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Over the past several decades, various research groups have attempted to pinpoint the exact physical location of the acupuncture meridian system. Although this matter has yet to be totally resolved, the most widely held view is that the meridians actually exist within the framework of the fascial network. The fascia surrounds all organs, muscles and bones and is made up of a single, integrated and connected sheath that extends from the brain (where it lies between the two cerebral hemispheres) to the feet.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory holds that the 12 principal meridians act as circuits through which energy flows to all parts of the body. Each meridian is connected to an organ system and each extremity is served by 3 Yin (front) meridians and 3 Yang meridians which are along the posterior  aspect of the body.

If the acupuncture meridians do in fact exist within the fascia, then how does the energy or "chi" move though the area? There are several mechanisms mentioned to explain this energy transfer. The most widely held is that "chi" movement results from mechanical forces. Specifically, as the fascial interfaces glide together during all movements including normal respiration, a type of friction is produced which has been described as a form of peizoelectricity.  This mechanical energy produces heat. According to TCM theory, this may represent the actual "chi" energy that acupuncturists attempt to enhance.

 

When faced with a patient complaining of  buttock pain many doctors  automatically give a diagnosis of sciatica. I have seen many cases of "sciatica" resolve with only a few treatments. What does this mean? It means that another nerve was affected since true sciatica rarely clears up quickly. That other nerve is usually the cluneal nerve. This nerve originates much higher than the hip in the area where the rib cage and lower thoracic spine transition to the lumbar spine. The cluneal nerve travels down to the iliac crest where it is contained in a fibrous tunnel.

How can you tell if the sciatic nerve or cluneal nerve entrapment is causing your pain? Location of the pain is an important differentiating factor. First it is important to define the hip anatomically. When asked to point to the hip some patients point to prominence on their side which is actually the femur head. Others pinpoint the the dimple just below the center of the back which is the sacroiliac joint. Finally, some patients correctly run their hand around the entire area including the buttock and groin.

If the pain you are feeling is located just lateral and above the dimple or sacroiliac joint, then there is a good chance that the cluneal nerve is pinched or compressed. Sciatic nerve pain is usually located more central and lower and includes pain radiating down the back of the leg. The ishium or "sit bone" area is often an area of extreme tenderness.

Now, what do you do about it? The best treatment for either of these common cases of bio-mechanical dysfunction is a mechanical treatment known as an adjustment which works the cluneal nerve loose in its tunnel so it can glide normally without tension. In the case of sciatica, adjustments along with acupuncture often help but healing time is typically longer.

When the femur head of sacroiliac joint is misaligned, the mechanics of the entire leg can be adversely affected. The most common mechanical fault is external femur head rotation. This results in abnormal stretch of the muscles that support the medial knee. Specifically, the sartorius (the longest muscle in the body) originates on the front of the hip and crosses the thigh to insert on the inside of the knee. Therefore hip misalignment can cause the entire knee to become weak and unstable because the kinetic muscular chain does not fire properly.

The presence of a pelvic mechanical dysfunction and femur head rotation can also result in ankle and foot problems; specifically external foot rotation and changes in the arch of the foot. How can you know if your knee pain is being caused by a hip problem? One way is to look for foot flare. It is normal for your feet to flare out slightly. Some people are quite aware of this problem and note an excessive foot flare on one side when they walk. Another way to diagnose this condition is to lie on your back and look down at your feet. Hopefully the degree of external rotation will be similar. Inspecting the shoes for asymetrical wear is also helpful.

Think of your body like a car. If you hit a pothole and throw your alignment out then the tires will wear abnormally. The fact is, if you are like most people,  there is a high probability that you have misalignment and associated mechanical dysfunction somewhere in your body. This situation does not always result in pain due to your body's amazing compensatory mechanisms. If musculoskeletal pain is interfering with your lifestyle, the best corrective strategy is to  see a biomechanical expert.

We are now in the midst of another cold and flu season. For those who desire a natural approach to supporting their immune system, acupuncture offers hope. Numerous studies have been conducted to verify physical changes in the body following acupuncture treatments. The NIH is a good source for those who are interested in the scientific validation of acupuncture. In a 2007 trial, blood samples were taken before and 72 hours after acupuncture treatment. Markers of impaired immune system function (chemotaxis, phagocytosis and lymphatic proliferation) were changed favorably and most importantly these effects lasted for one month post treatment'

There is no shortage of effective self treatment techniques that can be used for pain relief. A common practice is self manipulation, or in lay terms "popping" your own back/neck. An increasingly popular practice is the self-stimulation of acupuncture points.

Although the popularity and medical acceptance of acupuncture has increased in  in this country, researchers  are still challenged with proving the existence and nature of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concept of meridian therapy and "chi" even though there is major concensus that acupuncture results in release of our natural pain relieving opiates.

Is there anything to this "chi" or life energy stuff? As complex as or biological process' are, can they be explained in such simplistic terms? Can there be a universal energy which ties everything together? And furthermore, can this system be influenced and optimized to enhance health?

It must be considered that TCM theory was developed long before early anatomists discovered how each system in the body worked. It was proposed long ago that energy cycles through 14 channels or meridians in the body. Acupuncture needles control the flow the energy or "chi" increasing the flow in blocked or stagnant channels and reducing the flow in overactive channels. In other words, acupuncture balances our energy systems.

It has been shown that even digital pressure over these sensitive points can be helpful. This technique is safe and effective.  The only precautions would be heavy application of pressure over points along the anterior rib cage, particularly the carotid artery area. Some of these points are so powerful that they are used in martial arts "Dim Mok" techniques to disable an opponent. Fortunately, these techniques are only taught to advanced students. Do not try them on your spouse or children!

As a chiropractic physician, this question gets asked on a regular basis and cannot be simply answered with a yes or no. Naturally, there are many in my profession who would give an emphatic NO. But there is more to it, and the information gathered can help with the diagnosis. If the neck (or lower back) only pops on one side, then the prudent D.C. should consider not adjusting that side because hypermobile segments are likely to exist there. The opposite side is where you would expect to find the hypomobile or stuck vertebrae. This concept of loose segments on one side and locked segments on the other is the reality behind the great majority of back and neck pain. It is more than just a "bone out of place".  All patients deserve an explanation of what is actually going on when the neck "pops".

My first response when confronted with this question is to determine if the patient uses their own hands to elicit a "pop". If the answer is yes then I would definitely encourage them to stop. In fact, it is not unusual to admit patients who report that their symptoms were brought on by this practice. Hypermobile segments, when constantly popped can develop permanent instability. The result is seen on X-Ray as areas where spurs have developed, often bridging the gap between vertebrae.

If however, the audible popping sounds occur spontaneously during side to side stretches or while rotating the neck, then I would say that there is no problem with the process as long as the audibles occur on both sides.

To put it in a nutshell, the factors one should consider before continuing to adjust their own spine are:

1. How am I popping it?

2. What is the popping sound caused by? (Cavitation or release of nitrogenous gases in the joint capsule)

3. Do I get long lasting relief from my self manipulation?

If the answer to #3 is no, then you might consider consulting a bio-mechanical specialist, namely a chiropractor. This is the preferred method for determining if misaligned vertebrae are causing your symptoms. Most importantly, the D.C. should have the skill to determine which segments need to be manipulated (the hypomobile, stuck joints) and which areas of the spine should be left alone.

Call today for a consultation or appointment, we are here to help you live a pain free life!

Do things get crazy for you at this time of the year? If you and your co-workers are looking for some stress relief then Back in Motion Chiropractic and Acupuncture is ready to bring it to you! Since your office set-up is a likely contributor to symptoms ranging from general fatigue to major pain symptoms, Dr. Smith may be able to spot some ergonomic issues that can be easily addressed. Our massage therapist Priscilla Cure will also be on hand for 15 minute chair massages for employees. If you your business is on the Eastern Shore  from Fairhope to Spanish Fort, we can arrive at your place by noon and take up to 90 minutes to deliver this community outreach. If there is not enough time for chair massages for everyone, Priscilla can return at a later date.  So call us at 621-2224, if you are interested in this complimentary service:

1. Chair Massages for all interested employees.

2. Ergonomic office space assessment by Dr. G. Ken Smith D.C. MS

3. Brief (15 Min) presentation on benefits of chiropractic and acupuncture.

4. Money saving offers for participants.



5. Give away (Bio-Freeze tubes and samples)

 

 

 

 

 How can chiropractic and acupuncture help you if you suffer with headaches?

1. The nerves that emerge from the neck are prone to irritation and compression, especially in our modern work environment.This "pinching" is caused by misalignment or mechanical dysfunction of the spinal vertebrae which causes secondary muscle spasm which results in even more pain.

2. Gentle spinal adjustments decompress the affected nerves which allows the neck muscles to relax and break this visious cycle.

3. The jaw or TMJ is usually involved and often overlooked. TMJ therapy requires expertise to effectively treat. Keep in mind that just because the TMJ does not actually hurt does not mean that it's not a major factor in chronic headaches and neck pain. Acupuncture therapy is a valuable adjunct for TMJ malfunction. We use both needle and non-needle forms, the later uses wands and probes that emit comfortable micro-current into specific points around the jaw.

I f you are tired of the traditional medical approach to treating headaches then you should consider this natural and effective alternative.

Many people think of chiropractic care as a successful way to manage back pain. Although this is true, countless scientific studies show that chiropractic may be able to alleviate a wide variety of other health problems, all the while supporting general overall health.



The research shows that chiropractic care can be effective for scoliosis, osteoarthritis, radiating pain, pregnancy-related health issues, high blood pressure, sports wellness, fibromyalgia, reducing stress hormones, and even boosting immunity!

While dozens of research studies have examined the many benefits of chiropractic care, the best way to experience the benefits is to try it out yourself! So take the leap and learn how chiropractic care can improve your whole body well-being today.

To learn more about the research on chiropractic, check out this information on ChiroNexus News.

The hazards of texting while driving is justifiably a primary concern today. But are we overlooking a more insidious cause of back pain related to device usage?

Lately, I have noted more teens seeking pain relief from  back pain, neck pain and headaches than ever before. Aside from athletic injuries, heavy back packs used to be implicated but nowadays we have to look at other causes of joint dysfunction and pinched nerves.