pain Archives - Susquehanna Spine & Rehab

Is a CBD Product Right for me?

What is CBD?

CBD is the healing portion of the cannabis plant. Think Aloe; we have been using the healing aspects of the aloe plant for years internally and external. In fact, as many people probably already know, herbs and plants were not only the original but only source of medicine throughout the vast majority of human existence. CBD is one such example.

What does CBD do?

CBD has been known to slow pain receptors essentially delaying the feeling of pain from reaching your brain. It also is similar to natural Omega fatty acids which decrease inflammation and relieve muscle and joint pain.

Is CBD a drug?

No, CBD is sourced from Hemp not Marijuana. Hemp is the purely legal federally cannabis plant. No special license, no exam, no local legislation. CBD products do NOT contain THC which means no highs, no psychoactive components, and it cannot lead to a positive on a drug test.

CBD creams

CBD creams are easy to use, easy to transport, safe, effect, non-habit forming, and no prescription.

I have _______ can CBD help me?

CBD is a good solution for: Joint pain, muscle pain, inflammation, sprains or strains caused by sports injuries, auto accidents, and arthritis, plain I just woke up and this hurts today.

Will CBD cream make the pain go away permanently?

Pain is always a symptom of a greater problem. Something is causing that pain. CBD cream will alleviate the symptoms but most often patients find the greatest success with coupling the use of the cream with chiropractic and physical therapy visits for a permanent fix. CBD brings the pain and inflammation down to a manageable level and the chiropractic and therapy treatments focus on healing the root cause of the pain.

Tis the Season for Snow

It’s that time of year when everyone starts losing their mind over a little snow and every other news segment or blog entry is about how to safely shovel snow. Well, I’m not going there. In over 16 years of treating patients on the East Coast the amount of people that I’ve seen hurt themselves shoveling snow is very small compared to those who hurt themselves vacuuming, doing dishes, tying shoes, sneezing, slip n sliding, running down the stairs on Christmas morning in fuzzy socks and busting their backside.

Why is that? Most people do not have the time or patience to recover when they hurt themselves for minor or major injuries. They ignore that pain or “walk it off .“ The pain will subside and stiffness becomes the new norm. The area has not 100% healed and it is now altered. Irritation and iinflammation build and weakens the area. Stress from daily activities can also cause irritation that your body ignores since it has been conditioned to do so. It keeps building until you sneeze or vacuum or bend down to tie your shoes. The sneeze did not cause the injury; it was just the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Anytime there is stiffness, pain, irritation, decreased range of motion this means there is an injury that needs attention. The smaller the irritation the easier it is to heal. So getting treatment early is wise. Pain is the most motivating reason people call our office but pain is only a symptom of the real injury and only the first step of the process.

IF you hurt yourself, call us right away on (443) 512-0025

Joint Pain

What does Dr. Lee have in common with the Golden State Warriors?

What does Dr. Lee have in common with the Golden State Warriors? Not much really except he can dunk it on LeBron; wait that’s a lie. The real answer: they both use TheraGun to treat debilitating and nagging soft tissue injuries.

What is TheraGun?

It is a hand held devise that vibrates the muscles and breaks up scare tissue. This allows the muscles to move more freely and decreases increases range of motion. In short its trigger point therapy on steroids!

Tell Me The Science:

TheraGun was engineered to effectively treat sore lactic-acid-filled muscles and other muscle-related conditions, as well as activating muscles and joints to achieve a broader range of motion. Studies on chronic pain have showed that deep brain stimulation at frequencies of approximately 30 Hz can produce analgesic effects. The TheraGun’s reciprocating motion runs at a higher frequency (35-40 Hz) than chronic pain (25-30 Hz) with amplitude of ½ inch. The nervous system’s hierarchy is programmed to pay attention to the higher frequency stimulus over the pain stimulus. This is important because the TheraGun’s vibration and amplitude on the body send signals to the brain faster than pain signals can travel. This high frequency vibration actually overrides pain signals. Therefore, for a period of time, pain is significantly decreased.

Who Uses TheraGun?

In addition to Dr. Lee & NBA champions Golden State Warriors daily users include members of elite NCAA programs, MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS teams, the United States Navy SEALs, the United States Marines Corp, IFBB professional bodybuilders, high school athletes and US Olympians. In addition, the world’s best triathletes, cyclists, runners and Crossfit athletes train harder, recover faster and perform better with TheraGun.

What Conditions Is It Good For?

The official manual, which I read by the way; states that TheraGun is ideal for decreasing muscle stiffness, increasing blood and lymphatic flow, releasing muscle spasms, breaking up scar tissue reducing lactic acid along with treating muscle fatigue, nerve damage, atrophy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and a range of other ailments.

By other ailments let’s say: Whiplash, trigger points, Rotator Cuff injuries, Piriformis Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis, Sciatica, pinched nerves, Achilles injuries, Tendonitis, IT Band (Runner’s/Jumper’s knee, Snapping hip), Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, RSD, Hip Pointer, Shin Splints and probably some more.

As always there are a few limitations, the lawyers won’t let us use it on your head, genitals, infants or small children or pregnant women.

It’s loud, it’s intense but it works and it’s safe.

Back Pain, Chiropractic Care, Disc Pain, Knee Pain, Pain, Physical Therapy

Playing Through The Pain

When I was in high school I was a cheerleader (Just in case you couldn’t figure it out; Mrs Spine, not Dr. Lee, I know this is a shocker). My senior year I had pretty serious injury I fell directly on to my back from a stunt. My parents took the usual precautions. I went to my paediatrician then therapy and rest for 4 weeks. I was anxious to get back. When my parents asked how I was feeling I answered “great;” this was not true at all! I did not want to be benched so I lied every day. The actual truth was that I was in so much pain that when I got home from a game, all my muscles would tense up and spasm and I physically could not move for about 2 hours. Ultimately I played through the pain and was not patient enough to heal my injury. And I’m still paying for it today. If it wasn’t for my wellness and preventative care with Dr. Lee and Dr. Lam I don’t know what I’d do.

Let’s face it; kid’s sports have gotten more and more serious. Kids are playing more hours per week at a younger age. My own kids dance at a serious level. They are in the studio 5 days weeks for more than two hours per day.
Our kids are active now how we keep our kids healthy?

Avoid playing through the pain. When an injury happens; even less serious injuries when ignored can turn into a chronic issue. When an athlete of any type gets an injury, Ice is nice. Ice and rest are the best treatment for small injuries. Let the area heal completely. If after a few days the injury is still present seek treatment.
Prevent injuries.

Technique – proper technique is key in every sport. When children are taught proper technique body mechanics is preserved and they play better and injuries are avoided. Technique is not the most fin part but the basics in every sport should never be skipped.

Diet – anyone who has been at our dance studio have heard me say “you don’t eat you don’t dance” we are very strict on this. All my children must eat a healthy meal before and after practice. This meal contains a good source of protein. You must feed your body. And you are what you eat.

Sleep – My kids have very strict bed times even on the weekends. Your body heals itself when you rest it. Children who stay up late and are constantly tired are at risk for injuries.

Stretching & strengthening – In line with technique, not only should you know how to do whatever it is you’re trying to do, you need to make sure you’re physically able to. General and sport specific conditioning, strengthening are key. “Being in shape” also isn’t a once you’re there you’re there. You have to maintain. Proper stretching allows you to use more of the muscle and lengthens the pulley arm of the muscles and tendons. Making them not only more powerful but more resilient to injury.

Back Pain, Pain

Alternatives to Pain Medication

Not that long ago, I wrote “show me someone with a six-pack, and I’ll show you a dysfunctional back.” The news is full of stories of the over use of Opioids or pain medicine. And you have to look no further than Tiger Woods. Take a look at his midsection. The guy has (had) serious hour-glass abs. Well, while that looks amazing at the beach, it also disrupts the diaphragm’s ability to create a piston base allowing the oblique swing to create torque. Instead he relied on his spinal rotation to power those amazing drives. Well, that wore out his back. Herniated some discs; opted for surgery instead of conservative fix; got arrested for DUI of narcotics and barbiturates.

Locally, if you haven’t heard about the problems with heroin and narcotics, you must be living under a rock. We are swamped with opiates. For years pain meds have been handed out like candy as the band aid for all sorts of pain. Unfortunately it’s just that, a band aid a temporary fix. Pain meds do not fix the reason behind the pain. Think of it his way; pain is like the check engine light on your car. Covering up the pain is like placing a post it note over the light. The light is no longer bothering you but the issue with the car is still there. If you ignore it long enough the car will eventually break down. Same happens with your body.

Guidelines for treating back pain:

The American College of Physicians has issued new guidelines for treating back pain. After looking at over 150 cases the following was found

Pain medication should only be prescribed when ALL other options have been exhausted
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is NOT recommended for anything bigger than a minor ache
For acute/ subacute pain
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Spinal manipulation by a chiropractor
Chronic pain
- Acupuncture
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Core stabilization exercises

Defining your pain:

Acute or subacute pain is shorter than 12 weeks.
Chronic pain is defined as greater than 12 weeks.

Why is it important to treat back pain?

It’s not just about the pain function is also important
Depression and anxiety often follow chronic back pain
Back pain is the most common reason pain meds are prescribed and often lead to addiction and transition to heroin

It won’t happen to me.

At some point in time 80% of adults experience low back pain so chances are you or someone you know is already expiring pain.

Back pain is caused when the spine nerves or discs start to move in a different manner than they should. This may be caused by an accident, lifting something heavy, repetitive motions, poor posture, age, and or disc degeneration.

Except for Yoga and Tai Chi all the guidelines listed above are offered at Susquehanna Spine & Rehab.

Pain, Physical Therapy, Sport Injuries

Maintain Proper Posture

I like big [glutes] and I cannot lie. No other chiropractor will deny. When a patient walks in with an in-i-hibited gait, cannot keep pace I get sprung pull up tough ‘cause I know that [glute medius] has inappropriate flexor: extensor ratios.

Ok, so my rhyming is weak, but so is your rear end. When you sit, your glutes are off. By the law of Sheraton’s reciprocal inhibition; your iliopsoas (a hip muscle) is automatically overly activated, which will cause anterior rotation of your sacro-iliac (part of the pelvis) and lumbar spine. This extra torque will lead to back pain. Also in the mix, the paraspinal muscles of your lumbar spine are over-activated triggering painful muscle spasms and loss of motion in your lower back. And the cycle goes on and on.

This process is known as gluteal amnesia. Literally, your butt forgets. What does it forget? Well, it forgets how to maintain proper posture and how to walk without stressing your spine. This leads to injuries and ultimately pain.

How do you jog its memory? Jog. Get up, move around. Jump up and get down, jump around. But really, don’t sit so much. You also need to heal the injuries caused by the weakened muscles, the stress of daily life and the poor posture.

How do we fix it? Well, that’s for me to know and you to find out. Short answer: Physical Therapy. Not so short answer: we have to reverse Sherington’s law with the right mix-a-lot of stretching, strengthening and balance training. I promise my PT skills are much than my free-styling. Much, much better.

(note if you didn’t understand why any of this funny I will introduce you to old school rap)

Back Pain, Chiropractic Care, Headaches, health, Nutrition and Wellness, Pain, Sport Injuries, TMJ

Our Doors are Open!

As many of you know, I grew up in Texas. Many of those years were spent right on the Gulf Coast. Galveston Bay is awash in blue crabs. Most of them are boxed up and shipped to Maryland. The ones that remain are used as bait for red fish, or get cut up and boiled; yes, you read that right, boiled. No surprise then when Texas based Joe’s Crab Shack didn’t make it here in Bel Air. Yet, they are famous for their phrase: “Love All, Serve All.”

Next Monday is Martin Luther King Jr Day. Despite this being a Federal Holiday, we will be open. Why? When I first moved to Maryland I was an associate doctor for the very first, and longest running Chiropractic clinic in Baltimore. It started in the 1920’s during segregation. I was told stories of how the office had separate entrances, hours and days for not only different races, but for Hasidic patients as well. Even more, one of the first patients I ever treated; his grandmother was born a slave.

I’ve had the unfortunate privilege of dissecting multiple anatomy cadavers. Everyone’s herniated disc looks the same. White, black, gay, straight, Christian, Jew; headaches are headaches, TMJ is TMJ, rotator cuff injuries are rotator cuff injuries.

On Monday, and everyday, all are welcome. Even Steeler’s fans.

Chiropractic Care, health, Nutrition and Wellness, Pain, Services, Sport Injuries

Two Lessons Learned, Again.

While we were traveling a few weeks ago, my computer bag slipped off my shoulder and I caught it on my arm right below my elbow. No big deal -my arm was a little sore. I chose to ignore the small injury and went on with my life. I didn’t think anything of it. Last week I noticed that my wrist is a little sore. But again a little soreness isn’t much, so I didn’t do anything about it. Now a few days later my wrist is really sore! It hurts to rotate my arm, it hurts to type and use the mouse and I have no strength to hold anything in my hand.

Don’t Ignore Small Injuries

Thanks for the dry needling Dr. Lee!

Lesson #1: Don’t ignore small injuries; they usually snow ball into something bigger. Ignoring slight pain is like putting a post-it note over the check engine light on your car. Ignoring the light doesn’t make it go away nor does it fix the engine; it just makes it worse.

Lesson #2: The location of the pain or symptom is not always the location of the injury or cause. Pain and injuries can be like earthquakes in that there’s an epicenter, but the shocks can be felt miles and miles away. There is no actual injury to my wrist, but the wrist and hand are connected to the elbow by muscles, tendons and ligaments – and pain usually travels down.

I’ve been taught this and lived this before, but I’ve yet to really learn my lesson. (Don’t tell Dr Lee, it’ll go to his head.) So today I am rocking the kt-tape, which my daughter decorated for me. I am getting my wrist and elbow adjusted, following icing directions; using Bio Freeze, having Dr Lam do muscle work and not ignoring the signs that something is wrong.

Whether it’s an old injury that you have been ignoring, or a new one, we can help! Make an appointment for a consultation today.

Uncategorized

I Wish My Insurance Covered My Retail Therapy!!!

Unfortunately health insurance does not cover retail therapy; but wouldn’t that be amazing? Sometimes health is not just your physical health. Your emotional state can influence your pain levels. Mental health is a powerful part of your overall health plan.

So what should you do to improve your mental health? Take a mental health Day!!! I’m not kidding. Take a day trip, go to the spa, go shopping, hang out with friends or family, get a massage, etc… Take a day to relax and get out of your daily routine. Start an exercise program. Read more

Back Pain, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, Knee Pain, Neck Pain, Pain

Can acupuncture treat my…

Chinese Medicine is a full service medicine that can treat a great variety of ailments by addressing each person as an individual. Unlike Western Medicine, it does not treat or cure diseases.
Disease mechanisms are an entirely Western Medical concept.

Patients often identify themselves with these diseases, i.e. “I am diabetic.” You are not a disease! Diseases have become generalized labels that cover everyone with similar symptoms. Read more

Tag Archive for: pain