Chiropractic and Sports

http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/chiropractic-care-for-the-child-athlete.html

There are some negative opinions in chiropractic regarding contact sports like boxing and football. Some of our colleagues feel these sports should be avoided. Whatever your particular opinion, these sports (pee-wee football, boxing and the like) have been around for decades and are here to stay.

The sports chiropractor should not attempt to replace the medical staff already in place at any level of competition. However, it has been my experience that as chiropractors if we care for the athletes chiropractically and not attempt to interfere with or replace the trainers, medics or EMTs, our acceptance both on and off the field is much greater. Having been a team chiropractor for numerous athletic teams from professional baseball, wrestling, and boxing to the little league football and soccer levels, I'd like to share some information, as well as my experience, as such.

Almost all organized levels of children's sports have age and weight limitations. In some sports, such as martial arts, events not only have an age and weight requirement but they also have the children categorized (or matched) according to their skill level. Team chiropractors' should be aware of the proper use of safety equipment and proper fit of protective gear like football helmets, pads and sparring gear used in contact sports.

Injuries to children's spines are not unique to contact sports like football or martial arts. They are also seen in non-contact sports like gymnastics and competitive cheerleading. Injuries to the pediatric spine vary according to the specific mechanism of injury. Therefore, the pediatric sports chiropractors knowledge of particular sports is helpful in assessing the care he or she will render.

Specific to the child athletes' spine one should have knowledge of the ossification centers. The primary centers at the vertebrae, or centrum, and the neural arch unite forming the vertebral arch. Fusion of the body with the posterior elements occurs as early as 3-6 years and as late as 16 years. The secondary centers of ossification, consisting of the two vertebral body end plates, the two transverse processes and the spinous process fuse between 14 and 25 years of age. Also the joints of Luschka are not fully formed until age 7. Additionally, some bones, such as the sacrum, do not fuse until well into the second decade of life, and thus may function as individual vertebrae depending on age.

Subluxations, fractures or failure of fusion of secondary ossification centers can result from head impacts as experienced in football or martial arts, or from falling on the child's feet or buttocks as in gymnastics or cheerleading. Development of the normal spinal curves will assist in dissipating compressive forces or loads. However, athletics may induce concussive forces the body cannot adapt to thus resulting in vertebral subluxation complexes.

The common area of injury from a head impact is the mid to lower cervical (C4-C6). The common area of injury from a forces from below, as in falling on the feet or buttocks, is T-9 - L2. Flexion injuries of the spine commonly affect the C4-C6, T5-6 and L1-L2. And one should always check the upper cervical spine.

T. K. Videman, M.D.1 from the University of Helsinki in 1987 found that the slightest hypomobility in diarthrodial joints (facet joints) would cause joint degeneration in 5-7 days, which becomes irreversible in 2-3 weeks. Following 5 weeks of joint fixation, 18 months of care was required for optimal healing which was almost always incomplete. The sooner we as chiropractors can care for the child athlete, and correct his or her subluxation, the less likely they are to have life long patterns of ill health and who better than the chiropractor to care for these little athletes.

Caring for the children during an event should be discussed next. The team chiropractor should be able to assess the athlete's specific needs. Never disregard the need for a comprehensive chiropractic evaluation. And please, no public display of adjusting. (P.D.A.)

Team chiropractors who will spend time working with children athlete should educate themselves regarding specialized training in the field of chiropractic pediatric adjusting techniques. That is not to say adjusting the child with bilateral supine, rotary breaks and lumbar roll both sides as is sometimes done on adults. Rather learn how to adjust children correctly through programs like ICPA's certification program, which Dr. Webster started and we are continuing to promote.

When evaluating a child either on or off the field before applying a chiropractic adjustment, one should be able to objectively evaluate as many components of the vertebral subluxation complex as possible. The sports chiropractor needs to be aware of the functional uniqueness of the child's spine when doing so. For example, the normal range of motion in a child's spine is greater than that of an adult. This is important to know when assessing a child's spine.

Also, as a team chiropractor for any sport, and any level, there will come a point in time when you are the only attending health care provider. It would be a good idea to know when you should transport via EMT in emergency situations. My experience is that no one will belittle you if you play it safe. One of our chiropractic colleagues from an opposing team thought he could tape a knee and get the star player back into the game only to learn later that the child had suffered a fractured fibula.

As chiropractors, we must focus on the vertebral subluxations and the dangers of such especially those arising out of sports injuries. We should also educate the players, parents and coaches. Each year I hold a coach's clinic for all the area "Pop Warner" football coaches. This clinic is well attended because we bring in a certified athletic trainer to teach basic training and taping techniques. I also do a chiropractic health orientation and educate coaches and trainers on the cause and the harmful effects of subluxations.

In my presentation, I use the Emmett Smith quote "playing in a football game is like being in 30-40 care accidents" and then I multiply that by the 10 games the kids have each season. I also use this opportunity to show them the benefit of chiropractic care for the athletes, both pre and post game. This clinic is held in my office so the coaches, parents and players have the opportunity to see it first hand.

Whether the children are participating in contact or non-contact sports, a proper chiropractic evaluation by a qualified pediatric chiropractor can keep them in the game and help to minimize if not prevent injuries leading to vertebral subluxations.

Dr. Joel Miller is professor of pediatrics at Life University, School of Chiropractic. He has been an I.C.P.A. member since 1990. Dr. Miller has served as a team chiropractor for the Minnesota Twins, the Boston Red Sox, WWF Wrestling, Florida State University atheltic teams and numerous children's sports organizations. Dr. Miller is also a member of the I.C.P.A.'s distinguished speakers bureau and conducts seminars for the I.C.P.A.

References:

1. Videman T. Connective tissue and immobilization. Key factors in musculoskeletal degeneration? Clin Orthop 1987 (221)26-32 / Medline ID 87274475

Originally Printed in: I.C.P.A. Newsletter September/October 1998

Lexington Ky Chiropractor, Children and Laughter

Fact: Preschool-aged children laugh up to 400 times a day, but by the time we reach adulthood, we only laugh about 17 times per day! I don’t know about you but when I read that statistic above, it makes me wonder why there is such a drop in laughter as we age. Is it because we begin to take life too seriously? Is it because our jobs and obligations begin to demand so much from us that we forget life is about living rather than just existing? Maybe it’s because as we enter adulthood we want people to take us seriously; in the process we trade laughter and silliness for what we consider maturity and respect. Or, it could just be that we no longer have a Big Wheel or crayons or can sit and watch an episode of Barney without someone making fun of us. Who knows? The answer may be a mystery but the significant benefits of laughter are not. Did you know that when you make someone laugh that you very well may be helping them strengthen their immune system, reduce food cravings, or even increase their threshold for pain? There’s even an emerging field known as “humor therapy” that is helping patients heal more quickly after surgery. Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, adrenaline, and dopamine. It also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Laughter has also been found to increase the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells within the body. All this creates a stronger immune system and better ability to ward off the effects of daily stress. A good laugh also exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. Some research suggests it even provides a good workout for the heart. Laughter shifts our focus away from anger, guilt, stress, and negative emotions that can create more discomfort and stress within our lives. Laughter is contagious. If you bring more laughter into your life, you will not only help others around you to laugh more, but you will realize these same healthy benefits yourself. So it seems that laughter really is the best medicine but how do we increase our dosage? Here are a few ideas… Start with a shift in your perception. Studies show that our response to stressful events can be altered by whether we view something as a “threat” or a “challenge.” Humor can give us a more lighthearted perspective and help us view events as “challenges,” making them less threatening and more positive. The next time you are faced with what seems to be a roadblock in life (a threat), don’t get upset—becoming bitter and resentful—instead look at it as an opportunity to detour around it (a challenge). Sure, it may take a little more time but that detour may have something in store for you that you never dreamed possible. Slow down. Regardless of how much we try, humans are not machines. Slowing down and spending time with others is vital to bringing more laughter into our lives. We can’t make someone laugh if we don’t take the time to engage them or genuinely care about them. Take a few minutes each day and when you pass a co-worker in the hall or even some stranger at the store...say hello and pay them a compliment. As you rush through your day, remember to also take time for those who serve you. The drycleaner, the waiter, the waitress, the clerk...use each interaction as a way to try and make someone else’s day instead of expecting them to make yours!

Written by Daniel Decker   http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/the-benefits-of-laughter.html

 Lexington KY Chiropractor

ADHD And Chiropractic

In the October 2004 issue of the peer-reviewed research publication, the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT), comes a case study of a child with ADHD (Attention-Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder),who was helped with chiropractic.

The case was of a 5 year old boy who had been diagnosed with ADHD at age 2. The child’s pediatrician prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin), Adderall, and Haldol for the next 3 years. The combination of drugs was unsuccessful in helping the child.

At age 5 the child was brought to a chiropractor to see if chiropractic care would help. The history taken at that time noted that during the child’s birth, there were complications during his delivery process. The results of this trauma and complications resulted in a 4-day stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. The child’s mother reported no other incidence of trauma.

The chiropractic examination and x-rays showed noticeable spinal distortion including a reversal of the normal neck curve indicative of subluxations. Chiropractic care was begun and the child’s progress was monitored.

According to his mother, positive changes in her son`s general behavior were noticed around the twelfth visit. By the 27th visit the patient had experienced considerable improvement.

The child was brought by the mother to the medical doctor for a follow up visit and questioned the usage of the Ritalin. The medical doctor reviewed and examined the child and based on that assessment and his clinical experience, the MD felt that the young boy was no longer exhibiting symptoms associated with ADHD. He then took the boy off the medications that he had been taking for 3 years.

The conclusion of the author of the JMPT case study noted, “The patient experienced significant reduction in symptoms. Additionally, the medical doctor concluded that the reduction in symptoms was significant enough to discontinue the medication.”

LifeStyle Chiropractic 859-217-5433 Lexington KY Chiropractor

Webster Technique Certified

http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/adhd-helped-with-chiropractic-a-case-study.html

Lexington KY Chiropractor Baby Crawling

How Important Is It For A Baby To Crawl

There is nobody in the world as busy as a one-year-old baby, possibly the most productive year of his entire life. So numerous and so different are all his experiences; he goes up and down and touches, smells, feels, and tastes almost everything that comes into his grasp.

Chiropractic care benefits all aspects of your body's ability to be healthy. This is accomplished by working with the nervous system--the communication system between your brain and body. Doctors of Chiropractic work to correct spinal, pelvic and cranial misalignments (subluxations). When misaligned, these structures create an imbalance in surrounding muscles and ligaments. Additionally, the resulting nerve system stress may affect the body's ability to function optimally.

Sacral misalignment causes the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments.  It is these tense muscles and ligaments and their constraining effect on the uterus which prevents the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth. The Webster Technique is defined as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. This has been shown to reduce the effects of intrauterine constraint, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.

Dr. Larry Webster, Founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association discovered this technique as a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function for pregnant mothers. In expectant mothers presenting breech, there has been a high reported success rate of the baby turning to the normal vertex position. This technique has been successfully used in women whose babies present transverse and posterior as well. It has also successfully used with twins. Any position of the baby other than ROA may indicate the presence of sacral subluxation and therefore intrauterine constraint. At no time should this technique be interpreted as an obstetric, "breech turning" technique.

It is strongly recommended by the ICPA instructors of this technique that this specific analysis and adjustment of the sacrum be used throughout pregnancy, to detect imbalance and optimize pelvic biomechanics in preparation for safer, easier births. Because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment has on all body functions by reducing nerve system stress, pregnant mothers should have their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, optimizing health benefits for both the mother and baby.

     Winter In Lexington KY!

The first sight of snow falling from the sky can be one of the greatest thrills for children . Kids love to start snowball fights, go sledding and build a snowman. Snow is a winter wonderland for kids!

However, if not adequately prepared for the icy conditions this often lead to illness, serious injury or even death. It is therefore  important for parents to make their children aware of how to keep safe when playing in the ice and snow.  Watch for signs of frostbite in the freezing cold conditions. It is important to ensure that children are wearing extra layers of clothing to protect themselves from the cold and wet conditions. Breaks to come inside and warm up are also important.

The temperatures of hands and feet are the first to drop as the body adjusts to cold conditions. This makes thick gloves and socks essential wear when playing in the snow. It is also vital to wear a scarf and thick winter hat as over half of a person's body heat is lost via the head and neck. Remind your child when they are wet to come inside and change to dry clothing.

As bizarre as it sounds, the use of sunscreen is especially important as the snow and ice can reflect 85% of the sun's UV rays back into exposed skin.

Children should refrain from wearing flat soled-shoes in order to best avoid slipping and injuring themselves on icy surfaces. Snow boots are the best choice of footwear in snowy conditions.

Children should be warned of the dangers of playing near roads during icy conditions. It becomes much harder for cars to steer or brake in the snow and visibility is often reduced for drivers – making it much more difficult to avoid potential hazards in the road. Avodi places with fences, trees and other obstacles.

It could also prove fatal to let children play near frozen ponds or lakes even if they are completely covered in snow. It is almost impossible to tell how much weight that frozen ponds can support and it can prove very difficult to scramble to safety after falling through frozen ice.

The best locations to enjoy the snow are in large open fields or parks.

Sledding down hills can be one of the most enjoyable activities in the snow but can also be very dangerous if not enjoyed in a suitable location.

Remember parents andchildren should take the time to inspect the location for hazards such as rocks, trees and frozen water while ensuring there is enough stopping distance at the bottom of the hill. Adult supervision is a mi

Remember we need to keep children safe while they play in icy and snowy conditions in winter. This can be achieved by preparing kids to play in the snow with the right clothing as well as choosing safe locations to play and for sledding. Have fun!

Lexington Ky Chiropractor and Colic

Colic and Chiropractic Treatment

During the birthing process, the neck and back vertebrae can go out of alignment due to the stretching and compressing of the body as it emerges into the world. When delivering your baby prolonged pushing,  forceps, vacuum extraction, or other form of assisted delivery, heighten the chances of a misalignment for your baby.

If the misalignments are big enough, the functioning of major systems in the body can be compromised. The digestive system can be affected and ineffective digestion of breast milk and formula can cause severe discomfort for your baby, leading to colic episodes.

At times parents are wary of taking their small, helpless babies to see a chiropractor. The main reason being the "Snap, Crackle and Pop" stereotype that chiropractic invokes. Adjustments for a newborn are much different than those of an adult

In actuality, the adjustment that a chiropractor will do for your baby is basically applying gently pressure with the finger to areas on the neck and back. You may see your baby totally relax before your eyes as the misalignments are corrected.

Dr. Nemastil is very familiar with adjusting infants and small children as well as teens and adults. Dr. Nemastil is also trained in the Webster Technique for assistance with the birthing process.

We would love to meet you and your child and talk more about how chiropractic can help your child. Give us a call today and schedule a time to meet Dr. Mike to learn how chiropractic can help your baby with colic and other childhood illness issues.  859-271-5433

Lexington Ky Chiropractor and Colic