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Health & Wellness Strategies, November 2008 | |
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How to Fix That "Pain in the Neck" |
 Neck pain can be, well, a "pain in the neck". It is estimated that 10% of Americans (that's 30,500,496 people!) are currently suffering from neck pain. The traditional treatment prescribed by physicians utilizing pain relievers, muscle relaxants, rest, and possible soft collar application is no longer the acceptable standard of care as this regimen only produces symptomatic relief. According to a landmark report furnished by the Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders (which can be found in the peer reviewed medical journal Spine), some of the most effective treatments for neck pain include manipulation, mobilization, massage, and exercise. In addition, cutting-edge research is exposing the benefits of brain-based therapeutic exercises for the relief and prevention of neck pain due to the brain's intimate control of neck muscles.
The neck is the most dynamic part of the spine. Its main functions are to protect the spinal cord, provide the foundation for the skull, and act as a bridge connecting the skull with the rest of the body. However, it has to be flexible enough to allow movement in six different planes. This makes the neck the most vulnerable region of the spine to injury. It is lined with a high concentration of compression sensitive sensors (joint mechanoreceptors), which when triggered provide a high powered stimulation to the brain which is essential for its health. The small muscles which surround the neck play a large role in the overall health of the neck. Reflexes generated in these muscles in response to stretch relay through a certain part of the brain termed the cerebellum which then fire back to keep these same muscles strong. As a result, brain-based therapies geared towards the cerebellum produce amazing results concerning the overall stability of the neck.
The most common neck complaints involve three distinct structures: the disc, the posterior joints of the spine also known as the facet joints, and the soft tissue regions including the ligaments and tendons surrounding the spine. Injury to the discs which are found between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers will produce moderate to severe neck pain with associated pain into the arm and hand. The pain may be relieved momentarily with elevation of the affected arm over the head. Facet joint injuries will also manifest as neck and arm pain but may start without an offensive behavior like a trauma and will typically produce pain down the outer arm into the hand. Lastly, soft tissue injury will normally produce localized pain with severe restriction of movement. Nausea and headache may accompany the pain. This is commonly found after motor vehicle accidents.
Many new, advanced therapies are combining physical medicine such as mobilization exercises, stretch/strengthening exercises, myofascial release, traction, decompression, and nutrition with brain-based exercises targeting the cerebellum region of the brain. This approach not only focuses on the neck structures themselves but also the regions of the brain that control the deep intrinsic muscles of the neck producing greater stability. Stop hurting and start living. Schedule an appointment today. | |
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Exercise of the Month: Bridging |
 Keeping the gluteal and hip musculature balanced is crucial for fluid mobility and pain-free living. Opening and stretching the gluteals and hips can translate to a more open lower back (which can mean less back pain) and hamstring length.
It's so easy to do, too: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keep your back in a neutral position, not arched and not pressed into the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Raise your hips off the floor until your hips are aligned with your knees and shoulders. Hold for three deep breaths. Return to the start position and repeat three to five times a day. Increase hold time for each repetition as you become more adept with this great core-strengthening exercise. See if you can hold it for 30 or even 60 seconds a rep! |
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Brain Exercise of the Month: Brain Music |
 Research has shown that the side of the brain that is most problematic is most often the side that is understimulated. By using specific music and sounds to stimulate one hemisphere more than the other, it is possible to create more balance in the brain. Dr. Robert J. Melillo, DC, DACNB and Lisa Erhard, composer, partnered together to create music that stimulates the right and left hemispheres of the brain to bring balance to its function. Listen to samples and purchase them online at: www.i-waveonline.com |
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Upcoming Events & Lectures |
| Nov. 6th @ 1:30pm
"How to Ensure Joint Health as You Age"
Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library
14350 Hagen Ranch Road
Delray Beach, FL 33446
Nov. 6th @ 7:00pm
"Management of Chronic Pain" &
"Depression from the Brain's Perspective"
Center for Group Counseling
22455 Boca Rio Road
Boca Raton, FL 33433
Nov. 20th @ 6:45pm
Patient Education Night At The Conde Center
Topics covered will include: optimum brain and body nutrition, how to increase your brain power, ergonomic postures for sleeping and working, orthopedic devices and core body strengthening & exercises.
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Super-Yummy Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread |
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A perfect treat to accompany any autumn meal...
 3/4 C all purpose flour
1/2 C oatmeal
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C white sugar
1/8 C ground flax seeds (optional)
1/3 C chocolate chips
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp all spice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 C canned pumpkin
1/3 C applesauce
Combine all dry ingredients together. In a mixer combine canned pumpkin, applesauce and vanilla. On medium speed combine dry ingredients into wet a little bit at a time. When all ingredients are mixed together, add chocolate chips and mix until incorporated. (You can make this a vegan treat if you omit the chocolate chips or replace them with an appropriate substitute).
Place in a greased and floured (you can use nonfat spray with flour for baking) bread pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes. Enjoy!
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Get 15% off all Thorne Supplements throughout the month of November! | |
| Your brain is in charge of every aspect of your being, both mental and physical. It requires three things to function properly: proper nutrition, stimulation and oxygen. As you age, you slowly lose some of your capacity to utilize oxygen... What can you do about it?
At The Conde Center, we utilize oxygen therapy. Our oxygen unit offers you the highest level of oxygen available without a prescription (41%).Oxygen is delivered to you via a comfortable headset- no tubes to stick up your nose! Sessions are convenient, typically lasting 10-15 minutes. Many patients report immediate lessening of certain symptoms such as headaches and fatigue, and with repeated sessions also report relief from such ailments as insomnia and chronic pain to stress and depression.
Ask us for more information about oxygen therapy at your next visit or contact us today! |
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In the fall of 1621, only half of the original number of Pilgrims had survived. The rest decided to celebrate in gratitude that they were still alive!
The first Thanksgiving feast was held in the presence of around ninety Wampanoag Indians and their chief, Massasoit.
The first Thanksgiving lasted three days (given the amount of leftovers we have now, maybe we should consider adding back those two days).
There was no set day for Thanksgiving until 1941 when President Roosevelt set it as the 4th Thursday in November. Before then, celebrations had been held as early as August and as late as December!
There is no significance in the choice of a turkey as a Thanksgiving bird. They were simply the most abundant bird at the time of the first few celebrations.
The average American consumes about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day (think about that before you reach for that second piece of pumpkin pie!). | | |
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| Contact Us
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Dr. John Conde is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist. He holds diplomate status through the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. His office is located at the Atlantic Grove in Delray Beach, Florida. For more information, or to make an appointment, please contact 561-330-6096 or info@thecondecenter.com. |
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