felt after your last poor night's sleep? That was your body telling you something; learn to listen to it. During waking moments, your nerve cells are constantly active and become more or less fatigued. Sleep gives the body cells an opportunity to rid themselves of waste and repair themselves. How much sleep should a person get each night? The answer depends on the individual; however it is recommended to get eight hours of sleep per night for maximum benefit.

Dr Bill Schumacher on Aug 09, 2010 01:26PM

What is a Migraine?

Everyone gets a headache from time to time, but how is a migraine different? How do you know if what you are experiencing is a migraine? What are the characteristics of a migraine? This is old hat for many of us, but every day someone experiences a migraine for the first time and not only doesn't know what to expect, but also may not realize she is experiencing something other than a run of the mill headache.

The biggest difference between a regular headache and a migraine attack is that a migraine attack involves symptoms other than just head pain. It's common for people who don't understand the difference to refer to a regular headache as a migraine, but they are actually very different.

Common Symptoms Associated with a Migraine Attack:

• one sided head pain
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• sensitivity to light
• sensitivity to sound
• sensitivity to smells
• pain that worsens with activity
• hot flashes or chills
• dizziness
• vertigo
• confusion
• anxiety
• depression

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Stages of a Migraine Attack:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (1) Prodome - Only 30-40% of migraine sufferers experience this phase. For those who do this early warning can give them a leg up scheduling a chiropractic appointment before the migraine attack becomes very severe. This phase is characterized by mood changes, cravings, neck stiffness, fatigue and yawning.
  
  (2) Aura - About 20-25% of migraine suffers experience aura. Again, having this early warning lets the patient know an attack is coming and to start treatment right away.
  
  Common auras include:

• visual distubances such as flashing lights, spots or blurry vision

• smelling things that aren't there 

• confusion 

• difficulty finding words 

• dizziness 

• hearing things that aren't there 

• extreme sensitivity to touch

Dr Bill Schumacher on Aug 03, 2010 09:55AM

Choosing the Correct Backpack for Your Child

It?s that time of year again?back-to-school time! Many parents and children prepare for

that first day of school by doing some back to-school shopping, which often involves buying new clothing, pens, pencils, paper, markers, etc. However, backpacks are one of the biggest necessities for both college-aged and younger students, and it?s important to choose wisely.

 
There are so many backpacks to choose from, and choosing the right one for your child is not always easy. Backpacks come in all sizes, colors, fabrics, and shapes?all of which help kids express their own sense of style. As practical as backpacks are for those who use them, backpacks can cause strained muscles and joints and back pain when worn incorrectly.

The human spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae, and between the vertebrae are discs that act as shock absorbers. When something heavy?such as a backpack filled with books?is incorrectly placed on your child?s shoulders, the force of that extra weight can pull your child backwards. To compensate, your child may bend forward at the hips or arch his or her back, which can cause your child?s spine to compress unnaturally. Because of the heavy weight he or she is carrying, your child might begin to develop shoulder, neck, and back pain. What can we do about this? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that before you purchase a backpack, look for the following five criteria:

? Choose a lightweight backpack that doesn?t add a lot of weight to your child?s load. For example, although leather backpacks look cool, they weigh more than traditional canvas backpacks.

? Choose a backpack with two wide, padded shoulder straps. Straps that are too narrow can dig into shoulders.

? Choose a backpack that has a padded back, which provides increased comfort and protects the wearer from being poked by sharp edges (such as pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the backpack.

? Choose a backpack that has a waist belt, which helps distribute the weight more evenly across the body.

? Choose a backpack that has multiple compartments, which also helps distribute weight more evenly.

Although most backpacks come with two shoulder straps, this doesn?t mean that your kids will use both straps! Many kids wear their backpacks over just one shoulder, which is the wrong thing to do. This makes the person lean to one side to offset the extra weight, and they might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck. Wearing the back pack incorrectly can also lead to poor posture. So, make sure your children wear the backpack using both straps. It?s also a good idea to tighten the straps enough for the backpack to fit close to the body, and it should sit 2 inches above the waist


.

Girls and younger children may be especially at risk for backpack-related injuries because they?re smaller and may carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight. Doctors recommend that people?especially children?carry backpacks that are no more than 10?15 percent of their body weight. For example, if a child weighs 80 pounds, 15 percent of his or her body weight is 12 pounds. So, for an 80 pound child, the backpack and its contents should not weigh more than 12 pounds?but remember, lighter is always better.

Lifting and Positioning Backpacks

Children also need to know how to lift and position their backpack. Improper lifting can cause damage. Teach your children these four simple steps to safely lift their backpacks:

1. Face the backpack before you lift it.

2. Bend at the knees.

3. Using both hands, check the weight of the backpack.

4. Lift with your legs, not your back.

5. Carefully put one shoulder strap on at a time; never sling the backpack onto one shoulder.

Another Option

Another option to consider when purchasing backpacks is to look for a backpack on wheels. However, these types of backpacks may be less practical than traditional backpacks because they?re difficult to pull up stairs. If you?re thinking about purchasing a rolling backpack for your child, contact the child?s school first to be sure that they are allowed. Many schools don?t allow rolling backpacks because they pose a tripping hazard in the hallways.

By following these guidelines, your child will start off this school year with a healthy back!

This is a great time of the year to bring you kids in for a free screening to look for any spinal imbalances that can lead to back or neck pain. For more information contact our office at 952-931-9867 and ask for Dr Bill or Dr Dan.

Prepared by Courtney J. Schoessow, M.P.H., Extension Program Specialist ? Health, Texas

AgriLife Extension Service

Original Illustration courtesy Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Dr Bill Schumacher on Jul 27, 2010 01:48PM

Kids And Chiropractic

       


If you're a patient at our offices, you no doubt have seen infants and toddlers in the play area , waiting room or more importantly treatment rooms. I have been treating children since I started  practicing 26 years ago, I currently treat many children whose parents were children when I first treated them. Besides making me feel old, it also makes me feel proud to be part of these people's healthcare for a life time. The youngest patient I have treated for colic was only a few days old. Chiropractic care for children is very different than chiropractic care for adults. The adjustments are much softer and gentler because the child's joints are looser and easier to move. For infants, I generally use the Activator adjusting instrument, which can be set at a force so low that you could tolerate the pressure on your eye. As the kids get older they usually prefer to get adjusted with very gentle manual manipulation, they think it's fun and look forward to jumping up on the table. I can't count how many kids over the years were spared from having tubes put in their ears by simply getting their neck adjusted.

In general, the chiropractic adjustment is a very safe procedure for children. With millions of children visiting a chiropractor every year, adverse events (the technical term for injury) are very rare. A study published in 2008 in the prestigious medical journal Pediatrics found only nine incidents of adverse events related to spinal adjustments in children worldwide over the past 100 years, an enviable safety record.

All doctors understand that any form of health care comes with some degree of risk, whether we're talking about a dose of antibiotics or a chiropractic adjustment. As with any procedure, we will discuss the benefits and the risks of the adjustment as it applies to your child. 

Children generally heal much more quickly than adults, so they typically require just a few treatments to restore normal motion to their joints, and thus restore normal function to their nervous systems and related end organs.Chiropractors help children heal and attain true health by releasing joints that aren't moving properly or to their fullest capacity. This restores natural nervous system function, correcting symptoms at the root of the problem and optimizing the child's overall health and inherent healing abilities.

Since chiropractors improve the health of the nervous system by removing irritation stemming from the structural elements of the body, chiropractors can help children with a wide range of conditions, from colic to ear infections to asthma. Here are a few of the conditions we commonly treat as you children grow older.
Neonate-Infant:

• Colic/irritability
• Poor sleep
• Nursing problems
• Reflux/spitting up
• Constipation
• Torticollis/head tilt
• Asymmetrical crawl or gait

Toddler and Preschool-Age Child:

•  Ear infections
• Chronic upper respiratory infections
• Asthma
• Growing pains/foot or leg cramping
• Bed-wetting
• Incontinence (bowel or bladder)

School-Age Child and Adolescent:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Scoliosis
• Gait abnormalities
• Extremity injuries (chronic ankle sprains, knee pain, shoulder pain, etc.)
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Chronic upper respiratory illness

It's important to remember that chiropractors are more than just back adjusters. Chiropractors are physicians whose scope of practice includes manual therapies (like adjustments and massage), physiotherapies (like ultrasound), exercise and postural advice, herbal and nutritional supplements, and lifestyle and dietary advice. After taking a thorough history and performing a complete examination, our doctors will determine which combination of these therapies will best help your child reach optimal health. Chiropractic physicians and medical physicians complement each other; as a team, they provide complete health care for your child.

If you have questions about chiropractic and your child's health, please call me at 952-931-9867 or respond to this blog. 

Excerpts taken from to your health columnist, Elsie Hewwit DC 1-2010 chiropractic for kids

Jan 20, 2010 10:08AM

Comment on Benefits Of Vitamin D

Wow. This is good stuff. Thanks for posting this info. There has been a lot of talk about the subject in the national press and I was curious what your thoughts were. Personally, I do take a vitamin D3 supplement daily in liquid form and I feel like it does provide benefit, especially in the dark days of winter. By the way, I'd love to see some pics of Hawaii about now. Go Vikes!!!

Dec 23, 2009 03:01PM

Comment on Welcome from Dr Bill

Hi Arnie,  I thought we may have talked about this the last time you were in. There are some acupuncture points that are helpful in addition to adjustments. Give me a call and we can set something up next week. Dr Bill

Dec 23, 2009 10:16AM

Comment on Welcome from Dr Bill

Hi Dr. Bill,
Recently I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. What treatments do you offer that would help with the pain?

Dec 12, 2009 11:18AM

Comment on Snow Shoveling Tips

Sorry to here you hurt your back. I will be in all next week. Dr Bill

Dec 11, 2009 05:58PM

Comment on Snow Shoveling Tips

Good advice! I should have followed it more closely. I was out today cleaning up snow piles in the driveway and now my low back is sore. I will definitely be seeing you next week!