Anyone who’s ever posted on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (Or remembers Myspace???) has encountered the Grammar Nazi. Beyond the ‘your-ses’; their biggest target is the double negative. You know, “I ain’t never going a week without seeing my chiropractor.” While logically sound, not the best use of the Queen’s English. However, sometimes a double negative is admirable. For instance, my HDL level, it’s over double ideal. In essence I have a double negative risk for a coronary event. So, good news/bad news: I’ll be around for a long time.
So how does this happen? Some think heart disease risk factors are genetic. Maybe, but both my paternal grandparents died from heart disease as did my maternal grandfather. In reality, like all diseases, it’s a combination of genes and environment. In this case diet; and smoking. If you smoke quit, if you don’t-don’t start.
Many of you have heard me say, if you can’t catch it or pick it, don’t eat it. The subsection to that rule is, if it takes more processing than cutting, squeezing or cooking; probably shouldn’t eat it either. And just because it’s good for ya, doesn’t mean you have to eat it by the bucket load either. Be sure to remember also, you’re not only what you eat, but what you eat ate.
Now, I have a 45 minute Power Point presentation to explain that last sentence, but I’m going to try it here in about 30 seconds. In nature, meat sources graze, eating grass, grains, nuts and maybe even other animals along the way; and they will have Omega 3 fat. In commercial farming, they’re fed a ground mixture of growth hormones, anti-biotics, filler and synthetic food stuff. First, you don’t want to eat that, second it causes them to marble with Omega 6 fatty acids.
What’s the big deal? Omega 6 FA cause inflammation and disease, 3’s fight inflammation and disease. So why eat your heart attack, stroke, arthritis or even herniated discs when you can eat good health? Choose organic meats and omega 3 eggs. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose to cook with fats the omega 3 category such as olive oil and coconut oil.
Speaking of good health, school’s back. Now that the kids are gone, take all that free time (yea right, I know) and treat yourself to a massage. Ask us how to get a $70 massage for as little as $50!
From the Surgeon General of the United States: An Opioid Epidemic
From the Surgeon General of the United States:
Dear Colleague,
I am asking for your help to solve an urgent health crisis facing America: the opioid epidemic. Everywhere I travel, I see communities devastated by opioid overdoses. I meet families too ashamed to seek treatment for addiction. And I will never forget my own patient whose opioid use disorder began with a course of morphine after a routine procedure. It is important to recognize that we arrived at this place on a path paved with good intentions. Nearly two decades ago, we were encouraged to be more aggressive about treating pain, often without enough training and support to do so safely. This coincided with heavy marketing of opioids to doctors. Many of us were even taught – incorrectly – that opioids are not addictive when prescribed for legitimate pain. The results have been devastating. Since 1999, opioid overdose deaths have quadrupled and opioid prescriptions have increased markedly – almost enough for every adult in America to have a bottle of pills. Yet the amount of pain reported by Americans has not changed. Now, nearly two million people in America have a prescription opioid use disorder, contributing to increased heroin use and the spread of HIV and hepatitis C. I know solving this problem will not be easy. We often struggle to balance reducing our patients’ pain with increasing their risk of opioid addiction…
Help Stop the Opioid Epidemic
Opioids are medications such as hydrocodone, OxyContin, Percocet, etc… With 54% of patients prescribed opioids are done so for musculoskeletal complaints (muscle pain). The National Safety Council has stated that these drugs are not ideal for dealing with these conditions. What is ideal for treatment? Chiropractors are the highest rated healthcare practitioners for musculoskeletal treatments above physical therapists, specialist physicians (i.e., neurosurgeons, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons), and primary care physicians (family or internal medicine).
Most studies suggest spinal manipulation (the chiropractic adjustment) achieves equal or superior improvement in pain and function when compared with other commonly used interventions. Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Massage are suggested for short, intermediate, and long-term follow-up; still ranking above traditional medical care.
Many people believe chiropractic to be scary; I blame Steven Segal movies. In truth Chiropractic, Massage and Acupuncture have statistically 1/10th of 1% chance of side effects and/or adverse reactions. Sure, it’s a little odd and even freaky. It might seem unnatural and even smarts a little in the beginning; but problems associated with pain killers, both over the counter and Rx number in the upper 6 digits, bordering on 7 a year in the US alone.
Over 80% of Americans suffer from some sort of back pain, add in head, shoulders, knees & toes and it’s over 99%; but only 14% turn to Chiropractic.
What stupid thing(s) did you do this summer?
We are all getting back into the daily grind. It’s time to undo all the stupid things you did this summer. Here are mine. (Obviously this edition is brought to you not by Dr. Lee, because he doesn’t do anything stupid…)
#1 I rode roller coasters.
When you are a child this is meant to be fun and in the case of my children they ride them over and over… But as adult, while roller coasters may still be fun they can have repercussions. A roller coaster is nothing more than a semi-controlled car accident. It sounds shocking, but if you actually watch a roller coaster and see what happens to your body, you’ll understand. In my case I have a mini case of whiplash. So I am on a modified treatment plan designed by Dr Lam. He recommends adjustments 2-3 times per week for the next 2-3 weeks to “whip” my neck back in shape. Now you are asking was I in pain? No, but my neck was tight and I did not have full range of motion when I moved to look over my shoulder it was “uncomfortable;” what many would call a ‘small injury’. However, like Laundry Mountains, small injuries if ignored have a way of growing to where they can get out of control. Like laundry, if we’d just do it then, it wouldn’t take long at all; but if we wait, it takes a while to get it under control.
#2 I ate way too much yummy stuff!
Over the summer my diet of 90% lean meats and vegetables 10% discretionary flipped the other way. I know not a great plan but I had a yummy summer. But now I need to get back on track; however I am really craving brownies right now! My solution is I will do a NovoLife cleanse. I have done these before, but it great to repeat them when you have done something dumb like me and eaten your way through the summer. Once my cleanse is complete, I will really watch what I eat and supplement with protein shakes until I have shed those unwanted pounds. Then I will go back to eating good foods 90% of the time.
#3 I stopped exercising.
Easy to do but I was really lazy most of the summer. Spent a lot of time at the pool turning pages, but nary a lap was swum. Now that kids are back at school and in rec, I am back on track 3-4 times per week. I even signed up for a 5k to motivate me.
So if you are like me and have done some stupid things this summer or just had way too much fun, please give us a call. We can help with major injuries, small pains, and a few extra pounds.
NO MORE PAIN
A note from one of our many happy clients:
“When I came to Susquehanna Spine & Rehab I was very skeptical. I was diagnosed with a herniated disc in my neck in Aug 2016 and after four years of sleep problems, lower back pain, and many different procedures I didn’t really think this place was going to do anything for me. After only 2 weeks at Susquehanna Spine and Rehab the severe pain in my neck, shoulder and arm had greatly improved … NO MORE PAIN! I can now sleep through the night without waking up in pain! THANK YOU SUSQUEHANNA SPINE & REHAB!!!” -T.M., age 63
There are only 8 more Wednesday appointments till the next blizzard
Time is a cruel mistress that waits for no man, nor his vertebrae (ladies, you’re not exempt either).
There are only 8 more Wednesday appointments till the next blizzard. That may not be right, but it’s as good a guess as any meteorologist. Do you know what I am right about? That nagging pain in your back, neck, jaw, shoulder, knee, foot, etc…. that you have been ignoring for months won’t be any better by then. So unless you can get the kids to put down the Ipad and go shovel while you sit inside drinking Irish coffee, you’ll be out there; hurting.
Spines aren’t made of fine wine and whiskey; they don’t get better with time. They are more like milk. If your kids are anything like mine were; there is now or at one time was a sippy cup left under the back seat. There was one hot July day I nearly thought it better to burn the car right there in the Dutch Wonderland parking lot and just walk home. Now is the time to come in and get it fixed. Like spilt milk it’s easier to clean up the earlier you catch it. Much like you visit a dentist to prevent cavities you can see a chiropractor to prevent a back injury.
Calling all Truck Drivers
Dr. Lee is a NRCME examiner. That might not mean that much to you, unless you or someone you know drives a large truck or commercial vehicle. DOT cards expire at midnight on the date of expiration. There is no grace period. Can’t tell you how many people have called our office from their impounded vehicle on the side of the road, while the trooper is just ticketing away wanting the first available DOT medical exam appointment. Save yourself a few C notes and check that date now, then call us.
Sporting K-tape Like an Olympic Athlete
Over the course of the Olympics, you may have noticed some of the athletes were wearing tape. You may have asked yourself, “What is that? What does it do?” It is called Kinesiology tape. There are 3 main brands of Kinesiology tape: KT Tape, RockTape, and Spider Tech Tape. We use RockTape in our office because of its durability. It was originally designed for triathletes, and is waterproof. It can be worn up to 5 days at a time, and can be worn while swimming or in the shower.
Now how does it work? There are 2 main ways that RockTape can help.
In short taping will increases your healing, and decreases your pain.
Can I just buy some tape and stick it on?
In theory yes, but you may damage tissue, irritate the skin, or it may not have any benefit at all. Best practice is to have a trained professional apply tape to the affected area. There’s an entire science to how and where the tape is applied. If you have any questions about how RockTape can help you, give us a call at 443-512-0025.
All Massage Therapists Are Not Created Equal
We are a society of rules and laws. Maryland, like most other sovereign entities, has its share of unique ones. Like, did you know Maryland is one of the few places that it’s illegal to grow thistle in your yard? Another law almost exclusively unique to Maryland is dual massage licensing. There are 2 levels of massage therapists in Maryland, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and Registered Massage Practitioner (RMP).
So not all massage therapists are created equal. Here is the difference. LMT’s are required to have more pre-massage education, more massage education and training, and more continuing education. LMT certification is required for massage therapists who work in a health care office. RMP’s practice mostly at spas, salons and stand-alone massage centers which do not required the higher certification. Just an FYI: the state does require all licenses to be posted in a visible location.
In short, the massage you get from a licensed massage therapist in a doctor’s office is a more therapeutic, medically focused massage than that from anywhere else. And when you get a massage from Susquehanna Spine & Rehab, you should know that our standards are even higher than that of the State.
But don’t worry – our massage therapy is not just medically oriented. Our LMT’s are well versed in the art of relaxation and stress reduction. So, with school back in session, come work out those knots, kinks, bust that stress and/or relax.
Call 443-512-0025 to try our LMT for $49 or join the VIP membership program.
Double Negative Can be a Good Thing
Anyone who’s ever posted on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (Or remembers Myspace???) has encountered the Grammar Nazi. Beyond the ‘your-ses’; their biggest target is the double negative. You know, “I ain’t never going a week without seeing my chiropractor.” While logically sound, not the best use of the Queen’s English. However, sometimes a double negative is admirable. For instance, my HDL level, it’s over double ideal. In essence I have a double negative risk for a coronary event. So, good news/bad news: I’ll be around for a long time.
So how does this happen? Some think heart disease risk factors are genetic. Maybe, but both my paternal grandparents died from heart disease as did my maternal grandfather. In reality, like all diseases, it’s a combination of genes and environment. In this case diet; and smoking. If you smoke quit, if you don’t-don’t start.
Many of you have heard me say, if you can’t catch it or pick it, don’t eat it. The subsection to that rule is, if it takes more processing than cutting, squeezing or cooking; probably shouldn’t eat it either. And just because it’s good for ya, doesn’t mean you have to eat it by the bucket load either. Be sure to remember also, you’re not only what you eat, but what you eat ate.
Now, I have a 45 minute Power Point presentation to explain that last sentence, but I’m going to try it here in about 30 seconds. In nature, meat sources graze, eating grass, grains, nuts and maybe even other animals along the way; and they will have Omega 3 fat. In commercial farming, they’re fed a ground mixture of growth hormones, anti-biotics, filler and synthetic food stuff. First, you don’t want to eat that, second it causes them to marble with Omega 6 fatty acids.
What’s the big deal? Omega 6 FA cause inflammation and disease, 3’s fight inflammation and disease. So why eat your heart attack, stroke, arthritis or even herniated discs when you can eat good health? Choose organic meats and omega 3 eggs. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose to cook with fats the omega 3 category such as olive oil and coconut oil.
Speaking of good health, school’s back. Now that the kids are gone, take all that free time (yea right, I know) and treat yourself to a massage. Ask us how to get a $70 massage for as little as $50!
“Crack-a-lackin”- Defining the Crack Sound
Several weeks ago, a patient paid their copay with a check; the memo reading, “crack-a-lackin”.
This got a chuckle out of everybody in the office. No really we just all laughed out loud.
But what is the “crack” that everyone hears when they get adjusted? Some people think that their bones are being broken. Others believe that ligaments are breaking. The truth is that neither of those are happening.
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Dr. Lee’s NovoLife Adventure
When Spanish Conquistador Cortez landed on Mexican soil, he ordered his men to burn all the boats. There would be no return to Spain. Victory or death.
10 years ago or so, after the birth of our youngest, Mrs. Spine was intent on losing the baby weight once and for all. After attending a continuing ed class on the benefits of fasting cleanses and weight loss, I bought the system. After the initial week, and a strong next few months of careful diet choices and exercise; her (and my) baby weight was gone. In celebration, we donated all our fat clothes, and took the Visa card to the outlet malls. We burnt our ships. There would be no return to our previous sizes. Victory or death- more like skinny or going to work in sweats.
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