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Greetings!
The fall season is finally here. Kids are back in school and soon we will be carving pumpkins and turkeys. However, before we get to that, let's not forget about a very important holiday just around the corner. There is no decorating or preparation involved for this one. It's sole purpose is relaxing and abstaining from work. What could be better? It's Labor Day, of course, and it lands on September 7th this year. Read on to find out how it came to be.
As the Industrial Revolution took hold of the nation, the average American in the late 1800s worked 12-hour days, seven days a week in order to make a basic living. Children were also working, as they provided cheap labor to employers and laws against child labor were not strongly enforced.
With the long hours and terrible working conditions, American unions became more prominent and voiced their demands for a better way of life.
On Tuesday September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers marched from city hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first-ever Labor Day parade. Participants took an upaid day-off to honor the workers of America, as well as vocalize issues they had with employers. As years passed, more states began to hold these parades, but Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later.
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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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Question of the Month:
What physically happens to my body and brain after a Chiropractic Neurological treatment?
The joint in question begins to function appropriately with less restriction. There is less irritation placed on the surrounding neurovascular structures. The muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint attain a new, healthier position which minimizes the chance of strain and increases joint stability. The nervous system gets stimulated from the sensors on the joint being turned on and from brain-based exercises. Actual DNA changes occur at the level of the nerve cell which increases protein production, essentially making the nerve cell much more efficient. This occurs along the specific neurological pathway that was found deficient in the examination and which may be producing the symptoms in question. Lastly, endorphins are released which produces a sense of euphoria.
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Supplement of the Month
Ceriva is formulated to support healthy cognitive function in those concerned about maintaining their memory by beneficially modulating acetylcholine.
Supports the healthy metabolism of acetylcholine, the primary neurotransmitter associated with cognitive function and the formation and consolidation of memories
Provides TocominŽ SupraBio™ and huperzine A for nerve cell protection against excitotoxic effects and other oxidative influences
Supports a healthy life cycle of neurons and other cells
Designed to act centrally, within the brain, this formula features 5-methyl tetrahydrofolate, huperzine A, and alpha-tocotrienol (from TocominŽ SupraBio™), which research suggests may be able to cross the blood-brain barrier
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You've heard it all over, shrimp is bad for you! But is it true? It turns out that while shrimp is high in cholesterol, it is very low in saturated fat. Most foods that are high in cholesterol are also high in saturated fat which is one main reason we are advised to steer clear of high cholesterol foods. However, in a study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the percent increase of LDL (bad cholesterol) from shrimp consumption was lower than the percent increase of HDL (good cholesterol) resulting in no significant alteration of total cholesterol.
Translation? Moderate shrimp consumption is not bad for your health! Rather, it is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium (which has been found to decrease cancer incidence).
Check out this tasty shrimp recipe below:
Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Cilantro and Chiles 
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Brain Teaser of the Month
Question:
The person who makes it doesn't want it.
The person who buys it doesn't use it.
The person who uses it doesn't see it.
What is it?
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Contact Us:
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 email us at info@thecondecenter.com .
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I hope you've enjoyed the additions to this month's newsletter! If you have any questions, you can reach the clinic at the phone number above or at our website: www.thecondecenter.com.
John Conde, DC, DACNB
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